But the strong, mature man held him in arms that were like iron cable chains.
“I tell you I shall hurt you, uncle!”
“Very well, Le! Hurt me! But I shall hold you all the same.”
“Why won’t you let me kill him?” yelled Le.
“Because, though he deserves death, you would commit a crime.”
“Oh, Heaven! must I bear this?”
“Be patient, Le! Let the law deal with this man! Edward Grandiere, I asked you to go for a policeman!”
“Yes, sir! I only stopped to ask Roland where I should find one,” said the young countryman, apologetically, as he hurried away.
At this point Mrs. Force had led Odalite to an easy-chair, where she recovered from her fainting fit only to fall into a paroxysm of hysterical sobs and tears. Her heartbroken mother sat by her side. Her bridesmaids stood all around her, too much frightened to offer the least comfort or assistance.
Col. Anglesea approached this group.