"No! no. I don't believe Bridget would have stolen anything."
"Bridget would have done anything that suited her," retorted Hale grimly, "and if she came by the cross honestly--say by your mother giving it to her--why did she not let you show it to me?"
"I can't guess: perhaps she thought you would take it from me."
"I might and I might not," replied Hale hesitatingly, "but at all events I should not have allowed you to give it to young Walker. You must ask him to return it at once."
"I shall not," said Lesbia determinedly.
"You shall," cried Hale, and their eyes met like those of two duelists crossing swords. But the father's eyes fell first. "You dare to defy me."
"Not exactly, but----"
"I want no explanations, thank you; but I'll make a bargain with you. If Walker returns that cross he can have you as his wife. If not, I shall refuse to allow him to haunt the cottage or pay attentions to you. And remember, Lesbia, that I hold the purse-strings."
"George can keep me," panted Lesbia, her colour rising.
"George has to keep his mother. Marry him without a dowry and see what the Honourable Mrs. Aylmer Walker will say."