"But why?" he urged despairingly.
"I have a reason," she replied formally; "don't ask me for it."
"I have no need to. I know your reason."
Bella flushed, but overlooked the bitterness of his tone because she guessed what he suffered. "In that case, I need not explain," she said coldly, and again tried to pass. Again he prevented her.
"You love that man Lister," he said between his teeth.
"That is my business, Mr. Pence."
"Mine also," he cried, undaunted by her haughtiness. "Your father's business, too. Mrs. Coppersley said that you were almost engaged to this man Lister. But you shall not marry him; you will not even be engaged to him."
"Who will prevent me?" asked Bella angrily.
"Your father. He hates this man Lister."
"How can my father hate a man he has never even seen?" she demanded; "you are talking rubbish."