“Father! You dare not. I love him, and–––”
“You’ll blush at the thought of having used that word in connection with that man before I have finished.”
“It doesn’t matter what you say, you can never change–––”
“Beth, I must ask you to stop interrupting me. This man’s father is an out–––”
“You’d better not say that, Father!” cried Elizabeth. “You’ll wish you hadn’t when it is too late.”
The Elder’s face grew livid. His hands trembled violently as he steadied himself to deliver his final blow. Elizabeth drew close to Mr. McGowan as though to shield him, and shot a defiant glance at her father.
“I shall tell the truth, and you shall hear it. That man’s father is an outlaw. He is a fugitive from justice. All this prattle about him being dead is a hoax.”
The Elder now stood back to watch the result of his bomb. But what he saw was far more mystifying than satisfying. It was Mr. McGowan who drew back as the girl threw 347 her arms about his neck. Elizabeth entreated him not to believe one word which her father had just uttered. Mr. Fox stood dumbfounded. Mr. McGowan did nothing but stare blankly across the room.
“Come here at once!” ordered the Elder. “Beth, do you hear me? Come away from that man. Don’t you see he recognizes the truth? Are you entirely mad?”