For answer Elizabeth slipped her hands further over her lover’s shoulders and locked her fingers behind. Mr. McGowan did not seem to realize the utter surrender with which she did this. He saw only the figure across the room and heard a faint whisper from out the past. It came from out his childhood, shortly after his father’s death. It had made no definite impression on his young mind, but like a haunting shadow had stuck to him all these years. In a husky voice he demanded that the Elder explain.
“There is nothing more to explain, sir. You know to what I refer as well as I. If you are any kind of a man you will stop right where you are, and release my daughter from 348 her foolish promise. Beth, if you love this man as you say you do you will come from him at once, for I’ll ruin him if you persist in your sentimental infatuation. If you show a willingness to comply with my wishes, I shall let the matter drop, providing he leaves our town.”
Mr. McGowan tried to push the girl from him, but she only tightened her grip.
“You dare not carry out your threat!” she shot at her father. Then without warning she released the minister, and turned about. The fire of indignation and anger leaped from those eyes that had only given her father love and kindness.
“I shall not threaten longer, I shall act. I shall apply for deportation papers for this man as an undesirable citizen.”
“He is not that, Father!” cried the girl, making her last appeal.
“I shall have him deported if–––”
She gave a dry hysterical laugh. “Try it, if you dare! I know his story. I know yours, too. Don’t you touch me!” she cried, as her father started toward her. She fled again to 349 the minister. “Don’t let him touch me, Mack!”
Mr. Fox stopped abruptly. He dropped the papers which he had taken from his pocket. “Beth,––my dear,––have you lost all your senses? What were you saying?” he barely gasped.
The outer door opened, and Captain Pott entered his house.