He flinched at that and gave ground a little. “You have a good right, Miss Langford, though it isn’t builded upon your little cry for help. What would you have me do?”
“Whatever papa wants you to do,” she rejoined quickly, deeming it best not to go too deeply into particulars.
“I am sorry to have to refuse you anything; but this that you ask is altogether impossible.”
“Why is it impossible?”
“Because—God in heaven!—none of you know what you are asking!”
“Then tell me, so I may know.”
“I can’t do that, either.”
“Won’t you tell me if I guess it?”
The pleading eyes unsteadied him, and he receded yet another step. “Perhaps,” he said, hesitating.
“Are you afraid that if you defend yourself my brother will be in danger?”