The command was positive, but it was not obeyed.
"I love-a you."
He caught her by one wrist as he began. She was utterly unresistant. If she had struggled or cried out, he would have gone on with his voluble, excited declaration; but her placidity was incomprehensible to him.
"Mr. Ravelli," she began after a moment, "you understand English?"
"Perfectly, Mees Warriner."
"Well, here is plain English for you. I would use Italian if I could, so that you mightn't mistake me. You are to let go of my hand."
He did it.
"You are to go away instantly, and never come here again except on business. Go at once."
That he did not do.
"For what-a did you come here, into one camp oof men eef——"