"Alternative?"
"Why speak of it?"
"What is the alternative?" she demanded.
"If your Ladyship refuses to promise, it will be necessary for the man to return alone."
"You mean," in spite of herself, she gave a start, "you would make me—a prisoner?"
"It should not be necessary."
"But you would not dare!" indignantly.
"Not dare! Your Ladyship forgets—"
"True!" with a scornful glance. After a pause: "But suppose I did promise? Are you not reposing a good deal of confidence in me?"
"Not too much!"