"I shall not cease that tone. I shall adopt any tone I please."
"Do so; then don't wonder if I refuse to listen to you."
"But, by God! you shall listen."
"Try me."
Her eyes dilated as she said this, though her voice was perfectly calm. She was getting almost as angry as he was. The spirit of opposition was abetted by the resolution she had formed not to rebut the attentions of Lord * * * *, and she now was roused for the struggle.
And yet, flattered as she undoubtedly was, by the admiration of the old roué, she loved Maxwell well enough to have sacrificed that delight, had he taken another course, had he implored instead of threatened; but that was not in his nature, and his brutal imperiousness roused her to rebellion.
He had become livid with passion, and it was only with great effort that he could articulate—
"Don't play with me ... you know not the danger ... I warn you ... I warn you."
"And I laugh at your threats."
"You think I am not serious?"