“Because it would be utterly without value.”
“Very well, then, there must be some way by which I can buy my liberty. The money will be mine when I come of age.”
“Yes, there is one way,” he said, gazing at her intently.
“What is that, sir?”
“By signing the marriage register.”
“That I shall never do,” she said, rising slowly. “Once more, Mr Garstang, I tell you that this money is valueless to me, and that I am ready to give it to you for my liberty.”
“And I tell you the simple truth—that you talk like the foolish child you are. You cannot give away that which you do not possess. It is in the keeping of your uncle, and the law would not allow you to give it away like that.”
“Does the law allow you to force me to be your wife, that you may, as my husband, seize upon it?”
“The law will let you consent to be my wife,” he said, wincing slightly at her words.
“I have told you my decision,” she said, coldly.