“He will not dare to stop us,” he said.
Louise drew a long breath full of pain, for it seemed to be the only way to save her brother. She must go; and, taking a step or two she made for the door.
“No,” said Leslie calmly, “it is better that you should stay, Miss Vine.”
Harry was at her side in a moment.
“Never mind your hat,” he whispered in French, “we must go at once.”
“Stand back, sir!” cried Leslie, springing to the door. “Your every act shows you to be a base scoundrel. You may not understand my words, but you can understand my action. I am here by this door to keep it till Mr Vine returns. For the lady’s sake, let there be no violence.”
“Mr Leslie, let us pass!” cried Louise imperiously, but he paid no heed to her, continuing to address his supposed rival in calm, judicial tones, which did not express the wild rage seething in his heart.
“I say once more, sir, let there be no violence—for your own sake—for hers.”
Harry continued to advance, with Louise’s hand in his, till Leslie had pressed close to the door.
“Once more I warn you,” said Leslie, “for I swear by Heaven you shall not pass while I can lift a hand.”