The footsteps died completely away, and Marjorie sat there trembling. The thoughts which had seemed to electrify her, she felt now that she dare not foster; and she was longing for the man to go, when, as if he were influenced by her presence, he turned round suddenly to the right as in search of some one, then to the left, and, not satisfied, faced right about, his countenance full of wonderment and dread, which passed away directly, and he uttered a low, mocking laugh.
Marjorie shrank away for the moment, but, feeling that she must show no dread of this man who had surprised her in a situation which it would be vain to explain, she rose to go, but Caleb seized her tightly by the arm.
“He did not come to meet you,” the man said, with a look of malicious enjoyment, as if it was a pleasure to inflict some of the pain from which he suffered.
“What do you mean?” she cried imperiously, as she sought to release her wrist.
“Call to him to come back and help you,” whispered Caleb.—“Why don’t you?”
He laughed again as he drew himself up into a kneeling position, still holding her tightly,
“How dare you!” cried the girl, indignantly. “Loose my arm, fellow!”
“Why? Not I. You will not call out for fear the captain there should think you were watching to see him go to Hayle’s cottage and pretty Judith.”
He began his speech in a light, bantering way, but as he finished his face was flushed and angry, and his breath came thick and fast, while, still clutching the arm he held, he wrenched his head round and knelt there, gazing in the direction taken by Rolph.
The thought which had held possession of Marjorie’s breast twice, now came back with renewed power, and, casting all feeling of dread to the winds as she read her companion’s face, she snatched at the opportunity.