That Caleb hated Rolph was plain enough; there was a scar upon his lip now that had been made by the hand of one whom he feared as well as hated; and above all, after his fashion, Marjorie knew that he loved Judith.
Here was the instrument to her hand. Why had she not thought of making use of it before?
It was as if she were for the moment possessed, as, without trying now to release herself, she leaned forward and whispered in the young man’s ear,—
“You coward!”
He turned upon her in astonishment.
“I say you are a coward,” she repeated. “Why do you let him go and take her from you?”
There was an animal-like snap of the teeth, as he snarled out,—
“Why do you let him go?”
“Because I am a woman. I am not a man, and strong like you.”
“Curse him! I’ll kill him,” he snarled.