“Sir Anthony — I would have you marry a woman of whom you can be proud.”
“I have nothing but pride in you. In your courage, and in the quick wits of you. I have never known so wonderful a woman.”
“You can have no pride in my birth, sir. I do not know what my father is; we have never known, for he loves to be a mystery. If this claim is true — if he is indeed Tremaine of Barham — ask me once more!” Her eyes were wet, but her mouth smiled resolutely.
“I am to wait, then! You deny me the right to protect you now?”
“You have me at your feet, sir,” she said unsteadily, “but I do deny you. I must.”
“You at my feet!” he said. “That is a jest indeed!” He let go her hand, and took a turn about the room. She watched him wistfully, and at last he spoke again. “Ay, you’ve pride,” he said. “Did that spring of low birth? You must needs cleave your own path, and take no help even from the man who loves you. You ask me to wait. I will wait, until this father of yours has settled his affairs. But when that day comes, and whatever the issue — believe me I shall take you then, by force if need be, and carry you off to Church. Is it understood?”
She smiled mistily, and tried to shake her head. He laughed and there was no laziness either in his face or in his voice. “Better come to me willingly then,” he said, “for, by God, I shall have no mercy!”
Chapter 19
Meeting in Arlington Street
Prudence showed an impassive face to John who was waiting to let her into the house, but she slipped past the door of Robin’s chamber on tiptoe, and was gone into her own without the usual visit to him. She preferred to meet her sharp-eyed brother in the morning, when she might have acquired some command over herself.