His strangely persistent reiteration that she should do his will served only to produce another, "Why don't ye tell me, then?" from Tess.
"You must do something to save yourself!" he cried.
To save herself? What did he mean by saving herself? What did any one intend to do? She'd stayed so alone no one could intrude upon her now. And then, there was Andy, poor forlorn little man!
"Is anyone goin' to hurt me?" she faltered, faint and frightened.
"Yes, dearest, yes, and you must—"
He was on his feet and Tess struggled up, too.
"What've I got to do?" she breathed miserably.
"Tess," he groaned, "can't you understand how much I love you; that I would save you if I could?"
With uplifted hand, he tried to raise her face to his.
"Don't!" she cried, pushing him away. "Tell me what Mrs. Waldstricker said!"