"You—you judge me unheard!" she went on, addressing Nathaniel with an anger, glowing in her eyes, that equalled his own.
"Have you not just incriminated yourself—you!"
"Stop! Do you think that is all? Do you think I would have stayed there—if—if——" Here the memory of what she had endured choked her.
"A woman who puts herself in a man's power as you have can expect no mercy." Nathaniel stormed.
"Why?"
"Because it is God's law. All decent women know it. That is what I've feared for you always, but I'll still stand by you if you show reason. I'll do it for your mother's sake and my good name. He shall marry you, by God! Say the word and I'll bring him here."
Priscilla's upper lip twitched. This was a trick her nerves had of warning her, but she heeded not.
"You—you would force me to marry Jerry-Jo even against his will? You would make that little hell for me without even knowing what has happened? You'd fling me in it to—to save your name?"
"You've made your own hell! No matter what has happened, there is only one way out for you. If you refuse that——" And here Nathaniel flung his big arms wide, as if pushing his child out—out!
With white face but blazing eyes Priscilla got up and went over to her mother. She drew the bowed and quivering form toward her and looked straight into the tear-flooded eyes.