"Ask me not!"
"Is it thirst for blood, evil woman, that drives thee to this crime?"
"I would not slay thee, but thou and I, boy, can never live in the same land!" she said, obstinately.
"Thou mightst have spared this attempt, then, on my life, for soon the deep sea will roll between me and my native isle."
"How! Explain your words!" she asked, with awakened interest.
"I am resolved, as nature has denied me nobility of birth, to give it at least to those who come after me."
"Speak on!" she cried, hanging on his words with intense expectation.
"I am going from my father's roof into the world, to see if I cannot make men forget from what I have sprung!"
"Is this thy purpose, boy? Speak truly!"
"It is, Elpsy. Seven hours ago I had nearly linked my fortunes with the yacht that takes the earl to England on the morrow—but—"