“I am here,” she replied.
“Ada, our situation is now perilous and awkward in the extreme. The persons who were here have left one of their number behind them.”
“Indeed!”
“Yes, they suspect I may return to this house.”
“Are we then to starve here?” said Ada.
“Starved?” echoed Gray, “I—I did not think of that. God of Heaven! What shall we do?”
“Jacob Gray,” said Ada, “you are caught in your own snare. This place which you imagined to be one of safety has now become your prison. Remain here, if you please; I have no such urgent reasons as you may have. If he whom you tell me is keeping guard in the house, be an enemy to me, as well as to you, I will rather trust to his mercy than abide here the horrors of famine. Such a death would be dreadful! Jacob Gray, I will not remain here.”
“You will not?”
“I will not.”
“I am armed, Ada. You forget that I can force your obedience by the fear of death.”