“Mr. Ford, I protest against this high-handed proceeding,” exclaimed Miss Stone, indignantly, as she appeared at the door of the chamber. “What right have you to go over my house without permission?”
“If it comes to that,” sneered Ford, “what right have you to keep my ward from me?”
“I am not his ward,” said Herbert, quickly.
“The boy is a liar,” exclaimed Ford, harshly.
“Get back into the bed, Herbert,” said Miss Stone. “This man shall not take you away.”
“Perhaps you will tell me how you are going to help it,” retorted Ford, with an evil smile.
“If my brother were here—-”
“But your brother is not here, and if he were, I would not allow him to interfere between me and my cousin. Herbert, unless you continue dressing, I shall handle you roughly.”
But sounds were heard upon the stairs, and Ford, as well as Miss Stone, turned their eyes to the door.
The first to enter was Abner.