“So! I’m not to be forgiven!” he growled.
“Please leave me!” Zonia breathed timidly.
“Come now—don’t be silly—“ he protested. “Am I a leper?”
The girl lifted her eyes to his flushed, lecherous face, sprang to her feet, rushed into the hall and up the stairs. The Lieutenant followed with a loud laugh and oath.
Virginia and her mother leaped from their chairs to follow. The Colonel stood in front barring the way.
“Enough of these high and mighty airs, if you please!” he commanded sternly. “We are the masters of this house. It is a woman’s place to obey. Sit down!”
“Colonel, I beg of you—“ Virginia pleaded. “I must protect this girl. She is under my care—”
“I will protect her! My officer means no harm. Your suspicions are an insult. He is only having his little fun with a foolish girl. It is the privilege of the conqueror—”
He seized Virginia’s arm and forced her into her seat. Marya was sobbing bitterly. Mrs. Holland sank helplessly into a chair where she stood.
The Colonel opened the front door and beckoned the guard.