"I shall take him a letter from you. You shall represent me as your faithful servant, just escaped from the hands of savages."
"A letter such as that I will never write; never," said Mrs. Weldon decisively.
"What? what? you refuse?"
"I refuse."
She had all the natural cravings of a woman and a wife, but so thoroughly was she aware of the treachery of the man she had to deal with, that she dreaded lest, as soon as he had touched the ransom, he would dispose of her husband altogether.
There was a short silence.
"You will write that letter," said Negoro.
"Never!" repeated Mrs. Weldon.
"Remember your child!"
Mrs. Weldon's heart beat violently, but she did not answer a word.