"You are not going to leave me so," he said. "Curse it! why do you treat me so, as if I were a dog? What are you more than I am? Are you so proud because you have a few more drops of their cursed white blood in your veins than I have? What will that help you? Do you imagine it will get you a white husband?"
"Let me pass!" interrupted the girl, coldly. "You can kill me if you like. I would rather die than give you any other answer. Will you let me pass?" and she made another swift motion to go by him.
A savage cry came from his lips. He sprang toward her. She made no outcry. The two shadows struggled for a moment in deadly silence, but it was only for a moment. Quick as thought, Horton flung himself upon the man, who, taken thus by surprise, loosened his hold upon the girl, shook himself free, and, with a fierce oath, fled.
Lilly staggered back against the bank.
"Do not be afraid," said Horton, panting. "The fellow will not come back."
"Doctor Horton!" she said, faintly.
"Yes, it is Doctor Horton. Where were you going? I will see you in safety."
"I was on my way to watch with Mrs. Lapham," she answered, in firmer tones.
"I am going there too," said Horton. "If you feel able, go on, I will follow after awhile. Or will you go home?"
She came forward, walking a little slowly.