"Not to-night," she replied, in a demure voice.
"Yes, you must—I insist."
"Don't, Mr. Frere," she called out sharply, uttering a cry as she spoke.
He didn't mind her. Overcome by his passion he caught her suddenly in his arms, and pressed his lips many times to hers.
"Hold, sir! What are you doing?" shouted Awdrey's voice from the opposite side of the bank.
"By heaven, what is that to you?" called Frere back.
He let Hetty go with some violence, and retreated one or two steps in his astonishment. His face was crimson up to the roots of his honest brow.
Awdrey leaped across the brook. "You will please understand that you take liberties with Miss Armitage at your peril," he said. "What right have you to take such advantage of an undefended girl? Hetty, I will see you home."
Hetty's eyes danced with delight. For a moment Frere felt too stunned to speak.
"Come with me, Hetty," said Awdrey, putting a great restraint upon himself, but speaking with irritation. "Come—you should be at home at this hour."