"What! do you fear my son?" angrily asked the settler.
Instantly the appealing manner of the maiden changed, and drawing herself up, she said quickly, and in a decided way:
"No, I hold fear of no man. Leave me with your son, for he might as well know now, at once, how I regard him and thus end this painful matter."
Herbert Bernard was approaching the arbor, walking in the long swinging gait natural to him.
He was a powerful fellow, with a face to distrust rather than admire, and as taciturn in his manner as an Indian.
His father walked away as he drew near, and, passing him, said in a low tone:
"She knows all and rebels against you, so be firm and win."
"Trust me for that, father," was the response in the same low tone.
Then Herbert Bernard walked on toward the arbor.
Jennie had resumed her seat, and was perfectly calm, though her face was white, her eyes burning.