"Duty! Nonsense—listen to me. Lucy Corbet, Amabel must marry Lord Bulmer; she must; there is no help for it. If she or you struggle or oppose, you will but make matters worse for her. If she gives up with a good grace, he may be kind to her, for he is greatly in love with her, though she angers him by her coldness. If she continues her present conduct, he will revenge it on her, when she is in his power, for marry him she must."
She paused a moment, and then went on in a lighter tone.
"You must see that it is for Amabel's interest to treat Lord Bulmer with civility at least, since she must marry him at last. Use your influence to induce her to do so, and I will reward you for it. A very good match has been proposed for you, better than you have reason to hope for, with a wellborn gentleman high in the service of King James. I will persuade my husband to accept the offer, and will provide for you like a lady. Refuse to do what I wish, and you will leave this house, and be separated from Amabel forever—for you may be sure that Lord Bulmer will suffer no one near his wife who shall oppose his power over her."
She ceased and sat looking at me with those strange eyes, in a way which made me think of a story Mr. Thorpe had told us, of certain poison snakes which draw birds into their mouths by looking at them. I felt as though a web was being woven round me, taking from me all power of free motion. I made a vigorous effort, said a short prayer for grace and direction, and then spoke out.
"Madam, will you please tell me in so many words what it is that you would have me do; then I can tell whether it is in my power or not?"
"Frankly spoken," returned my lady, apparently not ill-pleased. "I will have you use your influence with Amabel to give up Mr. Cheriton and consent to marry Lord Bulmer. Tell her that you have received certain news of her lover's infidelity and his approaching marriage. Work on her pride, of which she has abundance, and shame her out of caring for a man who has ceased to care for her. Tell her that Lord Bulmer has promised never to interfere with her religion, and that he also promises her every indulgence, even to having you live with her, if you do not marry."
"And if I refuse to do this?" said I.
"Then you leave this house forever!" she answered, suddenly and sharply. "There, I do not wish to hear your decision now. Go and think about it. Remember, girl, that I have your life and character in my hand—in my hand!" she repeated, shutting her small, thin hand, as if she would crush something she held within. "Now go, and come when I send for you!"
I made my curtsy and withdrew to our room. Amabel was not there, having gone out riding with her father, whom she strove carefully to please in all things.
I was not sorry to be alone. What a wave of temptation rolled in upon me! Suppose I were to refuse obedience to my lady, what would be the result? I should be separated from Amabel, my second self, never, perhaps, to see her again. My reputation would be ruined. I knew enough of my lady to know that she would not scruple to tell any story about me, and I also knew that the fact of living under her roof would be no advantage to me.