"I should be mad to accept your proposals," replied Molly, calmly, but firmly. "Go, sir—all friendship between us is at an end."
"My dear Molly," began Rashly, "I beg of you, I entreat you to calm yourself—to take a more reasonable view of the matter. Come, let me persuade you, dear," said he, advancing and attempting to put his arm round her waist, but he was instantly repulsed.
He essayed again.
"Dare to touch me once more, sir, and I'll scream—I'll rouse the neighbourhood and expose you."
"Hush, hush!" said Rashly, nothing daunted, "be reasonable, there's a good girl, I'll do you no harm," and he ventured to touch her again.
"Back, sir, I say!" and she lifted up her voice to scream, but instantly his hand was on her mouth.
I could endure it no longer, but bursting from my hiding-place, and grasping firmly my gold-headed cane, I sprang to the spot.
"Who are you, sir?" I cried, boiling with rage, "that dare offer to insult my niece? Begone! or it will be the worse for you."
Both started, and Rashly turned livid and trembled.
"I thank you, sir," said Molly, "for interfering."