"Who HAS any right over you?" he asked, curiously.
She laughed, softly.
"No one!—except you!"
"Oh, hang me!" he exclaimed, impatiently—"Leave me out of the question. Have you no father or mother?"
She was a little hurt at his sudden irritability.
"No," she answered, quietly—"I have often told you I have no one. I am alone in the world—I can do as I like." Then a smile brightened her face. "Lord Blythe would have me as a daughter if I would go to him."
He started and loosened her from his embrace.
"Lord Blythe! That wealthy old peer! What does he want with you?"
"Nothing, I suppose, but the pleasure of my company!" and she laughed—"Doesn't that seem strange?"
He rose and went back to work at his easel.