"It is like jailorizing. I shall not be a naughty child in a cell."
"But thou wilt," he said, with determination. "Give me thy promise."
Rose became indignant, and Agapit, who was watching her keenly, stepped inside her room, lest he should be overheard. "Rose," he said, swiftly, and with a deep, indrawn breath, "have I not been a brother to thee?"
"Yes, yes,—until now."
"Now, most of all,—some day thou wilt feel it. Would I do anything to injure thee? I tell thee thou art like a weak child now. Have I not been in love? Do not I know that for a time one's blood burns, and one is mad?"
"But what do you fear?" she asked, proudly, drawing back from him.
"I fear nothing, little goose," he exclaimed, catching her by the wrist, "for I take precautions. I have talked to this young man,—do not I also esteem him? I tell thee, as I told him,—he is capable of all, and when thou seest him, a word, a look, and he will insist upon thy leaving thy husband to go with him."
"Agapit, I am furious with thee. Would I do a wrong thing?"
"Not of thyself; but think, Rose, thou art weak and nervous. Thy strength has been tried; when thou seest thy lover thou wilt be like a silly sheep. Trust me,—when thy father, on his dying bed, pointed to thee, I knew his meaning. Did not I say 'Yes, yes, I will take care of her, for she is beautiful, and men are wicked.'"
"But thou didst let me marry Charlitte," she said, with a stifled cry.