There was a dead pause. It had more effect on Georgia than any words he could have uttered. She looked up, and saw him standing calm, stern, and deeply displeased, with his large, strong eyes fixed upon her in sorrow, surprise, and grave anger.
"Oh, Richmond! what shall I do? I am going crazy, I think. Oh, Richmond! I tried to do well, and not displease you, but she—— Oh! everything that is bad in my nature she rouses when she comes near me! Richmond! Richmond! I cannot bear to have you angry with me. Tell me—do tell me—what I shall do?"
"It is very plain what you must do, my love. You must apologize to Miss Richmond."
As if she had received a spear-thrust, Georgia bounded to her feet, her eyes blazing, her lips blanched.
"What!"
"Nay, my dear; it is folly to excite yourself in this way. Be calm. Of course, you must apologize—there is no other way in which you can atone for your unparalleled madness."
"Never!"
"You will not? Georgia, do I understand you right? You mean you will apologize?"
"Never!"
"Georgia, you will!"