“That’s right, Mr. Garnet: I see you have not lost all your reason yet,” said Pet, quietly; “if you value a whole skin, it will be wise for you to keep the length of the room between us. I don’t threaten much, but I’m apt to act when aroused.”
“Miss Lawless, forgive my hasty temper. I did not come to threaten you, to-night, but to set you at liberty,” said Garnet, looking penitent.
“Humph! set me at liberty! I have my doubts about that,” said Pet, transfixing him with a long, unwinking stare.
“Nevertheless, it is true. To-night they are all gone—we are all alone; say but the word, and in ten minutes you will be as free as the winds of heaven.”
“Worse and worse! Mr. Garnet, just look me in the eye, will you, and see if you can discover any small mill-stones there? Do you really think I’m green enough to believe you, now?”
“Miss Lawless, I swear to you I speak the truth. In ten minutes you may leave this, free and unfettered, if you will.”
“Well, I declare! Just let me catch my breath after that, will you? Mr. Garnet, I have heard of Satan turning saint, but I never experienced it before. So you’ll set me free, will you? Well, I’m sure I feel dreadfully obliged to you, though I don’t know as I need to, since but only for you I wouldn’t be here at all. I’m quite willing to go, though, and am ready to start at any moment.”
“Wait one instant, Miss Petronilla. I will set you free, but on one condition.”
“Ah! I thought so! I was just thinking so, all along! And what might that condition be, if a body may ask?” inquired Pet.
“That you become my wife!”