"But I claim the right—"
"And I refuse to admit it."
And they looked stubbornly into each other's eyes.
[CHAPTER XXV.]
Then Van Zandt said, sternly:
"I will have no one say that I was paid to take the girl of my choice. I am not rich, as you know, but I will toil harder now that I have such an object in life. She shall not go shabby or hungry, I promise you."
His voice was so full of feeling, despite its sternness, that Carmontelle was puzzled. He exclaimed:
"Your pride does you honor, Van Zandt. But—you said—the girl of your choice. I do not understand!"
Van Zandt hesitated, then said reluctantly: