“Very well, then, since you own this, Molly, you ought not to be surprised that I intend to adhere to my purpose. So I say now, briefly, and for all, that you shall never betray my part in your going to my aunt at Ferndale. I have told Cecil Laurens that it was all your treachery, and you shall not betray me!”
“But I will! I must! Oh, Louise, you must be mad to think I could let him go on thinking so hardly of me! I shall tell him, or Doctor Charley, or—or—any one who will listen to me,” piteously.
“No one will listen to you, you little fool!” Louise hissed, angrily.
She pinched the little wrists tighter in her fierce grasp, and gave Molly such a vicious shake that she cried out in pain and terror.
Bending lower, she went on, cruelly:
“Do you know what I would do to you, Molly, if you attempted to betray me?”
“No-o, Louise! Oh, let go my hands, you hurt me!”
“Never mind your hands; I’ll pinch them as long as I choose! I ought to beat you for your ill-behavior, but I won’t. You’re getting too big to be punished that way now. But, Molly, if you ever come between me and my plans, if you ever tell what you know of me, I’ll kill you!”
“I—I’m not afraid!” muttered Molly, but her teeth chattered, and her slight form shook as if with an ague chill.
“You are afraid! You are almost dead with terror this minute, for you know me, Molly Trueheart! and you know I’ll keep my word as sure as there’s a God in heaven, or a devil in hell!” menacingly exclaimed her persecutor.