"Do not forgot that I have sworn that you shall marry me, or become the bride of Death."
"I will remember," she faltered, and he added:
"The discovery of your mother makes no difference in your promise to me. She must not refuse your hand to me."
Geraldine saw that he was in a desperate mood, and she did not care to offend him; but her heart was throbbing joyfully in her breast, for she knew that heaven itself would come to her aid, and that she would surely outwit him at last.
But she said, with quiet dignity:
"Mr. Standish, it would seem as if common decency required the postponement of this subject until after my mother has buried her dead."
"You are trying to escape me!" he exclaimed, warningly; but he saw by her indignant look that he was presuming too far, for she said, quickly:
"This harshness will not further your cause with me, sir. You cannot marry me by brute force."
"That is true; but I have your promise."
"Extorted from me under menace of death!" she returned, indignation getting the better of her calmness.