“No, I do not intend to be an old maid, sir, but,” with a proud toss of her lovely head, “when I marry I shall choose the man myself, and it shall be for love, not money!”
“Money is the only thing worth having—money and long life,” he muttered, but Leola, with a contemptuous laugh, turned to go.
He sprang between her and the door, putting his back against it.
“I have not done telling you all about this matter yet,” he exclaimed, but Leola stamped her little foot in a fury, replying:
“I will not hear another word, I tell you, and you may as well let me go, and give up your foolish plans!”
“By Heaven, miss, you shall marry the man of my choice—I swear it!” cried the wizard, violently, but she answered, coldly:
“Pray let me hear no more such nonsense, Uncle Hermann. Granted you are my guardian, the law does not give you the power of marrying me to anyone against my will. No, not another word, or I shall think you are going insane, if not so already. Get away from that door, and let me out, or I shall scream for assistance or jump out of the window!”
“You would not dare do either!” he said.
Leola ran like a flash to the window, pushing back the creaking shutters, letting in a flood of June sunshine. The next moment she sprang to the high sill, crying, defiantly:
“Now, get away from that door or I will jump out!”