“I am astonished, my son, at what I have just witnessed. That girl will ruin the peace of this family yet.”
“She has ruined it already, as far as I am concerned,” he replied, moodily; then added:
“But, mother, Miss Douglas is in no way accountable for what you saw. I alone am to blame. I had just asked her to be my wife——”
“What!” exclaimed both women, aghast.
“Yes; I began to love that beautiful girl the first moment I saw her. Further intercourse has only served to deepen and strengthen that sentiment, and to-day I resolved to ask her to be my wife, that I might shield and protect her from further insult and abuse on your part.”
“Indeed!” said his mother, growing white with anger.
“When is the wedding to take place between you and this lovely beggar?” sneered Isabel.
“I warn you not to try me too far, either of you!” Wilbur replied, with a dangerous gleam in his eye; then added:
“You did not permit me to finish my statement. However, I have only to tell you that Miss Douglas has refused me.”
His mother heaved a sigh of intense relief, and murmured: