He thought he really and truly loved this beautiful creature, and his heart softened toward her a little, for he knew she suffered in spite of her apparent indifference.
She made no reply, nor moved a muscle.
He regarded her in perplexity for a moment, then arose and went and stood before her.
“Will you be my wife?”
“No, sir!”
“Beware! Do you mean it?”
“Most emphatically! And now, if you are done with your persecution, I can dispense with your society.”
“By heavens, I won’t bear this! I have sworn that you shall be mine, and I will not give you up!” he exclaimed, excitedly. Then turning to Madame Alroyd, he continued, “Madam, will you not use your influence before it is too late. Her fate is in my hands, but I have no desire to use my power, if by any possible means she can be induced to yield willingly.”
Madam cast an appealing glance at Dora; but there was no encouragement to be gathered from her inflexible features, and with a bitter sigh she remained silent.
Cursing both of them in his heart, Ralph bent toward Dora, and said in a low, concentrated voice: