Ida now went to a chair in that part of the room which brought her back to the light, and forced Miss Rainforth to stand, or sit, as she chose, with that light full on her face.
“You do not ask me to sit down, Miss Rainforth,” said Ida. “So I shall take a seat uninvited. But, before I do, I wish to say that I know that you are an expert in shooting. I would have you know that I am also. You can take your revolvers, if you choose to do so, for I shall sit with mine in my lap ready to check any use of yours on your part.”
With that Ida took her revolvers from her pocket, and, sitting down, laid them upon her lap.
“Well,” said Miss Rainforth, with a long breath, “of all the impudent things I have ever met, you are the most impudent.”
“Oh, no,” replied Ida, “I am merely a determined person who will not be denied in the matter I have come about.”
“Leave the room,” said Miss Rainforth, suddenly losing her temper.
“I shall do nothing of the kind,” said Ida.
Miss Rainforth made a motion as if she would run to the door, but Ida sternly commanded her to stop.
Apparently unused to such a tone, Miss Rainforth stopped, turning more in surprise and astonishment than in submission.
“Miss Rainforth,” said Ida, “you will please to return to your seat.”