“Wait, Paul, for me,” said Peg, starting forward. “I’m going with you.”
“Not tonight, Peg,” said Paul. “When I am ready for you I shall come for you.”
“And when will that be?” inquired the Colonel ironically.
“Tomorrow, sir. Today, I am glad to say, Pine Croft comes back into my hands, clear of all encumbrances.”
“Clear?” gasped the Colonel.
“Clear,” said Paul quietly. “Tomorrow I shall come for your daughter.”
“You defy me, sir?” shouted the Colonel.
“Edgar, I beseech you——” cried his wife.
“Please, my dear, I must beg you not to intrude,” replied the Colonel, quite losing control of himself.
“Mamma, good night. I am going with Paul tonight. I cannot stay here one moment longer. When Paul goes out of that door I go too.” Her cheeks were a flame of colour, her eyes a blaze of light.