"No. But you wrote it, and—"
"Did I?"
"Didn't you?"
"What a question!—and you came because you thought a lady called. Certainly you did! You Southerners are so abominably gallant.... You have acquitted yourself very handsomely, Mr. Rutledge. I congratulate you. You have thoroughly vindicated your claim to the name of 'gentleman'—'Southern gentleman,' if the term is of more excellence. Assuredly nothing further is required of you. I ex—"
"Elise, you wrote that letter."
"No."
"Elise!"
"Stop. Don't touch me!"—but his left arm went determinedly about her, and only with both hands could she hold his right hand away.
"You wrote that letter, Elise; and you love me."
"No—never—no!" ... Her physical resistance seemed a match for his strength.