"I have not given it."
"Do not contradict me! You have given it all these months. Everybody has understood it so. Your father looks upon Mr. Carlisle as his son already. You would be everlastingly disgraced if you play false."
"I will play true, mamma. I will not say I give my heart where I do not give it."
"Give your hand then. All one," said Mrs. Powle laughing. "Come! I order you to obey me, Eleanor!"
"I must not, mamma. I will not go to Hampton Court with Mr. Carlisle."
"What is the reason?"
"I have told you."
"Do you mean, absolutely, that you will not fulfil your engagement, nor obey me, nor save us all from dishonour, nor make your friend happy?"
Eleanor grew paler than she had been, but answered, "I mean not to marry Mr. Carlisle, mamma."
"I understand it then," said Mrs. Powle rising. "It is not your heart but your head. It is your religious fanaticism I will put that out of the way!"