“But I say, you will.”
“I can not prevent you from saying what you please; but, surely, over my own fate I should be allowed to hold an opinion. Breakfast will be waiting.”
“Stop! By —!” starting up with a fierce oath and grasping her by the arm. “You do not leave me in that fashion. Before you go you must hear a word I have to say. If you will marry me quietly of your own free will—Hush!—keep still till I have said my say!”
She had attempted to break away and leave him, when he had thrust her back upon the seat from which she had arisen.
“There!” he went on, hissing out his words madly. “Sit you there and listen: If you will marry me quietly, as it is your duty to do, all may be well. I will do by you, for your good and comfort, all that any man could do. I will be a true husband to you, kind and loving. But if you refuse me, if you persist in your stubborn will not to be my wife, if you hold out against me and persuade my grandfather to join you, if you do this I will make your life a living torture! I will strike you down so that you shall cry to me for mercy! Aye, the time shall come when you will beg of me to take pity on you and make you my wife! How do you like the picture?”
“Lord Oakleigh! Let me go! I have no more to say.”
“I ask you, how do you like the picture I have drawn?”
“And I ask you to let me go.”
“Won’t you answer me?”
“You need no answer. You do not wish for an answer. If you can find delight in torturing me I suppose I must submit until I can break from you.”