"Even hating, Bessie."
"I 'll call for help unless you release me instantly," she threatened.
"Do you wish everybody to say you were so saucy to me that I had to lock you up? To the ordinary observer, less appreciative of your beauty, you might appear rather ridiculous tethered here. Think how pleasant that would be for all the other young girls, who are already envious of your superior attractions."
This supposition was altogether too likely to prove true for Bessie to force matters as she had announced she intended doing, so she abandoned all idea of outside assistance. Having failed in intimidation she, woman-like, resorted to cajolery.
"Please give me the key, Tom," she said in her sweetest tone.
"I 'll trade with you, Bessie. I 'll give you the key of the desk for a lock of your hair."
"Very well," she answered, much relieved at the insignificance of the ransom demanded.
"I want that little curl to the left of your forehead just in front of your ear," he continued, cunningly selecting a ringlet that could not be shorn without utterly spoiling the girl's appearance indefinitely.
"I can't give you that one," she said, indignantly.
"Oh, very well, then. You shall enjoy solitary confinement for the next five minutes. When that time has expired, I will return and afford you the opportunity of assuring me how much you regret all the cross and inconsiderate things you have said to-night."