“My daughter!” exclaimed Sir Thomas.
She made no reply, and More saw that she had a small package under her left arm. He understood very well Margaret’s design, but had not the courage to speak of it to her.
“Margaret, I would rather you
had remained quietly at Chelsea,” he said.
She made no reply.
“Your mother and sisters need you!”
“Nobody in this world has need of me,” replied the young girl coldly, “and Margaret has no longer any use for anybody.”
“Margaret, you pain me sorely.”
“I feel no pain myself! Row not so rapidly,” she said to Roper; “I am in no hurry; it is early. Frail bark, couldst thou only go to the end of the earth, how gladly would I steer thee thither!” And she stamped her foot on the bottom of the boat with passionate earnestness.
Sir Thomas wished to speak, but his strength failed him. His eyes filled with tears, and, fearing to let them flow, he bowed his head on his hands. It was the first time in her life that Margaret had disobeyed him, and now it was for his own sake. Besides, he knew her thoroughly, and he felt sure that nothing could change the resolution she had taken not to leave him at that moment.