“‘Well, he is a lucky dog, anyway.’
“‘Come, let us walk back to the house; it is no use to covet our neighbors’ property—those two girls are not for us.’
“While that conversation was going on, Harry had his hand on my arm, and it was all I could do to keep from crying out, for his finger nails sank down into my flesh so as to bring blood.
“‘Let go my arm, Harry; you are hurting me.’
“‘I ask pardon—I did not think what I was doing; does it not surprise you to see me sitting quietly by your side?’
“‘No, why should I be surprised?’
“‘Do you think I would let any man talk that way about me, unless he was telling the truth? Have I not been guilty of every charge they made against me? Of course I have; but thank Heaven it is not too late to make the proper atonement. Edward, it is all over with Viola and me. I do now solemnly swear, by everything that I hold sacred, that I never will marry her until my fortune is equal to hers; so help me Heaven!’
“‘Harry, I do believe you are a real coward.’
“‘Yes, that is certain, but there is no use to scold me about it. If Viola will agree to wait till my fortune is made, all right; if she refuses, let her marry her cousin, and be done with it.’
“‘As to that, you need have no fears whatever, for she worships you, and if you forsake her, it will kill her; yes, I mean exactly what I say—it will certainly kill her.’