His coarse, sensual features again relaxed into a leering smile, as he suddenly flung his arm around her neck. Bending, he placed his lips close to her ear, and whispered some words.
“No! no!” she cried wildly. “God protect me!” And she struggled to free herself from his hateful embrace.
“You refuse?” he said, in a stern, harsh voice.
“I would rather die than agree to such terms,” she replied, her eyes flashing with indignation.
“Very well,” he snarled, as he thrust her from him impatiently. “Go back to your hovel and die, you daughter of a dog. Begone!”
“But your Excellency—I——”
“No more words,” he thundered, adding a curse. “Go! or I’ll fling you out.”
Staggering to the door, sorrowful and crestfallen, she drew back the bolt and went out, her eyes half-blinded by tears.
The moment she had gone, the General touched a gong, at the same time muttering: “The dainty, obstinate little bird must be brought to her senses. She must be put into a cage and tamed.”