"
"Nor do I suppose he ever did plight your hands--while in his right
senses!"
"Oh, sir, this has been discussed before. I beg of you to let the
subject drop forever, remembering that I hold myself sacredly
betrothed to Traverse Rocke, and ready when, at my legal majority,
he shall claim me--to redeem my plighted faith by becoming his
wife."
"Clara, this is madness! It must not be endured, nor shall not! I
have hitherto sought to win your hand by showing you the great
extent of my love; but be careful how you scorn that love or
continue to taunt me with the mention of an unworthy rival. For,
though I use gentle means, should I find them fail of their purpose,
I shall know how to avail myself of harsher ones."
Clara disdained reply, except by permitting her clear eye to pass
over him from head to foot with an expression of consuming scorn
that scathed him to the quick.
"I tell you to be careful, Clara Day! I come to you armed with the
authority of your legal guardian, my father, Colonel Le Noir, who
will forestall your foolish purpose of throwing yourself and your
fortune away upon a beggar, even though to do so he strain his
authority and coerce you into taking a more suitable companion,"
said Craven Le Noir, rising impatiently and pacing the floor. But no
sooner had he spoken these words than he saw how greatly he had
injured his cause and repented them.
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