"As you please on that point; for it matters but little, and does not change the view taken of the subject by Mr. Mandeville, who, as I said, has given you to me on the one condition of preventing a union between you and Hadley; _and I am at liberty to act just as I see fit_ in order to accomplish this end. Don't you see that I have everything my own way, and your father's sanction, also, to any measures I may adopt?" "What you say _may_ be true, though I have no evidence whatever that it is; for if you would lie to my parent, you would lie to me also. One thing, however, I _do_ know, and that is, that you have not yet obtained _my_ consent to your proposed measures, and being of age, I have the legal right to make such disposition of my hand as I may see proper; and be assured I will never bestow it upon _you_! Sir, I would prefer to wed the vilest wretch in the Penitentiary of any State before you." "You may repent the use of such words, fair lady; and, indeed, but for my merciful feelings toward you, ere this you would have been glad to beg the boon I now offer and you reject." "Infamous villain! never!" "We shall see." "And we _shall_ see!" She fixed upon him that look from which he had so often shrunk before, and again he quailed beneath it. "From what you have already said," he replied, avoiding her gaze, "I am led to suppose you suspect me of crimes in the eyes of the law, which it would not be pleasant for the world to know. This is an additional reason why I cannot permit you to leave this place except as my wife; for I am not prepared just yet to enter the court-room. I am persuaded that one of your strongest reasons for refusing to marry me, has its foundation in a former preference, and is kept active by the hope of a union with the object of that preference; if so, permit me to say to you that Charles Hadley is _dead_!" "Perhaps, but I must have better evidence of the fact than your simple, unsupported word, or I will not believe it. _I know you bargained to have him killed_, but I hope God overruled your wicked intentions." "Your hope is vain, and I will bring you the necessary witnesses to-morrow to prove my words; at present I will state the fact, and add; for your benefit, that, whether true or false, your destiny is the same, and from it you cannot, shall not escape. I will now lay down the unalterable decree of fate, which you may as vainly attempt to avoid, as to pluck down the stars of heaven, or to blot out the sun from the firmament!" "Perhaps." "I give you one week in which to con the matter over in your mind; if at the end of that time you willingly consent to become my wife, well and good; if not, then I will make you mine whether you will or not!" "Perhaps." "Girl! don't presume too far on my patience. I warn you it is not the most enduring in the world." "I am not so sure of that. Cowards are generally very patient when there is no danger at hand." "You will repent this, girl!"