"A kiss," he said; and before she could realise what he had said, his left arm was about her waist, and he held her tightly to him. "A kiss from a lady who is handsomer than Judy Hayle," he whispered. "How dare you!" she cried, in a low voice. "No," he said, laughing, "you won't call for help. Come, it isn't much to give me, and I swear I will." Marjorie gazed at him wildly, as she realised her position; there, alone, in this man's power, and no one at hand to defend her. Then, utterly careless of herself, as she thought of the bitter revenge she had planned, she held back her face, and, with a faint laugh and her voice trembling, she said,-- "No, I will not call for help. There is no need. Keep your word and I will pay you--as you wish." The blood crimsoned her cheeks as she spoke. "No," he said, with a laugh; "you shall pay me now," and the next moment his arms were fast round her, and his lips pressed to hers. Marjorie started away, angry and indignant, but her furious jealousy made her diplomatise, and she stood smiling at the good-looking, gipsy-like ne'er-do-weel, and said laughingly,-- "That was not fair; I promised you that as a reward, and now you have cheated me and will not keep your word." "Yes, I will," he cried, as he seized her again eagerly; but she kept him back. "I'll do anything you ask me. Curse Judith Hayle! She isn't half so beautiful as you." Madge's heart beat heavily, for admiration was pleasant, even from this low-class scoundrel. His words were genuine, as she could see from his eager gaze, the play of his features, and the earnestness in his voice. "I've made a slave," she said to herself, forgetting for a moment the cost, "and he'll do everything I bid him." "Don't talk nonsense," she said, playfully. "You do not suppose I believe what you say." "What!" he cried, in a low, excited whisper, "not believe me. Here, tell me anything else to do. Why, I'd kill anyone if you'll look at me like that." "I do not want you to kill anyone, and do not want you even to look or speak to me again if you are so rude as that. You forget that I am a lady." "No, I don't," he cried, as he feasted on her with his eyes. "You're lovely. I never saw a girl so beautiful as you are before." He tried to catch her in his embrace again, but she waved him off. "There," she said coldly, "that will do. I see I must ask someone else to do what I want." "No, no, don't," he whispered. "I didn't mean to make you cross. I didn't want to offend you, but when you looked at me like you did, with your shiny eyes, I couldn't help myself. I was obliged." "Silence! How dare you," she cried indignantly, as, with her heart throbbing with delight, she felt how very strong a hold she was getting upon Caleb's will. "You forget yourself, sir." "No, I don't; its only because--because--you're so handsome. There, be cross with me if you like. I couldn't help it."