I cannot forgive you a second time. Let me pass! Let me pass, I
tell you, or I will strike you!"
Brett, in his admiration for the spirited girl who, notwithstanding her
protestations, seemed to be anything but "defenceless," momentarily forgot
his companion.
A convulsive tightening of Hume's muscles, preparatory to a leap through
the hedge, warned him in time.
"Idiot!" he whispered, as he clutched him again.
Were not the others so taken up with the throbbing influences of the
moment they must have heard the rustling of the leaves. But they paid
little heed to external affairs. The Italian was speaking.
"Nellie," he said, "you will drive me mad. But listen, carissima. If I may
not love you, I can at least defend you. David Hume-Frazer, the man who
murdered my wife's brother, has returned, and openly boasts that you are
waiting to marry him."
"Boasts! To whom, pray?"
"To me. I heard him say this not fifteen minutes since."
"Where? You do not know him. He could not be here without my knowledge."
"Then it is true. You do intend to marry this unconvicted felon?"
"Mr. Capella, I really think you are what English people call 'cracked.'"
"But you believe me--that this man has come to Beechcroft?"
"It may be so. He has good reasons, doubtless, for keeping his presence
here a secret. Whatever they may be, I shall soon know them.
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