her lovely eyes drop from their sockets, and she will not recognize me.
And now I will leave you. I will intrude upon you as little as is
absolutely possible. If you need anything, ring the bell. Good-night,
my beautiful Mollie, and happy dreams."

He bowed politely and moved toward the door. Mollie made a step toward
him, with upraised arm:

"Stay!"

The man halted at once.

"How long am I to be imprisoned here?"

"My fair one, I told you before: until you consent to become my wife."

"Are you mad?" exclaimed Mollie, scornfully; "or do you think I am?
Your wife! I am here in your power--kill me, if you dare, you cowardly
abductor! I will die ten thousand deaths--I'll live on here until my
head is hoary--I'll dash my brains out against yonder wall, but I'll
never, never, never become your wife!"

The man shrugged his shoulders.

"Strong language, my dear; but words, words, words! I won't kill you,
and you won't live here until your head is hoary. Golden locks like
yours are a long time turning gray. And you won't dash your brains out
against the walls, because the walls are padded. Is there anything else
you wish to say, Miss Dane?"