"Wiggins," said Edith. "I will ask his protection against you."

"Wiggins!" sneered Leon. "Let him try it if he dares."

"Do not interfere with me," said Edith, "nor touch me."

"You shall not go without me."

"I shall go, and alone."

"You shall not."

Edith at once walked to the door. Just as she reached it Leon seized her
arm. She struggled for a moment to get free, but in vain.

"I know," said she, bitterly, "what a coward you are. This is not the
first time that you have laid hands on me. Let me go now, or you shall
repent."

"Not the first time, and it won't be the last time!" cried Leon, with an
oath.

"Let me go," cried Edith, in a fierce voice, "or I will stab you to the
heart!"

As she said this she raised her right hand swiftly and menacingly, and
by the dim light of the doorway Leon plainly saw a long keen dagger. In
an instant he recoiled from the sight, and dropping her arm, he started
back.