"Curse you!" he cried, in an excited voice; "who wants to touch you! It
isn't you I've married, but the Hall!"

"Leon," cried Lieutenant Dudleigh, "I will allow no violence. If there
is any more, I will betray you."

"You!" cried Leon, with a bitter sneer. "Pooh, you dare not."

"I dare."

"You will betray yourself, then."

"I don't care. After what I've suffered for you these two days past, and
especially this night, I have but little care left about myself."

"But won't you get your reward, curse it
all!"

"There can be no reward for me now, after this," said the other, in a
mournful voice.

"Is that the way you talk to _me_!" said Leon, in a tone of
surprise.

"Miss Dalton has been wronged enough," said the other. "If you dare to
annoy her further, or to harm a hair of her head, I solemnly declare
that I will turn against you."

"You!" exclaimed Leon.