Night and Morning, Volume 4 by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
page 46 of 105 (43%)
page 46 of 105 (43%)
|
"At Mrs. West's!" she said; and, for the first time, her voice and look showed fear. "Go away directly! How dare you touch me!" "But, my dear Miss, you have no idea how my employer loves you, and how rich he is. See, he has sent you all this money; it is gold--real gold. You may have what you like, if you will but come. Now, don't be silly, Miss." The girl made no answer, but, with a sudden spring, passed the man, and ran lightly and rapidly along the path, in an opposite direction from that to which the tempter had pointed, when inviting her to the carriage. The man, surprised, but not baffled, reached her in an instant, and caught hold of her dress. "Stay! you must come--you must!" he said, threateningly; and, loosening his grasp on her shawl, he threw his arm round her waist. "Don't!" cried the girl, pleadingly, and apparently subdued, turning her fair, soft face upon her pursuer, and clasping her hands. "Be quiet! Fanny is silly! No one is ever rude to poor Fanny!" "And no one will be rude to you, Miss," said the man, apparently touched; "but I dare not go without you. You don't know what you refuse. Come;" and he attempted gently to draw her back. "No, no!" said the girl, changing from supplication to anger, and raising her voice into a loud shriek, "No! I will--" "Nay, then," interrupted the man, looking round anxiously, and, with a quick and dexterous movement he threw a large handkerchief over her face, and, as he held it fast to her lips with one hand, he lifted her from the |
|