`Perhaps, if I can't help it.'

`And if he kills you?' she said.

`I should be sorry, for his sake and mine.'

Clara was silent for a moment.

`You do make me angry!' she exclaimed.

`That's nothing afresh,' he laughed.

`But why are you so silly? You don't know him.'

`And don't want.'

`Yes, but you're not going to let a man do as he likes with you?'

`What must I do?' he replied, laughing.

`I should carry a revolver,' she said. `I'm sure he's dangerous.'

`I might blow my fingers off,' he said.

`No; but won't you?' she pleaded.

`No.'

`Not anything?'

`No.'

`And you'll leave him to --?'

`Yes.'

`You are a fool!'

`Fact!'

She set her teeth with anger.

`I could shake you!' she cried, trembling with passion.

`Why?'

`Let a man like him do as he likes with you.'

`You can go back to him if he triumphs,' he said.

`Do you want me to hate you?' she asked.

`Well, I only tell you,' he said.

`And you say you love me!' she exclaimed, low and indignant.

`Ought I to slay him to please you?' he said. `But if I did, see what a hold he'd have over me.'