He was commanding and humble by turns, his voice was tremulous
with passion, yet not a word did Barbara speak in answer.
Rosmore lapsed into silence again, and he trembled a little with the
passion that was in him. Love her he certainly did in his own way, and
he bit his lip and clenched his hands, furious at his failure. It took
him some time to control himself.
"There are many reasons why you should marry me," he said presently.
"Some of them I have given, but there are others why you must marry me."
He gave her time to answer, but she neither spoke nor moved. Her
indifference maddened him.
"Your uncle is wholly in my power, you must have guessed that. A word
from me, and this fellow Crosby hangs. Sir John is afraid, and you
cannot suppose that I have left Crosby in Dorchester to go or come as
he likes. He cannot move without my help. I wonder if you realise what
your persistent refusal of me will mean. You may drive me to harsh
measures, and make a devil of me. Thwart me, and I stand at nothing. I
will bring your uncle to the hangman, and Crosby shall rot in chains at
four cross-roads."
Barbara moved slightly, but she tightly shut her lips that she might not
be tempted to speak.
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