"Or else you never leave this hall alive. Nay, call not for your
servants or your dogs! By Saint Paul! I swear to you that this
matter lies between us three, and that if any fourth comes at your
call you, at least, shall never live to see what comes of it!
Speak then, Paul of Shalford! Will you wed this woman now, or
will you not?"
Edith was on her feet with outstretched arms between them. "Stand
back, Nigel! He is small and weak. You would not do him a hurt!
Did you not say so this very day? For God's sake, Nigel, do not
look at him so! There is death in your eyes."
"A snake may be small and weak, Edith, yet every honest man would
place his heel upon it. Do you stand back yourself, for my
purpose is set."
"Paul!" she turned her eyes to the pale sneering face. "Bethink
you, Paul! Why should you not do what he asks? What matter to
you whether it be now or on Monday? I pray you, dear Paul, for my
sake let him have his way! Your brother can read the service
again if it so please him. Let us wed now, Paul, and then all is
well."
He had risen from his chair, and he dashed aside her appealing
hands. "You foolish woman," he snarled, "and you, my savior of
fair damsels, who are so bold against a cripple, you have both to
learn that if my body be weak there is the soul of my breed within
it! To marry because a boasting, ranting, country Squire would
have me do so--no, by the soul of God, I will die first! On
Monday I will marry, and no day sooner, so let that be your
answer.
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