I sha'n't let you go back. If
you resist my authority, I shall explain everything to any one who
asks, that's all.--Who was that lady you were talking to?"
"She lives in the little house over there. I must go and speak to
her."
"Does she know?"
"No."
"What have you to say to her, then?"
They looked into each other's eyes for a moment. Northway was
gauging the strength of her character, and he half believed that by
an exertion of all his energy he might overcome her, lead her away
at once. He remembered that before the close of this day Quarrier's
secret would be universally known, and when that had come to pass,
he would have no hold upon either the man or the woman. They would
simply turn their backs upon him, and go beyond his reach.
He laid his hand upon her, and the touch, the look in his eyes,
drove Lilian to the last refuge.
"You must go with me, then, to Mr. Quarrier," she said, firmly. "You
have no power to stop me. I shall go home, and you must follow me,
if you choose."
"No, you will go with _me_! Do you hear? I command you to come with
me!"
It was his best imitation of resistless authority, and he saw, even
in speaking, that he had miscalculated. Lilian drew back a step and
looked at him with defiance.
"Command me, you cannot. I am as free from your control as any
stranger."
"Try, and see.
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