"
They went through the shrubbery, through the broad, green glades
of the park, where the dew drops shone upon fern leaves and thick
grass, past the long avenue of chestnut trees, where the wind
moaned like a human being in deadly pain; on to the shore of the
deep, calm lake, where the green reeds bent and swayed and the
moonlight shone on the rippling waters. All this while Hugh had
not spoken a word, but had walked in silence by her side. He
turned to her at length, and she heard the rising passion in his
voice.
"You promised me," he said, "and you must keep your promise. You
said you would be my wife. No other man must dare to speak to
you of love," he cried, grasping her arm. "In the sight of
Heaven you are mine, Beatrice Earle."
"I am not," she answered proudly; "and I never will be; no man
would, or could take advantage of a promise obtained from a
willful, foolish child."
"I will appeal to Lord Earle," he said; I will lay my claim
before him."
"You may do so," she replied; "and, although he will never look
upon me again, he will protect me from you."
She saw the angry light flame in his eyes; she heard his breath
come in quick, short gasps, and the danger of quarreling with him
struck her.
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