"Sir!" exclaimed Emily, aghast with astonishment and indignation, for
the abruptness of the degrading proposition nearly deprived her of the
power of speech.
"Even so, Emily. I have the power to restore your rights, and will do so
on this condition. The ceremony may be performed at Natchez, where we
shall arrive to-night; or, if you fear I promise more than I can
perform, I will draw up an agreement, which you shall sign, to the
effect that you will accept my hand on the restoration of your rights. I
will give you two hours to think of it; and if, at the end of that time,
you accept the proposal, I will at once take the necessary steps to
regain your fortune, and remove the stigma which rests on your name."
"Never, sir, never! I will die a beggar before I will owe my prosperity
to such a contract!" exclaimed Emily, whose indignation now found
utterance.
"I beg madam will reflect before she decides," said Maxwell, in a
satirical tone.
"Sir, I will die upon the rack, before the hand of a villain shall lead
me to the altar!" answered Emily, unable to control her feelings.
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