"But we are wasting time. Proceed with me to
Vicksburg, and I pledge you my honor you shall not be injured or
insulted."
"Your honor!" said Emily, bitterly. "It is but a poor dependence for an
unprotected female."
"Gently, Miss Dumont! Do not rouse the demon within me by such taunts."
"I fear the worst demon of your nature is already in the ascendency."
"Enough! Will you go, or will you not?" said Maxwell, impatiently.
"I will not!"
"Then I must claim you as my slave,--do not start!--and _compel_ you."
"Bond or free, I will not stir from beneath this roof with you," replied
Emily, with calm resolution. All hope, if she had cherished any, was
gone. Silently she breathed a prayer for strength and meekness to endure
all; for fortitude to enable her to struggle till death with the
oppression of her enemy; and for courage to meet any emergency in which
her lot might be cast.
"It must be done! I will hesitate no longer!" said Maxwell, seizing
Emily by the arm.
"Look here, you varmint, that won't do here!" exclaimed the mistress of
the house, who, much against her inclination, had remained silent during
the past fifteen minutes.
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