He bent slightly towards her. His hold upon her was not wholly
steady. It was as if some hidden force vibrated strongly within
him, making itself felt to his very finger-tips. Yet his face was
perfectly composed, even grim, as he said, "There is one thing I
want to say to you before you go. Sylvia, I haven't asserted any
right over you so far. But don't forget--don't let anyone induce
you to forget--that the right is mine! I may claim it--some day."
That aroused her from preoccupation very effectually. The colour
flamed in her face. "Burke! I don't understand you!" she said,
speaking quickly and rather breathlessly, for her heart was beating
fast and hard. "Have you gone mad?"
"No, I am not mad," he said, and faintly smiled.
"I am just looking after our joint interests, that's all."
She opened her eyes wide. "Still I don't understand you," she
said. "I thought you promised--I thought we agreed--that you were
never to interfere with my liberty."
"Unless you abused it," said Burke.
She flinched a little in spite of herself, so uncompromising were
both his tone and attitude. But in a moment she drew herself
erect, facing him fearlessly.
"I don't think you know--quite--what you are saying to me," she
said. "You are tired, and you are looking at things--all crooked.
Will you please take a rest this afternoon? I am sure you need it.
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