"I promise, damn you all! Bring her to
me, tonight,
and the charges will be dropped."
Stephen stepped away, and to the center of the room, feeling awkward
and stiff. This was the closest thing to a confidence that his father
had shown him in many years.
"Thank you, Father. That should be agreeable..... You might as well
start back. If I may speak to Mrs. Scott alone, I think I can convince
her that it is the only way."
"See that you do!" he growled, turning on the woman once more. "If you
can't, bring her instead. I'm not over-fond of hostages, but they
usually bring the desired result. Good day
, Mrs. Scott." Without further speech he filed past and out the door,
remounted his fierce gray, and rode off.
Stephen was silent for several minutes, as if confused in his
loyalties. Then turned again to face the woman. He spoke stiffly.
"Mrs. Scott. I must apologize to you for my conduct at our last
meeting. You have no reason to believe it, I'm sure. But I am not the
same man now, that I was. Your niece, my sister, has forced me to look
at myself in a new light.
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