"
"Will nothing induce you to abandon this wicked purpose?"
"Nothing on earth, Paul!"
"Nothing?"
"No! so help me Heaven! Give way--let me go, Paul."
"You must not go, Miriam."
"I must and will--and that directly. Stand aside."
"Then you shall not go."
"Shall not?"
"I said 'shall not.'"
"Who will prevent me?"
"I will! You are a maniac, Miriam, and must be restrained from going
abroad, and setting the county in a conflagration."
"You will have to guard me very close for the whole of my life, then."
At that moment the door was quietly opened, and Mr. Willcoxen entered.
Miriam's countenance changed fearfully, but she wrung her hand from the
clasp of Paul's, and hastened toward the door.
Paul sprang forward and intercepted her.
"What does this mean?" asked Mr. Willcoxen, stepping up to them.
"It means that she is mad, and will do herself or somebody else much
mischief," cried Paul, sharply.
"For shame, Paul! Release her instantly," said Thurston,
authoritatively.
"Would you release a lunatic, bent upon setting the house on fire?"
expostulated the young man, still holding her.
"She is no lunatic; let her go instantly, sir."
Paul, with a groan, complied.
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