nt was not formal, it was so well
understood that all the preparations have been ordered and begun by both
parties. But that you may clearly understand me, Col. Anglesea, and that
you may drop this matter at once and forever, I must assure you that if I
were entirely free I could never accept your offer, because I could never
like you well enough."

Notwithstanding her decided refusal and frank explanation, Anglesea would
take no denial, but continued to press his odious suit, until at length
Joshua, seeing his mistress' distress, and knowing who caused it, started
up and made a spring at the man's throat. Quick as lightning Odalite
seized the dog by the collar and drew him down.

"You see," she said, "if you continue to persecute me, I shall not be able
to keep the dog off you. I think you had better go home."

"And I think you had better quiet that brute! For if he should attack me
again, I shall shoot him dead," exclaimed Anglesea, savagely, drawing a
small revolver from his pocket and holding it in his hand.

The girl looked up at the man for the first time since they had met in the
wood, but it was with a gaze so fearless, so full of scorn, that the
ruffian's eyes fell beneath it.

"Come, Joshua, good dog, let us go home. We have 'fallen among thieves'
this morning. Our woods are no longer safe for you and me. They are
infested with brigands! Do you know what a brigand is, Joshua? A brigand
is a fine, brave, terrible soldier, who is not afraid of anything! Not
even afraid of insulting young ladies and shooting their faithful dogs.
When armed to the teeth, he is the terror of little boys and baby girls.
Come, Joshua!"

She arose, and keeping her hand on the dog's collar, recrossed the bridge,
and walked leisurely along the woodland path.

Col. Anglesea left his perch on the railing, and, with a mocking smile,
sauntered after her.

She turned upon him with flashing eyes.

"Keep your distance, sir! If you presume to come near me, as I live, I
will go to my father as soon as I get home, and appeal to him for
protection from you!" she said, still holding a firm grip upon the collar
of Joshua, who was grimly showing his teeth and growling

"Full defiance, hate and scorn"

of the intruder on his mistress' company.

Now that Mr. Force should hear of Angus Anglesea's suit to his daughter
from herself, and at this stage of the proceedings, was a misfortune that
Col. Anglesea would most earn