His touch broke the spell, the
paralysis of dread, and she burst out, "No, no, you cannot marry me
when my whole soul protests. I will not be married!"
"Louise, I command you," began Mr. Baron excitedly.
"It makes no difference. I will not! I will not!" was the passionate
and almost despairing response.
"Oh, come, cousin, you are just excited, frightened, and off your
balance," said Whately soothingly.
"My dear Miss Baron," added the clergyman, "let me reassure you. It
is evident that you are a little nervous and hysterical. Pray be
calm and trust your relatives to do what is best for you. I do not
wonder that your nerves have given way and that--"
"My nerves have not given way. Unfriended child that I am, I must
not lose self-control. God grant that my WILL does not give way."
"Unfriended!" exclaimed Mrs. Whately reproachfully. "Few girls in
these times have so many to care and think for them. We are all bent
on securing your welfare at every cost."
"Yes, at every cost to me."
"Dr.
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