The bantering, whimsical tone was gone.

Now her tormentor's voice was stern and cold, the voice of a man who was playing for great stakes and meant to win them.
She also gave up fencing.
"I am and I do," she answered.
"Then it can be done--at a price." "What price ?" "Yourself in marriage within three weeks." Lysbeth quivered slightly, then sat still.
"Would not my fortune do instead ?" she asked.
"Oh! what a poor substitute you offer me," Montalvo said, with a return to his hateful banter.

Then he added, "That offer might be considered were it not for the abominable laws which you have here.

In practice it would be almost impossible for you to hand over any large sum, much of which is represented by real estate, to a man who is not your husband.
Therefore I am afraid I must stipulate that you and your possessions shall not be separated." Again Lysbeth sat silent.

Montalvo, watching her with genuine interest, saw signs of rebellion, perchance of despair.