"Not if you forbid it." That calmed her very strangely.

His tone was so quiet; it revived her courage.

She uttered a faint laugh.

"Is that the stake?
I can't refuse to pay--a debt of honour." "Thank you," he said, and she saw a curious smile gleam for a moment on his face.

"That means you are prepared to take me like a nasty pill, doesn't it?
I like your pluck.