If I were wholly in his power, he could do with me as he would, and need not trouble about any promises of mine.

This led me to defy him still.
"Herod Voltaire," I said, "villain by your own admission, I do not believe in your power; but, admitting it for the moment, I still refuse to do what you ask me.

You have guessed my secret.

I love Gertrude Forrest with all my heart, and I will promise neither you nor any other man to give up hopes of winning her.

And mark you this, too.