I was prepared to suffer for my action.

I had thought it all out.

Then _you_ came in--and by _force majeure_ compelled me to give it all up!' Elizabeth could not help laughing.
'I never heard any account of an incident which fitted less with the facts!' she said with vivacity.
'It exactly fits them!' the Squire insisted.

'When I told you what I meant to do, instead of sympathy--instead of simple acquiescence, for how the deuce were you responsible!--you threatened to throw up the work I cannot now possibly accomplish without you--' 'Mr.Levasseur ?' suggested Elizabeth.
'Levasseur be hanged!' said the Squire, taking an angry pace up and down.

'Don't please interrupt me.