The Squire looked sombrely down upon her.
'So you _still_ intend to leave us,' he said slowly, 'after what I have done ?' 'What have you done ?' said Elizabeth faintly.
'Made myself a laughing-stock to the whole country-side!--and thrown all my principles overboard--to content you--and save my book!' The reply was given with an angry energy that shook her.

'I have humbled myself to the dust to meet your sentimental ideas--and there you sit--as stony and inaccessible as this fellow here!'-- he brought his hand down with vehemence on the Roman emperor's shoulder.

'Not a word of gratitude--or concession--or sympathy! I was indeed a fool to take any trouble to please you!' Elizabeth was silent.

They surveyed each other.

'No agitation!' said Elizabeth's inner mind; 'keep cool!' At last she withdrew her own eyes from the angry tension of his--dropped them to the table where her right hand was mechanically drawing nonsense figures on her blotting-paper.
'Did you really yourself take down that barricade ?' she said gently.
'I did! And it was an infernal piece of work!' 'I'm awfully glad!' Her voice was very soft.
'I daresay you are.