I have much to say to you, and I may not have another opportunity.' Gladys tried to pass on, but finding that Colonel Vaughan's hand was on her arm, and that he was resolved to detain her, she endeavoured to summon up all her resolution and sense, and to answer his questions, whatever they might be, according to what she might think right.
'You will be so good as to account to my mistress for this delay, sir,' she said.

'I am no longer a free agent.' 'I shall do no such thing; neither will you, I hope ?' 'I most certainly shall, if necessary.' 'Never mind; I must know, at all risks, who and what you are.' 'I am Irish on my father's side, and Welsh on my mother's; my name is O'Grady.' 'But you were not born in the position you now occupy ?' 'My father was a corporal in the Welsh Fusiliers; I was brought up to work for my bread.' 'And your mother ?' 'Was the daughter, I believe, of a clergyman.' 'I was sure of that--and she educated you ?' 'She taught me what she herself knew.' 'What brought you into Wales ?' 'Starvation.' 'How did you get to Mr Prothero's ?' 'I was a beggar and they took me in out of charity.' 'Why did you leave them and come here ?' 'Because they wished it.' 'Say because Owen Prothero was in love with you.' No answer.
'Do you love that rough sailor ?' No answer.
'I must know all, Gladys.

I must and will.' 'Colonel Vaughan, I shall only answer such questions as you, as a gentleman, may _think_ you have a right to ask a friendless girl, whom you forcibly detain.

You _know_ you have no right to ask this.' Colonel Vaughan looked at the usually shy girl, and saw a spirit and resolution in her bearing that he had not believed were in her.
'I beg your pardon, Gladys, I was wrong.

Can you endure the state of dependence you are now in ?' 'I consider myself independent I work for my bread, and am paid for it.' 'But you might be independent without working.' 'Impossible, unless beggary is independence.' 'Quite possible; I am sure you must feel your dependence on such an imperious mistress as you now have.' 'My present mistress, sir, Miss Gwynne, is far too noble to let any one feel dependent, even those who are, like myself, wholly her servants.' 'You like Miss Gwynne ?' 'I respect and love her.