"Speak, my lord! and your slave answers." She has thrown some mockery into her tone.
"I am not your lord," says Rylton.

He drops her arms, and lets her go, and stands well back from her.

"That is the last part assigned to me." Mrs.Bethune's gaze grows concentrated.

It is fixed on him.

What does he mean?
What is the object of this flat rebellion--this receding from her authority?
Strength is hers, as well as charm, and she comes to the front bravely.
"Now what _is_ it ?" asks she, creeping up to him again, and now slipping her arm around his neck.