He drew near with the utmost assurance.
"Allow me to deal with her!" he said, and reached out a hand to touch her.
But at that action Merryon's wrath burst into sudden flame.

"Curse you, keep away!" he thundered.

"Lay a finger on her at your peril!" The other stood still, but his eyes gleamed evilly.

"My good sir," he said, "you have not yet grasped the situation.

It is not a pleasant one for you--for either of us; but it has got to be grasped.