Do let me go.

I won't be a minute." But the raven cocked his head on one side and looked at Hugh rather sternly.
"No," he said.

"You cannot go for Jeanne.

I do not wish it at present." Hugh felt rather angry.

Why should Dudu lay down the law to him in this way?
"But I promised," he began.
"People should not promise what they are not sure of being able to perform," he said sententiously.