She has commanded you to be silent.

If you obey her commands, I owe it to myself and I owe it to my family to release you from your engagement.

Choose between your duty to Lady Janet and your duty to Me." He had mastered his temper at last: he spoke with dignity, and he spoke to the point.

His position was unassailable; he claimed nothing but his right.
"My choice was made," Mercy answered, "when I gave you my promise upstairs." She waited a little, struggling to control herself on the brink of the terrible revelation that was coming.

Her eyes dropped before his; her heart beat faster and faster; but she struggled bravely.