Speak, or, before God, I will strike!" Then Lot Gordon spoke.

"I love you, Madelon," said he.
"Say what I bid you, Lot Gordon; not that." "All your bidding is in that." "Will you ?" "I will clear--Burr." Madelon slipped her knife away, and stood back.

Margaret Bean slunk farther around past the bedpost.

Neither of them could see her.
"On one condition," said Lot Gordon.
"What ?" "That you marry me." Madelon gasped.

"You ?" Lot laughed faintly, stretching his ghastly mouth.