ession over her brow, cheeks, neck. Her eyes scintillated, and her
chest heaved.

"'Please answer us, Teresa,' said Darling, after a most painful silence
of a minute, which seemed an hour.

"She raised her flashing eyes to his, and her tones seemed to stab him
as she uttered, '_You_? you too?' Then gathering up her riding-skirt,
she made haste to leave us, but found the door guarded by Tom Allen.
When she saw that she was really a prisoner among us, alarm seized her,
and woman-like, she began to cry, but not passionately or humbly. Her
spirit was still equal to the occasion, and she faced us with the tears
running over her cheeks.

"'If there is a man among you with a spark of honor, open this door! Mr.
Kittredge, this is your house. Allow me to ask if I am to be retained a
prisoner in it, or what you expect to gain by my forcible detention?"

"Tom Allen whispered something unheard by any save her, and she struck
at him with her riding-whip. This caused both Darling and myself to
interpose, and I turned door-keeper while Allen retreated to the other
side of the room with rather a higher color than usual on his lumpish
face. All this while--not a long while, at all--King had remained in
sullen silence, scowling at the proceedings. At this juncture, however,
he spoke:

"'Boys,' said he, 'this joke has gone far enough, and if you will permit
us to take our leave, I will see Miss Bryant safe home.'

"Involuntarily she turned toward the only one who proffered help; but
Darling and I were too angry at the ruse to allow him to succeed, and
stood our ground by the door. 'You see, Teresa, how it is,' continued
King, glancing at us defiantly: 'these fellows mean to keep you a
prisoner in this house until they make you do and say as they please.'

"'What is it you wish me to do and say?" asked Teresa, with forced
composure.

"'We wish you to state,' said I, hoarsely, 'whether or not you are or
have been engaged to either of us. We want you to say it because we are
all candidates for your favor, and because there is a dispute among us
as to whose claim is the strongest. It will put an end to our quarrel,
and secure to you the instant return of your liberty, if you will
declare the truth.'

"At that she sank down on a chair and covered her face with her hands.
After a little time she gathered courage and looked up at Darling and
me. I observed, even then, that she took no notice of the others. 'If I
am promised to either