“It is Stephen Bromley,” said she.  “He is coming to his nets.  They say he is a very desperate, violent man, but he will protect me.”

“You obstinate, wilful creature!” said Mr. Donne, releasing his grasp.  “You forget that one word of mine could undeceive all these good people at Eccleston; and that if I spoke out ever so little, they would throw you off in an instant.  Now!” he continued, “do you understand how much you are in my power?”

“Mr. and Miss Benson know all—­they have not thrown me off,” Ruth gasped out.

“Oh! for Leonard’s sake! you would not be so cruel.”

“Then do not be cruel to him—­to me.  Think once more!”

“I think once more.”  She spoke solemnly.  “To save Leonard from the shame and agony of knowing my disgrace I would lay down and die.  Oh! perhaps it would be best for him—­for me, if I might; my death would be a stingless grief—­but to go back into sin would be the real cruelty to him.  The errors of my youth may be washed away by my tears—­it was so once when the gentle, blessed Christ was upon earth; but now, if I went into wilful guilt, as you would have me, how could I teach Leonard God’s holy will?  I should not mind his knowing my past sin, compared to the awful corruption it would be if he knew me living now, as you would have me, lost to all fear of God——­” Her speech was broken by sobs.

“Whatever may be my doom—­God is just—­I leave myself in His hands.  I will save Leonard from evil.  Evil would it be for him if I lived with you.  I will let him die first!” She lifted her eyes to heaven, and clasped and wreathed her hands together tight.  Then she said “You have humbled me enough, sir.  I shall leave you now.”

She turned away resolutely.  The dark, grey fisherman was at hand.  Mr. Donne folded his arms and set his teeth, and looked after her.

“What a stately step she has!  How majestic and graceful all her attitudes were!  She thinks she has baffled me now.  We will try something more, and bid a higher price.”  He unfolded his arms, and began to follow her.  He gained upon her, for her beautiful walk was now wavering and unsteady.  The works which had kept her in motion were running down fast.

“Ruth!” said he, overtaking her.  “You shall hear me once more.  Ay, look round!  Your fisherman is near.  He may hear me, if he chooses—­hear your triumph.  I am come to offer to marry you, Ruth; come what may, I will have you.  Nay—­I will make you hear me.  I will hold this hand till you have heard me.  To-morrow I will speak to any one in Eccleston you like—­to Mr. Bradshaw; Mr. ——­, the little minister I mean.  We can make it worth while for him to keep our secret, and no one else need know but what you are really Mrs. Denbigh.  Leonard shall still bear this name, but in all things else he shall be treated as my son.  He and you would grace any situation.  I will take care the highest paths are open to him!” He looked to see the lovely face brighten into sudden joy; on the contrary, the head was still hung down with a heavy droop.