"Pray, let us into these mysteries, one of you. Margaret, what is it I
hear, of a visit from Philip? of a British plot? By heaven, if I
thought--but explain the matter, if you please."
"I have no right to," said she, her face more and more suffused with
red. "'Tis not my secret alone; others are concerned."
"It appears," rejoined Mr. Faringfield, "it is a secret that abides in
my house, and therefore I have a right to its acquaintance. I command
you to explain."
"Command?" she echoed lightly, with astonishment. "Is a married woman
subject to her father's commands?"
"An inmate of my house is subject to my commands," he replied,
betraying his hidden wrath by a dark look.
"I beg your pardon," said she. "That part of the house which Philip
has paid, or will pay, for my living in, is my own, for the time
being. I shall go there--"
"You shall not leave this room," cried her father, stalking toward the
door. "You fall back upon Philip's name. Very well, he has delegated
the care of you to me in his absence. 'Tis time I should represent his
authority over you, when I hear of your plotting against his country."
"I have a right to be loyal to the king, above the authority of a
husband."
"If your loyalty extends to plotting against your husband's cause, you
have not the right under my roof--or under Philip Winwood's part of
it. I will know what this scheme is, that you have been engaged in.
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