Page:In the Roar of the Sea.djvu/210

202 "You see, I must do what I can for Jamie." "Always Jamie." "Yes, Captain Coppinger, always Jamie. He is helpless and must be thought for. I am mother, nurse, sister to him."

"His providence," sneered Coppinger. "The means under Providence of preserving him," said Judith. "And me—would you do aught for me?"

"Did I not come down the cliffs for you? " asked the girl. "Heaven forgive me that I forgot that for one moment," he answered, with vehemence. "Happy—happy—happiest of any in this vile world is the man for whom you will think, and scheme and care and dare—as you do for Jamie." "There is none such," said Judith.

"No—I know that," he answered, gloomily, and strode forward with his head down. Ten minutes had elapsed in silence, and Polzeath was approached. Then suddenly Coppinger let go his hold of Judith, caught the rein of Black Bess, and arrested her. Standing beside Judith, he said, in a peevish, low tone:

"I touched your hand, and said I was subject to a queen." He bent, took her foot and kissed it. "You repulsed me as subject; you are my mistress—accept me as your slave."