That Betty had loved Norton seemed inconsequential even; it was a memory to be swept away by the force of his greater passion.

So he watched her smilingly, but back of the smile was the menace of unleashed impulse.
"Can't you find some word of welcome for me, Betty ?" he asked at length, still softly, still with something of entreaty in his tone.
"Then it was you--not Tom--who had me brought here!" She could have thanked God had it been Tom, whose hate was not to be feared as she feared this man's love.
"Tom--no!" and Murrell laughed.

"You didn't think I'd give you up?
I am standing with a halter, about my neck, and all for your sake--who'd risk as much for love of you ?" he seemed to expand with savage pride that this was so, and took a step toward her.
"Don't come near me!" cried Betty.

Her eyes blazed, and she looked at him with' loathing.
"You'll learn to be kinder," he exulted.

"You wouldn't see me at Belle Plain; what was left for me but to have you brought here ?" While Murrell was speaking, the signal that had told of his own presence on the opposite shore of the bayou was heard again.