Her knees grew weak and a faintness assailed her heart, almost to overpowering.

"You--you must not--shall not say a word to Hugh.

I forbid you--I--" "Why are you so agitated?
Why am I not to speak to him?
He is fair-minded, and I know he likes me." "You don't know what it would mean to me.

There is something you do not know.

No, no! You shall not speak to Hugh." It was her turn to command, and he wavered.
"Your will is the law which I obey.