"What are you doing,--what do you propose to do, Tamar?" said the Laird.
Tamar was fully aware that she had power to cause her patron at any
time, to yield to her caprices; and she now used this power, as women
know so well how to effect these things--not by reason--or persuasion,
but by those playful manoeuvrings, which used in an evil cause have
wrought the ruin of many a more steadfast character than Dymock.
"I have a thought dear father," she said, "a wish, a fancy, a mere whim,
and you shall not oppose me: only remain where you are; keep guard upon
the bridge, I shall not be absent long, only tell me how it has happened
that your errand here has failed, and you," she added, addressing Jacob,
"go to your master and tell him I am here."
"Why do you stand?" she added, stamping her little foot with
impatience; "why do you not obey me?" and her dark eyes flashed and
sparkled, "go and tell your master that I wish to see him."
"And who must I tell him that you are?" he asked.
"My name has been mentioned in your presence," she replied, "and if you
did not hear it the fault is your own; it will not be told again."
"Are you the daughter of this gentleman?" asked Jacob.
"You have heard what he called me," she answered, "go and deliver my
message.
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