oner I leave this world for
other realms the sooner I shall be able to pursue those others who
have injured me and passed on to--a fresh habitation. Do you
understand? Do you understand that I will brook no interference from
you? Peace, child, I want no more talk. When this night is over I
leave here--nor shall I ever willingly cross your path again. You are
another woman's child, and so long as you live, so long as we are
brought into contact, the sting of the past must ever remain in my
heart. Go to your bed, and leave me to watch and wait until the
morning."

The old woman's domination was strong--it was so strong that Joan felt
appalled before the terrible mental force she was putting forth. The
horror of her diseased mind sickened her, and filled her with
something closely allied to terror. But she would not submit. Her love
was greater than her courage, her power to resist for herself. She was
thinking of those two men, but most of all she was thinking of Buck.
She was determined upon another effort. And when that effort was
spent--upon still another.

"Listen to me, aunt," she cried with no longer any attempt at appeal,
with no longer any display of regard for this woman as a relation. "I
am mistress in my own house, and I shall do as I choose. I, too, shall
sit up and you will have to listen to me."

Mercy smiled ironically.

"Yes, you are mistress in your own house, so long as you do not
attempt to interfere with my plans. Sit up, girl, if you choose, and
talk. I am prepared to listen even though your twaddle bores me."

A sound caught Joan's attention, and the desperate position of her
lover and his friend set thought flashing swiftly through her mind.
The sound was of Mrs. Ransford moving in the kitchen.

"Then listen to this," she cried. "You have told me that I am cursed.
You have told me that death and disaster must follow me wherever I go.
I love Buck. It is the first and only time I shall ever love. I know
that. He is the love of my whole life. Without him, without his love,
life to me is inconceivable. He and his love are so precious to me
that I would give my life for his at any moment--now, if need be. I
want you to know that. You have armed yourself so that I shall not
interfere with your plans. I tell you it is useless, for I shall warn
him--cost me what it may."

She watched the other closely. She watched for the effect of her
words--every one of which was spoken from the bottom of her hea