sn't
the slightest doubt about it. I tell you frankly that the details of
your private life in an ordinary way do not interest me in the least.
But, on the other hand, I will not have you playing the Don Juan amongst
the daughters of my tenants. You have been very foolish and you will
have to pay for it. I do not wish to make you lose your train to-night,
but you must understand that if you ever return to Thorpe, you must
bring back Letty Foulton as your wife."

He stared at her incredulously.

"As my--wife!" he exclaimed.

"Precisely," Wilhelmina answered. "I will give her a wedding present of
a thousand pounds, and I will see that your own position here is made a
permanent one."

He had the appearance of a man beside himself with anger. Was this to be
the end of his schemes and hopes! He, to marry the pretty uneducated
daughter of a working farmer--a girl, too, who was his already for the
asking. He struggled with a torrent of ugly words.

"I--I must refuse!" he said, denying himself more vigorous terms with an
effort.

She looked at him steadily.

"Better think it over, Mr. Hurd," she said. "I am in earnest."

He hesitated for a moment, and then, with a glance at the clock, moved
towards the door.

"Very well," he said, "I will think it over. I will let you know
immediately I return from London."

She shook her head.

"You can take as long as you like to reflect," she answered, "but it
must be here in this room. Mr. Macheson and I will wait."

He turned towards her.

"Miss Thorpe-Hatton," he said, "will you allow me to speak to you alone
for two minutes?"

She shook her head.

"It is not necessary," she answered. "Mr. Macheson does not count. You
can say whatever you will before him."

A smile that was half a sneer curved his lips. He was like a rat in a
corner, and he knew that he must fight. He must use the weapon which he
had feared with a coward's fear.

"The matter on which I wish to speak to you," he said, looking straight
at her, "is not directly connected with the affair which we have been
discussing. If you will give me two minutes, I think I can make you
understand."

She met his challenge without flinching. She was a shade paler, perhaps;
the little glow which the walk through the enchanted twilight had
brought into her cheeks had faded away. But her gaze was as cool and
contemptuous as before. She showed no sign of any fear--of any desire to
conciliate.

"I think," she said, "t