w; he
has written me several very agitated letters. But really I cannot help
it. The affair is over--done with. I regard the letters as my
personal property. I cannot see that it is any one else's business at
all."

"Of course it is our business," he answered seriously. "Those letters
must be destroyed. I do not accuse you of any deliberate malicious
intentions, but there is, as far as I can see, only one motive in your
keeping them. I have not seen them, but from what I have heard I
gather that they contain definite promise of marriage. Your case is a
strong one."

"Yes," she laughed. "Poor Robin's enthusiasm led him to some very
violent expressions of affection. But, Mr. Trojan, revenge is sweet.
Every woman, I think, likes it, and I am no exception to my sex.
Aren't you a little unfair in claiming all the pleasure and none of the
pain?"

"No," he answered firmly. "I am not. It is as much for your own sake
as for his that I am making my claim. You cannot see things in fair
proportion now; you will bitterly regret the step you contemplate
taking."

"Well, I am sure," she replied, "it is very good of you to think of me
like that. I am deeply touched--you seem to take quite a fatherly
interest." She lay back in her chair and watched him with eyes half
closed.

He was beginning to believe that it was no pose after all, and his
anger rose.

"Come, Miss Feverel," he said, "let's have done with playing--let us
come to terms. It is a matter of vital importance that I should
receive the letters. I am ready to go some lengths to obtain them.
What are your terms?"

She flushed a little.

"Isn't that a little rude, Mr. Trojan?" she said. "It is of course the
melodramatic attitude. It was not long ago that I saw a play in which
letters figured. Pistols were fired, and the heroine wore red plush.
Is that to be our style now? I am sorry that I cannot oblige you.
There are no pistols, but I will tell you frankly that it is no
question of terms. I refuse, under any circumstances whatever, to
return the letters."

"That is your absolute decision?"

"My absolute decision."

He got up and stood, for a moment, by her chair.

"My dear," he said, "you do not know what you are doing. You are
disappointed, you are insulted--you think that you will have your
revenge at all costs. You do not know now, but you will discover
later, that it has been no revenge at all. It will be the most
regretted actio