d, for she had turned impatiently
away; 'it always does rouse some women's contempt to be told of a love
they don't feel in return. But I did love you, as I suppose I never
shall love again. As for Gilda, I don't mind confessing that, on my
side at all events, there is no very passionate emotion. She is
handsome enough in her peculiar style, but then it doesn't happen to
appeal to me. Still, she will bring me money and position, and she
does me the honour (if I may say so without vanity) of caring very
decidedly for _me_--it is fair enough on both sides. What right have
you, what right has any one in the world, to interfere and make
mischief between us?'

'None, perhaps--I don't know,' she said. 'But I have told you that I
shall not interfere. All I am quite sure of is that I am right to
protect Dolly, and, if I am asked, to speak the truth for Gilda's
sake. And I mean to do it.'

'I have told you already what that will end in,' he said. 'Mabel, you
can't really be so relentless! I ask you once more to have some
consideration for me. We were old playmates together once, there was a
time when we were almost lovers, you did not always hate me like this.
You might remember that now. If--if I were to promise not to go near
Dolly----'

'I trusted you once before,' she said, 'you know how you repaid it. I
will make no more terms. Besides, even if I were silent, there are
others who know----'

'None who would not be silent if you wished it,' urged Caffyn,
eagerly. 'Give me one more chance, Mabel!'

'You have had my answer--I shall not change it,' she said: 'now take
me back, please, we have been here long enough.'

Caffyn had been anxious from motives of pure economy to try fair means
first, before resorting to extreme measures: he had tried irony,
argument, flattery, and sentiment, and all in vain. It was time for
his last _coup_. He motioned her to remain as she half rose.

'Not yet,' he said. 'I have something to say to you first, and you
must hear it--you have driven me to it.... Remember that, when I have
finished!'

She sank back again half quelled by the power she felt in the man.
From the streets below came up the constant roll of wheels and
'clip-clop' of hoofs from passing broughams, intermingled now and then
with shouts and shrill whistles telling of early departures from
sundry awning-covered porticoes around.

From the music-room within came the sound of waltz music, only
slightly muffled by doors and