of the money
involved, but because the doing of this simple act seemed to require such
an effort on her part."

"You are mistaken," was the quick reply, harshly accentuated. "She did
just what she wanted to do. She was not in the least coerced, unless it
was by circumstances."

"Circumstances! But that is what I mean. They seem to have been too much
for her. I want to understand these circumstances."

The lawyer honored him with his first direct look.

"I don't understand them myself," said he.

"You don't?"

"No."

Mr. Ransom set down the wineglass he had raised half-way to his lips.

"You have simply followed her orders?"

"You have said it. Your wife is a woman of much more character than you
think. She has amazed me."

"She is amazing me. I am here; she is here; only a few boards separate
us. But iron bars could not be more effectual. I dare not approach her
door; dare not ask her to accept from me the natural protection of a
lover and husband. Instinct holds me back, or her will, which may not
be stronger than mine but is certainly more dominant."

"Lawyers do not believe much in instinct as a usual thing, but I should
advise confidence in this one. A woman with a tremendous will like that
of Mrs. Ransom should be allowed a slack tether. The day will arrive when
she will come to you herself. This I have said before; I can say nothing
more to you to-night."

"Then there is nothing in the will you have drawn up to show that she has
lost her affection for me?"

The lawyer drained his glass.

"I have not been given permission to declare its terms," said he, when
his glass was again upon the table.

"In other words, I am to know nothing," exclaimed his exasperated
companion.

"Not from me."

And this ended the conversation. Ransom withdrew immediately up-stairs.

At ten o'clock he retired. The last look he cast down the hall had shown
him the drowsy figure of the maid still sitting at her watch. It seemed
to insure a peaceful night. But he had little expectation of sleep.
Though the wind had quieted down and the rain fell with increasing
gentleness, the roar of the waterfall surged through all his thoughts,
which in themselves were turbulent. He did sleep, however, slept
peacefully till half-past one, when he and all in the house were startled
by a wild and piercing cry rising from one of the rooms. Terror was in
the sound and in an instant every door was open save the two which were
shut upon G