"What motive could Mrs. Arnot have had for such a request?" "I will tell you, and when you know the whole truth you will see how mistaken you are, and how greatly you wrong me. Aunt wanted me to help her keep you home evenings, and away from all sorts of horrid places to which you were fond of going." These words gave Haldane a cue which he at once followed, and he said eagerly: "If you will be my wife, I will do anything you wish. I will make myself good, great, and renowned for your sake. Your smiles will keep me from every temptation. But I warn you that if you cast me off--if you trifle with me--I shall become a reckless man. I shall be ruined. My only impulse will be self-destruction." Laura was now thoroughly incensed, and she said indignantly: "Mr. Haldane, I should think you would be ashamed to talk in that manner. It's the same as if a spoiled boy should say: If you don't give me what I wish, right or wrong, I will do something dreadful. If I ever do love a man, it will be one that I can look up to and respect, and not one who must be coaxed and bribed to give up disgusting vices. If you do not open that door I will call uncle." The door opened, and Mr. Arnot entered with a heavy frown upon his brow. CHAPTER VI "GLOOMY GRANDEUR" Mr. Arnot's library was on the side of the hall opposite to the drawing-room. Though he had been deeply intent upon his writing, he at last became conscious that there were some persons in the parlor who were talking in an unusual manner, and he soon distinguished the voice of his niece. Haldane's words, manner, and glances at the dinner-table at once recurred to him, and stepping silently to the drawing-room door, he heard the latter part of the colloquy narrated in the previous chapter. He was both amused and angry, and while relieved to find that his niece was indulging in no "sentimental nonsense," he had not a particle of sympathy or charity for Haldane, and he determined to give the young man a "lesson that would not soon be forgotten." "What is the meaning of this ridiculous scene?" he demanded sternly. "What have you been saying to this child?" Haldane at first had been much abashed by the entrance of his employer; but his tone and manner stung the young fellow into instant anger, and he replied haughtily: "She is not a child, and what I have said concerns Miss Romeyn only." "Ah, indeed! I have no right to protect my niece in my own house!" "My intentions toward Miss Romeyn are entirely honorable, and there is no occasion for protection."