"He would not take _no_ for an answer," said Felise. "He wanted her to take time to think of all the advantages he offered her, and he is coming in a week to hear her decision." "The silly old dotard!" ejaculated her mother. "Well, all he can get by his persistence is a second refusal." Felise Herbert straightened herself in her chair, and looked at her mother with a strange smile on her face. "I do not intend that he shall get a _second refusal_!" she said, in a low voice that was very firm and incisive. Mrs. Arnold stared at her daughter in blank surprise and incredulity. "Why, Felise, what can you mean?" she inquired. "I mean that Bonnibel Vere shall marry Colonel Carlyle!" her daughter answered, in the same low, determined voice. "Why, my dear, you know it cannot be when she already has a _husband_! Besides, I did not know that you wanted them to marry. I thought--I thought--" said Mrs. Arnold, stopping short because surprise had overpowered her. She looked at the white figure sitting so quietly there in the arm-chair, with some apprehension. Had Felise's disappointment impaired her reason? "You need not look at me so strangely, mother," said Felise. "I assure you I am not mad, as your eyes imply. I am as sane as you are; but I have said that Bonnibel Vere shall marry my recreant lover, and I mean to keep my word. She has stolen him from me, and now she shall marry him and get out of my way! Or perhaps you would prefer to keep her here to spoil the next eligible chance I get," said Felise, looking at her mother with burning eyes. "I don't see how you can bring her to consent to such a thing, even if you are in earnest, my dear." "You have got to help me, mother. You shall tell her that you will not allow her to refuse Colonel Carlyle--that she shall become his wife, and that if she does not revoke her rejection, you will turn her instantly into the street!" "Felise, will you tell me why you are so determined upon their marriage? I supposed you were unwilling to it--it would be only natural for you to oppose it--but you seem as anxious for it as Colonel Carlyle himself. Again, I ask you why? "Mother, I told you I would take revenge upon my rival. This is a part of my revenge. Their marriage will be the first act in the drama. Do not ask me how I am going to proceed. Let me work out my revenge in my own way. I owe them both a score. Never fear but I will pay it off with interest!" "But, Felise, you must know that Bonnibel would sooner declare her secret marriage than be forced into another one. I can turn her into the street if you are determined upon it; but I know I cannot make a girl as truthful and pure as Bonnibel Vere knowingly become the wife of two husbands." "I fully admit your inability to do that, mother. I do not intend to insist on your performance of impossibilities. As for Leslie Dane, look here!"'