"Can you forget," she went on, in low, passionate tones, "all we have been to one another through the long, dark years of our fight with poverty and oppression? All I have done for your sake? That I broke my husband's heart--for he loved me even as I love you--I left my babies, and have never seen them since; broke with every friend and loved one on earth for you! Have you forgotten all I have done in this work? The tireless zeal with which I've fought your battles? Can you kick me from your presence now as though I were a dog?" Wolf pursed his thick lips and scowled. "No, I mean that you shall stay where you are and take charge of my new household. Barbara will need your assistance." "Barbara!" she gasped. "I have chosen her as the new regent," Wolf calmly answered. "I will announce our marriage at the dedication of the palace." "And you think that I will accept such shame?" "I'm sure you will!" he quickly answered with an ominous threat in his tone. The woman sprang to her feet and faced him, her tall, lithe figure tense with passion. "I dare you to try it!" "Dare?" Wolf repeated in a low growl. "I said it!" she cried, defiantly. "From the very housetop I'll shout the story of our life. I'll show you I'm a power you must reckon with----" "And I'll show you," Wolf answered "that there's but one power that counts now in the world of realities in which we live--the elemental force of tooth, and nail, and claw--do you understand?" He thrust his big, ugly face into hers and a look of terror flashed from her eyes as she saw his features convulsed with fury. "Please, Herman!" she pleaded at last in a feeble, childish voice. "You are still daring me?" "No, I give up--surely you will not strike me!" she gasped. "Not unless I have to," he answered, with cold menace. CHAPTER XXXV LOVE AND LOCKSMITHS Barbara sat in the little rose bower on the lawn puzzling her brain for the thousandth time over impossible schemes to communicate with Norman. From day to day she had watched with increasing fear the rapid growth of Wolf's cruel instincts under the conditions of tyranny he had established. She had appealed in vain to every man in authority. Everywhere the same answer. The regent's power inspired a terror which no appeal could penetrate. She started with a sudden thought. Among the guards who stood watch at Wolf's door was the nineteen-year-old boy who had acted as usher and shown Norman to a seat in the Socialist Hall the night they met. She had caught a peculiar look in his face the last time she entered Wolf's office. Could it be possible he was in love with her in the helpless, heroic, boy fashion of his age? She would put him to the test. It was worth trying. She found him on guard in the corridor outside Wolf's door, approached him cautiously, touched his hand timidly, and whispered: "Jimmy, I'm in great distress."