He possessed that peculiar power, or magnetic influence, something of which almost every one has either seen or heard, and which should never be exercised except in the most judicious manner, and governed by unquestionable principles. To all appearances Editha was completely in his power, but whether it was strong enough to make her comply with his every command or not yet remained to be seen. We have all learned something of the young girl’s strength of will, in her resolute adherence to the right and her persistent opposition to everything wrong. Whether this was all instinct rooted and grounded in her nature, and strengthened for years by conscientious cultivation, which would in a measure protect her and prevent her from becoming his abject slave, could not yet be determined. But he immediately proceeded to test his power. “Pick up and bring me that paper,” he commanded, pointing to the copy of John Loker’s confession, which had fallen upon the floor. She stooped obediently and handed it to him. “Bring me your watch and chain,” was the next mandate. She hesitated a moment. It had been a gift from Richard Forrester, was very valuable, and she prized it above all her other trinkets. “Bring it,” he repeated. She went to do his bidding, and gave it to him without a murmur. But he did not care for it, it seemed, as he laid it down upon her writing-desk and left it there untouched. “Now give me that ring from your finger,” he said, pointing to the beautiful pearl that Earle had placed upon her hand. She involuntarily clasped her hands tightly together, and stood staring helplessly at him without obeying him. “Take it off,” he repeated, more sternly; but she did not move. He muttered a curse, and then bade her go bring the contents of her jewel-box. Instantly she turned to do his bidding, carefully gathered up every article and brought them to him. Then he commanded her to take them back and arrange them as they belonged. She unhesitatingly obeyed, quickly arranging everything in its place, and giving no sign of the precious treasure concealed beneath. Then she went and stood humbly before him again. “Now go and get that paper signed by John Loker and bring it to me,” he said, bending all the power of his will to influence her. She took one step forward, her eyelids quivered, her nostrils dilated, her bosom heaved; then she stopped, staring helplessly at him, while her hands were again locked in a nervous clasp. “Strange!” he muttered, with a frown. He then issued several other commands, which she obediently executed, and at last he told her once more to bring that paper, but with the same result as before. She would not do it. Her love for Earle, and her determination not to yield anything connected with him, seemed to be an instinct stronger than his power over her. Again and again he tried to gain his point, but without avail, and, with a perplexed and angry look, he muttered: