RANDAL.--"Whatever it be, he contrives to obtain a singular hold over one's mind, even where, as in my case, he has no evident interest to serve. How is this? It puzzles me!" EGERTON.--"For his interest, it is most secured where he suffers it to be least evident; for his hold over the mind, it is easily accounted for. He ever appeals to two temptations, strong with all men--Avarice and Ambition.--Good-day." RANDAL.--"Are you going to Madame di Negra's? Shall I not accompany you? Perhaps I may be able to back your own remonstrances." EGERTON.--"No, I shall not require you." RANDAL.--"I trust I shall hear the result of your interview? I feel so much interested in it. Poor Frank!" Audley nodded. "Of course, of course." CHAPTER XIV. On entering the drawing-room of Madame di Negra, the peculiar charm which the severe Audley Egerton had been ever reputed to possess with women, would have sensibly struck one who had hitherto seen him chiefly in his relations with men in the business-like affairs of life. It was a charm in strong contrast to the ordinary manners of those who are emphatically called "Ladies' men." No artificial smile, no conventional hollow blandness, no frivolous gossip, no varnish either of ungenial gayety or affected grace. The charm was in a simplicity that unbent more into kindness than it did with men. Audley's nature, whatever its faults and defects, was essentially masculine; and it was the sense of masculine power that gave to his voice a music when addressing the gentler sex--a sort of indulgent tenderness that appeared equally void of insincerity and presumption. Frank had been gone about half-an-hour, and Madame di Negra was scarcely recovered from the agitation into which she had been thrown by the affront from the father and the pleading of the son. Egerton took her passive hand cordially, and seated himself by her side. "My dear Marchesa," said he, "are we then likely to be near connections? And can you seriously contemplate marriage with my young nephew, Frank Hazeldean? You turn away. Ah, my fair friend, there are but two inducements to a free woman to sign away her liberty at the altar. I say a free woman, for widows are free, and girls are not. These inducements are, first, worldly position; secondly, love. Which of these motives can urge Madame di Negra to marry Mr. Frank Hazeldean?" "There are other motives than those you speak of--the need of protection--the sense of solitude--the curse of dependence--gratitude for honorable affection. But you men never know women!"