"I'd have no motive to harm him then, which will be better security than a promise. At the same time I do promise." "And you will also promise to leave me utterly alone?" "If I can." "You must promise never even to tempt me to think of going away. I'd rather you'd shot me than ask it. I'm not a weak, timid girl. I'm a broken-hearted woman who fears some things far more than death." "If you have any fears for Holcroft, they are very rational ones." "It is for his sake that I would act. I would rather suffer anything and lose everything than have harm come to him." "All I can say is that, if you will leave him completely and finally, I will let him alone. But you must do it promptly. Everything depends upon this. I'm in too reckless and bitter a mood to be trifled with. Besides, I've plenty of money and could escape from the country in twenty-four hours. You needn't think you can tell this story to Holcroft and that he can protect you and himself. I'm here under an assumed name and have seen no one who knows me. I may have to disappear for a time and be disguised when I come again, but I pledge you my word he'll never be safe as long as you are under his roof." "Then I will sacrifice myself for him," she said, pallid even to her lips. "I will go away. But never dream that you can come near me again--you who deceived and wronged me, and now, far worse, threaten the man I love." "We'll see about that," he replied cynically. "At any rate, you will have left him." "Go!" she said imperiously. "I'll take a kiss first, sweetheart," he said, advancing with a sardonic smile. "Jane!" she shrieked. He paused, and she saw evidences of alarm. The girl ran lightly out of the dairy room, where she had been a greedy listener to all that had been said, and a moment later appeared in the yard before the house. "Yes'm," she answered. "Be careful now, sir," said Alida sternly. "There's a witness." "Only a little idiotic-looking girl." "She's not idiotic, and if you touch me the compact's broken." "Very well, my time will come. Remember, you've been warned," and he pulled his hat over his eyes and strode away. "Bah!" said Jane with a snicker, "as if I hadn't seen his ugly mug so I'd know it 'mong a thousand." With a face full of loathing and dread, Alida watched her enemy disappear down the lane, and then, half fainting, sank on the lounge. "Jane!" she called feebly, but there was no answer. Chapter XXXII. Jane Plays Mouse to the Lion