"Really, Friday, you are very reckless. You are playing with edge tools, if you did but know it. Ah, well! I have only to give you proof of the power that I possess over your daughter Odalite to bring you to your knees, madam." With these insolent words, the man drew a portmonnaie from his pocket, opened it, took out a slip cut from an English newspaper and handed it to her. With a proud, disdainful smile she took it and read: "Died. "Suddenly, at Anglewood Manor, on August twenty-fifth, in the forty-ninth year of her age, Lady Mary, eldest daughter of the late and sister of the present Earl of Middlemoor, and wife of Col. the Hon. Angus Anglesea, H.E.I.C.S." She returned the slip to the man without a comment. "Well, madam, what do you think of that?" he inquired. "I think the poor lady most fortunate in her death, since it freed her from you." "Thanks, very many. I have kept this little slip, not with the least idea, not with the faintest prevision, that I should ever have this need of it. Nor have I cherished it in tender memory of the dear departed. By no means. I have kept it to gloat over it, as a slave might over his 'free papers.' And I have gloated over the words that gave me liberty. 'Died'--'Lady Mary Anglesea.' What a pleasure it is to read over these words!" "Oh! Oh!" groaned Elfrida Force, wringing her hands. "I think the worst punishment in hell must be the society of devils!" "Ten thousand thanks, if that compliment is intended for me. It seems higher than my merits, but it shall be the aspiration of my life to live up to it," said the colonel, with a very low bow. "Why have you demanded this interview with me? Why have you come here to torment me?" demanded the lady, wringing her hands. "First of all, to show you, and to prove to you, the true relations in which I stand to your daughter."