"No, Mr Leslie, it is impossible!" The words were like a thin, sharp echo of those spoken by Louise, and they both started and turned, to see that Aunt Marguerite had entered the room, and had not only heard her niece's refusal of Leslie, but gathered the full import of the sentence. She stood drawn up half-way between them and the door, looking very handsome and impressive in her deep mourning; but there was the suggestion of a faint sneering smile upon her lip, and her eyes were half closed, as with hands crossed over her breast, she seemed to point over her shoulder with her closed black fan. "Aunt!" exclaimed Louise. "How could--" Her strength was spent. She could say no more. Her senses seemed to reel, and with the impression upon her that if she stayed she would swoon away, she hurried from the room, leaving Leslie and the old woman face to face. He drew in a long breath, set his teeth, and meeting Aunt Marguerite's angry look firmly, he bowed, and was about to quit the house. "No, not yet," she said. "I am no eavesdropper, Mr Leslie; but I felt bound to watch over that poor motherless girl. It was right that I should, for in spite of all my hints, I may say my plain speaking regarding my child's future, you have taken advantage of her helplessness to press forward your suit." "Miss Vine--" "Miss Marguerite Vine, if you please, Mr Leslie," said the lady with a ceremonious bow. "Miss Marguerite Vine then," cried Leslie angrily, "I cannot discuss this matter with you: I look to Mr Vine." "My brother is weak and ill. I am the head of this family, sir, and I have before now told you my intentions respecting my niece." "Yes, madam, but you are not her father." "I am her father's sister, and if my memory serves me rightly, I told you that Monsieur De Ligny--" "Who is Monsieur De Ligny?" said Vine, entering the room slowly. "Mr Vine, I must appeal to you," cried Leslie. "No. It would be indecorous. I have told Mr Leslie, who has been persecuting Louise with his addresses, that it is an outrage at such a time; and that if our child marries there is a gentleman of good French lineage to be studied. That his wishes are built upon the sand, for Monsieur De Ligny--" "Monsieur De Ligny?" "A friend of mine," said Aunt Marguerite quickly. "Mr Vine," said Leslie hotly, "I cannot stay here to discuss this matter with Miss Vine." "Miss Marguerite Vine," said the old lady with an aggravating smile. Leslie gave an impatient stamp with one foot, essayed to speak, and choking with disappointment and anger, failed, and hurried out of the house. "Such insufferable insolence! And at a time like this," cried Aunt Marguerite, contemptuously, as her brother with a curiously absorbed look upon his face began to pace the room. "He has sent the poor girl sobbing to her room." "Louise has not engaged herself to this man, Marguerite?"