“Very well; if I must, I must. I did not know you would be so exacting.” “We are to be married, then, this day week by special license, and——” “Privately married, remember, Clara. There is to be no fuss. A busy doctor cannot afford the time. We marry, and I take you away for a fortnight.” The man’s lips trembled. He turned aside. He was paying a price which nearly maddened him. Nurse Ives kept on gazing at him fixedly. “I have more to say,” she continued. “What is it?” “At the end of the fortnight you bring me to your house in Harley Street, you introduce me to your friends as Mrs. Tarbot, your lawful wife, you take me into society, and you publish our marriage on the day it takes place in every daily newspaper in London.” “Come, Clara, this is too much.” “You promise all this or I——” “You what?” “I deal you a blow.” Tarbot was standing up. He staggered slightly. “What kind of blow? You are not going to turn traitor?” “I won’t say what I am going to do. I did what you wished. It is your turn now to fulfil your side of the bargain. If you refuse you will repent it. If you accede to my wishes I will help you to carry out your revenge. Remember, at present you have only committed the crime, but the pleasure which is to follow has not begun. Are you going to deny yourself that for which you blackened your soul?” “I am not.” “Remember, I shall make you an excellent wife. I shall stimulate you to greater exertions in your career. There will be no nerves about me, no stepping back because of conscience, or any such humbug. When your foe falls, I shall for your sake rejoice. I know the woman whom you mean to hurt and crush and dishonor. She is the woman whom you now love.” “Whom now I hate. Don’t dare to mention her name.” “I will mention it, and now. Her name is Barbara Evershed. I understand exactly what your revenge means. It is the most diabolical scheme ever planned by human brain, but I will help you to carry it out.” “Clara, you are a terrible and extraordinary woman.” “You have not yet half gauged my wickedness or my powers. Do not make me your enemy. You will only repent that deed once, but that will be forever. Make me your wife, and you shall have a splendid time. Is it to be or not to be?” “I said I would marry you, but some of your terms are preposterous.” “They must all be carried out. Marry me in a week from now. After the marriage we go away for a fortnight’s—bliss.” She paused here and looked him full in the face. He made an effort to return her gaze, but his eyes, bold and inscrutable as they were, fell before hers. “It is diamond cut diamond,” she said slowly. “You have your match in me.” “I believe I have.” “You accede to my terms?” “I do because I must.”