"I am not afraid of those I despise," she said, hotly. "Go, Frank. You will come when I call you." "I shall not move," he responded, earnestly. "This man--this Jasper Adelstone--has already shown himself capable of an illegal, a criminal act, for it is illegal and criminal to kidnap anyone, and he has kidnapped us. I shall not leave you. You know," and he turned his eyes reproachfully on Stella, "I am responsible for you." Stella's face flushed, then went pale. "I know," she said, in a low voice and she pressed his arm. "But--but--I think it is better that I should listen to him. You see"--and her voice dropped still lower and grew tremulous, so that Jasper Adelstone could not hear it--"you see that we are in his power; we are his prisoners almost; and he will not let us go till I have heard him. It will be more prudent to yield. Think, Frank, who is waiting all this time." Frank started, and appeared suddenly convinced. "Very well," he whispered. "Call me the moment you want me. And, mind, if he is impertinent--he can be, you know--call at once." Then he moved to the door, but paused and looked at Jasper with all the scorn and contempt he could summon up into his boyish face. "I am going, Mr. Adelstone; but, remember, it is only because my cousin wishes me to. You will say what you have to say, quickly, please; and say it respectfully, too." Jasper held the door for him calmly and stolidly, and Frank passed out into the outer office. There he put on his hat and made for the door, struck by a sudden bright idea. He would drive to Bruton Street and fetch Lord Leycester. But as he touched the door old Scrivell rose from his seat and shook his head. "Door's locked, sir," he said. Frank turned purple. "What do you mean?" he exclaimed. "Let me out at once; immediately." The old man shrugged his shoulders. "Orders, sir; orders," he said, in his dry voice, and resumed his work, deaf to all the boy's threats, entreaties, and bribes. Jasper closed the door and crossing the room laid his hand on a chair and signed respectfully to Stella to sit down, but without a word she drew a little away and remained standing, her eyes fixed on his face, her lips tightly pressed together. He inclined his head and stood before her, one white hand resting on the table, the other thrust into his vest. "Miss Etheridge," he said, slowly, and with intense earnestness, "I beg you to believe that the course which I have felt bound to adopt has been productive of as much pain and grief to me as it can possibly have been to you----" Stella just moved her hand with scornful impatience. "Your feelings are a matter of supreme indifference to me, Mr. Adelstone," she said, icily. "I regret that, I regret it with pain that amounts to anguish," he said, and his lips quivered. "The sentiments of--of devotion and attachment which I entertain for you, are no secret to you----" "I cannot hear this," she said, impatiently.