Mrs. Davenant followed into the room. A fire was burning in the old-fashioned grate. Stephen drew a chair near to the welcome blaze and led Una to it. White and indifferent she sat and looked at the flames. "It is only for a few minutes, darling, then we shall be off. Come, drink some of this," and he held a glass of hot spirit and water to her hand. Una shook her head. "Thanks, I could not," she said, simply. Stephen motioned to his mother. "See that she takes some," he said, in a low voice. "I will go and look after the horses," and he turned. As he did so the door opened, and a lady entered. For a moment, in the dim light of the low room, Stephen did not recognize her, then a chill fell on him as if a cold hand had laid on his heart. He staggered back, and then she raised her veil and looked at him. Not a word passed. Face to face, eye to eye, they stood. A moment passed. Una had not looked round, only Mrs. Davenant stood speechless and trembling. Then, as if with an effort, Stephen regained possession of his quaking soul, and stole nearer to her. "Laura," he whispered, glancing behind him. "You here? You want me? Well, let us come outside." A smile, calm and scornful, flashed from her dark face. "You cannot pass," she said. A wild devil leaped, full grown, into his bosom, and he raised his hand to strike her, but the next instant he was grasped by the shoulder and flung aside, and Gideon Rolfe stood over him. The room whirled round; scarcely conscious that other figures had entered and surrounded him, he staggered to his feet. Then a cry, two words, "Father! Jack!" smote upon his ear, and with an effort he turned and saw Jack's tall form towering in the low room, with Una clasped tightly, lying prone in his arms. It was all over. Just as the criminal in the dock, when he sees the judge placing the black cap on his head, knows that his doom is sealed, Stephen knew that all was lost. But the will was not all subdued yet. There was Davenant blood in his veins. White to the very lips, he stood and glared at them, one hand grasping the table, the other thrust in his breast. Then an evil smile curled the cunning mouth. "Cleverly planned," he said, speaking as if every word cost him a pang. "You have beaten me, thus far. Gideon Rolfe, I congratulate you upon the success of your maneuvers; in another hour your daughter would have been the mistress of Hurst; she will, now, I presume, be the wife of a beggar." Gideon Rolfe looked at him with stern, immovable eyes. Stephen smiled and took up his hat. "You have robbed me of my bride," he said; "permit me to return to the home which still remains to me." There was an intense silence. Then a slight stir as Jack, carrying Una in his arms, left the room, followed by Mrs. Davenant. With haggard eyes Stephen watched them, then, with a convulsive movement, he took up his hat.