Her taunts broke down the last of Wellgood's self-control. "Yes, I'll deal with it!" The lover forgot the father, the father forgot his daughter. "And I'll deal with him--the blackguard who's interfered between me and you!" Vivien turned her head towards her father with a quick motion. His eyes were set on Isobel in a furious jealousy. Vivien gave a sharp indrawing of her breath. Now she understood. "He shall pay for it!" cried Wellgood, and made a dart towards Harry, raising the stick which he had in his hand. In an instant Vivien was across his path, and caught his uplifted arm in both of hers. "Not that way, father!" "Go into the house, Vivien." "For my sake, father!" "Go into the house, I say. Let me alone." "Not till you promise me you won't do that." He looked down into her pleading face. His own softened a little. "Very well, my girl, I promise you I won't do that." Neither Isobel nor Harry had moved; they made no sign now. Vivien slowly loosed her grasp of her father's arm and turned back towards the door. Suddenly Harry spoke in a hoarse whisper. "I'm sorry, Vivien, awfully sorry." Then she looked at him for a moment; a smile of sad wistfulness came on her lips. "Yes, I'm sure you're awfully sorry, Harry." She passed into the house, leaving the door open behind her. Harry heard her slow steps crossing the hall. "There's no more to be said to-night," said Isobel, and moved towards the door. Wellgood was beforehand with her; he barred the way, standing in the entrance. "Yes, there's one more thing to be said." He was calmer now, but not a whit less angry or less vicious. "From to-night I've done with both of you--I and my house. If you want her, take her. If you can get him, take him--and keep him if you can. Let him remember what I've said. I keep my word. Let him remember! If he doesn't want this story told, let him make himself scarce in Meriton. If he doesn't, as God's above us, he shall hear it wherever he goes. It shall never leave him while I live." He turned back to Isobel. "And I've done with you--I and my house. Do what you like, go where you like. You've set your foot for the last time within my threshold." Harry looked up with a quick jerk of his head. "You don't mean to-night?" A grim smile of triumph came on Wellgood's face. "Ah, but I do mean to-night. You're in love with her--you can look after her. I'll leave you the privilege of lodging her to-night. Rather late to get quarters for a lady, but that's your lookout." "You won't do that, Mr. Wellgood?" said Isobel, the first touch of entreaty in her voice. With an oath he answered, "I will, and this very minute."