“Having his heart's blood is very fine, if I was sure--quite sure--he might not have mine. The fellow is a splendid shot.” “I thought so. I could have sworn it,” cried she, with a taunting laugh. “I admit no man my superior with a pistol,” said Sewell, stung far more by her laughter than her words; “but what have I to gain if I shoot him? His family would prosecute me to a certainty; and it went devilish close with that last fellow who was tried at Newgate.” “If you care so little for my honor, sir, I 'll show you how cheaply I can regard yours. I will go back to Sir Brook to-morrow, and return him his money. I will tell him, besides, that I am married to one so hopelessly lost to every sentiment and feeling, not merely of the gentleman, but of the man, that it is needless to try to help him; and that I will accept nothing for him,--not a shilling; that he may deal with you on those other matters he spoke of as he pleases; that it will be no favor shown me when he spares you. There, sir, I leave you now to compute whether a little courage would not have served you better than all your cunning.” “You do not leave this room till you give me that pocket-book,” said he, rising, and placing his back to the door. “I foresaw this, sir,” said she, laughing quietly, “and took care to deposit the money in a safe place before I came here. You are welcome to every farthing I have about me.” “Your scheme is too glaring, too palpable by half. There is a vulgar shamelessness in the way you 'make your book,' standing to win whichever of us should kill the other. I read it at a glance,” said he, as he threw himself into a chair; “but I 'll not help to make you an interesting widow. Are you going? Good-night.” She moved towards the door? and just as she reached it he arose and said, “On what pretext could I ask this man to meet me? What do I charge him with? How could I word my note to him?” “Let _me_ write it,” said she, with a bitter laugh. “You will only have to copy it.” “And if I consent will you do all the rest? Will you go to Fossbrooke and ask him for the increased allowance?” “I will.” “Will you do your best--your very best--to obtain it? Will you use all the power and influence you have over him to dissuade him from any act that might injure _me?_ Will you get his pledge that he will not molest me in any way?” “I will promise to do all that I can with him.” “And when must this come off,--this meeting, I mean?” “At once, of course. You ought to leave this by the early packet for Bangor. Harding or Vaughan--any one--will go with you. Trafford can follow you by the midday mail, as your note will have reached him early.” “You seem to have a capital head for these sort of things; you arrange all to perfection,” said he, with a sneer. “I had need of it, as I have to think for two;” and the sarcasm stung him to the quick. “I will go to your room and write the note. I shall find paper and ink there?”