"You have not the power to stop the marriage," said George quietly. "That is quite true. I have no money to threaten disinheritance, and no legal power over a man who is of age. I might indeed appeal to your affection, but I fear that it would be useless." George flung his cigarette out of the window, and thrust his hands moodily into his pockets. "Affection is a strange word to use between us, mother," he remarked bitterly. "You have always been strict and straightforward, and painfully polite. You have given me a good education, and you have instructed me in good manners. My home," he looked round, "or rather your home, you permit me to share." "Pardon me, George, you forget that you contribute to the domestic economy of this home, such as it is. Go on." "I mean," cried George desperately, for her manner chilled him, "that you have never been a mother to me in the accepted sense of the word." "I have done my duty," said Mrs. Walker without flinching. "Duty! duty! what is duty when I wanted love? I have lived in a freezing atmosphere which has nearly changed me into a statue. Can you wonder that I sought out someone to love?" "Perhaps not, since you are young and foolish, but I regret that the someone should be a girl that I cannot possibly receive as my daughter-in-law." "What do you mean by that?" demanded George sharply. "Nothing detrimental to the girl," replied Mrs. Walker calmly. "She may have all the beauty in the world, and all the virtues, and probably has, in your eyes, but she is Walter Hale's daughter and so cannot be mine." "Why do you hate Mr. Hale, mother?" "That," said Mrs. Walker, sitting very upright, "is my private business." "But when it interferes with my happiness----" "I cannot help that," she said rigorously. "What is past is past, and what is dead is dead." "I don't understand you." "I do not mean that you should. But I would point out that your association with this girl, has already led you into danger. You have been assaulted and robbed, and have come into contact with the police, which is always undesirable. Renounce Lesbia, George, lest worse befall." "The robbery and the assault are mysteries." "None the less they are dangerous. I can explain no more than you can; but Mr. Hale is a dangerous person, to my knowledge, and----" "Tell me what you know," interpolated her son. "No," said Mrs. Walker, with iron determination. "It would do no good to break the silence of years. All I can say is that you shall never marry the girl with my consent." "And if I do without it," chafed George, irritably. "Then you will never set eyes on me again," returned Mrs. Walker quietly. "Mother!" The woman calmly finished her coffee and rose noiselessly. "The time may come when I can explain," she said in her precise voice. "Meanwhile I can only command you, or implore you--whichever you please--to leave this girl alone and go no more to the Marlow cottage."