"I don't see why I should obey you blindly," cried George angrily. "At least give me a reason for your objection to Lesbia." "I have given it: she is the daughter of Walter Hale." "And are the sins of the father--whatever they may be--to be visited upon the child, mother?" "Quoting the Bible will not alter my determination," said Mrs. Walker, absolutely cold and impassive. "You must do as I request or be prepared to see me no more." "Mother, can you not explain about this mysterious cross----" "No." "You refuse to." "I mean that I cannot. I know nothing about the cross, or about the assault made on you, or indeed about the burglary. All I do know is that Mr. Hale is a dangerous man, and is connected with dangerous people--what has occurred proves it." "But surely you don't think that Mr. Hale is connected with these mysteries?" "I think nothing because I know nothing!" She moved swiftly forward and placed a slim hand on her son's broad shoulder. "Be wise and give up this girl. The wife who is waiting for you will suit you better." George grew crimson. "The wife!" he stammered. "Maud Ellis! Mr. Tait's niece. She loves you, and she has told me so. If you marry her she will bring you money, and her uncle will forward your interests. To-morrow you are stopping for the week-end at Mr. Tait's house. Before you return here on Monday ask Maud to be your wife." "I shall do nothing of the sort," said George fiercely. "How can I propose to one girl, when I love another?" "Maud Ellis adores you, George." "I know she does: it seems conceited to say so, but I am quite aware of her adoration. And I don't like it. She is rich and handsome and all the rest of it, and a marriage with her, means my getting on in the office. All the same, I--I--I--" he hesitated, then finished his sentence with a rush, "I love Lesbia, so there is no more to be said." Mrs. Walker removed her hand and glided to the door again, her cold self. "I quite agree with you," she said, exasperatingly cool. "However, you know my determination. Act as you please." "And affection?" called out George as she opened the door. "Must give way to commonsense."