Thus challenged, the truth in Virginia spoke. "No," she told him; "I thought it too extraordinary to be true." "Besides," he persisted, still in that wooing undertone, "with a man who had seen you, it could hardly be, eh?" Virgie held her breath. Something was here which was utterly beyond her. She was half terrified, half fascinated. "Do you remember the statue on the landing at Hertford House?" he asked. The blood rushed to her cheeks now in headlong tide. _He_ knew what brought it; her mother misinterpreted. "When you had gone, I went and read the inscription," he pursued. "I told myself how true it was. Do you remember it? _Voici ton maître?_" He sat and watched the memory, the pang that rent her. The sight of it seemed to give him real pleasure. He could trace the regret, the quiver of feeling, and he could say to himself: "She loves young Rosenberg, but she will marry me for my money. She deserves the punishment which I am going to inflict." "So, you see, I am a wise man; I know when I am beaten," he went on smoothly. "I acknowledged my master when I found him." The struggle in Virginia was keen. She was telling herself that this was Mr. Gaunt's highly unusual way of confessing himself attracted. If it were true that he already felt this strong inclination, then she must satisfy him; the marriage ought to be a success, since he had the desire to love, and she the will to please, to serve, to cherish. Yet there was an undernote, like the boom of the far-away storm in the voice of a calm sea. This alarmed her, for she did not understand it. To steady herself and hide her embarrassment she rose and went to the tea-table, at which she seated herself, pouring the tea and dispensing it with the noticeable grace which characterised her least important actions. She noticed that her mother was shedding tears, and the sight caused her to make a great effort and launch into small talk--of the late heat, and the rain, and the climate of Wayhurst. Small support did she receive from either of her companions; and by the time that Gaunt had eaten a slice of cake and drunk two cups of tea, his patience seemed suddenly to give out. "Come, then," he asked suddenly, "have we arranged matters, subject to your finding the business side of the transaction in good order?"