Mary Bolitho did not reply. Somehow words did not come easily to her. All the same, a feeling of hot rebellion came into her heart. "I answered him, of course," went on the Judge. "At first I thought of returning his letter without any remark whatever. Still, I sent him a few words which I think will have a beneficial effect on his colossal cheek!" "What did you say?" asked the girl. "I have a copy of it here somewhere," went on the Judge. "Would you like to see it?" He took some papers from a drawer, and, having selected one, passed it to her. Mary Bolitho's face crimsoned as she read. She knew what Paul would feel. There was an insult in every line, almost in every word, veiled by conventional politeness, it is true, but still a note which, to a proud man, would wound like a poisoned knife. "I had to put a stop to that sort of thing, of course. Just because he has made a little money, and has become a Member of Parliament, he has dared to---- But I say, Mary, this leads me on to something else; and, as we have an hour alone, it is well to have an understanding. How old are you?" "Nearly twenty-one," she answered. "I don't want to lose you, of course, but the time must come when I shall have to do so, and--of course, you'll not be surprised to know Ned Wilson was here two or three days ago, and I fancy he considers the matter settled. Do you know that he has spoken to me more than once?" "But I gave him no encouragement," said the girl. "I have promised him nothing." "No; but you have not repulsed him." "You did not wish me to meet his appeal with a blank refusal," said the girl. "You said you had special reasons for that. But I gave him no encouragement. I do not want to marry him." "But you do not dislike him; in fact, you told me you felt very kindly towards him." "But not in that way, not in that way!" "Mary, I want to be absolutely frank with you," said the Judge. "I wish you to marry young Wilson." "Is that a command?" said the girl, and her voice was as cold as ice. Her father looked at her steadily for a few seconds. He seemed to be on the point of resenting her tones, but presently decided not to do so. "Let us put it this way," he said quietly, "Your marriage with Wilson would help me out of many difficulties, and save me from many troubles." "I don't understand, father."