“As you have no particular birth or family,” said Edith, in her most insolent tone, “I suppose you must rest your claims to be a gentleman altogether on your good manners and high-toned character.” “Birth and family!” exclaimed Leon, excitedly, “what do you know about them! You don't know what you're talking about.” “I know nothing about you, certainly,” said Edith. “I suppose you are some mere adventurer.” Leon looked at her for a moment with a glance of intense rage; and as she calmly returned his gaze, she noticed that peculiarity of his frowning brow a red spot in the middle, with deep lines. “You surely in your wildest dreams,” said she, “never supposed that I took you for a gentleman.” “Let me tell you,” cried Leon, stammering in his passion “let me tell you that I associate with the proudest in the land.” “I know that,” replied Edith, quietly. “Am _I_ not here! But you are only tolerated.” “Miss Dalton,” cried Leon, “you shall suffer for this.” “Thank you,” said Edith: “for once in your life you have spoken to me without insulting me. You have called me by my right name. I could smile at your threat under any circumstances, but now I can forgive it.” “It seems to me,” growled Leon, “that you are riding the high horse somewhat, and that this is a rather queer tone for you to assume toward me.” “I always assume a high tone toward low people.” “Low people! What do you mean!” cried Leon, his face purple with rage. “I really don't know any name better than that for you and your friends.” “The name of Dudleigh,” said Leon, “is one of the proudest in the land.” [Illustration: SHE CONFRONTED HIM WITH A COLD, STONY GLARE.] “I swear by all that's holy that you are really my wife. The marriage was a valid one. No law can break it. The banns were published in the village church. All the villagers heard them. Wiggins kept himself shut up so that he knew nothing about it. The clergyman is the vicar of Dalton--the Rev. Mr. Munn. It has been, published in the papers. In the eye of the law you are no longer Miss Dalton, you are Mrs. Leon Dudleigh. You are my wife!” At these words, in spite of Edith's pride and courage, there came over her a dark fear that all this might indeed be as he said. The mention of the published banns disturbed her, and shook that proud and obstinate conviction which she had thus far entertained that the scene in the chapel was only a brutal practical joke. It might be far more. It might not be a mockery after all. It might be good in the eye of the law--that law whose injustice had been shown to her in the terrible experience of her father; and if this were so, what then? A pang of anguish shot through her heart as this terrific thought occurred. But the pang passed away, and with it the terror passed also. Once more she called to her aid that stubborn Dalton fortitude and Dalton pride which had thus far so well sustained her.