"In a way, though I don't see that there is anything to discuss," retorted Mallien, who was rapidly regaining his former bullying ways. "All you have to do is to clear out and allow me to come here." "Walk out bag and baggage, you mean?" "Something of that sort. I don't mind giving you one hundred pounds with which to make a new start in life. If I were you, I would go to Australia with Kit when he marries Sophy Tollart." "And what about Dorinda?" "She is not for you," said Mallien resolutely. "As the daughter of the Squire of Barship, she must marry a man with a position." "Does Dorinda say so?" inquired Rupert quietly. "Dorinda," said the affectionate parent, "is as obstinate as a pig. She is coming here in a few minutes to argue the matter. I told her that I intended to settle the matter of the will to-day. But she shan't marry you with my consent, and, as I have the money, you can see that it would be wrong of you to drag her down to poverty." "You put the case very plainly, Mallien." "How else do you expect me to put it?" said the other, who was not in the least ashamed of the cowardly way in which he was behaving. "You might have a little more consideration for my position," remarked Rupert, with a shrug. "What consideration did you ever show to me?" snarled Mallien. Rupert looked at the little man in amazement. "I have always been your good friend," he said after a pause. "I have given you money and----" "My own money," interrupted the visitor. "Much thanks for that. It won't do, Rupert. I won't allow you to work on my feelings." "I never knew that you had any to work on." "No more I have. I want justice, and justice I intend to have." "Don't make such a row over the matter," said Hendle contemptuously. "You shall have what you want. But you can scarcely expect me to walk out of this house this very minute. We must take the will to the lawyers and have it gone into. Since you are behaving so brutally, I am inclined to defend my position. There is the Statute of Limitations to be considered." "And there is me to be considered," said a quiet voice at the door, and the two turned to see Dorinda at the door. "You have been listening?" snapped her father. "Yes, I have," she replied boldly, "and what I have heard shows me what a cruel nature you have, father." "Don't speak to me in that way," stormed Mallien, furiously. "Oh, yes, I shall"; and Dorinda entered to place her hand on Rupert's shoulder as if to give him confidence. "You have not got Rupert's money yet." "But I shall get it. The will is plain enough." Before Dorinda could reply, Rupert rose to his feet and made a gesture that she should be silent. "Leigh has something to say about the will, Mallien," he remarked, "and had you not come over I should have sent for you. Leigh wishes to see you and me and Dorinda."