"If Leigh intends to try on any hanky-panky," said Mallien, uneasily, for the summons seemed strange and ominous to him, "he'll find himself in the wrong box, I can tell you. You've been scheming with him, I expect, since he has been lying there." "I have scarcely seen him," retorted Rupert, passing his arm round Dorinda's waist. "Tollart says he should be kept quiet." "Then we shan't disturb him now." "Yes, we shall. Leigh has something on his mind, and wants to see the three of us. Tollart has given permission, so we can go up to him now. Only I beg of you, Mallien, not to excite him, as he is very weak, and is not far from death. You understand." "I understand that you want to trick me in some way." By this time Rupert's long-enduring patience was at an end, and he turned on the selfish little man in a cold fury. "Look here, Mallien, I have had enough of this," he said, firmly. "Don't goad me too far, or you will regret it." "Oh, will I!" taunted the other; "and in what way?" "Possession is nine points of the law," retorted Hendle, "and you appear to forget that I am the Squire of Barship. I shall see the lawyers and take all chances I can to prevent you getting possession of the money. I am innocent of any roguery in the matter, and my position is a very unfair one, as I am not to blame. It is close upon a century since that will was made, and if I make use of the Statute of Limitations I may be able to squash the whole affair. Equity, if not Common Law, will be on my side." "You--you--you!" cried Mallien violently, "you swindler!" "Don't call names," said Rupert imperiously, "or in spite of the fact that Dorinda has the misfortune to call you father, I shall kick you out of the house. So now you know." "My own house," foamed Mallien, stamping. "It's not your house yet, and it never may be." "Well,"--Mallien drew a long breath--"I never--I never----" He turned on his daughter suddenly and with violence. "What do you think of this behavior?" "I entirely approve of it," said Dorinda, calmly, "and I am glad to see Rupert stand up for his rights. He has treated you far too well as it is." "What--what--what?" "It's no use, father. You don't care for me and you don't care for your honor. All you do care for is yourself." "I--I--shall cut you off with a shilling--with a shilling." "So long as I have Rupert, I don't care." Hendle caught Mallien by the shoulders and pushed him toward the door. "I can't allow any more of this, Mallien. Behave like a human being or I shall turn you out. Now come up and hear what Leigh has to say." "Oh, I'll come," cried Mallien viciously, but, unable to resist his cousin's superior strength; "but remember that if there is any plot to take away my money I shall make things hot for you." "Get on! get on!" said Hendle, impatiently, "and don't make a fool of yourself."