Montague made no reply, but walked towards the window. Strange and conflicting sentiments were agitating in his brain. 'Twas thus he reasoned within himself. "If I use threats and menaces, I shall merely open her eyes to the real objects which Stephens has in view; and she will shrink from the fearful dangers she is about to encounter. Whether she changes her mind or not with regard to me, and whether I proceed farther in the business or not, the secret is in my hands; and Stephens will pay me handsomely to keep it. Perhaps I had even better stop short where I am: I am still in a position to demand hush-money, and avoid the extreme peril which must accrue to all who appear prominently in the affair on the 26th of the month." The selfish mind of George Montague thus revolved the various phases of his present position: and in a few moments he was determined how to act. Turning towards Walter Sydney, he exclaimed, "You are decided not to forgive me?" "I have made known to you my resolution--that we should now part, for ever." "How can we part for ever, when your friend and benefactor, Mr. Stephens, requires my services?" "Mr. Stephens informed me '_that a third person was necessary to the complete success of his designs, and that he had fixed upon you_.' Consequently, another friend may fill the place which he intended you to occupy." "You seem to have well weighed the results of your resolution to see me no more," said Montague bitterly. "There is time for thought throughout the live-long night, when sleep is banished from the pillow," returned the lady proudly. "I can scarcely comprehend your conduct," said Montague, after another pause. "You do not choose that your servants should know what occurred last night: is it your intention to acquaint Mr. Stephens with the real truth?" "That depends entirely upon yourself. To speak candidly, I do _not_ wish to come to any explanation with Mr. Stephens upon the subject. He will blame me for having concealed from him the attachment which has subsisted between us; and he will imagine that some levity on my part must have encouraged you to violate the sanctity of my chamber. If you, sir, are a man of honour," added the lady emphatically,--"and if you have a spark of feeling and generosity left, you will take measures with Mr. Stephens to spare me that last mortification." [Illustration] "I will do as you require," returned Montague, well pleased with this arrangement. "This very day will I communicate to Mr. Stephens my desire to withdraw from any further interference in his affairs; and I will allege the pressing nature of my own concerns as an excuse." "Act as you will," said the lady; "but let there remain behind no motive which can lead you to repeat your visits to this house. You comprehend me?" "Perfectly," replied Montague. "But once more let me implore you--"