But the woman was not to be stopped. She turned like a fury on Pratt, who had risen angrily. "Hold your tongue," she said savagely; "I have had about enough of you and your precious son. You made me take him to my home and tell everyone that he was the son of my dead brother. A lie, as you well know. And you," she added, turning on Haverleigh, "you know now why I have hated you all these years. That man knows a secret of mine and he forced me to do his bidding. I took you here. I brought you up, I gave you money, and I let you take a position to which you were not entitled. Position!" Mrs Gabriel laughed scornfully. "Your position should be in the gutter, where you were born. You are no kith or kin of mine, thank God!" "And I do thank God," said Leo, vehemently. "You are a bad, evil-minded woman. Although my father is a thief, I would rather be his son than connected with you in any way. For years you have made my life a hell on earth with your vile temper. Terrible as is what you have told me, I prefer the thief to the righteous woman." The mistress of the castle recoiled aghast before this outbreak of anger. Never had the usually good-tempered young man spoken so fiercely to her. As he advanced towards her she believed that he was going to strike her, and put up her arm with a look of terror in her eyes. For once the bully was cowed. "Bravo, my boy!" cried Pratt, laughing at her discomfiture, and clapping Leo on the back. The young man started away. "Don't touch me," he said harshly. "Is it not enough that I should have the shame of being your son, but that you should approve of any action I do? But I do not believe that you are my father. Where is the proof?" "In London," said Pratt, very quietly, and wincing at the tone of Leo's speech. "If you come with me to London I can show you sufficient proof to make you believe." "My mother?" Leo, with a sudden thought, cast a look at Mrs Gabriel. "_I_ am not your mother," she said scornfully. "Didn't I say there was no blood of mine in your veins?" "Your mother is dead, Leo," said Pratt in a low voice. Mrs Gabriel laughed insultingly. "And I daresay she was some--" "If you dare to say another word," growled Pratt, casting a bitter look at her, "I'll give your secret to the world." "I don't care if you do," retorted Mrs Gabriel; but Leo saw that she quailed. What could she have done to give a man like Pratt--he could not call him father--a power over her? "You _do_ care," said Pratt, quietly; "but if you don't I'll begin by telling Leo. Here goes. Leo, my son--" In a moment Mrs Gabriel's defiant attitude became one of supplication. She sprang forward and caught Pratt by the arm. "Don't! don't," she said faintly. "I'll do whatever you wish." "Will you dare to speak again as you have done?" "No, no; I know you are the stronger. I could kill you," she muttered, with a flash of her old temper. "But I have to give in--I have to!"