"Oh, that was one of Pratt's jokes," said Mrs Jeal, easily. "He was always a merry sort of brute. But, you see, I can turn you out." "Not without Pratt's aid," said Mrs Gabriel, fiercely. "I won't give up the property to go to the Crown! I love power, and I intend to keep what I have. Pratt made me take that child, and lie about him. He made me introduce him to Colester society, and for years he has taken money from me. After doing all this, do you think I'll give it up? No; I'll fight!" Mrs Jeal laughed unpleasantly. "I can put a weapon into your hand to fight with," she said; "that is, if you give me a thousand pounds." "What do you mean" panted Mrs Gabriel, throwing herself forward and seizing Mrs Jeal by the shoulders. "Can you?--will you?--" "If you give me a thousand pounds," replied the other woman, quite unmoved, and looking up with her wicked eyes into Mrs Gabriel's agitated face. "What do you know? Quick--tell me!" Mrs Gabriel shook her. "Don't shake me," said Mrs Jeal, tartly, twisting herself free. "If you want to know my secret, I'll tell it to you--I am Pratt's lawful wife." Mrs Gabriel put her hand to her forehead, and reeled to the end of the room. "Wife--wife!" she muttered. "Then I am not--" "You are _not_ his wife," finished Mrs Jeal, coolly. "You never were his wife, seeing he was married to me before he met you. You are Mrs Gabriel, the widow of John Gabriel, and the possessor of this property." "Can you--can you prove this?" asked the other woman, gasping. "I'll give you my marriage certificate for a thousand pounds," said Mrs Jeal. "I don't want it. I've had enough of Pratt. Then you can see the church where we were married, and search the register. Oh, it's all right." "Give me the certificate," Mrs Gabriel stretched out her hand eagerly. "Not without the thousand pounds," said Mrs Jeal, resolutely. "I'll give you a cheque," said Mrs Gabriel, hurrying to a writing-desk. Mrs Jeal shook her head. "Won't do!" she remarked. "I've had to do with ladies before. You might stop that cheque when I had given you what you wanted. No. Come to the bank; give me the money in notes, and I'll place the certificate in your hands." "We can't go to the bank to-night," said Mrs Gabriel, frowning. "Oh! I can wait till to-morrow," replied Mrs Jeal, coolly. Mrs Gabriel lost her temper and stamped her foot. "Give me that certificate, or I'll have you arrested." "Oh! So you want me to tell my story in court, my lady." "You dare to!" "Then give me the thousand pounds." Mrs Jeal was beginning to lose her temper. "Here's a coil about a trifle," she said angrily; "instead of asking you for blackmail, as I could have done, I offer to give you freedom. And you won't pay for it." "I will. Here's a cheque. Come with me to the bank at Portfront to-morrow, and you can cash it in my presence. The certificate--"