"Yes," said Vand; while Mrs. Coppersley--or rather Mrs. Vand--looked sullenly at the floor. "We have been married for three months, secretly." "Why secretly?" asked Bella, still wondering at the news. "That's our business," said her aunt insolently. "Pardon me, Rosamund," said Vand, who was as polite as his wife was rude. "It is only fair that Miss Huxham should understand the position." "Have it your own way, then," muttered Mrs. Vand, tossing her head, "only make her understand that I have had enough of her airs and graces. She can clear out of our house as soon as she likes, and leave us to ourselves." "She is willing to do that for fifty pounds," said Vand politely. "I shan't give her that amount." "You are quite right, Rosamund; you will give Miss Huxham a cheque for one hundred pounds." "Are you out of your senses?" raged his wife, starting to her feet. "I don't want so much as that, Mr. Vand," said Bella, pleased to think that her new uncle by marriage was taking her part. "It is a mere question of justice, Miss Huxham. My wife has inherited the Solitary Farm, so it is only right that she should recompense you." "Mind," said Bella, suddenly, and thinking that this might be a bribe, "if I find anything wrong when I see Mr. Timson I shall bring an action." "I told you so, Henry," remarked Mrs. Vand triumphantly. "I have seen the will and the lawyer," said the man quietly, "and everything is correct. There is no flaw. With regard to my marriage, Miss Huxham, I agreed to a secret ceremony since your late father was opposed to my courtship of your aunt. But the time has now come to proclaim the marriage, so I have brought my luggage here to-day." "And that is why my aunt wishes me to leave the house," said Bella, with a curling lip. Vand, who was much the most self-controlled of the trio, looked at her very straightly. "You can come or stay as you please," he said gently. "I am quite willing that you should remain." "Oh," cried Mrs. Vand furiously, "so you want her to remain. Perhaps you are in love with her; perhaps you would like to----" "Aunt," interrupted Bella, blushing with annoyance, "how can you talk so foolishly. Mr. Vand loves you, or he would not have married you. As for me, I am going away to Dora's as soon as you give me the money." "Not one penny."