She felt the evil increasing; but she forced it away with the warm glow of her love. "I've been worried to death," he continued, "to put these things straight, and it is this that has kept me so poor." "Yes, I see," she cried. "Oh, Robert, how you must have suffered!" "Ah! Yes! I have," he said; "but never mind that. Well, I was getting things straight as fast as I could; and all would now have been right again had not Bayle and his miserable jackal, Thickens, scented out the trouble, and they have seized me by the throat." "But, Robert, why not clear yourself? Why not go to Sir Gordon? He would help you." "Sir Gordon does not like me. But there, I have a few days to turn myself round in, and then all will come right; but if--" He stopped, and looked rather curiously. "Yes?" she said, laying her hand in his. "If my enemies should triumph. If Bayle--" "If Mr Bayle--" "Silence!" he said. "I have told you that this man is my cruel enemy. He has never forgiven me for robbing him of you." "You did not rob him," she said tenderly. "But are you not mistaken in Mr Bayle?" "You are, in your sweet womanly innocency and trustfulness. I tell you he is my enemy, and trying to hound me down." "Let me speak to him." "I forbid it," he cried fiercely. "Choose your part. Are you with me or the men whom I know to be my enemies? Will you stand by me whatever happens?" "You know," she said, with a trustful smile in her eyes. "That's my brave wife," he said. "This is better. If my enemies do get the better of me--if, for Crellock's faults, charges are brought against me--if I am by necessity forced to yield, and think it better to go right away from here for a time--suddenly--will you come?" "And leave my mother and father?" "Are not a husband's claims stronger? Tell me, will you go with me?" "To the world's end, Robert," she cried, rising and throwing her arms about his neck. "I am glad that this trouble has come." "Glad?" "Yes, for it has taught you at last the strength of your wife's love." He drew her to his heart, and kissed her, and there she clung for a time. "Now listen," he said, putting her from him. "We must be business-like." "Yes," she said firmly. "The old people must not have the least suspicion that we have any idea of leaving." "Might I not bid them good-bye?" "No. That is, if we left. We may not have to go. If we do, it must be suddenly." "And in the meantime?" "You must wait." Just then the door opened, and Thisbe appeared. "There's a gentleman to see you, sir--that Mr Crellock." "Show him in my study, and I'll come." Thisbe disappeared, and Millicent laid her hand upon her husband's arm. "Don't be afraid," he said quietly. "I know how to deal with him now. Only trust me, and all shall be well."