Anne laughed and kissed him. "You silly boy," she said kindly; "my luxuries are of the cheapest kind, as you well know. Besides I can face poverty with a brave heart with you." "But your mother?" "I am afraid she will not live long," sighed Anne. "She is growing so weak, and she has long, long fits of silence. Poor mother! she has had a hard life. I do not think she ever got over the death of Emma." "Does she know anything about these other matters?" "Very little. I kept as much from her as I could. Indeed, she would never have heard of the death at all had it not been for Herbert Vaud." "He might as well have held his tongue," said Ted, angrily; "but the fact is, that since Emma's death and his illness he has not been quite right in his head. He returned comparatively well, as you know; but that journey to Paris to inquire after Lady Fellenger unsettled him again." "Don't talk of Lady Fellenger," said Anne, with a shudder. "Why not? Your sister was lawfully the wife of Sir Gregory." "I know that. All the same, I hate to hear the name of the family." "And yet," said Hersham, meaningly, "you were fond enough of Louis." Again Anne laughed. "You must not be jealous of my friendship for Louis, Ted. He is a good fellow in his way. I was never in love with him as I am with you, but I liked him." "And Binjoy, that pompous doctor, did you like him?" "I hated him. I hate him still," she flashed out. "He is the evil genius of Louis. If these matters only concerned Dr. Binjoy, I should not keep silent and bear the burden I am doing." "You have me to bear it with you," said. Hersham, softly. "I know that, my dear. But there are some things which men and women have to face singly. Such a thing is this coming interview with Mr. Fanks. I wanted you to see him so as to disarm any suspicions which he may entertain. Still, I wish you to take no part in the conversation." "But why?" asked Ted, with a frown. "I can't leave you to fight my battle." "You must in this case," replied Anne, "you are a dear, good fellow, Ted, but you allow your heart to govern your head." "That is very true. And it is the reverse with you, Anne." "Not so far as you are concerned, Ted. I am as weak as water with you. If you see me hard to other people you must set it down to the severe training I have had in the school of adversity. I am only a girl in years, but I am a woman in experience." "You are the dearest and bravest woman in the whole world," said Hersham fondly, kissing her hand, "and if happiness comes to us in the future, it will be through you. I shall do what you say and hold my tongue. But, my darling, are you sure that you can cope with Fanks." "I do not know as I have only seen him, but once we cross swords and I shall soon learn my strength. I have a large stake to fight for, and the remembrance of that will make me desperate." "Well," said Ted, dolefully, "we cannot turn back now. The enemy is within our gates, and we must fight. 'Væ victis.'"