"Lawrence, this rage is useless. I did all that lay in my power to break up the work I had helped to do. For a time, poverty, anything seemed better than the possibility of seeing you the husband of that proud girl. Then my own future was uncertain; now it is assured. Between them the father and daughter have unbounded wealth. It is worth a great sacrifice--I make it. This is my first step, my first humiliation. It was false. All that I told you was false. She did not love that young man, she did love you. I fancied--and here the trouble arose--that you were beginning to love her, that it gave you no pain to change. This embittered me. I misrepresented her, told you that she visited Bosworth's sick-chamber from affection, when I knew that it was only the persuasion of that troublesome Miss Hyde which sent her to the house. Now I take it all back. She is heart-whole save in love for you. She never cared for him in the least. It was you she loved." I caught a second glimpse of his face as he turned it from her; a flash of triumph passed over it, breaking its frowns as lightning cleaves a thunder-cloud. My heart fell. The man loved our Jessie. With his strength and power of character, could she resist a passion that was evidently genuine? Mrs. Dennison looked at him sharply; but his face was dark enough under her glance, and she went on, perhaps satisfied of his indifference. "There is no time for hesitation, Lawrence. It will be impossible for me to keep my post here many days longer. The young lady scarcely endures me, Miss Hyde turns to marble when I enter her presence, and there is that imp of a girl crossing my path at every turn. I must leave the house--and that within a few days--unless you forgive me and find means of appeasing the young lady. That accomplished, I shall be more necessary to the household than ever. Everything will be on velvet then." "Are you so sure of the old gentleman then?" inquired Lawrence, with a half sneer. She smiled, and gave her head a disdainful movement. "Am I sure of my life?" He turned upon her with a look of scornful approbation. "You are an extraordinary woman, widow." "You have said as much, in a more complimentary fashion, before this," she answered. "Perhaps," he answered, carelessly; "but we understand each other too well for fine speeches. Now, let us talk clearly. On your word of honor as a lady, all that you told me regarding Miss Lee before I took that rude departure, was false?" "Yes; though you might use a softer word." "And you believe she loves me yet in spite of my ungentlemanly withdrawal?" "I am certain of it." "You wish me to beg pardon and propose?" "Wish!" The woman locked her hands passionately, and turned her pale face upon him. "Wish! You know I _cannot_ wish it; but it is inevitable." "In order to smooth your way with this grand old gentleman."