'I'll not sell any property, Stanley.' 'And what _do_ you propose, then?' 'I don't know. I don't understand these things. But there are ways of getting money by mortgages and loans, and paying them off, without losing the property.' 'I've the greatest possible objection to raising money in that way. It is, in fact, the first step towards ruin; and nobody has ever done it who has not regretted that he did not sell instead.' 'I won't sell Five Oaks, Stanley,' said the young lady, seriously. 'I only said a part,' replied Stanley. 'I won't sell at all.' 'Oh? And _I_ won't mortgage,' said Stanley. 'Then the thing can't go on?' 'I can't help it.' 'But I'm resolved it _shall_,' answered Stanley. 'I tell you, Stanley, plainly, I will not sell. The Brandon estate shall not be diminished in my time.' 'Why, you perverse idiot, don't you perceive you impair the estate as much by mortgaging as by selling, with ten times the ultimate danger. I tell you _I_ won't mortgage, and _you shall sell_.' 'This, Sir, is the first time I have been spoken to in such terms.' 'And why do you contradict and thwart me upon business of which I know something and you nothing? What object on earth can I have in impairing the estate? I've as deep an interest in it as you. It is perfectly plain we should sell; and I am determined we shall. Come now, Dorcas--I'm sorry--I'm such a brute, you know, when I'm vexed. You mustn't be angry; and if you'll be a good girl, and trust me in matters of business----' 'Stanley, I tell you plainly once more, I never will consent to sell one acre of the Brandon estates.' 'Then we'll see what I can do without you, Dorkie,' he said in a pleasant, musing way. He was now looking down, with his sly, malign smile; and Dorcas could almost fancy two yellow lights reflected upon the floor. 'I shall protect the property of my family, Sir, from your folly or your machinations; and I shall write to Chelford, as my trustee, to come here to advise me.' 'And I snap my fingers at you both, and meet you with _defiance_;' and Stanley's singular eyes glared upon her for a few seconds. Dorcas turned in her grand way, and walked slowly toward the door. 'Stay a moment, I'm going,' said Stanley, overtaking and confronting her near the door. 'I've only one word. I don't think you quite know me. It will be an evil day for you, Dorkie, when you quarrel with me.' He looked steadily on her, smiling for a second or two more, and then glided from the conservatory. It was the first time Dorcas had seen Stanley Lake's features in that translated state which indicated the action of his evil nature, and the apparition haunted her for many a day and night. CHAPTER LVII. CONCERNING A NEW DANGER WHICH THREATENED CAPTAIN STANLEY LAKE.