"Like you," growled Barton, going to his desk. "You must take this, Miriam"--he handed her a bank-note--"for the present. And when you are in London you must stay at the Pitt Hotel. I have told Mrs. Perks to look after you, and to leave the rest to me." "I really am to go, then?" "It is your own wish, isn't it? I can see there is no hope for my plans about Gerald. He and Hilda will make their way to the devil together, in a very short space of time. _Facile est_, etc." "Then you still intend to leave your money to Gerald?" "I have done so." He took a legal-looking document from the still open drawer. "Three days ago I sent for my lawyers in London to come here, and I executed this will. By it the whole of my property goes to Gerald, excepting three hundred a year to Julia, and the same amount yearly to yourself." "To me!" exclaimed Miriam in surprise. "Mr. Barton, why should you leave money to me?" "For one reason, because you are the only decent woman I have ever met--save one. For another, because in spite of what I told you the other night you had some pity for me." "God knows I pity you!" cried Miriam with emotion. "I can imagine how awful it must have been for you to battle continually against what is born in you. You have resisted the devil and he has fled." "I have resisted him these many years," said Barton moodily, "but he has not fled; he is as strong within me as ever. God, Who created me thus, alone knows how I have fought against my overwhelming desire--the desire for the blood of my fellow-men. So far, by His aid, I have succeeded in my fight, and my daily and hourly prayer is that the end may even now not be far off." "You have done well--it is terrible for you. Indeed, you have my pity--I would do anything to help you, Mr. Barton. But you must not, please, leave me this money. For one thing, Mrs. Darrow----" "I have foreseen all that, and have, I think, effectually provided against any molestation from her. I have seen all along how she has plotted against you. You need fear nothing from her. While I live, Miriam, I shall look after you; when I die, you will have money of your own." "I had rather a thousand times you did not mention me. There is Major Dundas--he would make good use of your wealth. But Gerald--poor weak Gerald----" "My mind is made up, Miriam. This will supplants the will in favour of Dundas, which is at my lawyers' in London. As soon as I send them this in its stead, the old will is to be destroyed. With the new year I intend publicly to proclaim Gerald my heir. Now come along to dinner--that is what I wanted to say to you."