"Don't call me by that name," said the woman, in a low, harsh voice. "Kitty Marchurst is dead; she died when she went on the stage, and all womanly pity died with her. You are speaking to Caprice, the most notorious woman in Melbourne." Fenton sat sullenly silent, glancing every now and then at her beautiful, scornful face. "If you won't give me money," she said at length, mindful of her promise to Mrs. Malton, "you can do something else." "What's that?" eagerly. "Mrs. Malton was here--" "Mrs. Malton!" he interrupted, springing to his feet. "What did she say?" "Several unpleasant things about your love for her," said Kitty coolly. "It's a lie," he began, but Kitty shrugged her shoulders. "Bah! I'm not jealous; I only care for your money, not for you. But about this visit; her husband has embezzled money in your office." Fenton turned a little pale, and looked steadily at her. "Embezzled money, the scoundrel!" he said furiously. "Yes, isn't he?" said Kitty derisively. "Not a noble, upright gentleman like Hiram Fenton." He turned from her with an oath. "I've been a good friend to him right along," he said in an angry tone. "He was fixed up for life, if he'd only behaved himself; now I'll put him in prison." "So that you can make love to his wife," retorted Kitty coolly. "I don't care two straws about his wife," replied Fenton, with a scowl. "You are the only woman I love." "Then promise me to help this unhappy man?" "Certainly not; you are asking me to compound a felony." "I'm not a lawyer," she said coldly, "and don't understand legal terms. I am only asking you to save him from gaol for his wife's sake." "You don't love him?" jealously. "Bah! do I love any one except myself?" "And your child," with a sneer. "Let my child be. Will you help Evan Malton?" "No; the law must take its course." "Then I'll help him myself." "But how?" "That's my business--the money must be replaced--find out how much is missing, and let me know." "What's the good? you've not got the cash." "Do what I ask!" "Very well!" sulkily. "I can't pay the money myself; but I'll give him time to repay it." "You will?" "Yes; and Kitty," shamefacedly, "I'll let you have that five hundred.' "Good boy," said Kitty approvingly, and laughed. She had gained both her points, so could afford to do so. At this moment Meg entered the room from the garden, followed by Keith, on seeing whom Fenton's face darkened. "Mumsey!" said Meg, bounding up to Kitty, "I've given him the knife, and he says it's lovely--don't you," turning to Keith. "Words fail me to express my appreciation," said Stewart, with a smile, looking at the large--very large ivory-handled knife, "and it's got an inscription, 'From Meg,'--beautiful." "It will cut love, Mr. Stewart," said Kitty, with a laugh. "Oh, no," interposed Meg, "he's given me a lucky sixpence. He says we're engaged now, and when I grow up, mumsey, I'm going to marry him."