In spite of her violent temper, her foolish impulses, Mrs. Belswin was not without a certain amount of feminine cunning; and, as she was quite in the dark concerning the object of the interview, and, moreover, did not like the ill-concealed look of triumph on the part of the solicitor, she held her tongue, waiting for him to begin the attack, so that a chance word might afford her an opportunity of fathoming his motives. "Well, Mrs. Belswin," said Dombrain, with a nasty grin on his coarse-looking face, "and how are you to-day, after your conduct in our last interview?" Mrs. Belswin looked him up and down in a sneeringly insolent manner, which made him writhe. "I think I ought to ask that question," she said, disdainfully, "considering that I left you crushed, like the little reptile you are." "Oh, no. None of those compliments, if you please. Last time you had it all your own way; this time I have it all mine." "Two can play at every game." "Yes; but one generally holds trumps. This time I hold trumps. Do you play cards, Mrs. Belswin? If so, you know that the game is to the player with the strongest hand." "I congratulate you on your knowledge of gambling. And may I ask what you are talking about?" "All in good time, Mrs. Belswin--all in good time. First and foremost, I wish to know about your visit to Silas Oates. Ah! you start at that. You are not quite so confident as you were at our last interview." "I think you are mistaken," replied Mrs. Belswin, coldly. "There can be nothing to interest you in my interview with Mr. Oates. If you fancy your knowledge that I called on him makes me afraid, you were never further from the truth in your life. I am not to be terrified by an ex-convict." It was the old threat that had formerly reduced Mr. Dombrain to silence; but now it appeared to have lost its power, for the ex-convict leaned back in his chair and laughed insolently. "People who live in glass houses should not throw stones." "What do you mean?" "Exactly what I say." "You seem to have been at your private whiskey-bottle," said Mrs. Belswin, rising impatiently; "but as I am not in the mood to listen to your drunken ravings I will go." "Oh, no, you won't. Of course you can if you like; but you had better hear what I have to say." "I will give you five minutes," replied Mrs. Belswin, resuming her seat, "no more." "That will be enough. Now, just listen to me. Mr. Oates has called, and informed me of your attempt to blackmail him. You have got one hundred pounds, and he says he will not give you any more." "That is a question that has nothing to do with you, sir." "Oh, yes, it has," retorted Dombrain, coolly. "He asked me to stop you from calling on him again, and I intend to do so." Mrs. Belswin laughed long and loudly. "Do you, indeed? And may I ask how you intend to stop me?" Mr. Dombrain leaned across the desk, glanced round to make sure they were alone, then whispered slowly--