"If I may be permitted a remark," said Eddy, impudently, "Miss Branwin does not require figure treatment. She is--perfection," and he grinned. "Eddy, you can go," said Madame Coralie, quietly, and pointed imperatively to the door. "Lose no time." "Au revoir, Miss Branwin," said the rogue, and walked out of the still-room as delicately as Agag before his execution. "What a horrid man!" said Audrey, involuntarily, then coloured when aware of her remark. "I beg your pardon, Aunt Flora, I forgot he is your husband." "I never can forget it," said Madame Coralie, calmly; "and you are quite right, my dear. Eddy is a horrid young man, conceited and impudent, whose one idea in life is to hunt women and spend money. That's two ideas, though, isn't it, my dear?" ended Madame Coralie, with a grim look in her eyes. "Oh! what a fool I was to marry him." "Perhaps he will improve, Aunt Flora, and I am sure he ought to be grateful to you for keeping him the way you do." "My dear child, gratitude and Eddy Vail are far apart. He's a rogue and I'm a fool, so we are well matched. Don't let us talk any more about him. I have sent a letter to your father saying you are staying with me, and asking him to send on your boxes." "Did you mention if you knew why I came to you, aunt?" "Yes, I did, and I signed myself Flora Arkwright." "Why not Flora Vail?" "Because Joseph does not know me by that name; but he knows who Flora Arkwright is," said Madame Coralie, still grimly. "And he will certainly send on your boxes, my dear, as he has been waiting for a chance to get rid of you." Audrey looked pained. "Why should he desire to get rid of me? I am sure I have always tried to be a daughter to him." "He doesn't want a daughter, but another wife. You were an obstacle in the way of his marrying Rosy Pearl, and, as he could not induce you to marry Lord Anvers, he seized the opportunity of your making that rash visit to Mr. Shawe to turn you out of house and home. But he shall make you an allowance, Audrey"--Madame Coralie's eyes flashed--"I'll see to that." "He will not unless he is forced to," rejoined the girl, mournfully. "Then he shall be forced, my dear. I can manage him." "In what way, Aunt Flora?" "Never mind. I know things about Joseph Branwin which he would not like the world to become aware of." It was on the tip of Audrey's tongue to ask if the things in question had to do with Sir Joseph's presence in the house on the night of the murder; but her aunt gave her no time to speak. "There's a gentleman waiting in the lane to see you," she said abruptly. Audrey ran to the window. "Ralph!" she said quickly and joyfully.