"Because she's bent upon being Lady Saltars, and will stop at nothing to achieve her end. I would give five hundred--a thousand pounds to stop the marriage. But Miss Lorry can't be bribed." It was at this point that Giles opened the door softly and looked in. "Make it fifteen hundred, your ladyship, and I'll stop the marriage," he said impudently. "Giles," cried Eva, rising indignantly, "how dare you----?" "Because I've been listening, and heard a chance of making money." Mrs. Merry burst in at her husband's heels. "And I couldn't stop him from listening, Miss Eva," she said, weeping; "he's a brute. Don't give him the money, your ladyship; he's a liar." "I'm not," said Giles coolly, "for fifteen hundred pounds I can stop this marriage. I have every reason to hate Miss Lorry. She's been playing low down on me, in writing to you, Miss Strode, and it's time she learned I won't be put on. Well, your ladyship?" The old woman, who had kept her imperious black eyes fixed on Giles, nodded. "Can you really stop the marriage?" "Yes I can, and pretty sharp too." "Then do so and you'll have the fifteen hundred pounds." "Will you give me some writing to that effect?" "Yes," said Lady Ipsen, becoming at once a business woman; "get me some ink and paper, Eva." "Stop," said Giles politely--so very politely that his poor wife stared. "I don't doubt your ladyship's word. Promise me to send to this address," he handed a bill containing the next place where Stag's Circus would perform, "one thousand five hundred in notes, and I'll settle the matter." "I'll bring the money myself," said Lady Ipsen, putting away the bill; "you don't get the money till I know the truth. How can you stop the marriage? Tell me now." "Oh, I don't mind that," said Giles, shrugging. "I'm sure you won't break your word, and even if you were inclined to you can't, if you want to stop the marriage. You can't do without me." "Speak out, man," said Lady Ipsen sharply. "Well then----" began Giles and then hesitated, as he looked at poor faded Mrs. Merry in her black stuff dress. "Selina, you give me fifteen hundred pounds and I'll not speak." "What have I got to do with it?" asked his wife, staring. "It will be worth your while to pay me," said Merry threateningly. "I can't and I won't, whatever you may say. Tell Lady Ipsen what you like. Your wickedness hasn't anything to do with me." "You'll see," he retorted, turning to the old lady. "I've given you the chance. Lady Ipsen, I accept your offer. Lord Saltars can't marry Miss Lorry, because that lady----" "Well, man--well." "That lady," said Giles, "is married already." "Who to?" asked Eva, while Lady Ipsen's eyes flashed. "To me," said Merry; "I married her years ago, before I met Selina." "Then I am free--free," cried Eva's nurse; "oh, thank heaven!" and she fell down on the floor in a faint, for the first and last time in her life. CHAPTER XXI THE DIAMONDS