assert his claim upon me to the
fullest extent. Whatever happens, Mr. Morgan, I shall never marry Robert
Ashton--never! I would do anything before I would consent to that. I do
not know what my father will ask of me, but if he asks that, I shall
leave this house to-morrow, and I beg that you will take me with you,
until I can find some occupation that will enable me to support myself."

Her story filled me with the deepest astonishment. I thrust out my hand
and grasped hers, carried away by the fervor and impetuosity of her
words, as well as by her beauty and evident suffering. "You can depend
upon me absolutely," I exclaimed. "My mother is at Torquay, to which
place I am bound. She will be glad to welcome you, Miss Temple."

"Thank you--thank you!" she cried in her deep, earnest voice. "Do not
leave in the morning until I have seen you. Good-night." She hastened
toward the stairway and as she ascended it, threw back at me a smile of
such sweet gratitude and relief that I felt repaid for all that I had
promised.

I stood for a while, smoking and thinking over this queer situation,
when suddenly my attention was attracted by the sound of loud voices
coming from the direction of the dining-room, as though Major Temple and
his guest were engaged in a violent quarrel. I could not make out what
they were saying, nor indeed did I attempt to do so, when suddenly I was
startled by the sound of a loud crash and the jingling of glassware, and
Mr. Ashton burst into the hall, evidently in a state of violent anger,
followed by Major Temple, equally excited and angry. "I hold you to
your contract," the former shouted. "By God, you'll live up to it, or
I'll know the reason why." "I'll pay, damn it, I'll pay," cried Major
Temple, angrily, "but not a penny to boot." Ashton turned and faced him.
They neither of them saw me, and in their excitement failed to hear the
cough with which I attempted to apprise them of my presence. "Don't you
realize that that emerald is worth a hundred thousand pounds?" cried
Ashton in a rage. "You promised me your daughter, if I got it for you,
but you've got to pay me for the stone in addition."

"Not a penny," cried Major Temple.

"Then I'll take it to London and let Crothers have it."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me and see."

"Come, now, Ashton." The Major's voice was wheedling, persuasive. "What
did the stone cost you--merely the cost of the trip, wasn't it? I'll
pay that, if you like."

"And