peace,--that he would punish me for my perfidy with some
fearful punishment. Oh, Kate, I cannot tell you what he
looked like. He had then come quite close to me, and I
know that I trembled before him as though he were going to
strike me. Of course I said nothing. What could I say to
a man who behaved to me in such a manner? Then, as far as
I can remember it, he sat down and began to talk about
money. I forget what he said at first, but I know that I
assured him that he might take what he wanted so long as
enough was left to prevent my being absolutely a burden
on papa. "That, madam, is a matter of course," he said. I
remember those words so well. Then he explained that after
what had passed between us, I had no right to ruin him by
keeping back from him money which had been promised to
him, and which was essential to his success. In this, dear
Kate, I think he was mainly right. But he could not have
been right in putting it to me in that hard, cruel manner,
especially as I had never refused anything that he had
asked of me in respect of money. The money he may have
while it lasts; but then there must be an end of it all
between us, even though he should have the power of
punishing me, as he says he will do. Punishing me, indeed!
What punishment can be so hard as that which he has
already inflicted?

He then desired me to write a letter to him which he
might show to the lawyer,--to our own lawyer, I think he
meant,--in order that money might be raised to pay back
what Mr Grey had advanced, and give him what he now
required. I think he said it was to be five thousand
pounds. When he asked this I did not move. Indeed, I was
unable to move. Then he spoke very loud, and swore at me
again, and brought me pen and ink, demanding that I should
write the letter. I was so frightened that I thought of
running to the door to escape, and I would have done so
had I not distrusted my own power. Had it been to save my
life I could not have written the letter. I believe I was
now crying,--at any rate I threw myself back and covered
my face with my hands. Then he came and sat by me, and
took hold of my arms. Oh, Kate; I cannot tell it you all.
He put his mouth close to my ear, and said words which
were terrible, though I did not understand them. I do
not know what it was he said, but he was threatening me
wi