e if you attempt to stand in my way, in _any quarter
whatever_." He rose lazily. "Good-evening, Mr. Stanton," he said, in
a louder tone, which he made both cordial and impressive for the benefit
of any listening ears. "This has been a most interesting chat with you,
one I am not likely soon to forget. I hope it may not be long before I
have the pleasure of meeting you again."

He had certainly scored. I was obliged, hot with indignation and
self-scorn, mentally to confess as much. He had kept his temper, and he
had got the better of me. If my time would only come!

CHAPTER XII

Karine's Engagement Ring

In the first hour of my anguish after hearing that Karine was lost to
me, I had come very near to registering a vow that voluntarily I would
not see her again. Now, however, since our memorable chance meeting in
the hotel, my resolve was different. I determined, on the contrary, that
I would see her as often as possible.

Even if I had to follow the Tressidys into the country on a pretence of
hunting, or some other flimsy pretext of the sort, I would be near her.
I had luckily kept my head sufficiently to breathe no word of love to
Karine. I had even dwelt with some emphasis upon my "friendship," as
though to assure her that she need fear no more, need dread no
persecution at my hands. I believed that she did not suspect my real
feeling for her, and certainly Sir Walter and Lady Tressidy had no
reason to fancy anything of the kind.

Wildred had suspicions, I was sure, but they could only have been born
of quick and jealous intuitions. He could make no charge against me, and
it was not likely, I thought, that he would choose deliberately to put
such an idea into his _fiancee's_ head, unless I were far less
cautious in my behaviour than I meant to be.

I could not conceal from myself that the talk I had had with the fellow
at the Wayfarers' had somewhat discouraged me as to the ultimate success
of my efforts to expose him, and as days went on I found it impossible
entirely to shake off the impression made by his words.

His personality was disagreeably magnetic to me. I had to acknowledge
its power, and in spite of myself there were moments when I felt daunted
by his defiance.

Had he not been very sure of himself he would not have dared to say what
he had said. I believed, as firmly as ever, that there was a black spot
in his past, upon which I could put my finger if only I could place him
in my mental