to what he would do to punish me if I would not--"

"Become his wife?" suggested Sophie.

"Exactly. It was very flattering on his part. I certainly do not intend
to become his wife."

"Ah, you like better that young Clavering who has the other sweetheart.
He is younger. That is true."

"Upon my word, yes. I like my cousin, Harry Clavering, much better than
I like your brother; but, as I take it, that has not much to do with it.
I was speaking of your brother's threats. I do not understand them; but
I wish he could be made to understand that if he has anything to do, he
had better go and do it. As for marriage, I would sooner marry the first
ploughboy I could find in the fields."

"Julie--you need not insult him."

"I will have no more of your Julie; and I will have no more of you." As
she said this she rose from her chair, and she walked about the room.
"You have betrayed me, and there shall be an end of it."

"Betrayed you! what nonsense you talk. In what have I betrayed you?"

"You set him upon my track here, though you knew I desired to avoid
him."

"And is that all? I was coming here to this detestable island, and I
told my brother. That is my offence--and then you talk of betraying!
Julie, you sometimes are a goose."

"Very often, no doubt; but, Madam Gordeloup, if you please we will be
geese apart for the future."

"Oh, certainly; if you wish it."

"I do wish it."

"It cannot hurt me. I can choose my friends anywhere. The world is open
to me to go where I please into society. I am not at a loss."

All this Lady Ongar well understood, but she could bear it without
injury to her temper. Such revenge was to be expected from such a woman
"I do not want you to be at a loss," she said. "I only want you to
understand that after what has this evening occurred between your
brother and me, our acquaintance had better cease."

"And I am to be punished for my brother?"

"You said just now that it would be no punishment, and I was glad to
hear it. Society is, as you say, open to you, and you will lose
nothing."

"Of course society is open to me. Have I committed myself? I am not
talked about for my lovers by all the town. Why should I be at a loss?
No."

"I shall return to London to-morrow by the earliest opportunity. I have
already told them so, and have ordered a carriage to go to Yarmouth at
eight."

"And you leave me here, alone!"

"Your brother is here, Madam Gordeloup."

"My brother is nothin