The Third Volume. Fergus Hume

Not a word more! Let things remain as they are."

      "I have said what I intend to do."

      Hilliston ground his teeth. He knew that nothing he could say or do would shake the determination of this woman. He had already experienced her resolute will, and not even the means of which he spoke would shake her immovability. There was nothing more but to retire and protect himself as best he could. At all events, she promised to remain neutral so far as he was concerned. That was something gained. Before leaving the house, however, he made one final effort to force her to his will.

      "I will not give you any more money."

      "I don't care, Francis. This cottage and its contents are settled on me. A sale of this furniture will produce sufficient money to last my life. I can't live long now."

      "I will deny all your statements."

      "Do so!"

      "I will have you declared insane and shut up in an asylum."

      Mrs. Bezel laughed scornfully, and pointed toward the door.

      "If that is all you have to say you had better go," she said jeeringly. "You know well enough that you cannot harm me without jeopardizing your own position."

      They looked at one another fiercely, each trying to outstare the other. Hilliston's eyes were the first to fall, and he hastily turned toward the door.

      "So be it," he said, with his hand on the knob; "you want war. You shall have it. See Claude, tell him all. I can defend myself."

      On leaving the house a few minutes later, he paused irresolutely by the gate and looked back.

      "If I could only find the paper," he muttered, "she could do nothing. As it is——"

      He made a gesture of despair and plunged into the darkness.