all deceit. Speak out and tell me, Coralie, what you mean."

"I shall speak out when the time comes. Once more, Cousin Edgar, be
reasonable; save yourself--save me."

She withdrew some steps from me, and looked at me with her whole soul in
her eyes.

"I will not hear another word, Coralie. I do not wish to offend you, or
to speak harshly to you; but this I do say--if ever you mention this, to
me, hateful subject, I will never voluntarily address you again--never
while I live."

She made no answer. She turned, with a dignified gesture, and quitted
the room.

I never gave one serious thought to her threats, looking upon them as
the angry words of an angry woman. They did not even remain upon my mind
or disturb my rest.




CHAPTER XI.


On the following day Lady Thesiger had arranged to come to Crown Anstey
with Agatha, for the purpose of choosing from some very choice
engravings that had been sent to me from London. I asked Sir John to
accompany them and stay at lunch. It was always a red-letter day to me