"Neither you nor any man can part them," interposed a voice,
speaking behind us. "Rid your mind of that notion, master, before
it is too late."

My father looked round quickly, and discovere d Dame Dermody
facing him in the full light of the window. She had stepped back,
at the outset of the dispute, into the corner behind the
fireplace. There she had remained, biding her time to speak,
until my father's last threat brought her out of her place of
retirement.

They looked at each other for a moment. My father seemed to think
it beneath his dignity to answer her. He went on with what he had
to say to me.

"I shall count three slowly," he resumed. "Before I get to the
last number, make up your mind to do what I tell you, or submit
to the disgrace of being taken away by force."

"Take him where you may," said Dame Dermody, "he will still be on
his way to his marriage with my grandchild."

"And where shall I be, if you please?" asked my father, stung
into speaking to her this time.

The answer followed instantly in these startling words:

"_You_ will be on your way to your ruin and your death."