like to remain in England until I can save enough money out of the
king's allowance to pay the debt against my father's estate, so that I
may be able to go away and feel that my brother and sisters are secure
in their home--my brother is not strong--but I know it is better for
me to go now, and I hope to find the money out there. I could have
paid it with what I lost to Judson before I discovered him cheating."
This was the first time he had ever alluded to the duel, and the
thought of it, in Mary's mind, added a faint touch of fear to her
feeling toward him.

She looked up with a light in her eyes and asked: "What is the debt?
How much? Let me give you the money. I have so much more than I need.
Let me pay it. Please tell me how much it is and I will hand it to
you. You can come to my rooms and get it or I will send it to you. Now
tell me that I may. Quickly." And she was alive with enthusiastic
interest.

"There now! you are kind again; as kind as even you can be. Be sure, I
thank you, though I say it only once," and he looked into her eyes
with a gaze she could not stand even for an instant. This was growing
dangerous again, so, catching himself, he turned the conversation
back into the bantering vein.

"Ah! you want to pay the debt that I may have no excuse to remain? Is
that it? Perhaps you are not so kind after all."

"No! no! you know better. But let me pay the debt. How much is it and
to whom is it owing? Tell me at once, I command you."

"No! no! Lady Mary, I cannot."