The mother and son paused to hear what he should have to say.

"I believe it is the custom here in discharging domestics to give a
month's warning, or in lieu of that, to pay a month's wages in
advance. There, woman, is the money. You will oblige me by leaving
the house to-day, together with your son and all your other
trumpery, as the premises are put in charge of an agent, who will be
here this afternoon, clothed with authority to eject all loiterers
and intruders."

While the colonel spoke Marah Rocke gazed at him in a panic from
which she seemed unable to rouse herself, until Traverse gravely
took her hand, saying:

"My dear mother, let me conduct you from the presence of this man,
who does not know how to behave himself toward women. Leave me to
talk with him, and do you, dear mother, go to Miss Day, who I know
is waiting for you."

Marah Rocke mechanically complied and allowed Traverse to lead her
from the room.

When he returned he went up to Colonel Le Noir, and, standing before
him and looking him full and sternly in the face, said, as sternly:

"Colonel Le Noir, my mother will remain here and abide the decision
of the Orphans' Court; until that has been pronounced, she does not
stir at your or any man's bidding!"

"Villain, out of my way!" sneered Le Noir, endeavoring to pass him.