can do with her what I like. ... If she thinks that she can get the
better of me, I'll very soon show her that she is mistaken. Of course,
if it came to violence, I could do nothing but scream. I'm not
strong.'

Then Mildred said in a firm voice:

'I'm much obliged to you for your letter. This is very sad, I'll send
some more flowers for the coffin. Good morning.'

But a light came into Ellen's eyes, which Mildred did not like.

'Well,' she said, 'I hope you're satisfied. He died thinking of you. I
hope you're satisfied.'

'Mr. Hoskin and I were intimate friends. It is only natural that he
should think of me.'

'We were happy until you came... you've made dust and ashes of my
life. Why did you take the trouble to do this? You were not in love
with him, and I did you no injury.'

'I didn't know of your existence till the other day. I heard that---'

'That I was his mistress. Well, so I was. It appears that you were
not. But, I should like to know which of us two is the most virtuous,
which has done the least harm. I made him happy, you killed him.'

'This is madness.'