armchair in solemn, lurid silence. Then with one swift flash the storm
broke.

"What is this I hear from Mr. Russell?"

"I am sure I don't know what you have heard from Mr. Russell," answered
Barbara faintly.

"Perhaps, but you know very well what there was to hear, you wicked,
ungrateful girl."

"Wicked!" murmured Barbara, "ungrateful!"

"Yes, it is wicked to lead a man on and then reject him as though he
were--rubbish. And it is ungrateful to throw away the chances that a
kind aunt and Providence put in your way. What have you against him?"

"Nothing at all, I think him very nice."

Lady Thompson's brow lightened; if she thought him "very nice" all might
yet be well. Perhaps this refusal was nothing but nonsensical modesty.
Mr. Russell, being a gentleman, had not told her everything.

"Then I say you shall marry him."

"And I say, Aunt, that I will not and cannot."

"Why? Have you been secretly converted to the Church of Rome, and are
you going into a nunnery? Or is there--another man?"