were as bitter as ever--that even the tragic death of her rival had
not softened her.

"He will survive it," she answered, in the same half-contemptuous tone.
"Men have died and worms have eaten them, but not for love."

"Inez," said her aunt, suddenly coming a step nearer, "a rumor has
reached me--is it true?--that Juan is back--that he has been here?"

"It is quite true," her niece answered, without turning round; "he
_has_ been here. He was here on the night Lady Catheron first came."

"There is another rumor afloat, that there was a violent quarrel on
that occasion--that he claimed to be an old lover of Ethel's, poor
child, and that Victor turned him out. Since then it is said he has
been seen more than once prowling about the grounds. For everybody's
sake I hope it is not true."

Inez faced round suddenly--almost fiercely.

"And what if I say it _is_ true, in every respect? He did come--there
was a quarrel, and Victor ordered him out. Since then he has been
here--prowling, as you call it--trying to see me, trying to force
me to give him money. I was flinty as usual, and would give him none.
Where is the crime in all that?"

"Has he gone?" was Lady Helena's response.

"I believe so--I hope so. He had nothing to stay for. Of course he has
gone."