"And who had a better right? Through whose means did you make your fortune?
Besides this, haven't I always given you a fair chance to win back all you
could?"

"I want no more of such chances,"

"But you promised; and I want to know whether you mean to keep that promise
or not."

"Supposing I do, you would not have me leave home to-night, would you?"

"Yes, to-night."

"But my brother, as you have already discovered, I presume, has just
arrived on a visit; and you know I can't decently leave him."

"And what do _I_ care for that? Say whether you will meet me at the old
room, or not, as soon as your company have cleared out?"

"You are unreasonable, cruel, Gaut."

"Then say you will _not_ go, and see what will come of it, Mark Elwood!"

"I must go--I _will_ go, Gaut," replied Elwood, turning pale at the last
intimation. "As soon as I get rid of the company, I will start directly for
the place."

"Well, just as you can afford," said Gaut, doggedly, as he turned on his
heel, and made his way out of the house.