"Land and house," she said, drawing a deep breath, as if some idea had become a resolution in her mind. "Tell me, must they be in this county?"
"If Sir Noel had land in another part of England I should like it better. One might set up for a gentleman with more success among strangers," was the cool reply.
"I can give you all these things in a part of England where you have never been heard of," said the lady. "Only remember this: there must be no more appeals to Sir Noel. He must never see that paper. It must never be mentioned again to any human being. That is my condition."
"But, lady, can you make this certain? Sir Noel is your guardian."
"Not as regards this property. Have no fear, I promise it."
"And Ruth—Ruth Jessup? Without her all this goes for nothing."
"Ah, if, as you say, she loves you, that is easy. To a woman who loves, all things are possible."
"She did love me once," muttered Storms, beginning to lose heart.
"Then she loves you yet. Ruth is an honest girl, and with such change is impossible. To love once is to love forever; knowing her, you ought to be sure of this. Besides, it is understood that she is promised to you."
"She is promised to me," answered Storms, with some show of doubt, "and if it had not been—"