"It can scarcely be made worse than it is. In the event of your refusal I shall certainly do my duty."
"Mr. Poynter," said Aaron, with dignity, "I refuse your offer."
"It is not enough?"
"Were you to multiply it a hundred times, it would not be enough."
Through Aaron's veins ran the sweet approval conveyed in Rachel's close clasp upon his hand. "You beggar!" exclaimed Mr. Poynter. "You hypocrite! You defy me?"
"I do not defy you; I simply tell you to do your worst."
"It shall be done!" cried Mr. Poynter, furiously. "You are ruined; I will ruin you still more; I will bring you to your knees; you shall lie in the gutter and beg for mercy! You paragon of sanctity, all the world shall know you for what you are!"
"You can use no harsher words," said Aaron. "Relieve me now of your presence."
As he said this the communicating door between the rooms opened, and Mrs. Gordon appeared on the threshold.
"Yes, I will go," said Mr. Poynter, but fell back when Mrs. Gordon advanced.