"It is one thing, you see, Dora, to light a fire, another to extinguish it."
"Now, will you leave me, Lord Vivianne? You have placed the pleasing alternative very plainly before me; we have agreed upon a time until you come for my answer—that will be at the end of August. Until then your own good sense will show you the proper course to pursue; you need neither seek nor avoid me."
He bowed.
"I hope, Lady Studleigh, you will have overcome your great objection to my presence before you see me again. I will now go. Let me give you one word of warning. A desperate man is not to be trifled with; if you attempt to escape me, if you place yourself in any way legally out of my reach, you shall answer to me, not only with your fair name, but with your life! You hear?"
"I hear," she replied, calmly, "but I do not come of a race that heeds threats. Good-morning, my lord."
"Dora," he said, "for the sake of old times—of the old love—will you not give me one kiss?"
"I would rather see you dead!" was the reply, given with an angry bitterness she could not control.
He laughed aloud.
"I shall soon see that pretty spirit humbled," he said. "Good-morning, my lady."
And the next minute he was gone.