"Return? You mean—?"
"You're not such a fool as you'd have me think. What of the handsome apartment you are living in, furnished by Mr. Weldon and supposed to be paid for out of the salary you are to receive? Do you think Mr. Weldon really paid the rent? No, my dear. I did."
"No, no, no—I don't believe it," cried Martha, shrinking from him. "It's incredible."
"I don't care a rap for the money I have spent," cried Gordon, following her. "I'd give it ten times over if you only loved me."
"Loved you?" repeated Martha, scornfully. "How can you—"
"Don't say no too hastily, Martha. I think I care more for you than I ever did for any one else. I'll make you happy. There's nothing that my money won't do or can't do. We can go around the world together—to Paris, Vienna, India, Japan, anywhere you like." He came nearer. "Martha, in all the time I have known and loved you, I have never had one kiss. Shall I have the first to-night?"
The girl turned and faced him squarely with flashing eyes.
"Neither to-night nor any other night," she cried in ringing tones.
"You mean it?" Gordon's face was pale and drawn.
"Yes."