"I'll take the risk of that--if risk there is. Allen," she said, placing her hands on his shoulders, "you laughed at my premonition of evil when I spoke to you of Lady Burville. You see I was right. Now I have a premonition of good. My researches will mend the breach between us, and bring about our marriage."
"Impossible! and, moreover----" he hesitated. "Can you love me after the cruel way in which I have been forced to behave to you?"
"Yes. You mention the poison and the antidote at once. You have been cruel, but you have been forced, as I truly believe, to be so. When I discover that force, I shall learn the bar to our marriage. If so, it can be removed."
"I am afraid not," he replied, shaking his head.
"In the meantime," she continued, as though she had not heard him, "as I am a pauper, I must remain at the Red House. But I refuse to do so in the company of that creature Joad, unless I have a companion. Will you let Mrs. Tice come and stay with me for a few weeks?"
"If Mrs. Tice will go, I shall be delighted that you should have her."
"Very good, Allen." She rose from her chair. "Now we understand one another. When I know the truth, I shall come and see you again. Till then, we must be strangers."
"I suppose so," said Scott gloomily; "but I warn you the danger is great when you know the truth----"
"Well, what will be the result?"
Allen Scott looked at her pityingly.