"You--you--you!" cried Mallien violently, "you swindler!"

"Don't call names," said Rupert imperiously, "or in spite of the fact that Dorinda has the misfortune to call you father, I shall kick you out of the house. So now you know."

"My own house," foamed Mallien, stamping.

"It's not your house yet, and it never may be."

"Well,"--Mallien drew a long breath--"I never--I never----" He turned on his daughter suddenly and with violence. "What do you think of this behavior?"

"I entirely approve of it," said Dorinda, calmly, "and I am glad to see Rupert stand up for his rights. He has treated you far too well as it is."

"What--what--what?"

"It's no use, father. You don't care for me and you don't care for your honor. All you do care for is yourself."

"I--I--shall cut you off with a shilling--with a shilling."

"So long as I have Rupert, I don't care."