"Me? I do not wish to harm him."
"No. You could not even if you did wish; he is going to marry me, and I hope to undo all the harm you have done him."
"I wish you joy of your task," he replied with a sneer. "But Dr. Nestley seems to be able to transfer his affections very easily--perhaps you do not know he was in love with Miss Challoner."
"Yes I do," she answered in a low tone, "he told me everything; and we understand one another perfectly. You have done your worst, Mr. Beaumont, and can do no more--he is going to become my husband, and, blind as I am, I hope to be his guardian angel from such men as you."
"These domestic details don't interest me in the slightest," he answered contemptuously, waving his hand. "Will you be kind enough to go, Miss Mosser? I have some letters to write."
"I am going," answered the blind girl, quietly feeling her way to the door. "I only came to tell you that you will never see him again--never!"
"Neither will you," he returned brutally.
The poor girl burst into tears at the unmanly taunt, but hastily dried them, and answered him back proudly.
"I can see him in my own mind, sir," she said indignantly, "and that is all I wish for--his faults have been of your making, and not of his own. I say good-bye to you, sir, and only wish you a better heart, that you may not make a jest of the misfortunes of others."
As she closed the door after her, Beaumont felt rather ashamed of himself, but soon recovered from the feeling, and sat down at the table to write a note to Reginald.