"Well, well," continued Pratt, stretching his legs; "I have to go, thanks to that wretched man Marton. How was it he appeared so unexpectedly?"
"Raston sent for him to London to find out who committed the robbery."
"Ah!" Pratt laughed. "I hope Mr Marton is satisfied now. My letter should have pleased him."
"It pleased me more," said Leo, bluntly; "my name is now clear! And you will be glad to hear," he added, turning to Mrs Gabriel, "that Hale, in the presence of Marton and his sister, confessed that he lent me the money. I am afraid your plot against me has failed, my dear aunt."
"Hold your tongue!" said Mrs Gabriel, angrily.
"No. The time has passed for that. I am no longer in your power. I intend to make my own way in the world."
"With assistance from Mrs Gabriel," said Pratt, quietly. "She will start you with a thousand pounds, my dear Leo."
"I won't give one penny," said Mrs Gabriel, glaring. "You can do your very worst, Pratt. I have been your milch cow long enough."
"I would not take anything from her," said Leo, interposing; "and I'll thank you, Mr Pratt, to leave my affairs alone. If you will persist in meddling with them, I shall not keep my promise of silence."
"Oh, yes, you will!" chimed in Pratt, fixing him with his eye. "You dare not betray me, Leo."