Mrs Gabriel lost her temper and stamped her foot. "Give me that certificate, or I'll have you arrested."
"Oh! So you want me to tell my story in court, my lady."
"You dare to!"
"Then give me the thousand pounds." Mrs Jeal was beginning to lose her temper. "Here's a coil about a trifle," she said angrily; "instead of asking you for blackmail, as I could have done, I offer to give you freedom. And you won't pay for it."
"I will. Here's a cheque. Come with me to the bank at Portfront to-morrow, and you can cash it in my presence. The certificate—"
"Will be given to you when the notes are in my hand. You can take me to Portfront with my boxes, as I then can catch the afternoon steamer to London. I have given up my cottage, and sold my furniture, and packed my things. To-morrow I'll take Pearl to Miss Tempest, and then we can drive to the bank."
"You insolent woman!" raged Mrs Gabriel, but she was obliged to yield. For once in her life she had met a person of her own sex who had as bad a temper as herself. The two women had a royal battle, but in the end victory declared itself on the side of Mrs Jeal, and she departed in triumph.
The next morning Sybil was informed that Mrs Jeal and Pearl were waiting to see her. Guessing the woman's errand, Miss Tempest descended. Mrs Jeal, perfectly respectful, dropped a curtsey.
"I've brought you Pearl, my lady," she said.
"I am not 'my lady,'" said Sybil, coldly.