"I never can forget it," said Madame Coralie, calmly; "and you are quite right, my dear. Eddy is a horrid young man, conceited and impudent, whose one idea in life is to hunt women and spend money. That's two ideas, though, isn't it, my dear?" ended Madame Coralie, with a grim look in her eyes. "Oh! what a fool I was to marry him."
"Perhaps he will improve, Aunt Flora, and I am sure he ought to be grateful to you for keeping him the way you do."
"My dear child, gratitude and Eddy Vail are far apart. He's a rogue and I'm a fool, so we are well matched. Don't let us talk any more about him. I have sent a letter to your father saying you are staying with me, and asking him to send on your boxes."
"Did you mention if you knew why I came to you, aunt?"
"Yes, I did, and I signed myself Flora Arkwright."
"Why not Flora Vail?"
"Because Joseph does not know me by that name; but he knows who Flora Arkwright is," said Madame Coralie, still grimly. "And he will certainly send on your boxes, my dear, as he has been waiting for a chance to get rid of you."
Audrey looked pained. "Why should he desire to get rid of me? I am sure I have always tried to be a daughter to him."
"He doesn't want a daughter, but another wife. You were an obstacle in the way of his marrying Rosy Pearl, and, as he could not induce you to marry Lord Anvers, he seized the opportunity of your making that rash visit to Mr. Shawe to turn you out of house and home. But he shall make you an allowance, Audrey"--Madame Coralie's eyes flashed--"I'll see to that."
"He will not unless he is forced to," rejoined the girl, mournfully.