"Rubbish! It was her interest to keep him alive. She lost a good situation by my husband's death remember."

"It might have been Neddy. He was in the house all the time."

"So Mrs. Vence says. But a boy like that--pooh!"

"Might have been yourself."

Lady Wyke laughed. "I was in London at the time, and can prove that I was. I don't think, however, that I'll be called upon to defend myself."

"Why not?" said Lemby, significantly. "I might suggest that to Purse----"

"And you will unless I agree to marry you," finished the woman, coolly.

"That's right smart of you," Lemby assured her. "I came here to ask you to marry me. Craver won't have you; he set on Claudia."

"I haven't lost all hope yet of getting him," said Lady Wyke through her clenched teeth, and looked at the man in a lowering way.

"Shucks! There's no chance there. Marry me."