"I have a right to a portion of the estate."
"You have not," said Miss Randolph, clenching her fists and all her languor gone. "Bernard is the owner of Gore Hall and of all the property, and of the title also. If he is alive, as I sincerely hope, his name will be cleared."
"And then you will throw me over and try to become Lady Gore."
"I throw you over now," said Lucy, losing her temper and coloring hotly. "How dare you speak to me like this, Julius! I will no longer be bound to you. I never loved you, but I have always tried to see the best side of you. But you have no good side. You are a mean, cowardly serpent, and if Bernard is alive I shall do my best to defend him from your snares."
"But Lucy—"
"Don't speak to me, and don't dare to call me again by that name. I give you back your ring—here it is!" She wrenched it from her finger. "Now leave the house, Mr. Beryl. I am mistress here."
Julius looked at the ring which she had thrown at his feet, and laughed. "You take a high tone," he said sneeringly. "But remember that if Bernard is dead the money goes to charities—"
"So much the better. You do not get it."
"Nor you either. You will have to turn out of this luxurious home and live on the pittance Sir Simon left you."
"Would I be better off if I married you?"