"Pooh! That's bluff!"
"Indeed, indeed it isn't," said the woman passionately. "What I have told you is perfectly true. Your uncle will be in great danger if Felix speaks. But swear to save him from that girl, and I shall stop all trouble about Mr. Haken."
"I swear," said Prelice quietly; "especially as it is the dearest wish of my life to make Miss Chent my wife."
"Beware—oh, be careful!" implored Madame Marie, clinging to Prelice. "I know that Felix is desperate; he is dangerous."
"I am not afraid of him. He cannot hurt me."
"But he may hurt her," cried Madame Marie. "If anything goes wrong, come to me. I can help you."
"I shall do so; but why do you work against the man you love?"
"Because I can secure him in no other way. I want him to leave England to marry me. While he stops here, and is infatuated with Miss Chent, there is no hope. Hark! Felix is calling. Remember, we are outwardly enemies, but inwardly friends. You promise." On this she produced a small golden crucifix.
Considering the exigencies of the case, Prelice was willing to promise anything, even to a doubtfully good woman, such as Madame Marie appeared to be. But the production of the crucifix took him aback.
"I give you my word," he said, stiffly.