"Colonel, if I chose, Ida would remain with me altogether, as she loves me."
"Say rather," said Towton, somewhat unjustly, "that you have a great influence over her, Miss Hest."
"And if I have," cried Frances, rising to the height of her tall figure, "has that influence been used for otherwise but good? Instead of misusing it, as I could, to keep Ida beside me and retain command of her money, I wish her to marry you and take her fortune entirely to yourself. All I ask is for a sum to save me from begging my bread in the street. Think of my position and do not be too hard on me, Colonel."
"I admit that you have some claim," said the Colonel politely; "and doubtless Miss Dimsdale will consent to your demand. But I can say nothing. It will be better to wait."
"Until when?"
"Until to-morrow. Then, with Ida, we can talk over the matter." Miss Hest's lip curled. "You are a strange man, Colonel. I offer you a pretty wife and a handsome fortune, yet you hesitate to do me justice."
"I see no justice in giving you ten thousand pounds," retorted Towton sharply.
"Well," said Frances, suppressing her rising anger, for she felt that she was acting generously and the Colonel churlishly, "perhaps justice is not quite the word which should be used. But you spoke now of my influence over Ida as being great, and you spoke truly. She is very fond of me, and I am perfectly well able to induce her to give up all idea of becoming your wife, and to get her to remain with me. Then I should handle the sum I ask for every year instead of only once, for Ida knows nothing of business."
"See here, Miss Hest," said Towton roundly, "I love Ida and I wish her to be my wife. But she shall accept me of her own free will and without being pressed in any way. Your influence can scarcely be so great as you think, since Ida declined both to marry Maunders or your brother, although--as you admit--you urged her to do so. I am coming to-morrow with Lady Corsoon and her daughter to see Ida, and I hope Miss Dimsdale will return with her aunt to this house----"
"Not if I can prevent it," said Frances, her colour rising as she hastily wrapped her cloak round her and moved towards the door. "Ida remains with me as a hostage until I get this money, to which I am entitled."