It was at this point that Giles opened the door softly and looked in. "Make it fifteen hundred, your ladyship, and I'll stop the marriage," he said impudently.
"Giles," cried Eva, rising indignantly, "how dare you----?"
"Because I've been listening, and heard a chance of making money."
Mrs. Merry burst in at her husband's heels. "And I couldn't stop him from listening, Miss Eva," she said, weeping; "he's a brute. Don't give him the money, your ladyship; he's a liar."
"I'm not," said Giles coolly, "for fifteen hundred pounds I can stop this marriage. I have every reason to hate Miss Lorry. She's been playing low down on me, in writing to you, Miss Strode, and it's time she learned I won't be put on. Well, your ladyship?"
The old woman, who had kept her imperious black eyes fixed on Giles, nodded. "Can you really stop the marriage?"
"Yes I can, and pretty sharp too."
"Then do so and you'll have the fifteen hundred pounds."
"Will you give me some writing to that effect?"
"Yes," said Lady Ipsen, becoming at once a business woman; "get me some ink and paper, Eva."