“Mr Montaigne is right; you are fighting against the irrevocable. The step is taken, and Marie cannot return. Now, for all our sakes, pray go!”
“With Mr Montaigne?” cried Ruth excitedly. “No; I will not go; and I will not leave Marie!”
“Then, in heaven’s name, go with us!”
“No!” said Montaigne fiercely; “Ruth goes with me!”
“Marcus Glen—Marie—I claim your protection from this man!” cried Ruth excitedly.
“Then you shall come!” cried Glen. “Marie, be firm,” he whispered. “Now, Mr Montaigne—you hear Miss Allerton’s decision; stand aside!”
“Miss Allerton stays with me!” said Montaigne firmly; and, in place of giving way, he stepped forward, and an angry collision seemed imminent, when the door was once more thrown open, and Lord Henry Moorpark, looking blanched and old, came into the room.
Ruth had gained her end.