"Madam, you wrong me, by heavens!" ejaculated Tomlinson, throwing down the pen.
But at the same moment his wrist was seized with a grasp of iron, and a well-known voice whispered in his ear, "Hesitate another moment, and I denounce you and your cashier together!"
Tomlinson became docile as a child, resumed the pen, and said, "In whose favour is this transfer to be made?"
"In that of Mr. Arthur Chichester," answered Viola, firmly.
"What is the amount to be so transferred?"
"Eight thousand pounds, being part of a sum now standing in my name in the Three-and-a-Half per cents.," replied the injured woman, still with an outward composure, which was not, however, the reflection of her inward feelings.
Tomlinson filled up the paper according to the instructions which he received.
Then, addressing himself to Viola, but without turning his eyes towards her, he said, "You are aware, madam, that this document is ante-dated by two months?"
"I am, sir."
"Nothing now remains, then, madam, save for you to sign it."