"As I suspected. You planned this thing."
"Oh, Uncle Mark! what are you saying?" sobbed Gertrude. Her heart was so full she could scarcely speak. She had always treated her uncle with every consideration, and to have him turn against her in this fashion cut her to the quick.
"Gertrude, my eyes are open at last. From to-night you leave me!"
"What, going to throw her out of this house—out of her home!" ejaculated Nelson. "Sir, I don't know you, but I think you must be off in your mind."
"I am not so crazy as you imagine. I am sick—nay, I have one foot in the grave. But this shameless girl shall no longer hoodwink me. As soon as daylight comes she shall leave this house, and she shall never set foot in it again."
"But, sir——"
"I will waste no further words on you, young man. Out you go, or I will call a policeman at once."
"Oh, uncle, don't do that!" burst out Gertrude. "I will go away, if you insist upon it."
"I do insist upon it. Pack your things at once. If it were not night I would insist upon your leaving now."
Gertrude looked at him, and then drew herself up with an effort.