“That you will leave Annie alone in the future,” continued Leslie; “that you will never again take money from her. That sixty pounds is my present to you. I exonerate Annie from all blame in the matter. She shall never get into trouble on my account if you, on your part, will keep your word.”
“You are plucky,” said Colchester. He was impressed by Leslie’s manner and by her remarkable beauty. The moon was shining full upon her face, which looked clear and pale and unearthly.
“You are a very plucky girl,” he repeated; “and Annie is in luck to have made you her friend. Yes, I am all right now. This little girl, or, rather, you, Miss”—he paused, but Leslie did not supply the name—“have made it all right for me.”
“Very well; I promise not to tell what Annie has done if you make me a promise not to blackmail her again.”
“Blackmail! that is an ugly word,” said Colchester; “after all, she is my sister.”
“The more shame on you to get your sister into trouble. I have a brother. Do you think he—but there, I cannot speak of him in the same breath with you. If
you attempt to blackmail Annie any more I will tell Mr. Parker all about this matter. I will consider that the promise I have made to-day is no longer binding. Now, it rests with yourself. Bid your sister good-by, and go.”
“Oh, I cannot, cannot part with you, Rupert!” cried Annie.
She burst into a bitter flood of tears, flung her arms round her brother’s neck, and laid her head on his shoulder.
“There is nothing—nothing I would not do for you,” she sobbed.