"You know the alternative," he said, harshly.
"No matter what the alternative is, I—I could not help you," she answered, huskily.
"If you refuse," he went on, "I can have Eugene Mallard and yourself arrested for bigamy. I can send you both to prison, and, so help me Heaven, I'll do it! You say that you love Eugene Mallard. We will see if you love him well enough to save him."
"You monster!" she gasped, wildly, "you would not do such a thing, I say. You dare not outrage Heaven like that."
"The shoe is on the other foot. It is you who have outraged Heaven in violating the law. I must have that money, and you know I am a desperate man."
He would not tell her just now that her child was alive. He would save that piece of news for some other time.
Before she could reply, they saw some of the servants crossing the lawn.
"I must go!" she cried, wrenching herself free from his grasp. "They have come in search of me!"
"I shall be here to-morrow night at this very spot awaiting your answer," he said, harshly.
Why had Heaven let Royal Ainsley find her? Had he not already brought misery enough into her life?