His countenance fell again.
"They are in my possession," pursued she. "Shall I show them to Miss Arthur, or not?"
"It can't make much difference now," said the man, sullenly.
"Let us understand each other fully," said Madeline. "I am not acting in concert with Cora Arthur. She is even more in my power than you are. I have no desire to undeceive Miss Arthur. Neither do I wish you to leave Oakley. On the contrary, I want you here; you can be of service to me, by and by. And I pledge you my word that so long as you remain under this roof, those papers shall not be used against you."
"And if I don't choose to remain?"
Madeline laughed. "Then you must take the consequences," she said, carelessly.
"And what will they be?"
"Exposure and arrest."
Percy drew pen, ink, and paper toward him. "What shall I write to the clergyman?" he asked, sullenly.
"Whatever you choose. And I will send it. Make your peace with Miss Arthur, too, in your own way."