"DEAR BOYD,—The conviction has been growing on me for some time that you and I have made a serious mistake. It is not necessary to go into details—let us spare each other that unpleasantness. I am familiar with all that father will say to you, and his feelings are mine; hence there is no necessity for further explanations. Believe me, this is much the simplest way.
"MILDRED."
Boyd crushed the note in his palm and tossed it away carelessly.
"You dictate well," he said, quietly, "but I shall tell her the truth, and she will—"
"Oh no, you won't. You won't see her again. I have seen to that. Mildred is engaged to Willis Marsh. It's all settled. I warn you to keep away. Her engagement has been announced to all our friends on the yacht."
"I tell you I won't take my dismissal from any one but her. I shall come aboard The Grande Dame to-night."
"Mr. Marsh and I may have something to say to that."
Boyd wheeled upon Marsh with a look that made him recoil.
"If you try to cross me, I'll strip your back and lash you till you howl like a dog."
Marsh's florid face went pale; his tongue became suddenly too dry for speech. But Wayne Wayland was not to be cowed.