"Then put the money back," she said, as quietly as she could force herself to speak.
"Never!" exclaimed Miss Chandler, vehemently. "Do you think my father would believe you if you told this story to him, and I was not here? To-morrow you may tell him what you wish."
"Then you propose to make me an accomplice to your act, so to speak, by my remaining quiet, and saying nothing, while you rob your own father, is that it?" cried Leonie, aghast at the girl's audacity.
"Exactly!" replied Miss Chandler, firmly, the memory of her danger overcoming her fear.
"And I tell you," exclaimed Leonie with equal firmness, "that it shall not be so! Put that money back, refuse in my presence to give that man up-stairs any more, either now, or at any future time, and you are safe from me. Refuse, and as God is my judge I will denounce you! You think I am at your mercy. Look!"
She had prepared for some such emergency, little thinking under what circumstances she would require it; and as she spoke she produced a small Derringer revolver, which she did not point toward Miss Chandler, but with it clasped in one hand she calmly laid the other upon the bell-cord.
"Will you put that money back?" she asked, coolly.
"No!" cried Miss Chandler, half wildly. "Denounce me if you will; disgrace me, if you wish. Do you not think I will not tell the story of your infamous birth? Do you think that I have not seen that you are in love with Lynde Pyne? Ha, ha! Tell this if you wish. It will disgrace me, and then I shall not hesitate to tell the world that you are the daughter of Lena Mauprat, who was condemned to the penitentiary for stealing. What if I am the daughter of the same mother, and but the adopted child of Leonard Chandler? I am legitimate, while you are not!"
Slowly the hand that held the bell-cord dropped. The one that held the pistol relaxed its hold, and the weapon fell upon the chair that was under it noiselessly, the dainty face became gray and drawn, and without a cry or moan, Leonie Cuyler fell at her sister's feet.
Godfrey Cuyler's terrible suffering was explained at last.