And it was then that she told me the story of Phyllis and her father to which I have made previous allusion: how Phyllis, as her father's secretary, had opened a letter which had frightened her; how her father's crafty face had frightened her still more; how she had run to Betty for the easing of her heart.

And this letter was from Leonard Boyce.

"I cannot afford one penny more," so the letter ran, according to Betty's recollection of Phyllis's recollection, "but if you remain loyal to our agreement, you will not regret it.

If ever I hear of your coupling my name with that of Miss Fenimore, I'll kill you.

I am a man of my word." I think Betty crystallised Phyllis's looser statement.