It was evident to her that Frank Muller would be as good as his word.

She knew him too well to doubt this for a moment.

If Bessie did not marry him he would murder the old man, as he had tried to murder herself and John, only this time judicially, and then abduct her sister afterwards.

She was the only price that he was prepared to take in exchange for her uncle's life.

But it was impossible to allow Bessie to be so sacrificed; the thought was horrible to her.
How, then, was it to be prevented?
She thought again of confronting Frank Muller and openly accusing him of her attempted murder, only, however, to dismiss the idea.