Hugh's present object was to judge, by his own investigation, of the necessity for repairs.
On the departure of his guest, Mr.Henley (still obstinately hopeful of the marriage on which he had set his mind) assumed a jocular manner towards Iris, and asked if the Scotch cottage was to be put in order for the honeymoon.

Her reply, gently as it was expressed, threw him into a state of fury.

His vindictive temper revelled, not only in harsh words, but in spiteful actions.

He sold one of his dogs which had specially attached itself to Iris; and, seeing that she still enjoyed the country, he decided on returning to London.
She submitted in silence.

But the events of that past time, when her father's merciless conduct had driven her out of his house, returned ominously to her memory.