CHAPTER XIX.
A WOMAN OUTWITS TWO MEN.
"Oh, Mary, what can I say?
I was simply mad, stung into fury by that foul-mouthed ruffian.

Mary, I am deeply sorry, and thoroughly ashamed of my violence and my cruelty, and I implore you to think of the very many happy years we have spent together without an angry word--not that you ever deserved one.

Let us silence all comments; return to me as the head of my house and the heiress of my fortune; you will bind Mr.Hope to me still more strongly, he shall be my partner, and he will not be so selfish as to ruin your future." "Ay," said Hope, "that's the same specious argument you tempted me with twelve years ago.

But she was a helpless child then; she is a woman now, and can decide for herself.

As for me, I will not be your partner.