It contained these few and significant words: "In speaking of possible relations with Mr.M.I emphasized a small but important word--'if.' I now commend it to you still more emphatically.

You know I prefer Mr.M.Therefore you will do well to heed my caution.

Mr.M.may lose everything within a brief time." Miss Wildmere frowned and bit her lip with vexation.

Then her white face took on hard, resolute lines.

"I came near making a fool of myself this afternoon," she muttered.