I hojie you have no debts, or it will be
the worse for you,” said Sedley, in the
same harsh tone.
“No, 1 have no debts,” Mrs. Lemont
replied, with compressed lips and
heightened color, as if striving to con
trol her rising anger.
“That is well so far,” Sedley remark
ed. “Pray who is the last victim?” he
asked, with a sneer, as he taok up and
laid down several little articles of bijou
terie on ‘he table.
“I mig it ask the same question of
you, replied Mrs. Lemont, her eyes
flashing. “But what is the use of re
criminations? I have promised to do
what you require of me—that is suf
ficient.”
“Has any one been here to-day?”
Sedley asked, with an air of suspicion.
“I told Perkins to admit no one hut
you,” said Mrs. Lemont. “What an
idiot that Perkins is! Only I think he’s
tolerably trustworthy, as things go. Ah
me, is tni re one honest person in this
heartless world, I wonder?”
Sedley"s lips curled.
“I suppose people are honest or not,
just as it best serves lheir*turn,” he
said.
“That is your maxim, I know, my
friend,” Mrs. Lemont remarked, with a
scornful laugh, “and therefore you can
not he surprised if I do not altogether
trust you. How long is my banishment
to last?”
“How can I tell?” he demanded.
“Let me get into my saddle first.”
Julie Lemont fixed her bright black
eyes upon him, as though she would
look him through. He winced under
her gaze.
“You would trick me if you could,
hut have care,” she said, “liemember,
I have you in my power.”
Sedley turned a shade paler.
