“I think I have answered that question often enough and plain enough.  I do not know why you wish to put me to the unpleasant necessity of repeating that answer.  But if I have, by any misconception of the use of words, and the meaning of language, failed to be sufficiently definite in my speech, please now, once for all, understand me distinctly.  I cannot bid you hope for any change in my feelings toward you so far as love is concerned.  I never can look upon you as an accepted suitor for my hand, nor will it ever be in my power to love you.”

“Perhaps you may think differently hereafter.”

“Never!”

“Then my purpose is fixed.  You shall not wed another!  You, too, shall feel what it is to be disappointed.  You love Charles Hadley.  Ah, I knew you did! but mark me, you shall never wed him—­never!  I would sooner imbrue my hands in his blood, than that you should!  But he is a guilty culprit, a wandering fugitive from justice, and will never dare return.”

“Mr. Duffel, I have heretofore borne your persecutions with patience; I will do so no longer. You, sir, are more guilty this day than Charles Hadley.  Look at the blood spots on your hand.”

“What! ha! said the villain, taken aback by the bold remark.

“Yes, you may well flush and turn pale when your crimes stare you in the face!”

“Crimes?  Who dares to accuse me of crimes?”

“I do, sir!”

“You will repent it, madam.”

“I do not fear your threats any more than I regard your hypocritical protestations of esteem.”

“I will make you fear, then,” and with the words he left the house in a rage.

While together, Eveline and Duffel were both defiant, though they felt internal fear of each other, she at his threats, and he in alarm lest she should know something of his secret villainies; and when alone each gave way to the feelings uppermost in the mind; she after this manner: 

“God grant that no harm come to Charles from this wicked plotter!  And yet I fear he has already contrived to do him mischief.  How he was agitated when I threw out the accusation.  Oh, my God! if his hands really are stained with innocent blood!  Charles is no where to be found; what if he has fallen by the hands of his enemy?  What a terrible suspicion!  Would to Heaven I knew the truth!”

But the more she thought the more she feared, until the subject became so painful she tried to banish it from her mind.

Infuriated and alarmed, Duffel raged on this wise when alone: 

“It’s all over now! this palaver about love and money!  I shall never win my way to the old man’s purse in that manner; but I’ll try my skill at taming that proud, free spirit!  Blast the girl!  I wonder if she knows anything?  But pshaw! what a thought!  How could she?—­What a fool I was to be so startled!—­Well she is shrewd, and I give her credit for her penetration;