“Why doesn’t he come out with the truth?”

“The whole thing is secret.”

“Why?”

Natalie shrugged hopelessly, and Gordon lost himself in frowning thought.

“This is amazing,” he said, brusquely, after a moment.  “It’s vital.  It affects all my plans.  I must know everything at once.”

“I’m sorry I paid so little attention.”

“Never mind; try it again and be diplomatic.  If O’Neil won’t tell you, question Appleton—­you can wind him around your fingers easily enough.”

The girl eyed him with a quick change of expression.

“Isn’t it enough to know that the Trust has nothing to do with the S. R. & N.?”

“No!” he declared, impatiently.  “I must know the whole inside of this secret understanding—­this blackmail, or whatever it is.”

“Then—­I’m sorry.”

“Come!  Don’t be silly.  You can do me a great service.”

“You said you no longer disliked Mr. O’Neil and that he couldn’t harm you.”

“Well, well!  Must I explain the whys and wherefores of every move I make?”

“It would be spying if I went back.  The matter is confidential—­I know that.”

“Will you do as I ask?” he demanded.

Natalie answered him firmly:  “No!  I told you what I did tell you only so that you might correct—­”

“You rebel, eh?” Gordon spoke out furiously.

It was their first clash since the marriage.  Mrs. Gordon looked on, torn between loyalty to her husband and a desire to protect her daughter.  She was searching her mind painfully for the compromise, the half-truth that was her remedy for every moral distress.  At length she said, placatingly: 

“I’m sure Natalie will help you in any way she can, Curtis.  She isn’t rebellious, she merely doesn’t understand.”

“She doesn’t need to understand.  It is enough that I direct her—­ " As Natalie turned and walked silently to the window he stifled an oath.  “Have I no authority?” he stormed.  “Do you mean to obey?”

“Wait!” Gloria laid a restraining hand on his arm.  “Perhaps I can learn what you want to know.  Mr. O’Neil was very kind—­”

Her daughter whirled, with white face and flashing eyes.

“Mother!” she gasped.

“Our loyalty begins at home,” said Gloria, feebly.

“Oh-h!  I can’t conceive of your—­of such a thing.  If you have no decency, I have.  I’m sorry I spoke, but—­if you dare to do such a thing I shall warn Mr. O’Neil that you are a spy.”  She turned a glance of loathing on Gordon.  “I see,” she said, quietly.  “You used me as a tool.  You lied about your feeling toward him.  You meant harm to him all the time.”  She faced the window again.

“Lied!” he shouted.  “Be careful—­that’s pretty strong language.  Don’t try me too far, or you may find yourself adrift once more.  I have been too patient.  But I have other ways of finding out what I wish to know, and I shall verify what you have told me.”  He strode angrily from the room, leaving Natalie staring out upon the bleak fall scene, her shoulders very straight, her breast heaving.  Gloria did not venture to address her.