When Hugh's visit came to an end, he continued his journey in a

northerly direction. The property left to him by his father included a

cottage, standing in its own grounds, on the Scotch shore of the Solway

Firth. The place had been neglected during the long residence of the

elder Mr. Mountjoy on the Continent. Hugh's present object was to

judge, by his own investigation, of the necessity for repairs.

On the departure of his guest, Mr. Henley (still obstinately hopeful of

the marriage on which he had set his mind) assumed a jocular manner

towards Iris, and asked if the Scotch cottage was to be put in order

for the honeymoon. Her reply, gently as it was expressed, threw him

into a state of fury. His vindictive temper revelled, not only in harsh

words, but in spiteful actions. He sold one of his dogs which had

specially attached itself to Iris; and, seeing that she still enjoyed

the country, he decided on returning to London.

She submitted in silence. But the events of that past time, when her

father's merciless conduct had driven her out of his house, returned

ominously to her memory. She said to herself: "Is a day coming when I

shall leave him again?" It was coming--and she little knew how.




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