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.