There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my elbow.

It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more afraid of her knowing my past than of the police.

Whatever he wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing which I could not give.

He asked for Alice.
"His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that his lad should step into the whole property.

But there I was firm.