He was pleasing to her as he had always been, and when that is so women forgive much.

This was certain, however--love was not her guide to-night.

Was it vengeance then that led her on?
Perhaps; at least she longed to be able to say to him, "See what craft lies hid even in the bosom of an outwitted fool." Yet she would not have done it for vengeance' sake alone, or rather she would have paid herself in some other fashion.

No, her real reason was that she must discharge the debt due to Margaret and Peter, and to Castell who had sheltered her for years.

She it was who had brought them into all this woe, and it seemed but just that she should bring them out again, even at the cost of her own life and womanly dignity.