Now, I shall take up the matter.
I dare say you think that you have won, Miss Penfold; that you are now mistress beyond dispute of Herbert's property.

You will see the battle has only just begun.

It will last, I can tell you, all your lives or mine." A week later an altogether unexpected event took place.

When Mr.and Mrs.Withers were at breakfast a letter arrived from Mr.Littleton, now solicitor to the Miss Penfolds.

Upon opening it it was found to contain an offer upon the part of the Miss Penfolds to settle the sum of a hundred a year for life upon Mabel, upon the condition only that the allowance would be stopped upon her marriage, unless that marriage received the approval, in writing, of the Miss Penfolds.