"He despises me so thoroughly that he thought he could go beyond his contract and tempt me with this interest we are quarrelling about, mother.

He was sure that I would jump at it as a greedy fish snaps at the bait.

But I disappointed him.

I shall never forget the look of surprise,--no, it was wonder,--that came into his eyes when I flatly refused to take this interest.

That was nearly a year ago.