"But to whom can I turn?" said Una helplessly. "I have no friend."
Beaumont arose to his feet, and came close to her.
"You?" she cried, recoiling with a shudder.
"Yes. I love you passionately, Una, and if you will be my wife, I will recover your property for you."
"I despise a son who could act as Reginald has done. I came down here expecting to find an honourable man, but instead I discover a scoundrel, a forger, and a thief."
"Is it all true what you have said?" murmured Una, looking straight at him.
"All true," he answered solemnly, "I swear it."
He started back in amazement, for she was facing him like an enraged tigress, with crimson cheeks and blazing eyes.
"What do you mean?" he said in a hoarse whisper.
"Mean?" she repeated scornfully. "That I know all, Basil Beaumont. Do you see this letter? I received it from your unhappy son this morning, giving me back the property and revealing the whole of your nefarious scheme. I know who forged the documents--you! I know who hoped to enjoy the money through Reginald--you! I know who comes with lies on his lips to part me from the only man I love--you! Yes--you! you! you!"
The baffled schemer stood nervously fingering his hat, with a white sullen face, all his courage having left him. So mean, so cowardly, so despicable he looked, shrinking back against the wall before this young girl, who towered over him like an inspired Pythoness.
"You tell me Reginald Blake knew of this base conspiracy," she said with contempt. "Does this letter look like it? You say he will refuse to give up the property--this letter says he surrenders it of his own free will--and you have the insolence to speak of love to me. You--who so shamefully tricked and betrayed Patience Allerby--you contemptible hound!"
He tried to smile defiantly, and made an effort to form a word with his white quivering lips, but both attempts were a failure, and without glancing at her he slunk towards the door, looking like a beaten hound.
"Yes, slink away like the craven you are," she cried disdainfully, "and leave Garsworth at once, or I will prosecute you for your scoundrelly conduct. Yes, though you were twenty times Reginald's father."
"I've spoilt his chance anyhow," he hissed venomously.