"Yes, Miss Glenalvan, it is I," was the answer, as his burning eyes
devoured her pale, frightened face. "Did you take me for a ghost?"
"Why should I take you for a ghost?" she faltered, trembling, but
trying to brave it out with an air of defiance.
"Because you tried to murder me last night, and came very near
succeeding," he replied.
"It is false. How dare you accuse me of such a crime?" she broke out,
passionately, flying to her father's side, as if for protection.
"How dare you?" echoed John Glenalvan, furiously.
Bertram Chesleigh lifted his hand imperiously.
"Listen," he said, "I told you I had one more card to play. Your fair
daughter there attempted to poison me last night with drugged wine.
The physician who saved my life declared that I had taken arsenic in a
draught of wine. Do you see where you stand _now_?"
"Do not believe him, father; it is false!" cried Elinor, furiously; but
John Glenalvan, turning to look into her wild, frightened face, read
the signs of guilt too plainly to be mistaken.
The sight forced a groan even from his hardened lips.
"You see where you stand," repeated Bertram Chesleigh, with stern
brevity. "How will you bear to see your cherished daughter dragged into
court on such a dreadful charge?"
"You will not dare do such a thing," Elinor flashed out, quivering with
rage.
"That will be as your father says," was the firm reply. "If it pleases
him to reveal the secret of Golden Leith's fate, I'll spare you and
him; if not, you need expect no mercy from me."
The grim _ultimatum_ was spoken. Elinor and her father knew by that
flashing eye and stern-set lip that there was no appeal from the
calmly-spoken decision.
"Coward, to threaten a girl," she cried, taking refuge in vituperation
now that denial had failed.
But Mr. Chesleigh regarded them in silent scorn, and her father sternly
silenced her. He was furious with wrath, and it seemed to him that not
even for his daughter's sake could he forego his dear revenge.
"Elinor," he said, with a dark frown, "if indeed you have done this
thing you must prepare to face the consequences. I will not accede to
his demand. Nothing shall balk me of my revenge."
Abject terror and despair filled Elinor's soul at those threatening
words. She knew too well how guilty she was. She was filled with terror
at the too probable punishment of her wickedness.
Falling on her knees, she caught her father's hand in hers, and bathed
them with her frightened tears.
"Oh, father, do not sacrifice me to your revenge," she cried, wildly.
"Remember that I am your own child. I should be dearer to you than your
revenge. Oh! for mercy's sake, make terms with the wretch, and save me
from his wicked vengeance."
Mr. Chesleigh did not even notice her. He stood with folded arms and
curling lips awaiting his enemy's reply.
The sullen determination on John Glenalvan's face softened as she
continued her anxious pleading.
"Father, I cannot live if that wretched story becomes known," she
wailed. "If you do not save me I shall drown myself."
A slight shudder convulsed his frame at the words. He looked down at
the frightened, tear-wet face.
"Elinor," he said, "if I have to sacrifice my revenge for your sake, I
shall hate you every moment of your future life."
"Anything but exposure," she wailed. "Oh, father, save me."
His dark brow lowered like a thunder cloud.
"So be it," he said, "but, mark me, girl, I shall hate you forever
after."
"Then you will speak?" Bertram Chesleigh cried, gladly.
John Glenalvan hesitated a moment, then answered, gloomily:
"Yes, to save that wretched girl I will reveal the secret that has been
locked in my breast for sixteen years."