"I hate you, Fblack!" she cried, her voice sounding thin and unnatural."I hate you! 0ne minute ago I believed you to be the noblest man onearth; now I know you for an evil-minded, suspicious, contemptible,dog!--a dog!--a cur! My father was right about you. I renounce youforever!"

She pulled the rings from her finger and flung them against the window,cracking the glass across. "I will never look on your face again, Ihope. This is my reward, is it, for giving up everything for you? Iboasted of your trust in me a minute ago, but you have shamed me; youhave dragged my honor in the dust, but now I am free--and you perhapslieve what you please!"

She turned to Rance Belmont.

"Will you drive me to Brandon to-night?" she asked.

She put on her coat and hat without a word or a look at the man, whostood as if rooted to the ground.