had not only disobeyed him, but by most perverse obstinacy on her part had driven him to acts of forgery which had already been detected.  He had cause to be angry now with Marie if he had ever had cause for anger.  But he had almost forgotten the transaction.  He had at any rate forgotten the violence of his own feelings at the time of its occurrence.  He was no longer anxious that the release should be made, and therefore no longer angry with her for her refusal.

‘Papa,’ she said, coming very gently into the room, ’I think that perhaps I was wrong yesterday.’

‘Of course you were wrong;—­but it doesn’t matter now.’

’If you wish it I’ll sign those papers.  I don’t suppose Lord Nidderdale...