her as your wife."

The blow had fallen; the blow which Leicester had feared. That which had
haunted him for months had come to pass. The truth had leaked out, and
both Olive Castlemaine and her father knew the worst. He knew it was no
use making any denials, or urging any extenuating circumstances. There
was enough of truth in the charge to justify Mr. Castlemaine's every
word.

"I do not think I need to say more," went on John Castlemaine. "I see
that you quite understand. You cannot wonder therefore that I have
nullified all arrangements for--what we expected to take place to-day.
That is all, I think. There is no need to prolong an interview which,
whatever it is to you, is very painful to me."

But Leicester was not to be put off so easily. He felt that it was for
him to confess everything, and then fight to the very last. Besides, he
felt he had not been treated fairly. At least he should have been
allowed to justify his position before having the door closed in his
face.

"However much truth there may be in what you say," he said, speaking
still quietly, "I think the right of explanation is due to me. Nay more,
I think I might have been allowed to answer whatever charges were made
against me before--before the church caretaker had his orders."

"I could not see how any man could desire to make explanations," said
John Castlemaine. "Personally, I think I should have thought less badly
of you if shame had kept you away. The information I have received was
so exact, so convincing, so well authenticated, that there was no room
for doubt. Your whole behaviour, your every visit has been an insult to
my daughter."

"Insult?"

"Insult. I can use no milder term. Still, you mention explanation. If I
gave you no chance to make it before annulling arrangements, I give it
now. Much against my will, it is true; but I give it."

The words gave Leicester a ray of light. If this interview was against
Mr. Castlemaine's will, then Olive must have influenced him. He turned
towards her eagerly.

"You at least will hear me," he said; "you will understand what your
father cannot."

"I think I told you to address your remarks to me," said John
Castlemaine coldly; "my daughter wishes no further intercourse with
you."

During their conversation Olive had remained standing by the fireplace,
her face rigid, her eyes fixed on the window. Nevertheless, it was
evident she had heard all that was said. At her father's words she