really wanted me to go, the only way to work it was for
her to arrange to go with me. With that I offered in as many
words to marry her, but before she could answer, down came this
brother of hers, running at us with a face on him like a madman.
He was just white with rage, and those light eyes of his were
blazing with fury. What was I doing with the lady? How dared I
offer her attentions which were distasteful to her? Did I think
that because I was a baronet I could do what I liked? If he had
not been her brother I should have known better how to answer
him. As it was I told him that my feelings towards his sister
were such as I was not ashamed of, and that I hoped that she
might honour me by becoming my wife. That seemed to make the
matter no better, so then I lost my temper too, and I answered
him rather more hotly than I should perhaps, considering that she
was standing by. So it ended by his going off with her, as you
saw, and here am I as badly puzzled a man as any in this county.
Just tell me what it all means, Watson, and I'll owe you more
than ever I can hope to pay."

I tried one or two explanations, but, indeed, I was completely
puzzled myself. Our friend's title, his fortune, his age, his
character, and his appearance are all in his favour, and I know
nothing against him unless it be this dark fate which runs in his
family. That his advances should be rejected so brusquely without
any reference to the lady's own wishes, and that the lady should
accept the situation without protest, is very amazing. However,
our conjectures were set at rest by a visit from Stapleton
himself that very afternoon. He had come to offer apologies for
his rudeness of the morning, and after a long private interview
with Sir Henry in his study, the upshot of their conversation was
that the breach is quite healed, and that we are to dine at
Merripit House next Friday as a sign of it.

"I don't say now that he isn't a crazy man," said Sir Henry; "I
can't forget the look in his eyes when he ran at me this morning,
but I must allow that no man could make a more handsome apology
than he has done."

"Did he give any explanation of his conduct?"

"His sister is everything in his life, he says. That is natural
enough, and I am glad that he should understand her value. They
have always been together, and according to his account he has
been a very lonely man with only her as a companion, so that the
thought of losing her was really te