; but it is all I have
to trust to. I will not stand patiently by and see the image that I have
bowed down to worship pilloried for the world to scorn. Now--do you deny
my right to interfere?"

His words had a rude energy, though little eloquence; but they came so
evidently from the depths of a strong, troubled heart, that they caused
a revulsion in Cecil's feelings; returning remorse bore down her
stubborn pride. Very low and plaintive was the whisper--"Ah! have
mercy--have mercy; you make me so unhappy;" but there came a more
piteous appeal from her eyes. In Mark's stout manhood was an element of
more than womanish compassion and tenderness; he never could bear to see
even a child in tears; no wonder if his anger vanished before the
contrition of the one being whom he loved far better than life. He lost
sight of his own wrongs instantly, but _not_ of the object he had in
view.

"Forgive me for speaking so roughly; I ought to have declined your
challenge. I behaved better once, you remember. But be patient while I
plead for the right, though, if you would but listen to them, prudence
and your own conscience could do that better than I. When infatuation
exists, it is worse than useless to prove the object of it unworthy, so
I will not attempt to blacken Major Keene's character; besides, it is
not to my taste to attack men in their absence. I fear there are few
capitals in Europe where his name is not too well known. From what I
have heard, I believe his wife was most in fault when they separated,
but the life he has led since deprives him of all right to complain of
her, or condemn her. Recollect you have only heard one side. But it is
not a question of his eligibility as an acquaintance. There is the
simple fact--he is married, and your name being connected with his
involves disgrace. You can not have fallen yet so far as to be reckless
about such an imputation. In my turn I say, 'Have mercy!' Do not force
me henceforth to disbelieve in the purity of any created thing."

Cecil could only murmur, "It is too late--too late!" The ghastly look of
horror that swept over Waring's face showed that his thoughts had gone
beyond the truth. "I mean," she went on, blushing painfully, "that I
have promised."

"Promised!" Mark repeated in high disdain; "I have lived too long when I
hear such devil's logic from your lips. You know full well there is more
sin in keeping than in breaking such engagements. I will try to save
you in