t of manly
respect or forbearance,--the very touch of the blossom-white hand she
had laid so innocently on his arm, stung his passion as with a lash--as
he had said, he was fond of hunting--he had chased the unconscious deer
all through the summer, and now that it had turned to bay with such
pitiful mildness and sweet pleading, why not draw the knife across its
slim throat without mercy?

"Really, Lady Errington!" he said at last sarcastically, "your wifely
enthusiasm and confidence are indeed charming! But, unfortunately, the
proofs are all against you. Truth is truth, however much you may wish to
blind your eyes to its manifestations. I sincerely wish Sir Philip were
present to hear your eloquent praises of him, instead of being where he
most undoubtedly is,--in the arms of Violet Vere!"

As he said these words she started away from him and put her hands to
her ears as though to shut out some discordant sound--her eyes glowed
feverishly. A cold shiver shook her from head to foot.

"That is false--false!" she muttered in a low, choked voice. "How can
you--how dare you?"

She ceased, and with a swaying, bewildered movement, as though she were
blind, she fell senseless at his feet.

In one second he was kneeling beside her. He raised her head on his
arm,--he gazed eagerly on her fair, still features. A dark contraction
of his brows showed that his thoughts were not altogether righteous
ones. Suddenly he laid her down again gently, and, springing to the
door, locked it. Returning, he once more lifted her in a half-reclining
position, and encircling her with his arms, drew her close to his breast
and kissed her. He was in no hurry for her to recover--she looked very
beautiful--she was helpless--she was in his power. The silvery ting-ling
of the clock on the mantel-piece striking eleven startled him a
little--he listened painfully--he thought he heard some one trying the
handle of the door he had locked. Again--again he kissed those pale,
unconscious lips! Presently, a slight shiver ran through her frame--she
sighed, and a little moan escaped her. Gradually, as warmth and
sensation returned to her, she felt the pressure of his embrace, and
murmured--

"Philip! Darling,--you have come back earlier,--I thought--"

Here she opened her eyes and met those of Sir Francis, who was eagerly
bending over her. She uttered an exclamation of alarm, and strove to
rise. He held her still more closely.

"Thelma--dear, dearest The