e," went on his accuser, "be sure of that! I
shall light upon evidence sooner or later. Do you know, sir, that Harry
had a sister, and that she earns her own living by giving lessons? You
have robbed her--think it over at your leisure. Why, less than a
fortnight after that day you and he spent together--the 1st of
June--the lad lay dying; yet you could deliberately plan to rob him.
Your denial is utterly vain; I would pledge my life on the charge! I
read guilt in your face when I entered--you were afraid of me, Mr.
Glazzard! I understand now why you never came to see the lad on his
death-bed, though he sent for you--and of course I know why he was
anxious to speak to you. Oh, you have plenty of plausible excuses, but
they are lies! You felt pretty sure, I dare say, that the lad would not
betray you; you knew his fine sense of honour; you calculated upon it.
All your conduct is of a piece!"

Glazzard rose.

"Mr. Charnock, please to leave me.--I oughtn't to have borrowed that
money; but having paid it back, I can't submit to any more of your
abuse. My patience has its limits."

"I am no brawler," replied the other, "and I can do no good by talking
to you. But if ever I come across any of your acquaintances, they shall
know, very plainly, what opinion I have of you. Prosecute me for
slander, Mr. Glazzard, if you dare--I desire nothing better!"

And Mr. Charnock went hurriedly from the room.

For several minutes Glazzard kept the same attitude, his eyes fixed on
the floor, one hand behind his back, the other thrust into his
waistcoat. Then he uttered an inarticulate exclamation, and walked with
hurried, jerky step across the room; his facial muscles quivered
ceaselessly, distorting the features into all manner of grotesque and
ugly expressions. Again the harsh sound escaped him, and again he
changed his place as though impelled by a sudden pain. It was a long
time before he took a seat; on doing so, he threw up his feet, and
rested them against the side of the fireplace. His hands were thrust
into his trouser-pockets, and his head fell back, so that he stared at
the ceiling. At one moment he gave out a short mocking laugh, but no
look of mirth followed the explosion. Little by little he grew
motionless, and sat with closed eyes.

From the walls about him looked down many a sweet and noble
countenance, such as should have made the room a temple of serenity.
Nowhere was there a token of vulgar sensualism; the actress,