maidenly or so
alluring; the Major clenched his fists and bowed his head. "John," she
commanded tenderly, "come you hither to me!" and she patted the seat
beside her with white hand invitingly. Major d'Arcy never stirred, so
she reached out and catching him by the skirt of his coat, drew him
near and nearer until he was seated beside her.

"And now," she questioned, "why do you tramp to and fro sleepless all
night? Why do you gallop away at sight of me? Why are your poor
cheeks so pale and your eyes so heavy with pain? Why do you sit and
stare mumchance? Why? Why? Why?"

Now looking down into these bright eyes that met his so unflinchingly,
hearkening to her soft and tender voice, his own eyes blenched and
putting up his hands he covered his face that he might not see all the
beauty of her and when he spoke his voice was hoarse and broken.

"My lady--why are you here--after last night? Dear God!"

"Because you need me, John, to comfort you, 'twould seem. If indeed
you are bewitched by cruel fancies I am here to drive them away."

"Would to God you might," he groaned, "or that I had died before last
night!"

"John," said she gently, "John---look at me! Do I seem changed, less
worthy your love?"

"No, no, and yet--God help me--I saw, I heard!"

"What did you hear?"

"Your words of love--last night--in the arbour--your kisses."

At this, she started but her glance never wavered.

"What did you see?"

"I saw--him--damn him--leap back over the wall--Dalroyd!"

"Dalroyd!" she gasped, "Dalroyd--are you sure?"

"I had him in my grip! I looked into his evil face----"

"Dalroyd!" she whispered, and with the word her proud head drooped and
he saw her hands were shaking.

"Betty," said he hoarsely, "O Betty, 'tis not that my dream of
possessing you is done, but--dear heaven--that it should be--such a
man! For if I do guess aright he is one so vile, so----"

"John!" she cried, "O think you 'twas to meet--him, I was there?"

"Aye, I saw him--fresh from your embraces--the damnable rogue boasted
of it and I was minded to strangle him--but--for your sake----"

"My sake?"

My lady rose and stood very pale and still, looking down at the Major's
agony.

"And you think," she questioned softly, "you believe I was there to
meet--him, at such an hour?"

"Betty--Betty--God help me--what am I to think?"

"What you will!" she answered. "Therein shall be your punishment!"
And turning she would have left