"One, two, three; one, two, three," he counted. His voice was choked
with emotion, and he could barely see for his tears.

"No, no; I could not punish you. I could not put one straw in your
way--only--I want to meet your father. Yes," he said in a more decided
tone, "I want to meet your father! One, two, three; one, two, three."
Whenever Von Barwig wanted to conceal his real feelings he counted.

"I've gone into the 4-4 exercise," commented Helene.

"Yes, yes! One, two, three, four," counted Von Barwig timidly. "One,
two, three, four; yes, I want to meet him." Then he added almost
savagely, "I must meet him!"

The lesson was interrupted by Denning.

"If you please, miss, will you come down in the library?"

"What is it, Denning?"

"Mr. Stanton wishes to see you at once, miss," said Denning in a low
voice, so that Von Barwig could not hear.

"My father?" repeated Helene. "Please don't go till I return, Herr Von
Barwig," and Helene left the music master alone.

Chapter Twenty-two

Helene found her father awaiting her in the library. His manner was
excessively nervous. He seemed to be labouring under a strain.

"Sit down," he said briefly. His voice was harsh, his manner
commanding. Helene sat down. In front of Mr. Stanton lay a pile of
letters. He pointed to them.

"Here are your letters to this man, and his letters to you. They were
withheld by my orders."

"Then Joles," began Helene.

"I am responsible, not Joles," he interrupted.

Helene arose; the blood mounted to her face.

"Why have you done this?" she demanded.

"I wished to bring your association with this man to an end. I ordered
him to be turned from the house, his letters kept from you and yours
from him."

"But, father, why did you not come to me?" cried Helene.

"Please don't interrupt me!" thundered Stanton. "I won't have that man
in this house! Please understand that. Send for him, tell him you do
not wish to continue your lessons, and dismiss him definitely, finally."

"Father, I cannot." Helene could scarcely go on.

"You must, Helene; you must," insisted Mr. Stanton.

"I cannot!" she repeated.

"You can say you have changed your mind."

"Impossible!"

"But I tell you you must! I won't have this man in my house again."

"What has he done? Tell me, what has he done?" demanded Helene.

Stanton paused. "He--he is a scoundrel, a disgrace to
society--to--to--" Then in sudden fury he went on: "When