conquered the temptation, if
there was one; that I know; and if there was anything else, forget it,
as I shall forget what you have told me. I have something to ask your
pardon for, besides."

Percival's chest heaved; the emotion of the moment found vent in one
audible sob. He stretched out his hand, which Brian clasped in silence.
For a few minutes neither of them spoke.

"It was chiefly to prove to myself that I was not such a black sheep as
some persons declared me to be, that I made up my mind to follow you and
bring you back," said Percival, with his old liveliness of tone. "You
see I had been more selfish than anybody knew. Shall I tell you how?"

"If you like."

"You say you don't know what Dino Vasari suggested. That subtle young
man made a very bold proposition. He said he would give up his claim to
the property if I would relinquish my claim to Miss Murray's hand. The
property and the hand thus set at liberty were both to be bestowed upon
you, Mr. Brian Luttrell. Dino Vasari was then to retire to his
monastery, and I to mine--that is, to my bachelor's diggings and my
club--after annihilating time and space 'to make two lovers happy.'"

"Don't jest on that subject," said Brian in a low, pained tone. "What a
wild idea! Poor Dino!"

"Poor me, I think, since I was to be in every sense the loser. I am
sorry to say I didn't treat your friend with civility, Luttrell. After
your departure, however, he went himself to Netherglen, and there, it
seems, he put the finishing stroke to any claim that he might have on
the property." And then Percival proceeded to relate, as far as he knew
it, the story of Dino's visit to Mrs. Luttrell, its effect on Mrs.
Luttrell's health, and the urgent necessity that there was for Brian to
return and arrange matters with Elizabeth. Brian tried to evade the last
point, but Percival insisted on it so strongly that he was obliged to
give him a decisive answer.

"No," he said, at last. "I'm sorry to make it seem as if your voyage had
been in vain; but, if we ever get off the Rocas Reef, I shall go on to
the Brazils. There is not the least reason for me to go home. I could
not possibly touch a penny of the Luttrells' money after what has
happened. Miss Murray must keep it."

"But, you see, there will be legal forms to go through, even if she does
keep it, for which your presence will be required."

"You don't mean that, Heron; you know I can do all that in writing."

"You won't get