"I knew that you didn't like me," he said sharply. "But I didn't
know--"

"That I have no feeling but utter loathing for you," Leland cut in
coldly. "That I'd kill you like a dog before I'd allow you to disgrace
my name, to wreck my daughter's life. Are you crazy or drunk?"

"I don't understand you," replied Shandon bluntly.

"Then I'll explain so that you will have no difficulty in
understanding." Leland's voice, lifted a little, was hard and bitter.
"I don't desire the continuance of your acquaintance. I don't want
ever to see you again if it can be helped. I don't want you to come to
my home, to speak to my wife or my daughter. I don't want your
presence sullying the air they breathe. I don't want to have any
dealings whatever with you. Have I explained?" he concluded with
cutting sharpness.

"Everything and nothing!" Shandon returned, the flush seeping out of
his face, leaving it grey. "What has happened? Why do you say such
things to me? Good God, man, what have I done?"

For a moment Martin Leland made no reply; nor did his steady gaze waver
from the eyes now as stern as his own which looked straight back at him.

"I don't care to discuss the thing with you, Shandon. You know as well
as I do why I say them. When you pretend not to know you are at once a
liar and a hypocrite."

"I am not a trouble seeker, Mr. Leland." Shandon's voice had grown
husky as he strove with the anger within him. "But I think you know
that you are the first man who has talked to me like that and got away
with it. If I did not know that you are a fair minded man, and that
there has been some hideous mistake somewhere, I'd not listen to those
words even from you. Tell me what you mean."

A contemptuous smile broke the rigid line of Leland's set lips.

"Your theatrical ranting won't get you anywhere with me, Shandon. It
is the thing to be expected. I am the master of my own house and it is
quite enough when I say that your presence is not wanted here. If you
want more you can supply it yourself. Idler, spendthrift, gambler,
brawler, I have until now tolerated you. But there are some things
that no man can tolerate. You have said that I am fair minded; the
more reason I should wish to be rid of you."

"But," cried Shandon hotly, "the man accused has a right to know--"

"I am not accusing you," interrupted Martin coldly. "I do nothing but
tell you that you are not the kind of man I want my womenfolk to