"I have thought till I can think no more," moaned Marie. "Oh, Ruth, Ruth, why did you come?" "In heaven's name, yes! Why did you come?" cried Glen fiercely, as he tried to tear the couple apart. "No; keep off!" cried Ruth. "I have told you why: because I would not stand by and be a witness of this shame." "But, Ruth, you do not know; you cannot tell. It is too late now." "I tell you it is not too late!" "Yes, my child, it is," said a low, soft voice; and there stood Paul Montaigne, with his calm aspect and bland smile. "It is too late; the step is taken by you, Ruth, as well as by Marie here. Captain Glen, I will see that Miss Allerton comes to no harm." "By what right do you intrude?" cried Glen hotly. "The right of an old protector of these ladies," said Montaigne, smiling. "There, do not be angry, my dear sir. I come as a friend. Their interests have been mine for so many years that I, knowing something of the tender passion myself, can sympathise with all. Mind, I do not counsel flight, and if I had been consulted I should not have hesitated to stop you; but as you have taken the irrevocable step, all I can say is--go, get the divorce over as soon as possible, and then I insist upon your marrying my darling ward." "Of course, of course!" cried Glen angrily. "Marie, my love," he whispered, "come." "No, no!" cried Ruth, interposing, and clinging to her cousin's arm. "Marie dear, you will come back?" Marie looked at her in a piteously helpless fashion, and shook her head. "My dearest Ruth," said Montaigne, "your interference is ill-timed. You are fighting against fate. Come, come! I know it seems very dreadful to you, but you must let matters have their course." He advanced to take her hand, but she shrank from him with horror. "No, no!" she cried. "Why do not you interfere?" "Captain Glen, your train must be nearly due." "And Ruth?" said Glen, hesitating. "Will you see her back?" "Hardly," said Montaigne, smiling. "She cannot return there; but you can rest content if she is under my charge. Recollect, sir, I have known her almost from a child." "Mr Montaigne is right; you are fighting against the irrevocable. The step is taken, and Marie cannot return. Now, for all our sakes, pray go!" "With Mr Montaigne?" cried Ruth excitedly. "No; I will not go; and I will not leave Marie!" "Then, in heaven's name, go with us!" "No!" said Montaigne fiercely; "Ruth goes with me!" "Marcus Glen--Marie--I claim your protection from this man!" cried Ruth excitedly. "Then you shall come!" cried Glen. "Marie, be firm," he whispered. "Now, Mr Montaigne--you hear Miss Allerton's decision; stand aside!" "Miss Allerton stays with me!" said Montaigne firmly; and, in place of giving way, he stepped forward, and an angry collision seemed imminent, when the door was once more thrown open, and Lord Henry Moorpark, looking blanched and old, came into the room. Ruth had gained her end. Volume 3, Chapter XV. FACE TO FACE.