“I would have gone to the world’s end to find you!” He left his seat and stood by the mantel-piece, bending over her. “Didn’t you know I loved you? You were kind to me that day at the flower show. You promised me your address, you told me the train you were going by.” She was trying to stop him; but it was out of her power now. “Then, when I said I would see you off, as your own words had given me the right to do, you gave me a cruel snub. And then you let Harry see you off, and--and travel up to town with you, they say.” She had risen, and was confronting him with bright, eager eyes. “I did not let him--I did not expect him. He came, and I could not prevent it.” “Is that true, my darling?” cried George, passionately. She was standing, with upturned face, close to him. He threw his arms round her. “Then you don’t love him! You have nothing to do with him and his forgeries?” “Forgeries?” she cried, paralyzed even while she tried to free herself. As they stood, he with one arm round her, she still with horror, Harry came in. He sprung upon his brother and tore the trembling girl out of his arms. “Oh, is this true? Is it true? You heard what he said!” she cried, with a shudder. “Is it a time to accuse me when I find you in another man’s arms?” he cried, fiercely. “And by what right do you object to her being anywhere she pleases?” “Pleases?” “Yes. You swore to me two days ago that you did not know where Miss Lane lived. It was a lie!” “It was not a lie. There is no such person as Miss Lane. This is Mrs. Harry Braithwaite, my wife!” CHAPTER VI. When Harry uttered the words “My wife!” his brother looked from one to the other for a few moments without a word; then, in a low, sullen voice, he said: “You have tricked me and deceived me, both of you. It was very clever--very clever indeed, but hardly wise. I won’t take up your time any longer now.” Then, turning to Annie, he continued, “I am much obliged to you for your kind welcome. I must apologize for having brought down your husband’s anger upon you; but, you see, you left me rather in the dark.” Then to Harry--“You will hear from me in a day or two. Our father made me promise to provide for you, and I have a proposal to make which I don’t think you will find ungenerous. Send me an answer as quickly as you can.” He shook his brother’s hand and then Annie’s and left the room. Harry turned to his wife, looking rather anxious. “He is going to do something nasty, Annie--I am sure of it. I know George’s manner when he is spiteful, and our chances look very bad, darling. No more Paris, no more pretty gowns, for the present, at any rate!” But Annie did not answer. With trembling fingers she was pulling to pieces the flower which had fallen from her throat. “Why, Annie, what is the matter? You look ill--you are crying!” “I am not ill,” said she, repulsing him. “I am heart-sick, miserable.”