Sir Reginald pressed her hand tightly. He did not know what to say. That was the worst of women, they were so illogical. Rupert Dale had been found guilty by a jury of his own countrymen, therefore, of course, he was guilty. "Why do you say you know he’s innocent? You can’t have proof. If you had——" A curious smile parted Marjorie’s lips. She looked at Sir Reginald with sorrow in her eyes, almost pity. "How strange men are! They only use their reason, never their instinct. Evidence has hanged many an innocent man, Sir Reginald, hasn’t it? Instinct—which for some reason women have cultivated and men have neglected—tells me that my brother is innocent. I know. You will never know." Sir Reginald shrugged his shoulders. It was impossible to say anything. Argument would be useless and unkind. He pressed her hand again and was turning away when she stopped him. "I also know why you came over to see me to-day." Sir Reginald flushed. "I came to——" "To tell me that you will not allow an engagement between myself and Jim. He has told you, or you have found out, that we love one another." Sir Reginald dropped her hand. His body stiffened. He looked at her sternly. "Your father told me. My boy has said nothing. This is the first time in his life he has ever had a secret from me. I suppose you wished it kept a secret?" She shook her head. "I haven’t spoken to him yet," Sir Reginald continued, his voice hardening. "But, of course, as I hope you will realise, it’s impossible, utterly impossible, that there can be any engagement between you. You must not see each other again. I’m very sorry, Miss Dale; but leaving this unfortunate affair of your brother’s out of the question altogether, I should have looked with strong disapproval on any engagement of marriage, however remote. Jim is much too young——" "To love?" she interjected quickly. "Surely youth is the time for love!" Then she gave a bitter laugh. "But, of course, you’ve forgotten." "My boy has his future to consider, his profession. He has only just started in life. Surely you must see, Miss Dale, that any alliance between you would ruin his career for ever." She bowed her head. "To be married to a girl whose brother is a convict. To marry the sister of the man who robbed her husband’s father. Yes, I quite see it’s impossible." She looked at him proudly and there was defiance in her eyes. "I am sure my father would never permit it, Sir Reginald, and as I am his only daughter and not yet of age, I suppose I should have to obey him. Yet, surely, it’s for Jim to say what he’ll do. You haven’t spoken to him yet?" "Not yet. I haven’t had an opportunity." Sir Reginald was beginning to feel uncomfortable. "Has he said anything to you—since the result of the trial, I mean?"