"What! he expects me, one believing herself his sister, to wed him? Never! I have regarded him ever as a brother, and as a brother only. I have never felt the love for him as a brother that I could have wished to feel, for there was that about Herbert that would not win my sisterly regard more. Perhaps it has been his knowledge of the truth, that we had no kindred blood in our veins, that has made him act toward me as he has, but I regard him now as though he were in reality my brother, and no power on earth can make me love him otherwise, or hear one word of love from him. Tell him so, sir, tell him that if he does not wish me to hate him, to despise him, he must never hint of love to me other than what he could feel for an own sister." She had risen now and spoke with a suppressed passion that showed how deeply she felt her position, and, gazing upon her, and her determined expression, Vance Bernard said, anxiously: "Herbert was right, after all; you do love that accursed cavalry officer, Kit Carey!" CHAPTER XXIV. A LOVER'S THREAT. "I love Lieutenant Carey, sir, did you say?" indignantly asked Jennie. "Yes, it would seem so, for Herbert offers you his love, and you refuse it, and this man Carey has certainly come between you." "Father! Mr. Bernard! you speak like one who never knew what it was to have a heart and refinement of feeling. Are you aware that you are accusing me of loving a man whom I have met but once, and almost in the same breath expect me to love Herbert, when only a few minutes ago I learned that he was not my own brother. But let me tell you at once, that Herbert Bernard is nearer to me, or has been, than ever he will be again." "Bah! you do not know your own mind, girl. Herbert is a noble fellow, and has made you a good brother, and that is proof that he will make a good husband. Both his mother and myself love you dearly, and he does also, so just make up your mind that you are to remain our daughter by our boy." "Never! I would die first," was the indignant rejoinder. "Well, we will see." "But there comes Herbert now, and I will leave you for him to talk to." "No! no! do not leave me here with him," pleaded the girl. "What! do you fear my son?" angrily asked the settler. Instantly the appealing manner of the maiden changed, and drawing herself up, she said quickly, and in a decided way: "No, I hold fear of no man. Leave me with your son, for he might as well know now, at once, how I regard him and thus end this painful matter." Herbert Bernard was approaching the arbor, walking in the long swinging gait natural to him. He was a powerful fellow, with a face to distrust rather than admire, and as taciturn in his manner as an Indian. His father walked away as he drew near, and, passing him, said in a low tone: "She knows all and rebels against you, so be firm and win." "Trust me for that, father," was the response in the same low tone. Then Herbert Bernard walked on toward the arbor.