Jennie had resumed her seat, and was perfectly calm, though her face was white, her eyes burning. She had made a strange discovery, learned of her father's murder, her mother's death and been told that she was expected to marry one whom she regarded as her brother, and all within a half hour of time. She glanced squarely into the face of Herbert Bernard, as he came into the arbor, with a look that disconcerted him. He tried to look indifferent, and as she did not speak, he was forced to break the silence. "Well, Jennie, I have come to have a talk with you," he said. "I hope you do not intend to be so unmanly as to urge upon me that which I regard as an insult, Herbert, for I have been told by your father that I was not your sister, and in the same breath asked to marry you?" "That is just what I do intend to urge, Jennie." "Herbert Bernard, you have been receiving my regard under false pretences. You knew full well the secret of which I was in total ignorance. You looked upon me as one whom you intended some day to make your wife, while I have treated you in all things as a sister might a brother, though I have regretted that you were not a brother I could love more dearly than I did. Now let us understand each other once for all." "It is what I wish, Jennie." "Then let matters remain as they were between us, do not break the tie as it has been by uttering one word a sister should not hear. Herbert, let us be friends, and I will bless you forever." "No, I love you, and I have determined that you shall be my wife." "Silence, sir! I will not listen to words I consider sacrilege." "Father and mother wish it, and I urge it, for I love you most dearly, Jennie, and I will do all in my power to make you happy." He stopped as he caught sight of her face. It was such a look as a stag at bay might wear, and instantly came the words: "Herbert Bernard, your words, against my appeal, have divided your life and mine forever, for never can I remain beneath the roof that has sheltered me, that has been my home, with you and your parents. Your father has said that I have some fortune in my own right, so I will go and depend upon it; but had I not a dollar in the world, had I to walk from this ranch to the nearest city, walk I would, for this is no home for me now." "See here, Jennie Bernard, this----" "My name is not Bernard, sir--I am Miss Virginia Woodbridge," was the cutting response. "Well, call yourself what you may, but this is all the work of Kit Carey." "And how his work, sir?" "He came here with his city ways and flattery, and made a fool of you." "He is one rather to make a woman regard herself with more respect, rather than make a fool of her." "It is just as I thought, he has turned your head, and you have no eyes for me now."