"There, May--my child," he said at last, "try and command yourself," when a thought seemed to strike him, and, though evidently troubled and reluctant, he rose to go, tenderly taking leave of the weeping girl. But before he could reach the door, May had him by the hand. "Dear Mr Brough," she said beseechingly, "I cannot think that you would wish to make me unhappy for life." "Indeed, no," he said gently, as he held both her hands in his. "I would devote my life to making you happy." "But you know--for some time--Mr Frank Marr--" Then the recollection of what she had heard and seen that morning seemed to flash across her brain, scathing her as it passed, and with a wild look she sought to withdraw her hands, but they were fist held. "Nay, my child," said Mr Brough tenderly, "I love you too well to wish to give you pain. I would sooner suffer myself than cause a pang to your gentle little heart. Show me that Frank Marr is worthy of you-- that is, that your father's words which he told me were either untrue, or that he had been deceived; tell me, in fact, that by waiving my claims I can give you happiness, and I will do so, and at once, even though--" His voice trembled as he spoke, and then he added hastily: "But you are much agitated; I will go. Only one question before a painful subject is buried for ever--Are you aware that Frank Marr was with your father this morning?" May bowed her head, for the words would not come. "And you know of the offer made and accepted? Good God, what a brute I am!" he exclaimed, as he had just time to catch May in his arms, and save her from falling. "That's just what you are!" exclaimed a harsh voice, and the visitor became aware of the presence of Keziah Bay, who indignantly caught the fainting girl from him, and apparently without much effort bore her from the room.