"I started out to meet you, but was prevented from so doing." "By whom?" "By a friend." "Or was it an enemy?" he suggested. Her statement did not coincide with the fact that she had written to him postponing their meeting. "I do not know," she replied. "When we parted it was long past the hour we had arranged, so I returned home." "Nelly must at that moment have been lying dead," he observed. "Have you any idea what took her to that spot of all others?" "None whatever," Liane replied. "Except that, unaware of our appointment, she met someone there." "You think she met there the person who afterwards shot her?" "That is my belief." "Then if you know nothing further regarding the mysterious affair why should it prevent our marriage?" he asked, regarding her intently. "It is not only that," she replied quickly, "but there is a further reason." "What is it? Surely I may know," he urged. "You will not send me away in doubt and ignorance, when you know I love you so well." "I cannot tell you," she answered, panting. "Then I shall not leave you, and allow you to become this man's wife-- nay, his victim," he exclaimed passionately. "You do not love him, Liane. You can never love him. Although once a cheat and adventurer he may now have wealth and position, nevertheless he is no fitting husband for you, even though he may give you a fine chateau, a town house in Brussels, and a villa here, on the Riviera. Wealth will never bring you happiness." "Why do you not leave me, George?" she cried, with a sudden movement as if to rise. "Why do you taunt me like this? It is cruel of you." "I do not taunt you, dearest," he protested in a tone of sympathy. "I merely point out the bitter truth. You are betrothed to a man who is in every respect unworthy of you." "Ah, no!" she exclaimed hysterically. "It is myself who is unworthy. I--I cannot break the bond between us because--because I fear him." "If he holds you secretly in his power why not confide in me?" her lover suggested earnestly. "I may devise some means by which you may escape." "If I did you would only hate me," she answered, her lips trembling in blank despair. "No, do not persuade me. There is but one course I can pursue." "You intend marrying him?" he observed huskily. "Unfortunately it is imperative." "Have you ever reflected how utterly wretched your life must necessarily be under such circumstances?" he asked, gazing seriously into her eyes. "Yes," she answered, endeavouring vainly to restrain the sob which escaped her. "I know full well the life which must now be mine. Without you I shall not care to live." "Then why not allow me to assist you?" he urged. "Whatever may be the nature of your secret, tell me, and let me advise you. Together we will frustrate Zertho's plans, whatever they may be." "Any such attempt would only place me in greater peril," she pointed out. "But surely you can rely on my secrecy?" he said. "Do I not love you?"