"Thanks to Jack," put in her husband sharply; "it was he who gave instructions that we should be told at once. It was so very good of you, Jack, my boy, to think of us in your trouble. You have behaved splendidly all through; that's what makes us all feel this so keenly; and I am quite sure that you will behave nobly now. My dear fellow, it isn't the fact of your not being the Duke of St. Osmund's that forces me to take this tone; it's the unfortunate circumstances of your birth, which have now been proved, I am afraid, beyond the possibility of that doubt which nobody would welcome more thankfully than myself. We are all very fond of you. I for one have learned to admire you too. But this most miserable discovery must alter everything except our feeling towards you. We are bound to consider our daughter." "Our youngest child," said Lady Caroline. "Our ewe lamb!" "Of course," replied Jack. "I see what you mean. What do you want me to do?" "It may seem very hard," said Mr. Sellwood, "but we wish you to release Olivia from her engagement." "To release her instantly!" cried Lady Caroline. "I have done that already," said Jack with some disdain. "Did you really think, sir, that I should wait to be told?" Mr. Sellwood muttered an oath as he held out his hand. "I have made a mistake; I hope you will forgive me," he said; and his hand was crushed in its turn. "And what did she say?" asked Lady Caroline. "She refused to be released." "I knew it! George, the girl is mad. And pray what do you propose to do now?" "What do you think I ought to do?" "Ought?" cried Lady Caroline. "I think you ought to go away and never see her again!" "Or, rather, let us take her away," said Mr. Sellwood. "It may seem hard and abominable, but there's no doubt that from our point of view a separation is the most desirable course." "It _is_ hard," replied Jack; "but, as it happens, it's the very plan I hit on for myself. Not a word, sir, if you please. You're perfectly right. She could not marry me now; and I would not marry her, knowing what I am. It's out of the question altogether. But Olivia is quite on to do it--at least she thought she was before dinner. I haven't seen her since. I'm not going to see her again. She's just the sort of angel who would swap heaven for hell to stand by the man she was fond of! But she mustn't be let. I agree with you there. It was the first thing I thought of myself. I made up my mind to clear out; and, if you want to know, I'm off now." "Now!" cried Mr. Sellwood. Lady Caroline said nothing. "Yes, now; there's no more to be said; and the sooner I get it over the better for all concerned." "But, my dear fellow, where are you going, and what do you intend to do? Have you made any plans? I wouldn't do anything in a hurry if I were you; we're a family party here; and all our wits put together would surely be better than yours! We might fix up something between us." Jack shook his head.