‘We have been; but need we be any longer? I am not the man I was, Ruth. Ten years ago I left England, an adventurer, a schemer, a villain, if you will. I return to it to-day with a fortune acquired by honest industry, with a home which I can offer without a blush to the woman I would make my wife, with a heart cleansed from the old corruption. Oh, Ruth, with God’s help and yours I could do so much!’ Ruth stopped him ere he could say another word. ‘Listen to what I have to say, and let me go,’ she said, her voice trembling and her face deadly pale. ‘I have come here to tell you that there is a plot against you. A man named Heckett——’ Marston started. He remembered that it was at Heckett’s he had first seen Ruth after his return. ‘What do you know of Heckett?’ he said, assuming a careless tone. ‘Nothing,’ answered Ruth; ‘except that he and some associates of his wish you no good. There is some scheme afloat with regard to a cheque and your going to a bank. Mr. Marston, if you are linked with these men in any scheme, they will betray you. For your own sake, beware of them!’ ‘Good gracious, Ruth! what do you mean?’ ‘I don’t know,’ exclaimed Ruth, feeling hot and confused. ‘I’m sorry I came. It was wicked and foolish of me. But’—her voice faltered—‘for the sake of old times, believing you were in danger, I tried to save you. You know best, perhaps, what you have to fear.’ Ruth turned to go. Marston put out his hand. ‘Ruth, from the bottom of my heart I thank you. But I am in no danger. It is most probable these rascals have obtained possession of a cheque which was in a pocket-book I lost, and your informant, whoever it may be, has overheard their conversation about that.’ Ruth flushed scarlet, and a sense of shame camc suddenly upon her. She saw it all now. Marston was right, and Gertie had mistaken what she had heard. Ruth had placed herself in a false position. She walked towards the door, and would have gone out at once, but Marston detained her. Ruth, is there no hope for me? I have never ceased to love you, and I have bitterly atoned for the past. If I prove to you and to the world that I am free from reproach, that I am worthy your love, may I not see you again?’ Ruth shook her head. ‘That dream is over,’ she said softly. ‘Our paths in life are henceforward separate as the poles. Marston seized her hand and held it, in spite of her struggle to free herself. ‘Listen, Ruth Adrian,’ he exclaimed with well-assumed earnestness. ‘Once before, when my fate trembled in the balance, you cast me off. You might have been my salvation ten years ago. Now listen to me. Once again I am in the old country, free, independent, and ambitious. On you, and you alone, depends my future. Cast me off now, and I shall have no hope, no anchor. I am in your hands to make or mar. Think well of it, Ruth Adrian, and give me your answer when we meet again. Till then, God bless you!’