When Dan explained to Jarner the equivocal position in which he was placed by the folly of Miss Linisfarne, the vicar urged him to end all mysteries by declaring his name and rank. Also to ask Meg to be his wife, and thus ascertain, beyond all question, the state of her feelings. Miss Linisfarne's story of an engagement to Byrne of Silkstone was scouted by Jarner with much wrath. "What can the woman be thinking of?" he said. "The whole story is false--there is not even a man in Silkstone called Byrne. She must have known that you would tell me this, and that I would be able to deny it." "No doubt she thought that, in the revulsion of feeling caused by her false word, I would ask her to marry me." "Very probably. I do not so much blame as pity her. The poor woman suffers from hysteria. When she comes to her senses she will be sorry enough for her behaviour." "I don't know so much about that, sir. Remember, she is a woman with a past. A woman with a past is capable of anything in the present." "Ay, but we know nothing of her past. She may be more sinned against than sinning." "Merle--or, to use his real name, Mallard--does not seem to think so." "A poor creature that, my lord. A man who would sink, as he has done, because a woman chose to jilt him, is a miserable specimen of humanity. I should like to know his story." "So should I, and the story of Miss Linisfarne and of Tinker Tim." "The last-named person can gratify your curiosity," said Jarner. "Take my advice, and declare yourself. Then ask Meg to be your wife, and, when all is accomplished, Tim will tell his story. I agree with you that there is a mystery, but Tim holds the key thereto." "Perhaps Meg won't accept me as her husband." "Try," said the vicar, significantly, and pushed the young man out of the room. This action sounds inhospitable; but the hour was late and the vicar weary, so he thus hinted strongly his wish to be alone. Dan, in nowise offended, for he was used to the vicar's blunt speech and blunt ways, accepted the hint in its true spirit, and returned to his camp.