"Nothing," he said, his hand stroking tenderly the dark tresses--"the matter must go on to its finish. The people of the Province shall not say that I knew he was an impostor, yet did not expose him. I regret it, my dear, but when one takes another's name, he commits a crime against society which cannot be tolerated." "What shall I tell him?" she asked. "Tell him you have the letter, and that the Governor will not use the information it contained." "That will be the truth," she reflected. "It will," he said; "and, further, you need not go." And she, knowing it was useless to argue or implore, kissed him, and went, slowly, the letter of Lady Catherwood clutched tightly in her fingers. She had no opportunity to communicate with Parkington until after breakfast, other than a significant nod, as his eyes sought hers, inquiringly. When the meal was finished, he joined her, and, presently, they sauntered out together. "I have the letter," she said. "You are a dear!" he exclaimed. "And I have, also, the Governor's promise not to use either it, or the information it contains." "You are a darling!" bending down, and whispering in her ear. It was a caress, though he touched her not at all. And her heart warmed to him, with a sympathy she had never felt before. Surely, he was handsome, with the handsomeness which a woman loved, a debonairness that was fascinating. "You have done everything--you have saved me!" he exclaimed. She plucked a rose; he took it, and drew it through his buttonhole. "I have done what I can," she replied; "but I have not saved you." "What? the letter!--the information----" "Will not be used against you," she broke in; "but, I fear that the Governor has other evidence, quite as strong and much more convincing." His thoughts turned, instantly, to Miss Marbury. She had told--and lost no time in the telling, either, it would seem. He smiled, derisively. Brandon was right. No woman could keep a secret, unless she were vitally concerned in it. "Well," he said, "I shall stay and face it. At least, they shall not say I ran away. Moreover, they cannot do more than unmask me--and, when the mask is off, they show a De Lysle--and between a De Lysle and a Parkington, even if the former is somewhat scar-marked, there is vast difference. I may not accompany Brandon home; but, when I go, you go with me." She put her hand on his arm. "Prove it, and I will go," she said. He took her hand, regardless of who saw, and kissed it with inimitable grace, bowing low over it, the while. "It is a bargain, my lady!" he said. "I accept your own terms. Now, with your permission, I will to Sir Charles Brandon, and take counsel with him." As they were returning, a man came rapidly up the esplanade, from the landing, and passed them, at some little distance. "Is not that Mr. Marbury?" Miss Stirling asked.