"Simply that Brent has been bribed." "By whom, man?" "By Lovel. Don't contradict me," said Herne, in authoritative tones. "I am certain of what I say. Milly came to this lane last night, else she would not have been found dead by yonder stile. She must have come to meet someone; and going on what has been told to me, the person she came to meet could only have been Lovel. If they walked up the lane together, they must have been seen by Brent and Jane Bilway. Lovel would be unwilling that I should be told of these stolen meetings, therefore he bribed the man to hold his tongue." "Herne," burst out Chaskin, who had restrained himself with difficulty during this speech, "do you know what you are saying? You are accusing Brent of a felony--that is," corrected the vicar, "assuming that your belief that Lovel killed the girl is true. If Brent saw Lovel here he must believe the same thing, and he would not hold his tongue knowing that murder had been done." "That depends on the amount of the bribe," said Herne, grimly; "but I'll find that out later. I am certain that Lovel was here and killed Milly." "Why not ask Lovel himself?" suggested Paul, looking up. "Here he comes across the common." "Wants to see the scene of his crime, no doubt!" said the squire, fiercely. "Herne, you are unjust!" protested Chaskin. "Wait till I speak with Lovel, and then judge, my friend." The Vicar silently agreed with this remark, and the three men watched Lovel as he walked slowly towards the site. On catching sight of the trio he hesitated, and half stopped; but almost immediately he resumed his usual pace, and came towards them. Jumping over the stile, he made as to pass them with a hurried nod; but the squire, with a grim smile, placed himself in his path. So pointed was the movement that Lovel, much against his will, had no alternative but to stop. He looked pale and haggard, and was not dressed with usual care; otherwise he gave no sign of inward perturbation, but was calm and collected when he faced Herne. "A word with you, Mr. Lovel," said Darcy, sharply. "A dozen," replied Lovel, as sharply, "provided they are addressed to me in the terms one gentleman usually employs to another." "Oh, I shall be as polite as you please," sneered the squire, with an ugly smile, "so long as you answer my questions." "I shall answer your questions if I can, Mr. Herne." "Very good, sir. Then tell me why you met Miss Lester in this lane, on this spot, last night." Lovel turned a shade paler, and moistened his dry lips; but he faced his questioner unflinchingly and replied clearly, without hesitation, "I did not meet Miss Lester last night," said he, deliberately. "I have reason to believe the contrary," retorted Herne, at white heat. "Give me your reason, and I will disprove it," was the reply of Lovel. "A certain person wrote to me that you intended to meet Miss Lester." "What is the name of your informant?" "I decline to give it, Mr. Lovel."