"You won't be angry?" "I am long past feeling anger after what I have gone through," said Iris, sadly. "What is it you wish to know, friend?" "You asked me not to search for the assassin of Milly; and now I find that you believe the assassin to be Lovel. Are you in love with the man, that you sought to screen him?" "In love with Mr. Lovel!" cried Iris, indignantly. "Not I! I despise him too much! A man who would act as he has done with Milly, knowing that she was engaged to Herne, is not worthy of a woman's love! No; I do not love, or even respect, Mr. Lovel." "Then why do you seek to screen him?" Iris rose to her feet with a cold look. "I cannot answer that question now. I had my reasons for acting as I did." "What do you mean?" asked Mexton, rising in his turn. "I don't understand you." "If I told you my reasons, you would understand still less," said Iris bitterly. "I do not understand myself. But don't ask me any more questions, Paul. I have told you all I know." "All!" said Mexton, with emphasis, his eyes searching her face. "All I can tell you now, at all events," she replied, obstinately. After this last remark Mexton was satisfied that Iris, for reasons of her own which he could not guess, had not confessed all she knew. Yet as he was unaware of her motives for this reserve, he did not think it wise to press his questions. Better, he thought, to accept her refusal for the moment, and question her on some future occasion, when she might be more inclined to take him into her confidence. Moreover, by examining Brent, and forcing him into confession, he might get at her knowledge without the necessity of procuring it through herself. The matter thus settled in his own mind, Paul discarded the subject of the murder, and addressed himself to the question of Miss Link's position. "You will accept my mother's offer, I suppose?" said he, quietly. "At all events you will stay with her until after the trial of your stepfather?" Iris winced. "I do not care about facing Marborough gossip," she said; "but I think it best to stay with Mrs. Mexton, as I am afraid to remain here alone. I shall go over to Marborough by the six o'clock coach. Eliza can stay here in charge of the house." "Very good, Iris. I shall meet you at six o'clock at The Herne Arms and take you over." "And in the meantime--?" "I intend to find out Brent, and force him to confess the truth."