"Report says many things that are untrue," retorted Miss Clyde contemptuously; "but in this case the gossips were not altogether wrong. I love Mr. Lovel, as you know very well; as all the countryside knows. Why should I conceal my feelings? I have no one to think of but myself, and I can look after myself very well, I assure you. Lucas--I can call him so to you, Mr. Mexton, as this is a confidential conversation--is a scamp, and a weak-minded fool; but I love him for all that. Queer, isn't it?" Paul looked at the masculine strength of the woman's face, into her shrewd eyes, and at the firm set of her mouth. "It is queer," he admitted; "you do not look the sort of a woman to be attracted by a wastrel like Lovel." "Nevertheless I am; by the law of contraries no doubt. Well, I admit that I was jealous of his preference for Milly Lester. Her beauty and fascinations of manner excited my envy; and as she had the whole neighbourhood at her feet, I grudged that she should take my ewe-lamb." "The whole neighbourhood!" echoed Paul. "Well, Mr. Herne, Mr. Lovel, and Mr. Chaskin. The pick of the countryside." "Nonsense! Mr. Chaskin did not love Milly!" "There you are wrong," rejoined Miss Clyde drily. "He adored her, and only crushed down his passion because of his friendship for Herne. Oh, I know it for a fact. Mrs. Drass found it all out." "She finds out everything!" said Paul tartly--"just like a social detective." "She does," assented Miss Clyde coolly; "but she is not omniscient, else she would know who killed poor Milly. I find Mrs. Drass very useful, I assure you, Mr. Mexton." "I quite believe it. But to continue your confession." "Oh, you need not dignify my story by so great a title! I am not in the dock yet, Mr. Mexton! I assure you I shall prove my innocence to you very plainly. Where was I?" "You were informing me that Mr. Chaskin was in love with poor Milly." "Ah! that is a side issue. Mr. Lovel was also in love with the unfortunate girl, and I did not approve of his passion, as I wanted him for myself." "You were jealous?" said Mexton, more plainspoken than polite. "I was," said Miss Clyde calmly; "the most unromantic of women have their vein of sentiment--their passion. Lucas is my passion, and I love him dearly. I was very jealous of his preference for Milly, and I was angry with her for encouraging him. She was engaged to Mr. Herne, and should have remained true to him. On the night of the murder I saw Milly leave during the service; and Mr. Lovel followed the moment it was concluded." "To meet with Milly?" suggested Paul.