"Oh, does he!" cried Jarman, angrily. "Then I'll made short work of him. You see if I don't. I'll--" "Do nothing--do nothing!" she panted, catching his hands. "He is a dangerous man. He knows too much." "About what I don't understand." She turned red, and her hands dropped. "Mr. O'Neil," she said, in a low voice, then covered her face. "He has gone away. I don't know where he is," said Jarman, "but--" "No, no! Say nothing." She dried her tears and drew him into a sheltered part of the lawn. "He is here," she whispered. "I have concealed him, and he has told me his story." Jarman looked at her, astonished. "You know then that he is Lancaster?" She nodded with a smile. CHAPTER XVII THE SEALED LETTER Jarman was so astonished at Mildred's communication that he dropped into a garden-seat which was fortunately close at hand. It was wonderful enough to hear that Lancaster was concealed in Rose Cottage, but still more wonderful to hear that she knew who he was. Eustace would have thought it unlikely that she would have anything to do with the man suspected of being her brother's murderer. Yet she admitted the fact boldly, and actually smiled. He recalled the remarks of Darrel, and wondered if there was an understanding between her and Lancaster. "How long have you known his real name?" he asked sternly. "Since you went away," replied Mildred, sitting beside him. "Don't be angry, Eustace. I agree with you that he is innocent, and when he came to me for shelter, what could I do? Even if he were guilty I could not give him up." And she shuddered. "Does Mrs. Perth know?" "Yes. I had to tell her. But we have kept it secret from Jane." Eustace nodded. "It's just as well. The girl might babble. How was it Lancaster dared to come here?" "He did not know what to do, or how to escape. You see, Mr. Darrel--" Jarman interrupted. "I know Darrel recognised him. He told me so to-day. And he said other things, for which I felt inclined to knock him down. And I should have done so, but that, as you say, he is too well aware of the existing state of things." "What did he say?" asked Mildred, an angry light in her eyes. "There is no need to repeat his insolence." "There certainly is not, for I know quite well what he said. He is determined to make me his wife, and--" "And he coupled your name with that of Lancaster." "Oh, he is jealous of everyone," said Mildred, tossing her head. "You don't believe that, I hope?" "Believe what?" asked Eustace, wishing for details. But like a woman, having brought the matter to a point, she changed the subject hurriedly. "Nothing, nothing!" she declared, hurriedly. "I am engaged to you, Eustace, if you find out who killed Walter." "So I understand," he replied sadly. "But there is no love on your side, my dear." "I told you plainly what I thought." "You did, and I should not have taken advantage of your position. I think we had better--"