“While he stood leaning on the hand-rail, gazing on the shiny surface of the deep, broad brook, hasty steps approached. He looked up; a stranger with shaded face stood gazing on his moonlit countenance. “‘Edward Lawrence, by my soul!’ he said, and after a long pause, hoarsely continued; ‘give place! move from my path, snake! You have thwarted me for years. Move, I say, or I’ll send you into eternity!’” “‘Phillip Redgill?’ said Lawrence, in amazement, disbelieving his senses, adding in a scarcely audible voice, ‘heaven help thee!’ “‘Help _you_, you hypocrite. Out of my way, I say, or I’ll slaughter you where you stand. What have you done? why, everything; you have robbed me of honours, position, place, aye, _love_. By your pale-faced lies, you have come between me and one that was dearer than life. Yes, yes, don’t be puzzled. Not have any pretensions there, you penniless impostor? You know you have. Didn’t I see you this very day fawning to her in this wood? There, don’t stand canting, but listen to me; I always hated you from the moment I first saw you. Lying tutors called you a model of living, now show yourself a model of dying.’ “‘Dying?’ “‘Yes, of dying; I have resolved to rid the world of you. You pale before me, eh? You will be paler still ere morning. Take that hand from your hilt, or I’ll send a bullet whistling through your brain, you bastard.’ “Lawrence listened with nervous philosophic courage to all the enraged man had spoken, and he resolved not to draw arms whatever might befall him. “But the last word exploded all his good resolutions. “The slur on his unknown mother’s honour maddened him. “The sabre leaped from its scabbard and flashed in the light. “But instantly Redgill drew back and fired. “Lawrence fell upon the bridge covered with blood. “The stranger gazed for a moment on his prostrate form, and muttered, ‘I am satisfied. It _was_ to be; it is done! Pale cadet in pretty uniform, you are now food for worms, fitting end for a pennyless cur; no one will ever miss you.’ “And with main strength he flung the body into the deepest part of the brook where the willows grew, and it disappeared beneath the eddying water. “Carelessly lighting a cigar, he examined himself to see that no blood bespattered him, and coolly passed through the meadows and presented himself at Lord Stoner’s. “He was known and welcomed. Josephine was all gaiety and danced with him; but Lady Bray and Clare, by common instinct, avoided his company. “‘You are ever talking of Clare, Mr. Redgill; how many times have I not told you that she is perpetually speaking of young Captain Lawrence.’ “‘Is he here?’ asked Redgill, with a smile. “‘No? I dare say he _cannot_ come,’ he added with emphasis. “‘In truth, I’m glad he has not; I’m sure _I_ didn’t wish his company, however much some people may desire and seem to prize it. Oh, there’s Clare passing into the grounds looking for her father, the colonel.’