But he had yet another duty to perform towards his unmarried daughter. It was his intention to speak to Neil Webster that night, and, once and for all, put an end to any hopes that young man might cherish with regard to Ruth. She was the apple on the topmost bough which he could not hope to gather; and it would be as well to inform him of this fact at once. Mr. Cass was, in the main, a kindly man, and, for reasons best known to himself, was well disposed towards Neil. He hated to make trouble at this season of peace and goodwill. But the imminence of the danger forced him on. Besides, he had given a promise to his sister Inez, and he knew very well she would allow him no rest until he had done what she desired. "How dull you are to-night," whispered Ruth to Neil in the winter garden after dinner. "What is the matter?" "Nothing. I went out for a walk to-day and I am rather tired." "Were you caught in the snow?" "Yes, but I managed to get home all right, as you see. I sought shelter in the old Turnpike House." Mrs. Marshall, who had seated herself close at hand, started at the words. "The Turnpike House!" she said, anxiously. "Did you go in there." "Yes, Mrs. Marshall. It was my refuge from the storm." "Strange!" she murmured, thinking of the crime which had taken place there so many years before--the crime in which the parents of this young man had been concerned. "It has not a good reputation, that house," she added. Webster fixed his eyes on her. "How is that?" he said. "Oh, don't you know?" cried Jennie, who had come up to them. "A dreadful murder was committed there! A man was killed, and the house is said to be haunted." "A man was killed?" repeated Neil, his breath coming quickly. "And who killed him?" Before Jennie could make reply Mr. Cass, who had been listening uneasily, interposed sharply: "Don't talk of murders, Miss Brawn. The subject is not fit for Christmas. Come and play for Mr. Webster." "Thank you," the young man said. "I do not think I can play this evening." There was a murmur of disappointment, but Neil was firm. "I am not very well," he said, wearily. "My nerves again." "Ah!" remarked Mrs. Marshal, in a low voice. "That comes of going to the Turnpike House." "Hush!" rebuked her brother under his breath. "Hold your tongue, Inez, and leave me to deal with this." As there was to be no music, Jennie and Mr. Marshall set to work to amuse the guests, and even Heron took part in the games. But after a time Ruth declared that she could play no longer and abruptly went away. Perhaps Geoffrey's reproachful looks were too much for her equanimity. At all events she sought the empty drawing-room and sat down at the piano. In a few minutes she was joined by Neil. "Oh! are you here?" she said, coldly enough. "What is the matter?" "Nothing. I have come to have a few words with you." "It is rather late in the day, Neil. You were out ail the afternoon, and I was left to Mr. Heron."