She rose, sobbing, and crept to a chair in a slinking manner, quite unlike her usual free grace. She did not raise her eyes, and George was pained to see the change. Badly as she had acted, he felt sorry at beholding her depressed, and like a sick beast in confinement. "Lola," he said, taking a chair near her, "I have come as your friend." "Not in anger--ah, but yes, in anger." "I am not angry. I am very sorry." "Ah, but in your eyes--they sparkle. I see Mees Vards. I do try to steal the church books. You are furiously enraged." "Look at me and see." But Lola would not, so George took her chin and made her gaze directly into his eyes. Lola's were filled with tears, but after a time she began to smile. "Ah, you are not enraged, it was for you I did it. I wish my dear George to myself--all--all." "You know that is impossible." "But it is not. I will have you." "Not at all," said George, deliberately. "You will marry Bawdsey." "That pig--cow, horrible and miserable. _Non. Ah, non!_" She sprang to her feet. "_Jamais. Ah grand jamais!_ I do swear," and producing a small black crucifix from her dress she kissed it vehemently. She was a most impossible person to deal with, being as wild as a tigress and as impulsive as a child. George made her resume her seat, and drew his chair close to her. Much delighted, Lola took his hand within her own and looked at him affectionately. Brendon did not like the position at all, but it was necessary to humor Lola if he wished to arrive at the truth. He spoke to her very directly. "Now, Lola, I wish you to tell me the truth." "Ah, but I will. When you are kindness I tell you all." "Do you know that you have done a wrong thing?" "Pschutt," she said contemptuously. "I give that old mans knocks on the heads, but he is alive. Oh, yes, I did not kill him. "I don't mean the assault, though that is bad enough. But your trying to destroy the register of the marriage. "It is your fault," cried Lola, impetuously. "For loves of my George I did so. I wish you not to marry any but me." "We can talk of that later, Lola. Answer me a few questions, and make no remarks." "I will do what you say, my friend," said Lola, nodding. George thought for a moment. "How did you learn that Wargrove was the place where my parents were married?" "I tell not that--indeed, I will not. It is my businesses." "Mine also. You must tell." "But I will not." "For my sake, Lola." "Ah, you want to know all, and then trick me. I will not tell." "Then I will explain to you." "Aha, you cannots--you know nothings at all. Pah! La, la, la, la." George spoke sternly. "Lola, I know more than you give me credit for. I have seen the dagger." This time he struck home, for she started. "What dagger?" "The stiletto you left in Mrs. Jersey's room." "I did nothings. I was not there." "Yes you were. For all I know you may have killed the woman." "But it is foolish you talk, George. I did not. She was frightened--oh, very much afraid."