"In that case I should have said nothing. Mr. Scarse evidently has some reason for his denial. But cannot we select a more pleasant subject of conversation?" "Such as what?" demanded Brenda, wondering at this sudden change. "Yourself or Captain Burton. I saw him to-day." "That is very likely," she replied, quietly divining Van Zwieten's intention. "Captain Burton is staying at the 'Chequers Inn.' At least he _was_ staying there, but he left for London at five." "Oh, indeed! He must have changed his mind then, for it was after six when I saw him." "I suppose he is privileged to change his mind," said Brenda. All the same she was puzzled to account for Harold's remaining at Chippingholt. Thwarted in this direction, Van Zwieten tried another. He was bent on making Brenda confess an interest in Burton, so as to lead up to an explanation of his own feelings. "It is strange," said he, slowly, "that Captain Burton does not stay at the Manor." "Why do you think it strange, Mr. van Zwieten?" "Ach! is it not strange? His brother Wilfred stays there--he is there now. Mr. Malet is Captain Burton's cousin, and he is hospitable--not to me," added he, with a sleepy smile; "Mr. Malet does not like me." Brenda ignored this last remark. "If you ask Captain Burton for his reasons I have no doubt he will gratify your curiosity," she said coldly. "Oh, I do not care; it is nothing to me." Van Zwieten paused, then resumed very deliberately, "I do not like Captain Burton." "Really! The loss is his." "I do not like Captain Burton," repeated Van Zwieten, "because he likes you." "What has that to do with me?" asked Brenda, injudiciously. "Everything. I love you--I want to marry you!" "You told me all about that, Mr. van Zwieten, and I told you I was unable to marry you. It was agreed that we should drop the subject." "Captain Burton loves you and wants to marry you," pursued the big man, doggedly, "and so I do not like Captain Burton." The situation was becoming embarrassing, but the man was evidently acting and speaking with a set purpose. "Please say no more, Mr. van Zwieten," said Brenda, trying to control her temper. Still he went on resolutely. "When we are married we will see nothing of Captain Burton." "That will never be. I shall never marry you." "Oh, yes; your father is willing." "But I am not." Brenda rose with a glance of anger. "How dare you take advantage of my father's absence to insult me?" "I do not insult you," went on the Dutchman, with a quiet smile. "One does not insult one's future wife." "I would rather die than marry you!" She walked to the door. "You have no right to speak to me like this. I refuse to see you again, and I shall tell my father of your behavior."