"I never, never did," she said almost shrilly. "Of course I met him in Edinburgh, and thought he was good-looking, over two years ago; then he was my cousin, and clever. But papa did not approve, and Angus was poor, so I----" "Obeyed your father and threw him over. Eh?" "It was only a girlish fancy, doctor. I love Bruce, and Bruce is the man I intend to marry." "So as to be Madame la President, I suppose. Well, with your fifty thousand a year, I have no doubt that Captain Kyles will be able to buy your Republic right out. However, this is none of my business." "I should think not," said Maud, who looked cross. "But the peril of Herries is my business. He has escaped, but may be captured at any moment. What do you intend to do?" "Offer one hundred pounds reward!" Browne jumped up. "For his capture?" "Oh!" Maud stuck her fingers in her ears, "I wish you wouldn't shout when I'm in such grief. Inspector Trent advised me to offer----" "One hundred pounds. I wonder he didn't suggest a thousand, as no doubt he hopes that the money will go into his pocket. But surely you don't want your cousin hanged?" "No,--of course I don't. But if he is guilty----" "He is not, I tell you." "Then who killed papa?" "A man with whom Sir Simon had an appointment at the 'Marsh Inn,' on the night of his death. Listen," and Browne detailed all that he had learned, suppressing certain facts that bore on the escape of Herries. Seeing that Maud believed her cousin guilty and was in close communication with Trent, it would not do to place the safety of Herries in her untrustworthy hands. "Oh! I do hope that what you say is true, and that Angus is not a murderer," cried Maud clasping her hands. "Would I tell a lie?" asked the doctor angrily. "No. But then you are such a friend of my cousin's that you might colour the thing a little." "And you, who loved the man, who are a relative of the man, ought to colour likewise. Instead of that, you offer a reward to hang him." Terrified by the good doctor's vehemence, Maud broke down sobbing---- "I am sure I want to do what is right," she cried, from behind the flimsy handkerchief. "No one would be better pleased than I to think that Angus was guiltless." "You ought to clear his character, and marry him." "Marry him." Maud's handkerchief dropped in amazement. "Yes. He is your cousin, and should share in this wealth, which is too much for you alone. And then he would make you a much better husband than this man Kyles, who comes from no one knows where, and is a rank adventurer, if ever I saw one." "You had better not let Bruce hear you say that," threatened Maud. "He is in the house now, With Mrs. Mountford."