“I know what has occurred. You are worn out with excitement, so go at once to bed.” “But Andros”— “I will deal with him.” “You know I refused him.” “Yes, I heard you say so.” “Was it your wish I should marry him, as he said?” “Girl, I would rather see you dead than the wife of that despicable coward,” retorted the Demarch fiercely. “Now retire at once, and leave me to settle the matter. Good-night.” “Good-night, father.” She turned to go with an air of utter lassitude, but the strain of the last half hour had completely broken her down, and suddenly, with a low cry, she burst into tears. Justinian caught her in his arms, and began to soothe her tenderly with endearing words, which moved the girl strangely, for she was quite unused to such caresses from her iron-natured father. “My girl, my little child, you must not weep!” whispered the old man, kissing her white face. “All will yet be well, and never shall you see this vile Andros again. He shall leave the island at once. You did well to refuse him, and I am proud of the spirit you displayed. Come, come! you must weep no more. I know all.” “You know?” she faltered, looking at him in astonishment. “Yes, I know, and I approve. Now, good-night, my darling, and sleep well.” He led her slowly to the door, and, having summoned Zoe, sent the girl to bed at once in charge of her maid, then returned to the centre of the court and looked frowningly at the entrance through which Caliphronas had disappeared. “You dared to speak like that to my child!” he murmured fiercely. “It is well you fled, or, old as I am, you would not have left this court alive. It is war between us now, Andros, and if I gain the victory, you had better have died than spoken as you have done to-night.” Maurice, whistling gayly, came into the court, having left Crispin behind at the table, but, when he caught sight of Justinian’s face, stopped short in dismay. “What is the matter, Justinian?” “Nothing more than what I expected.” “About Caliphronas?” “Yes; he has proposed to Helena, and she has refused him.” Maurice drew a long breath of relief. “I am glad of that; now there will be a chance for me.” “You love my daughter?” asked the Demarch suddenly. “Yes, I love her,” replied Roylands simply; “I have always loved her.” “I am glad of that, Maurice.” “You will permit me to ask Helena to be my wife?” “Willingly. It is my dearest wish; in fact, it was for that reason I brought you here.” “Brought me here, sir!” said Roylands in amazement. “Why, did you know I was coming?” “Yes; I sent Caliphronas to England to persuade you if possible to pay me a visit.” “But how did you know such a person as I was in existence?” The old Demarch took Maurice by the hand and spoke solemnly. “When you propose to and are accepted by my daughter, I will tell you all, and the mysteries which have so perplexed you shall do so no longer.” “I will speak to Helena to-morrow.”