"They can speak of nothing that I do not know." "Are you aware of the truth?" said I, somewhat startled by this remark. "I am aware of the truth," she repeated slowly, and before I could question her she flitted up the stairs. There was no time for me to ponder over her words, as it was now past eight o'clock, and Rose Gernon might descend at any time. I therefore spoke a few hasty words to the caretaker, telling him I wished to see Mr. Briarfield, and followed her at once. In two minutes we were both standing before the door of Briarfield's room. "It is locked," said Olivia faintly. "Never mind," answered I, producing my latchkey; "this key of mine opens the door; I was, as you are aware, a great friend of Francis, and learned some time ago that my key fitted the lock of his rooms. I have not forgotten the circumstance, so it comes in useful now. See!" I turned the key and the door opened noiselessly. Motioning to Miss Bellin to precede me, I followed her quietly and closed the door behind us. We heard the murmur of voices in the sitting room. She as well as I knew its whereabouts thoroughly. The door was slightly ajar, and in front of it stretched a tall screen with fretwork at the top. Stepping through the open door in a gingerly manner, we placed ourselves directly behind the screen so that we could both see and hear without danger of being observed. Thus far our enterprise had succeeded in the most fortunate manner, and nothing remained for us to do but to listen to the important conversation now taking place. Felix, standing with his back against the mantelpiece, looked anxious and angry, while Rose Gernon, her hands on the table, faced him fiercely. Evidently the conversation was not progressing in a satisfactory manner to either. "No!" she was saying rapidly. "I will accept no money for what I have done. You know the only reward I claim--your love." "I cannot give it to you," said Felix doggedly; "you know that as well as I do." "Do I?" she cried passionately. "Do you dare to say that to me after all your vows and protestations? Why did you tell me you loved me if it was but a lie?" "I did not tell you so." "Yes, you did, Felix--you did! I remember the hour, the day, when you swore that you would make me your wife." "Keep quiet," I muttered to Olivia, who made an involuntary movement. "I tell you, Rose, there is some mistake," said Felix angrily. "You mean-spirited hound!" "I am a mean-spirited hound," he answered wearily; "no one knows that better than I do." "Some women," continued Rose, not heeding his interruption--"some women would have you killed. I am not a woman of that kind. I'll stay and marry you." "Impossible! I am to marry Miss Bellin." "You promised to give up Miss Bellin if I helped you to see your brother at the Fen Inn." "My God!" muttered Olivia, trembling violently. "Hush!" I whispered; "now we shall hear the truth." "I have changed my mind," retorted Felix, in answer to the last remark of Rose.