"Dick," said he. "Let us end this awful scene as friends and brothers. As Heaven hears me, there is no bitterness in my heart. Only deep sorrow--and love, Dick. Shake hands." Dick took his hand and broke down utterly, and said such things of himself as other men do not like to hear. Presently there was a light rap of knuckles at the door. Austin opened it and beheld Viviette. "I won't disturb you," she said; "I only want to give this note to Dick." "I will hand it to him," said Austin. She thanked him and departed. He closed the door and gave Dick the note. Dick opened it, read, and with a great cry of "Viviette!" rushed to the door. Austin interposed, grasped him by the wrist: "What are you doing?" "I'm going to her," shouted Dick wildly, wrenching himself free. "Read this." He held up the note before Austin's eyes, with shaking fingers. Austin read: "I can't bear to see the misery on your face, when I can make you happy. I love you, dear, better than anything on earth. I know it now, and I'll go out with you to Vancouver." "She loves me. She'll marry me. She'll go out to Vancouver!" cried Dick. "It changes everything. I must go to her." "You shall not go," said Austin. "Shall not? Who dares prevent me?' "I do. I hold you to your word." "But, man alive! she loves me--don't you see? The bargain is dissolved. This is none of my seeking. She comes of her own free will. I am going to her." Austin put both his hands affectionately on the big man's shoulders and forced him into a chair. "Listen to me just for one minute, Dick. Dick, you dare not marry. Don't drive me to tell you the reason. Can't you see for yourself why I've imposed this condition on you all along?" "I know no reason," said Dick. "She loves me, and that is enough." The greyness deepened over Austin's face and the pain in his eyes. "I must speak, then, in plain terms. That horrible murder impulse is the reason. Today, in a fit of frenzied jealousy, you would have killed me, your brother. Is there any guarantee that, in another fit of frenzied jealousy, you might not--?" A shudder ran through Dick's great frame. He stretched out his hand. "For God's sake--don't." "I must--until you see this ghastly business in its true aspect. Look at the lighter side of Viviette's character. She is gay, fond of admiration, childishly fond of teasing, a bright creature of bewildering moods. Would she be safe in your hands? Might you not one day again see things red before your eyes and again go mad?" "Don't say any more," Dick said in a choking voice. "I can't stand it." "Heaven knows, I didn't want to say as much." Dick shuddered again. "Yes, you are right. I am a man with a curse. I can't marry her. I daren't." CHAPTER VI VIVIETTE TAKES THE RISK