"It was lucky for you that you left the Millers as early as you did," he said. "Why?" "Because they had a visitor. He came an hour or so after you'd gone. I found him talking to Lucie, and she introduced me. His name was Leaf." I saw that she started at mention of my name. But with admirable self-control she asked:-- "Well, and what did he want?" "Wanted to see you. And what's more, Lucie told me after he'd gone that he had once been engaged to you. Is that true?" "I've known him a good many years," was my loved one's evasive answer, as though she feared to arouse his anger or jealousy by an acknowledgment of the truth. "I ask you, Ella, a simple question--is what Lucie Miller has said true? Were you ever engaged to that man?" he asked very seriously. "There was not an actual engagement," was her answer, and I saw that she feared to tell him the truth. What right had the fellow to question her? I had difficulty in restraining myself from rushing forward and boldly exposing him as the thief and adventurer he was. "Lucie, in answer to my question, told me that you had lost sight of each other for several years, and that you believed him dead." "That is so." "And that he has been travelling on the Continent the whole time?" "I believe he has," was her reply, whereupon he remained in silence for some moments, as though reflecting deeply. Was it possible that, after all, he had recognised me as the man who he had intended should be his cat's-paw in the Blenkap affair? I felt certain that he was endeavouring to recall my face. "Your father knows nothing of my friendship with Miller?" he asked suddenly, with some apprehension. "I have told him nothing, as you forbade me." "Good. He must not know. It's better not." "Why?" "Well, because your father has a long-standing quarrel with Miller, has he not? If he knew we were friends he might not like it. Some men have curious prejudices," he added. His explanation apparently satisfied her, but he, on his part, returned to his previous questions regarding myself. "Tell me," he urged, "who is this fellow Leaf? If you were fond of him I surely have a right to know who and what he is?" "He's a gentleman whom I first knew years ago, soon after I came home from school." "And you fell in love with him, like every school-girl does, eh?" She nodded in the affirmative, but vouchsafed no further information. "Well," he said, in a tone of authority, "you will not meet him again under any consideration. I forbid it. Remember that." She was silent, her head downcast, for in that man's hands she was as wax. He held her in some thraldom that I saw was as complete as it was terrible. His very presence seemed to cause her to hold her breath, and to tremble.