She pushed her way forward in spite of his interference, and stood confronting the woman in the summer-house.
A white face, marked with the most intense suffering, was uplifted to the gaze of the young girl.
"Are you August Bordine's wife?"
Rose put the question hotly, so full of indignation as scarcely to contain herself in calmness.
"His wife?"
"Yes."
"I am Andrew Barkswell's wife, I do not know the parson you mention."
"Indeed! So he has more than one name, the infamous wretch!"
Then, with a great sobbing cry, Rose Alstine turned and fled from the place, dropping her veil to hide the haggard woe that reveled on her countenance. Slowly Barkswell come back into the presence of his wife.
"And it is thus you would betray me," he said in an angry tone. "Iris, I am sorry that you are determined to ruin me."