"That would be a terrible punishment," said Lena, "for you know full well, how much I think of you, Alfred."
"I do know it, sis, but my advice to you is to consult your own happiness."
"I cannot be happy if I offend mamma."
"But you cannot be happy if you marry Lord Maltravers."
"That is the dilemma," said Lena, "and how am I to get out of it?"
Alfred Van Hoosen shook his head.
"Give me a few days to think the matter over," he replied, "and perhaps I can see some way out of the difficulty. One thing I know, I would rather see you drop down dead at the altar, than become the wife of that man."
"Oh! Alfred. What dreadful language!"
"You do not know so much about him as I do. I am Harkaway's friend now, and I don't want you to encourage Maltravers. You will do that much for me?"
"I can make no promise."