"You are at liberty to surmise what you will," he said. "If you ask me if it was through my instrumentality that this lady was led to break the assignation you had arranged for her, I answer that it was!"
"Soh!"
It was all Leycester said, but it spoke volumes.
"That I used some strategy to effect my purpose, I don't for a moment deny. I used strategy, because it was necessary to defeat your scheme."
He paused. Leycester stood upright watching him.
"Go on," he said, in a hard, metallic voice.
"I brought her here that I, her uncle's and guardian's friend, might point out to her the danger which lay in the path on which you would entice her. I have made it clear to her that it is impossible she should do as you wish."
He paused again, and Leycester removed his eyes from the pale face and looked at Stella.
"Is what this man says true?" he asked, in a low voice. "Has he persuaded you to break faith with me?"
Stella looked at him, and her hands closed over each other.