"Do not fear; this gentleman has no need to tremble. This matter lies between us three—at present, rather, it lies between you two. I want to be placed on an equality, that is all." And he smiled a fiercely-bitter smile. "Now, sir!"
Jasper bit his lips.
"I have few words to add to what I have already said. I will say them, and I leave it to Miss Etheridge to corroborate them. You wish to know the reason why she did not meet you as you expected, and why she is here instead, and under my protection?"
Leycester moved his hand impatiently.
"The question is easily answered. It is because she is my affianced wife!" said Jasper quietly.
Leycester looked at him steadily, but did not show by a sign that he had been smitten as his adversary had hoped to smite him. Instead, he seemed to recover coolness.
"I have been told," he said, quietly and incisively, "that you are a clever man, Mr. Adelstone. I did not doubt it until this moment. I feel that you must be a fool to hope that I should accept that statement."
Jasper's face grew red under the bitter scorn; he raised his hand and pointed tremblingly to Stella.
"Ask her," he said, hoarsely.
Leycester turned to her with a start.