He dropped her hands, but stood looking at her.
Jasper's voice aroused him from the stupor which fell upon him.
"Come, my lord," he said, in a dry, cold voice, "you have received your answer. Let me suggest that you have inflicted more than enough pain upon this lady, and let me remind you that as I am her affianced husband I have the right to request you to leave her in peace."
Leycester turned to him slowly, but without speaking to him went up to Stella.
"Stella," he said, and his voice was harsh and hoarse. "For the last time I ask you—for the last time!—is this true? Have you betrayed me for this man? Have you promised to be—his wife?"
The answer came in a low clear voice:
"It is true. I shall be his wife."
He staggered slightly, but recovered himself, and stood upright, his hands clasped, the veins on his forehead swelling.
"It is enough," he said. "You tell me that it is of your own free will. I do not believe that. I know that this man has some hold upon you. What it is I cannot guess. I feel that you will not tell me, and that he would only lie if I asked him. But it is enough for me. Stella—I call you so for the last time—you have deceived me; you have kept this thing hidden from me. May Heaven forgive you, I cannot!"
Then he took his hat and turned to leave the room.