“Mr. Rolfe!” he exclaimed. “How do you do? I am very glad to see you!” and he held out his hand.
Gideon Rolfe nodded and turned aside.
“What is it? What is the matter?” asked Jack, turning to Stephen, who had carefully closed the door and stood with knitted brow and sad countenance.
At Jack’s question he glanced at Rolfe, and then, with a sigh, said:
“Yes, Jack, I will tell you. It will come better from me than Mr. Rolfe. Jack, you were right in suspecting that the business referred to Una. She is quite well—and happy. But—but I am afraid your engagement must cease.”
At this, Jack’s calmness came back to him, and with something like a smile, he said, scornfully:
“Indeed!”
“Yes,” said Gideon Rolfe, but Stephen held up his hand and silenced him.
“Perhaps you will tell me for what reason?” said Jack, quietly.
“For a sad, very sad reason,” said Stephen, in a subdued and mournful tone. “Jack, my heart bleeds for you——”