“It is a lie!” he said at last.
“It is true!” said the deep voice of Gideon Rolfe; and Jack, fixing his startled eyes on the rough, ragged face, knew that it was the truth.
With a groan he covered his face with his hands; then he started up and struck the table a blow that made Stephen wince.
“Well,” he exclaimed, with a short laugh—“well, what business is it of anyone’s but mine and Una’s? What do I care whether she is illegitimate or not? Let her be the daughter of whom she may, married or unmarried, it matters not to me. She is Una, and that is enough!”
His voice rang out loud and clear as a bell’s tone, and he looked from one to the other defiantly.
“And now that is settled,” he said, sternly. “Let us come to particulars, to proof. Mr. Rolfe, though I know you are averse to our marriage, I believe you. I do not think you are capable of inventing a lie—a base, fiendish lie—to serve your ends. But all the same I ask, and not without reason, some proofs. First, who are Una’s parents?”
Gideon Rolfe was about to reply, but a glance from Stephen stopped him.
“That is the question I have implored Mr. Rolfe to answer,” he said. “I have entreated him to give us some information, but he declines. It is a secret which he says shall go down to the grave with him, unless——”
“Unless what?” demanded Jack, hoarsely.
“Unless you are still determined to hold Una to her engagement. Then——”