He paused, and Jack looked from one to the other.
“Well?”
“Then he declares he will go to Una and inform her of the shame that clings to her name.”
Jack uttered a low cry and sank back in his chair. He saw by what heavy chains he was bound. To get possession of Una he must inflict the agony of shame upon her.
If ever a man loved truly and nobly Jack loved Una. He would have died the death to spare her a moment’s pain; and here was this man threatening to darken and curse her whole life if he, Jack, did not relinquish her.
“Are you human?” he said, turning his eyes upon Gideon Rolfe with a wild, hunted gaze.
Gideon Rolfe smiled bitterly.
“I am human enough to prevent this marriage.”
Jack rose and confronted him.
“I will not give her up,” he said hoarsely. “I defy you!”