"Yet one word more, I implore," said Fitz. "I will leave you and I will not see you again; but, mark me, I will not let the matter rest, and if you care for Howard Murpoint, as you would have me believe you do, warn him that there is one on his track who will search him to the heart, and who will, cost him what it may, find whether he is an honest man or the rogue he thinks him. Violet, Ethel has escaped his clutches, and you have fallen into them. Escape while there is time, I implore of you! See, I beg you on my knees to take time, to do nothing rashly, to break off this hateful, this horrible engagement!"
"If there had been one thing wanting to confirm me in the path I have taken, Lord Boisdale, your words have supplied it. I will do my duty by an innocent man maligned, and be true to him. I will be true to the man I have promised to marry, though all the world rose to slander him."
"Violet, you do not love him!" groaned Fitz.
"No," said Violet. "But, though I have lost the power to love, I can still act with honor."
And, with a sad smile, she left the room.
Fitz rose, stunned and dazed.
He took up his hat and, leaving the house, walked in a daze to Lackland House.
As he was about to enter a footman came up to him.
"My lord, the earl is desirous of seeing you."
"Eh?" said Fitz, who was scarcely conscious of what he was about.