“Oh, yes, you did. But play or not play, will you listen to what I have got to say?”

“I don’t wish to listen, Mr. Henderson; nothing that you can have to say to me—”

“Don’t drive me mad, May!” cried the young man, passionately. “You know I love you; that I love you too well, and yet you are always cold to me.”

“I am sorry if—if you care for me—for I can give you nothing in return.”

“Nothing!”

“Mr. Henderson, it is best to speak the truth.”

“Your parents wish it,” interrupted Henderson, eagerly; “your mother sent me to speak to you.”

“I have no mother,” said May, raising her head, proudly; “if you mean my father’s wife, she has no right to interfere with my affairs.”

“And this is all you have to say to me?”