"I don't understand you," said Miss Murdock, looking at him in astonishment.
"Your father would," he replied huskily; "it was he egged me on to this; he promised me that you would have me——"
"My father promised——"
"Yes, your father; and by G——"
Chatham, who was growing more and more excited, brought down his clenched fist upon a table near which he stood, and with an evident effort repressed the oath which rose to his lips. Miss Murdock, startled and bewildered, observed him in speechless amazement.
After a momentary struggle, the accountant suddenly broke forth in piteous pleading:
"I don't ask much now. Tell me only one thing and I shall go away content for the present. Say that no other man has any better chance with you than I have. Say that you do not love any one else."
The young girl tried to avoid his ardent gaze.
"Say it!" he commanded in sudden sternness.
Agnes drew herself up proudly then.