"Of course! I never talk without good reason. So you have a twin brother?"
"Yes; Robert. He is--he--he is not in his right mind."
"So I should think from his talk and his extraordinary apparel. A black crape scarf is quite original. By the way, your daughter saw him to-day."
"Brenda?" cried Scarse, horrified. "Then she knows----"
"Nothing--except that Robert is wonderfully like you. I got him away before she could speak to him. This I did for your sake--and my own!"
"You wish to make quite sure of getting Brenda--to force me!"
"Not exactly that," smiled Van Zwieten, "since I know that you are already quite willing she should marry me. But I wish to use the knowledge to force her into giving up Burton and becoming my wife."
"You would tell her of Robert's existence?"
"Not if I could help myself," said the Dutchman, politely. "Believe me, my dear friend, I am very discreet. You can safely confide in me."
"It seems I am forced to," grumbled Mr. Scarse, ungraciously. "What is it you particularly wish to know?"