"Wait and listen to me, Miss Scarse--for your father's sake. Ah! you are wise. Come, here is a chair. Sit down; we have much to talk about."
"I prefer to stand. Tell me, what do you mean?" she burst out.
"What I say. Listen to me, for your father's sake. Or, if you care so little for him that you can get him into trouble without seeking to avert it, why the door is open."
In answer to this speech Brenda sat down and looked steadily at the man. He met her gaze frankly, and throughout conducted the interview with his usual politeness. "I know you do not love me," said he, in his deep voice; "but I love you, and I am content to win your affection after marriage."
"I will never marry you. Take that answer once and for all."
"In that case you leave me free to deal with your father."
"I don't understand you."
"Then I explain--not everything, for I never trust women, not even you. But I know the truth about this murder--so does your father."
Brenda preserved her coolness. "Do you accuse him of the crime?"
"Perhaps," replied Van Zwieten, with a singular smile, "should you not agree to give up Captain Burton and marry me. I know who killed Malet."