"I do love her," cried David, vehemently. "I have always loved her, and shall continue to do so until the day of my death. All the same, I shall never become her husband."
"Why?"
"For certain reasons!" said Sarby, evasively.
"What are those reasons?"
"I can't tell you."
"Have they anything to do with the death of Maurice?"
"Don't ask me, major. I would tell you if I could, but it is impossible."
Jen rose to leave the room, more wounded than he chose to confess.
"Of course, my boy," he said rather bitterly, "if you choose to withhold your confidence from me, I have no right to force you to speak. All the same as I have been a second father to you, I think you should be more open with me."
"I would tell you if I could," said David again, but in rather a sullen manner; "but I have reasons, strong reasons, for not doing so. Later on--" he paused nervously.