"But what had she to do with my father, and what has she to do with you?"
"I think your Christian name will explain all in one word," remarked Madame Alpenny, looking up at the blue sky.
"I intended to tell you myself, Gwen, this very morning," cried Hench, striving to preserve his calmness, which was sorely shaken.
"Tell me what?" said Gwen, who was very white and unstrung.
"That my Christian name is--Owain."
"Owain----?"
"Owain Evans," said Madame Alpenny sharply. "Let there be an end to his deceit, Mademoiselle. He is your cousin, the same who has robbed you of your heritage, the same who has----"
"Hold your tongue!" interrupted Hench fiercely. "It is for Miss Evans to speak and not you."
"_Miss Evans," sneered the woman, with sparkling eyes. "Why so, when you called her by her Christian name lately, as she can now call you by yours? Oh, it is very well, very well indeed, this bal masque of lies and wickedness."
By this time, Gwen, who had been staring silently at Hench, spoke in a low tone, but in so absolutely unemotional a manner that he could not tell what her feelings were. "Are you really my cousin?"