"I believe you to be honourable and honest, and----"
"Ah"--Madame Alpenny broke in with a snarl, since things were not going as she desired--"honourable, honest. Oh, it is very fine; most excellent, I call it. Do not be sure, Mademoiselle, that he is what you call him."
"I am sure"--Gwen stamped--"and to prove the truth of my belief, I am ready to marry him, as my cousin, Owain Evans. There!"
"Oh, Gwen! Oh, Gwen!" said Hench, scarcely believing his ears.
"Ah, it is so," taunted the marplot. "Do you marry him for the heritage you have lost by his coming?"
"I marry him because I love him, as he loves me," said Gwen quietly, and placing her hand in that of her lover, she faced Madame Alpenny steadily.
"What a comparison"--the woman threw up her hands--"when he loves you not in the least little bit."
"I love her with all my heart and soul!" cried the young man furiously.
"Ah, and so did you speak to my daughter, Zara."
Gwen pulled her hand away from that of Owain, and looked from him to the scoffing woman. "My daughter, Zara," she repeated. "And who is she?"