"Than with any one, Gwen," cried the young man fervently. "Oh, my dear, to think how nearly I have lost you."
"I said that to myself about you, just before you entered," whispered Gwen in a penitent tone. "Do forgive me."
"On condition that you forgive me," pleaded Owain fondly.
"Dear, there is nothing to forgive," said the girl, abasing herself. "It is all my fault--all my fault. I'm a nasty little jealous animal."
"Just the kind of animal I like." Owain pressed her hard in his arms. "I'll never, never let you go again, and now that we are together and you are on my side, I am prepared to face the worst."
"Face what?"
"Ah, I forgot; you don't understand. I have a long explanation to give." Hench paused and looked nervous, as he drew Gwen to a chair and sat down to take her on his knee. "You won't hate me, or doubt me?"
"Never! Never!" Gwen positively. "I'll never doubt you again. What is the matter?"
"Murder is the matter!"
"What?" She started back and stared at his perturbed face. "The murder of----"