"Judith Varlins is a very reserved woman."
"And Miss Marson?"
"I didn't see much of her," answered Roger, moodily, "nor did I wish to—a frivolous little minx, who came between me and my happiness. Well, there's nothing more to tell. After my rejection I left Ventnor for London, and ultimately came down here on a walking tour."
"You've not seen Miss Varlins since, I suppose?"
Again Roger turned away his head, and again the action is noted by Mr. Fanks.
"No," replied Axton, in a low voice. "I—I have not seen her since."
"Lie number two," thought Octavius, wonderingly. "What does it all mean? Do you correspond with her?" he asked, aloud.
"No! Confound it, Fanks, don't put me in the witness-box," cried Roger, rising to his feet.
"I beg your pardon, old fellow," said Octavius, meekly, "it's a habit I've got. A very bad one, I'm afraid. Well, I hope things will go well with you and the marriage with Miss Varlins will take place."
Roger, who was walking rapidly up and down the long room, now vanishing into the chill shadow, anon emerging into the warm lamp-light, stopped at the sound of the name and flung up his arms with a low cry of anguish.