"He was playing a game of bluff," said Vivian eagerly. "He cannot force you to marry him, nor can he stop my marriage. He could have done so before, because he knew that my wife was alive; but now that she is dead, his power ceases. And, Beatrice"--he paused and looked down--"how can I ask you to be my wife after what you have heard?"
The girl looked at him in silence. Had she loved him less, she might have refused to answer his appeal. As it was, her love overcame the momentary anger which she felt at having been kept in the dark. At once she moved towards him, and placed her arms round his neck.
"We are all sinners," she whispered; "and I love you too well to let you go."
"God bless you, my darling," faltered Vivian, pressing her to his breast.
"Let the past alone," said Beatrice, kissing him. "We shall marry, and live for one another. Look with me, Vivian, to a happy future."
"My darling--my darling!" and Paslow fell on his knees.
[CHAPTER XIII]
THE EX-BUTLER
It really did seem as though the course of this true love was about to run smooth. Durban, to whom Beatrice explained all that had taken place during Ruck's visit, heard what she had to say in silence, and seemed relieved when he heard the whole.
"I am glad that Mr. Paslow arrived at the moment," said Durban, when the story was ended. "He and the Major now understand one another."