"My dear," said I, patting her hand, "there is no need for you to deny that, I am aware of your innocence. But I wish to know upon what grounds Mr. Striver bases his accusation."
"I shall tell them to the police," said the gardener, rising.
"You can't do that," struck in Gertrude, "without incriminating yourself."
"Oh, indeed," said I lightly; "perhaps you will explain, Striver. You see, I am treating you with all justice."
"I don't want your justice," he said rudely.
"Ah!" I retorted meaningly, "perhaps you want the justice of a British jury, Striver. Come, out with it."
The young man clenched his fists. "If I ruin myself, I shall ruin her. You shan't have her if I can't."
"Allow me to tell you, Striver," I said, repressing Gertrude, "that all this bombast has no effect on me. Prove your accusation."
"You can't without incriminating yourself," repeated Gertrude, drawing a breath. "Cyrus, he told me that----"
"I'll tell him," interrupted the gardener fiercely. "I know that I run the risk of standing in the dock. But you, Miss Monk, will be by my side. It's my love for you which makes me risk my neck."