“You will permit me to ask Helena to be my wife?”

“Willingly. It is my dearest wish; in fact, it was for that reason I brought you here.”

“Brought me here, sir!” said Roylands in amazement. “Why, did you know I was coming?”

“Yes; I sent Caliphronas to England to persuade you if possible to pay me a visit.”

“But how did you know such a person as I was in existence?”

The old Demarch took Maurice by the hand and spoke solemnly.

“When you propose to and are accepted by my daughter, I will tell you all, and the mysteries which have so perplexed you shall do so no longer.”

“I will speak to Helena to-morrow.”

“Good. Then to-morrow I will tell you who I am, and how I was able to know all about you.”

“But suppose Helena refuses me?”