"Strange," said I, lighting my pipe.
"What is strange?" asked Briarfield, looking up.
"That girl knows your brother."
"It's not impossible," he answered carelessly; "Felix always had an eye for pretty faces, and as he appointed this inn as a meeting place, he has probably been here before. Rose Strent no doubt draws him hither by her beauty."
"That is not a compliment to Miss Bellin."
"I know it. Felix is a profligate scamp, and will make her a bad husband. He shall not marry her!" added Briarfield angrily. "I say he shall not marry her and make her life miserable! I'll kill him first!"
"Man! man! think of what you are saying--your own brother."
"My own brother--my twin brother," scoffed Francis; "is that any reason why he should take away from me the woman I love?"
"She is not worth regretting if she forgets you so soon."
"She has not forgotten me," he said earnestly; "I assure you, Denham, she loves me still. The last letter I received from her gave no hint that she wearied of me. As you say, there is some trickery about it. I'll have an explanation from Felix," continued he, striking the table with his fist, "or, by Heaven, I'll kill him!"