"It is the truth, and you know it. As Miss Bellin did not answer his letters, Francis thought something was wrong and returned home. Afraid lest he should find out your plot, you asked him to meet you at the Fen Inn, and there either intended to throw yourself on his mercy or--to murder him!"
"Murder him!" he repeated fiercely; "it is false!"
"That will be for the police to determine!"
"But surely, Denham, you don't intend to inform the police?"
"I am going to do so now."
Felix seized me by the arm and dragged me back to my seat. He was now much agitated, but made every effort to restrain his emotion.
"Sit down," he said in a hoarse tone. "You do me wrong, Denham--on my soul you do me wrong. I was engaged! I am engaged to Olivia Bellin; her mother consented to our engagement after I returned to England three months ago. Felix, I believe, is in Paris! I don't know whom you met at the inn last night. It was not I--it could not have been Felix. There was no appointment between us. I am not masquerading as Francis, because I am Francis."
"I don't believe you!"
"You must! I can bring forward witnesses to prove my identity!"
"They may be misled by the resemblance. Remember you and Francis are twins."