"Why neutral ground? Have you quarreled!"
"Bitterly."
"You did so at college," said I looking steadily at him. "Strange that such ill blood should exist between twin brothers."
"The inevitable woman," said Francis, in a harsh tone, quite at variance with his usual soft speech.
"Oh! And her name?"
"Olivia Bellin!"
"I know her. Do you mean to say, Briarfield, that----"
"Hush!" he said, rapidly indicating the door, and there stood the girl Rose listening to our conversation. Her face was pale and it was evident that the mention of the name had powerfully affected her. Seeing our eyes were on her, she apologized in a low, nervous voice.
"Your pardon, gentlemen," she said, placing a tray on the table. "I did not intend to interrupt your conversation. Allow me to lay the table for supper!"
"First show me my room," said I, picking up my knapsack. "I am dusty, and wish to give myself a brush up."