"No, because you deny Felix killed Francis."
"What do you mean, Miss Gernon?" I asked rapidly.
"I mean that this man whom Miss Bellin thinks is her lover Francis is Felix Briarfield, and Felix Briarfield," she continued, "is my lover."
"No!" said Felix hurriedly, "it is not true."
I expected to see Olivia grow angry, but in place of this a bright smile irradiated her face as she looked at Felix. I could not conjecture the meaning of her action, and began to grow uneasy. Rose also looked anything but comfortable; evidently she had met with her match in Olivia.
"I overheard part of your conversation," said Olivia, addressing her pointedly.
"Very honorable, I am sure," retorted Rose, with a sneer.
"Honor is thrown away on women like you," answered Olivia scornfully. "I am glad I listened, for it enables me to protect the man I love against your arts."
"That is not the man you love," said Rose spitefully; "he lies in the marshes surrounding the Fen Inn, slain by the hand of his brother."
"That is not true! I swear it is not true!" cried Felix, approaching nearer to Olivia.