"I don't know. Rupert, she wants me to marry her nephew."
"What, that bounder who rides so furiously," cried Rupert fiercely, "you don't mean to say that he dares----"
"Not in words, but he looks--oh," Olivia shivered, "you know the sort of look a man like that, gives you."
"I'll twist his neck if he insults you."
"Then Miss Pewsey would complain to my aunt and I should get into trouble. Oh, Rupert," she said softly, "I am so afraid."
"Of that man. Nonsense."
"No--of everything. I can keep Mr. Burgh off--"
"Who is he?" asked Rupert jealously.
"Miss Pewsey's nephew. I can manage him, bold as he is. But it is you I am afraid of. Listen," and Olivia told the young man what she had learned from Miss Wharf that afternoon. "She can ruin you," said the poor girl, almost crying, "and she will if she learns the truth."
Rupert pressed the hand he held. "Why not tell her the truth," he said. "I'm willing to face poverty if you are."