He remained silent, at which the girl turned pale.

"Is there any reason--strong reason?"

"Yes."

"Is that reason--a woman?"

Myles bowed his head.

Miss Penfold grew a shade paler and laughed bitterly.

"A pleasant reason to give me," she said, with a sneer. "I have given up all else for your sake, because I thought you loved me, and you--you--talk of another woman to me."

"This is nonsense," he answered impatiently. "There is no love in the case; it simply involves the breaking of a promise given to a woman, and you would be the last to ask me to do that. Can you not believe in my honour?"

May looked at him doubtfully.

"Can I believe in any man's honour?" she replied sadly.