"The motive of jealousy," said Lovel sullenly; "you were in love with Milly. Oh, you need not deny it, Mr. Chaskin; I know it for a fact."
"My friend," said Chaskin coldly, "I do not intend to deny it; but I question your right to make such a statement. It is true that I loved Miss Lester; but she never knew of my passion. She was the promised wife of my friend, and as such I did not think myself justified in revealing my feelings. You, Mr. Lovel, were less scrupulous."
"I admit it," replied Lovel, attempting a weak defence; "but I loved her."
"All the village knew as much; but I do not call that love which debases its object. If you had said nothing to Miss Lester, she might have refused to meet you. And had she not met you," added Chaskin emphatically, "this tragedy would not have taken place."
"As to that, you know best!" sneered the younger man.
"As you please, sir," rejoined the Vicar. "I refuse to defend myself to you."
"Can you defend yourself at all?" questioned Mexton suddenly.
"I shall answer that question when I am asked it by the duly constituted authorities."
"At least tell us how you lost that pistol."
The Vicar rose from his chair, and walking across to a side table, lifted therefrom an oblong box of mahogany. This he opened and placed before his visitors.