"Herne, you are unjust!" protested Chaskin.
"Wait till I speak with Lovel, and then judge, my friend."
The Vicar silently agreed with this remark, and the three men watched Lovel as he walked slowly towards the site. On catching sight of the trio he hesitated, and half stopped; but almost immediately he resumed his usual pace, and came towards them. Jumping over the stile, he made as to pass them with a hurried nod; but the squire, with a grim smile, placed himself in his path. So pointed was the movement that Lovel, much against his will, had no alternative but to stop. He looked pale and haggard, and was not dressed with usual care; otherwise he gave no sign of inward perturbation, but was calm and collected when he faced Herne.
"A word with you, Mr. Lovel," said Darcy, sharply.
"A dozen," replied Lovel, as sharply, "provided they are addressed to me in the terms one gentleman usually employs to another."
"Oh, I shall be as polite as you please," sneered the squire, with an ugly smile, "so long as you answer my questions."
"I shall answer your questions if I can, Mr. Herne."
"Very good, sir. Then tell me why you met Miss Lester in this lane, on this spot, last night."
Lovel turned a shade paler, and moistened his dry lips; but he faced his questioner unflinchingly and replied clearly, without hesitation, "I did not meet Miss Lester last night," said he, deliberately.
"I have reason to believe the contrary," retorted Herne, at white heat.