"You do--you do!" declared Lovel furiously; "you love her, and it was at her house that you wasted your time in London when supposed to be absent on religious missions. I intended to tell all your wickedness to Miss Lester last night."
"Ah! you met her! I knew it!"
"I did not meet her," returned Lovel haughtily; "she left the church in the middle of the service, and I did not see her again. This morning I heard of her death; but I am as innocent of it as you are."
"I don't believe it!" said Herne in hard tones. "I believe you met her, and because she would not leave me for you, you killed her."
"I deny that I did, Herne; but since you accuse me, it remains for you to make good your accusation."
"I shall do so--and hang you for your crime!"
"Take care the halter does not go round your own neck."
"What! do you accuse me of the murder?"
"I accuse no one. I leave it to you, Mr. Herne, to make accusations which you cannot prove. Good-day to you all. Herne, you know where I live; any time you wish me to meet you I shall do so. But," added Lucas scornfully, "till you have evidence, I should advise you to restrain your tongue. I may not be so patient at our next meeting."
Lovel walked away with a proud and defiant air, but Herne made no attempt to follow. He stood quite still, pale and motionless, with a glassy look in his eyes, and his mouth slightly open. Paul turned from watching the retreating figure of Lovel, to address him, and recoiled from this frozen look with an exclamation of alarm.