"It does concern Rachel," replied Tera, in measured tones; "but it concerns also Mr. Mayne."
"Mayne!" cried Jack, who was listening in bewilderment. "What about Mayne?"
"He is a bad man!"
"A bad man?" echoed Carwell, his ruddy face paling. "How?"
"To-night he asked Rachel to become his wife!"
"Well, there's nothing wrong in that," cried the farmer, impatiently. "I saw long ago that he was in love with the girl."
"He has no right to love her, Mr. Carwell. He is married already."
"Married!--the scoundrel! Who is he married to?"
"To Zara Lovell."
"Zara Lovell!" repeated Finland, incredulously, while Carwell sank back in his armchair. "You must be mistaken, Tera; how do you know?"