“Yes, of course you do. Well, what was it for?”
“Because appearances were cruelly against him,” cried Julia.
“They were,” said Crellock dryly.
“Because his friends doubted him, consequent upon the conduct of a man he trusted,” said Julia bitterly.
“I never knew your father trust any one, Miss Julia, and I knew him before he went to King’s Castor. We were clerks in the same office.”
“He trusted you,” cried Julia indignantly; “and you deceived him, and he suffered for your wicked sin.”
She struck the mare with her whip, and it would have dashed off, but Crellock was smoothing her mane above the reins, and as they tightened they came into his hand, and he checked the little animal which began to rear.
“Quiet! quiet!” cried Crellock fiercely; and he held the mare back with ears twitching and nostril quivering.
“Let my rein go,” cried Julia.
“Wait a bit; I’ve a lot to say to you yet, my dear,” cried Crellock indignantly. “Look here. Did your father say that?”