"So that's what was the matter with Jake," she said, slowly, and at the sound of her voice Strongley swung round with a violent start.
"Marjorie..." he gasped, "what on earth..."
"Why didn't you tell me at the beginning?" she demanded, staring at him with level eyes. "Why lie about it? It seems so unnecessary and petty. And then—to hit Jake over the head.... You, ... Take it back, please." She laid her engagement ring on the table. "And I think you'd better go—at once. The fault was partially mine; and I wouldn't like them to punish you for my—for my mistake...."
Without another word she turned and left the room. And it was not till the front door banged that Strongley turned his livid face on John Morrison.
"You swine," he muttered. "I believe this was a put-up job."
John Morrison laughed.
"Yes—you told me you were coming, didn't you?"
"No—I didn't tell you," said Strongley, slowly, with a vicious look dawning in his eyes. "Which perhaps accounts for the fact that Miss Frenton was here.... In your bedroom.... How nice.... The gentleman workman and the employer's daughter.... A charming romance.... I should think Mr. Frenton will be delighted to hear it to-morrow...."
Not a muscle on John Morrison's face moved.
"More than delighted, I should imagine.... Except that it will be a little stale. Personally, I am going up to tell him to-night." He smiled slightly. "I don't like you, Strongley; I know far too much about you. But I did pass Miss Frenton a note to-day at the works warning her to get you away...."