She had made a strange discovery, learned of her father's murder, her mother's death and been told that she was expected to marry one whom she regarded as her brother, and all within a half hour of time.
She glanced squarely into the face of Herbert Bernard, as he came into the arbor, with a look that disconcerted him.
He tried to look indifferent, and as she did not speak, he was forced to break the silence.
"Well, Jennie, I have come to have a talk with you," he said.
"I hope you do not intend to be so unmanly as to urge upon me that which I regard as an insult, Herbert, for I have been told by your father that I was not your sister, and in the same breath asked to marry you?"
"That is just what I do intend to urge, Jennie."
"Herbert Bernard, you have been receiving my regard under false pretences. You knew full well the secret of which I was in total ignorance. You looked upon me as one whom you intended some day to make your wife, while I have treated you in all things as a sister might a brother, though I have regretted that you were not a brother I could love more dearly than I did. Now let us understand each other once for all."
"It is what I wish, Jennie."
"Then let matters remain as they were between us, do not break the tie as it has been by uttering one word a sister should not hear. Herbert, let us be friends, and I will bless you forever."