There ensued a pause. Presently Arthur lifted his face; and spoke, as Sir Nash supposed, in derision. In truth, it was in desperation.
"It would not do, I suppose, for a gentleman to marry Adair's daughter?"
Sir Nash turned quickly. "Why do you ask this? I have heard that you know the girl."
"I will tell you, sir. No one could have been nearer marriage than I was with Ellen Adair. Of course it is all at an end: I cannot do it now."
Sir Nash Bohun stared for a moment, as if unable to take in the wildness of the words. He then drew up his fine old head with dignity.
"Arthur Bohun! a gentleman had rather do as your poor father did--shoot himself--than marry Ellen Adair."
And Arthur Bohun in his misery, wondered whether he had not better do it, rather than live the life that remained to him now.
[CHAPTER XVI.]
IN THE CHURCHYARD
Nothing of late years had affected Mr. North so much as the death of Bessy Rane. His son Edmund's death, surrounded by all the doubt and trouble connected with the anonymous letter, did not touch him as did this. Perhaps he had never realized until now how very dear Bessy was to his heart.