“‘True, true! but where shall we meet?’
“‘Here, at this very spot; meet me here at 9:30, and you shall be convinced. By the by, let us compare our time, so as to make no mistake.’
“After the two watches were compared and set with each other, Heartsell took his leave, while Harry sat immovable and silent, with a mind full of gloomy thoughts: Could it be true that Edward Demar was the treacherous hypocrite Heartsell represented him to be? His heart fluttered with emotions of anger when he thought of the effect such a blow would have on Lottie. Harry loved Lottie with all his heart, and woe to the man who dared to betray her. Harry was at the rendezvous promptly, and had only been there a few moments when he saw Heartsell approaching.
“‘How long have you been here, Wallingford?’ inquired Heartsell as he approached.
“‘Only a moment,’ was the whispered reply.
“‘Speak low, Heartsell, my sister is in the garden, and I don’t want her to know anything about this business.’
“‘Alas, Wallingford, she will hear it soon enough, Heaven knows!’
“‘Yes, and it will be a fearful blow to her, indeed; for she loves Demar devotedly; but I cannot believe he is the treacherous scoundrel you think he is.’
“‘I did not believe it either until I was forced to; but come, it is time we were going.’
“‘I feel ashamed of myself, Heartsell.’