Some persuasion on Tom Tankard's part was evidently required to induce Harry Netterville to enter the house; but, at length, he reluctantly consented to do so, and followed Mrs. Hartley into the parlour.
As soon as he saw Chetwynd, he could no longer control himself, but flew into a transport of jealous rage, and would certainly have made a scene if Tom, who was close behind, had not checked him.
A sort of calm being restored, Chetwynd remarked, “Allow me, Mr. Netterville, before anything more is said, to offer a word of explanation. My presence here this evening is purely accidental. I have just arrived in town, and came to inquire after my good friends. It grieved me to learn that a misunderstanding has arisen between you and Rose; but I am sure it can be easily set right. The anonymous letter you have received was from a great reprobate, who, for purposes of his own, wished to destroy your confidence in this good and truthful girl, who is sincerely-attached to you, and, unfortunately, he has succeeded in his object.”
“Your explanation, though plausible, has very little weight with me, sir,” replied Netterville. “I only consented to enter the house to convince myself by ocular demonstration that you are here. Having done that, I shall depart. Farewell, deceitful girl—farewell, for ever!”
“Stay, Harry!” cried Rose, rushing towards him, and seizing his arm. “I cannot allow you to depart thus! Listen to the explanation Mr. Calverley desires to give you. You have been made a dupe.”
“I know it!” rejoined Netterville, bitterly; “but I will be duped no longer! It is idle to say how much I have loved you, faithless girl! I now tear you from my heart for ever!”
“Oh, don't say so, dearest Harry!” she cried. “It is all a mistake. You will be sorry when you find out your error. You have been very foolish.”
“Foolish!” he exclaimed, in a tremendous voice. “Your conduct has been enough to drive me mad! If you really love me, as you pretend, come away with me now.”
“No; I can't do that, dear Harry.”
“You shall, whether you like it or not!” he said, seizing her arm.