Page:The Father Confessor, Stories of Danger and Death.djvu/245

Rh "It's Hugh!" she cried, then grew white, and tried to slip from her companion's clasp; but he held her close.

"If Maud has not become engaged to you," Hugh said hoarsely to his brother, "I bid you take your arm from her shoulder."

Ernest returned the fierce gaze with interest.

"You are speaking of my wife," he said.

Hugh staggered, then drew himself up with an effort. His face changed; it was as though his soul had been killed by the blow.

"You did not fight fair," he said—"not on open ground; but I shall follow you—follow you: and she shall become mine at last." He turned with a strange laugh, and disappeared into the growing darkness.

Maud burst into tears.

"What does he mean to do?" she cried. "Oh, poor fellow!"

Ernest smiled.

"Do! why like many another—grin and bear it. Don't mind his melodramatic rant. He writes poetry, remember. He cannot annoy you long. We leave for Paris to-morrow. By the time we return we can make some arrangements to divide our farm,