I was foolishly disconcerted by the event.

Hattersley laughed; Milicent was troubled to see me so disturbed.

Hargrave placed his hand on mine that rested on the table, and squeezing it with a firm but gentle pressure, murmured, 'Beaten, beaten!' and gazed into my face with a look where exultation was blended with an expression of ardour and tenderness yet more insulting.
'No, never, Mr.Hargrave!' exclaimed I, quickly withdrawing my hand.
'Do you deny ?' replied he, smilingly pointing to the board.

'No, no,' I answered, recollecting how strange my conduct must appear: 'you have beaten me in that game.' 'Will you try another, then ?' 'No.' 'You acknowledge my superiority ?' 'Yes, as a chess-player.' I rose to resume my work.
'Where is Annabella ?' said Hargrave, gravely, after glancing round the room.
'Gone out with Lord Lowborough,' answered I, for he looked at me for a reply.
'And not yet returned!' he said, seriously.
'I suppose not.' 'Where is Huntingdon ?' looking round again.
'Gone out with Grimsby, as you know,' said Hattersley, suppressing a laugh, which broke forth as he concluded the sentence.

Why did he laugh?
Why did Hargrave connect them thus together?
Was it true, then?
And was this the dreadful secret he had wished to reveal to me?
I must know, and that quickly.