He has told me something which I am quite at a loss to understand.

Is it possible, Bertha, that you have received a proposal of marriage from him favorably, without saying one word about your intentions to me ?" I instantly denied it.

However rashly I might have spoken, I had certainly said nothing to justify Captain Stanwick in claiming me as his promised wife.

In his mean fear of a fair rivalry with Mr.Varleigh, he had deliberately misinterpreted me.

"If I marry either of the two," I said, "it will be Mr.Varleigh!" My aunt shook her head.