The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-07-13
(COntinued.)

ter. He still spoke quietly, but any enc could detect the tone of anger that had come into his voice.
 Nothing in the shape of a hasco exists" said the elder man. Per sonaIly, I do not imagine that any exclamation is needed, but for forms sake. I will make it. You were re- cetved into this house as gentle man. I do not think that any of the servants, to say nothing of myself have ever regarded you in any other light. am an old-fashioned man MT. Leicester, and when I know that a man has acted as no gentleman could or would act, I simply forbid him my house, and I give my ser wants instructions accordingly"
 since when have ceased to have the right to be treated like gentle mani" asked Leicester.
 ."Since I knew that you made my daughter the subject of a wager, re- piled John Castlemaine, with quiet scorn. Since you wagered hun dred pounds that you would win her as your wife"
 7 The blow had fallen; the blow which Leicester had feared. That which had haunted him for months had come to pass. The truth had leaked out, and both Olive Castle maine and her father knew the worst. He knew 1t was no use making any denials, or urging any extenuating circumstances. There was enough of truth in the charge to justify MT. Castlemaine's every word.
 "I do not think I need to say more," went on John Castlemaine. T see that you quite understand. You cannot wonder therefore that I have nullified all arrangements for-what we expected to take place today. That is all, I think. There is no need To prolong an interview which. what yer it is to you, is very painful to me-"
 But Leicester was not to be put of so easily. He felt that it was for him to confess everything, and then fight to the very last Besides, he felt he had not been treated fairly. At least he should have been allowed to justify his position before having the door closed in his face.
 However much truth there may be in what you say," he said, speak ing still quietly, 1T think the right of explanation is due me. Nay more, I think I might have been allowed to answer whatever charges were made against me before-before the church caretaker had his orders"
 II could not see how any man could desire to make explanations" said John Castlemaine. Personally, think I should have thought less badly of you if shame had kept you away. The information I have re- ceived was so exact, so convincing. so we'll authenticated, that there was no room for doubt. Your whole be- havior, your every visit has been an insult to my daughter"
 "Insult?"
 Insult. I can use no milder term. Still, you mention explanation. If l gave you no chance to make it be- fore annulling arrangements, I give it now. Much against my will, it is true; but I give it."
 The words gave Leicester a ray of xl-s- Mr. Castlemaine's will, then Olive must have influenced him. He turn ed towards her eagerly.
 "You at least will hear me-" he said; you will understand what your father cannot"
 1T think I told you to address your remarks to me- said John Castle maine coldly; 'my daughter wishes no further intercourse with you"
 During their conversation Olive had remained standing by the fire place, her face rigid, her eyes fixed on the window. Nevertheless. it was evident she had heard all that was said. At her fathers words she aroused herself and said.
 "No, let him say what he will; it will be interesting"
 Leicester felt the scorn of her words. At that moment he felt that she regarded him as a creature be- heath contempt. Still, he was fight ing for life, nay, more than life.
 T will admit" he said, that ap- pearances are against me- Here he hesitated like man who could not find words to express his thoughts. He looked around almost helplessly. but only silence followed his words
 .'who gave you this-this informa- ton ?'' he demanded.
 That is no concern of yours or mine at present" she replied, seeing you cannot deny the truth of what my father has repeated"
 There are extenuating circum- stances he stammered.
 "Yes, I suppose there were," she said coldly. You were drunk at least I suppose that is the extenuat- ing circumstance to which you refer. While you were in this condition you said that all women were base, and without honor. You said they could be all bought with price. It seems