"It was inexcusable on his part--unpardonable!" said Herbert,
speaking with an angry spot on his face, and with more energy than
was usual with him.

"Was it? why?" said Clara, innocently. She felt unconsciously that
it was painful to her to hear Owen ill spoken of by her lover, and
that she would fain excuse him if she could.

"Why, dearest? Think what motives he could have had; what other
object than to place you in a painful position, and to cause trouble
and vexation to us all. Did he not know that we were engaged?"

"Oh yes; he knew that;--at least, no; I am not quite sure--I think
he said that he had heard it but did not---"

"Did not what, love?"

"I think he said he did not quite believe it;" and then she was
forced, much against her will, to describe to her betrothed how Owen
had boldly claimed her as his own.

"His conduct has been unpardonable," said Herbert, again. "Nay, it
has been ungentleman-like. He has intruded himself where he well
knew that he was not wanted; and he has done so taking advantage of
a few words which, under the present circumstances, he should force
himself to forget."

"But, Herbert, it is I that have been to blame."