cousin home, and treats him like a brother. Jasper is a noble fellow,
with all his faults, and this act of justice increases my respect for
him," said the major heartily.

"What will Maurice do, now that he can't enter the army as he intended?"
asked Annon, who now sat erect, so full of interest was he.

"Marry Octavia, and come to his own, I hope."

"An excellent little arrangement, but Miss Treherne may object," said
Annon, rising with sudden kindling of the eye.

"I think not, if no one interferes. Pity, with women, is akin to love,
and she pities her cousin in the tenderest fashion. No sister could be
more devoted, and as Maurice is a handsome, talented fellow, one can
easily foresee the end, if, as I said before, no one interferes to
disappoint the poor lad again."

"You espouse his cause, I see, and tell me this that I may stand aside.
Thanks for the warning, Major; but as Maurice Treherne is a man of
unusual power in many ways, I think we are equally matched, in spite of
his misfortune. Nay, if anything, he has the advantage of me, for Miss
Treherne pities him, and that is a strong ally for my rival. I'll be as
generous as I can, but I'll _not_ stand aside and relinquish the woman I
love without a trial first."

With an air of determination Annon faced the major, whose keen eyes had
read the truth which he had but newly confessed to himself. Major
Royston smiled as he listened, and said briefly, as steps approached,
"Do your best. Maurice will win."