"Indeed you won't," said Leon--"not while you have me to love and to
cherish you, in sickness and in health, till death us do part, and
forsaking all others, keep only unto you, in the beautiful words of that
interesting service."

"It's a lie! it's a lie!" cried Edith. "Oh, Lieutenant Dudleigh, I have
trusted you implicitly, and I trust you yet. Come to me--save me!"

And in her anguish Edith sank down upon her knees, and held out her arms
imploringly.

"Dudleigh!" she moaned. "Oh, my friend! Oh, only come--only save me from
this villain, and I will love--I will love and bless you--I will be your
menial--I will--"

"Pooh!" said Leon, "I'm the only Dudleigh about. If you knew half as
much about my _dear friend_ the lieutenant as I do, you would know
what infernal nonsense you are talking;" and seizing her hand, he tried
to raise her. "Come," said he, "up with you."

Edith tried to loosen her hand, whereupon Leon dashed it away.

"Who wants your hand?" he cried: "I'm your husband, not your lover."

"Lieutenant Dudleigh!" moaned Edith.

"Well, lieutenant," said Leon, "speak up. Come along. Tell her, if you
like."

"Lieutenant Dudleigh, save me."