"I told her I would inform the police if she dared to speak to me in that manner again. I believe she then went to the vicar. But if I come forward, Haverleigh, and state that I lent you the money, it will go a long way towards clearing you. Of course, I do not understand this pawning business. The woman says she saw you."
"She saw my double, or someone dressed up to resemble me," said Leo, vehemently; "but she did not see me. I was never near the shop."
"So you say," said Hale, smiling cruelly. "However, you must see that I can help you. I will do so on one condition--no, on two."
"I can guess the two," said Leo, looking at his mean face. "You want me to surrender Sybil so that you may marry her, and to make your sister my wife? Is that not so?"
Hale smiled again. "You save me the trouble of an explanation," he said.
"Then I absolutely refuse to do what you want, Hale. I respect your sister, who is a kind and good-hearted girl; but I do not love her, and not for all the gold in the world would I marry her. On the other hand, nothing will induce me to give up Sybil. She shall never become your wife. I wonder you have the impertinence to propose such a thing to me!"
"If you don't do what I ask," said Hale, very pale and venomous, "I shall refuse to help you. I shall deny that I lent you the money."
"Deny what you please!" Leo walked to the door of the chapel. "Everything is in your favour, and you can have me arrested if you choose. But I decline to sell my love to buy my safety. Good-day, Hale," and he marched away.
Sybil had seen Leo go into the room where her father was waiting with Mrs Jeal, and wondered what the woman had to do with her lover. She was called out to see a sick woman on behalf of her father, and on her way home bethought herself how she could see Leo. The girl was in a perfect fever of nervous fear for the young man. Then it struck her that the best thing to do would be to call at Mr Pratt's. No sooner had she made up her mind to brave her father's anger in this respect than she went at once to The Nun's House. She feared if she delayed that her courage might evaporate.
The door was opened by Adam, who explained that Mr Pratt was from home. "He went into Portfront to-day, miss," said Adam. "I only hope he will be able to get back this night, as there is a sea-fog coming up the Channel."