“Of my own personal knowledge I know nothing against the woman but just this—­that she is but half educated, deceitful, and unreliable.  And that knowledge I gained by experience after she had first left Rockhold, to which I had first introduced her for a governess to our niece.  I had nothing to do with her return to the old hall, and would have never countenanced such a proceeding if I had been in the country.”

“That is all very deplorable, but yet it hardly warrants your very strong language, Fabian.  I am sorry that you have discovered her to be ‘ignorant, deceitful, and unreliable,’ but let us hope that now, when she is placed above temptation, she will reform.  Don’t take exaggerated views of affairs, Fabian.”

The elder man was growing calmer and more thoughtful.  Presently he said: 

“You are right, Clarence.  My indignation, on learning that that woman had succeeded in trapping our Iron King, led me into extravagant language on the subject.  Forget it, Clarence.  And whatever you do, my brother, drop no hint to any one of what I have said to you to-night, lest our father should hear of it; for if he should—­”

Mr. Fabian paused.

“I shall never drop a hint that might possibly give our father one moment of uneasiness.  Be sure of that, Fabian.”

“That is good, my brother!  And we will agree to ignore all faults in our young stepmother, and for our father’s sake treat her with all proper respect.”

“Of course.  I could not do otherwise.  And, Fabian, I hope you will reconsider the matter, and bring Violet to Rockhold to join our family reunion.”

“No, Clarence,” said the elder brother; “there is just where I must draw the line.  I cannot introduce my wife to the new Mrs. Rockharrt.”

“But it seems to me that you are very fastidious, Fabian.  Do you expect always to be able to keep Violet from meeting with ’ignorant, insincere and unreliable’ people, in a world like this?” inquired Mr. Clarence, significantly.

“No, not entirely, perhaps; yet, so far as in me lies, I will try to keep my simple wood violet ‘unspotted from the world,’” replied Mr. Fabian, who, untruthful and dishonest as he was in heart and life, yet reverenced while he wondered at the purity and simplicity of his young wife’s nature.

“I am afraid the pater will feel the absence of Violet as a slight to his bride,” said Mr. Clarence.

“No; I shall take care that he does not.  Violet is in very delicate health, and that must be her excuse for staying at home.”

The brothers talked on for a little while longer; and then, when they had exhausted the subject for the time being, Mr. Clarence said he would go and look up Sylvan, and he went out for the purpose.  Fabian Rockharrt, left alone, resumed his disturbed walk up and down the room, muttering to himself: 

“The traitress! the unprincipled traitress!  How dared she do such a deed?  Didn’t she know that I could expose her, and have her cast forth in ignominy from my father’s house?  Or did she venture all in the hope that consideration of my father’s age and position in the world would shut my mouth and stay my hand?  She is mistaken, the jade!  Unless she falls into my plans, and works for my interest, she shall be exposed and degraded from her present position.”