I confess I was both angry and bewildered. The mystery was hourly increasing. Sylvia had admitted that Shuttleworth had a right to interfere. Yet I could not discern by what right a mere friend could forbid a girl to entertain affection. I felt that the ever-increasing problem was even stranger and more remarkable than I had anticipated, and that when I fathomed it, it would be found to be utterly astounding!
Sylvia was unwavering in her attachment to myself. Her antagonism towards Shuttleworth's pronouncement was keen and bitter, yet, with her woman's superior judgment, she affected carelessness.
"You asked this lady to confess," I said, addressing him. "Confess what?"
Then I turned to my well-beloved and asked--
"Yes, Owen, I do," was her frank and fervent response.
"I did not mean that," said Shuttleworth hastily. "I meant the truth concerning yourself."
"Then you may tell him," was her hoarse reply. "Tell him!" she cried wildly. "Tear from me all that I hold sacred--all that I hold most dear--dash me back into degradation and despair--if you will! I am in your hands."
"Sylvia!" he said reproachfully. "I am your friend--and your father's friend. I am not your enemy. I regret if you have ever thought I have lifted a finger against you."
"Are you not standing as a barrier between myself and Mr. Biddulph?" she protested, her eyes flashing.
"Because I see that only misfortune--ah! death--can arise. You know full well the promise I have made. You know, too, what has been told me in confidence, because--because my profession happens to be what it is--a humble servant of God."
"Yes," she faltered, "I know--I know! Forgive me if I have spoken harshly, Mr. Shuttleworth. I know you are my friend--and you are Owen's. Only--only it seems very hard that you should thus put this ban upon us--you, who preach the gospel of truth and love."
Shuttleworth drew a deep breath. His thin lips were pursed; his grey eyebrows contracted slightly, and I saw in his countenance a distinctly pained expression.
"I have spoken with all good intention, Sylvia," he said. "Your love for Mr. Biddulph must only bring evil upon both of you. Surely you realize that?"
"Sylvia has already realized it," I declared. "But we have resolved to risk it."