“Like a garland of roses,” he responded.  “Yes, to the world’s end, Miss Harrison!”

The unconscious fervor of his voice brought a crimson flush to her face.  She dropped her eyes, and toyed with the bracelet on her arm.

“I did not know you dealt in compliments, Mr. Trevlyn,” she said, a little reproachfully.  “I thought you were always sincere.”

“And so I am, Miss Harrison.”

“I take you at your word then,” she said, recovering her playful air.  “You will not blame me, if I lead you into difficulty?”

“Certainly not.  I give myself into your keeping.”

She put her hand within his arm, and led him up the stairs, to a private parlor on the second floor.  Under the jet of light sat old Mr. Trevlyn.  Archer’s heart throbbed fiercely, and his lips grew set and motionless, as he stood there before the man he hated—­the man against whom he had made a vow of undying vengeance.  Margie was looking at her guardian, and did not observe the startling change which had come over Arch.  She spoke softly, addressing the old man.

“Dear guardian, this is the man who this morning so gallantly rescued me from a watery grave.  I want you to help me thank him.”

Mr. Trevlyn arose, came forward, and extended his hand.  Arch stood erect, his arms folded on his breast.  He did not move, nor offer to take the proffered hand.  Mr. Trevlyn gave a start of surprise, and seizing a lamp from the table, held it up to the face of the young man.  Arch did not flinch; he bore the insulting scrutiny with stony calmness.

The old man dashed down the lamp, and put his hand to his forehead.  His face was livid with passion, his voice choked so as to be scarcely audible.

“Margie, Margie Harrison!” he exclaimed, “what is this person’s name?”

“Archer Trevlyn, sir,” answered the girl, amazed at the strange behavior of the two men.

“Just as I thought!  Hubert’s son!”

“Yes,” said Arch, speaking with painful calmness, “I am Hubert’s son; the son of the man your wicked cruelty murdered.”

Mr. Trevlyn seized his cane and rushed upon his grandson; but Margie sprang forward and threw her arm across the breast of Arch.

“Strike him, if you dare!” she said, “but you shall strike a woman!”

Mr. Trevlyn looked at her, and the weapon dropped to the floor.

“Margaret Harrison,” he said, sternly, “leave this room.  This is no place for you.  Obey me!”

“I am subject to no man’s authority,” she said, boldly; “and I will not leave the room.  You shall not insult a gentleman to whom I owe my life, and who is here as my invited guest!”

“I shall defend myself!  There is murder in that fellow’s eye, if I ever saw it in that of any human being!”

“I am answerable for his conduct,” she said with proud dignity.  “He will do nothing of which a lady needs stand in fear.  I brought him here, ignorant of the relationship existing between you and him, and unconscious of the truth that I should be called upon to defend him from the causeless rage of his own grandfather.”