Out of pique--you may think this weak of me, Cuthbert, but I was a fool in those days--I became engaged to a girl who was a singer.

Her name was Emilia Saul, and I believe she was of Jewish extraction.

I liked her in a way, and she had a wonderful power over me.

I proposed and was accepted." "But if you had really loved Miss Loach--" "I should have worn the willow.

I told you I was foolish, and, moreover, Miss Saul fascinated me.