Chapter 26
He proves Equal to the Occasion At that astounding confession, abruptly revealed in those plain words, even resolute Nugent lost all power of self-control. He burst out with a cry which reached Lucilla's ears. She instantly turned towards us, and instantly assumed that the cry had come from Oscar's lips. "Ah! there you are!" she exclaimed. "Oscar! Oscar! what is the matter with you to-day?" Oscar was incapable of answering her. He had cast one glance of entreaty at his brother as Lucilla came nearer to us. The mute reproach which had answered him, in Nugent's eyes, had broken down his last reserves of endurance. He was crying silently on Nugent's breast. It was necessary that one of us should make his, or her, voice heard. I spoke first. "Nothing is the matter, my dear," I said, advan
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