ain his straight manly
figure, with the light of love in his eyes, as he kissed her and bade
her good-bye on the morning of that fateful day years ago. She
recalled his words of cheer and comfort as he told her how he would win
in the battle of life, and make a home for her and their little one.
Then came the terrible news, followed by the fearful days and weeks of
struggle in her effort to earn a living as she carried her boy from
place to place. The memory was more than she could endure. Sinking
upon a chair, she buried her face in her hands and wept as she had not
wept in years. Outside the storm rolled away, and the moon rose big
and bright. The house was very still, but within her room Anna Royanna
sat alone through the long watches of the night. How could she sleep
in such a place, with so many conflicting emotions agitating her heart
and mind?

Mr. and Mrs. Royal both noticed that their guest was very pale when she
came down to breakfast.

"I am afraid you did not sleep well last night, dear," Mrs. Royal
remarked, as she gave her an affectionate kiss. "It must have been the
storm which disturbed you."

"I did not mind it," was the reply. "I have restless nights sometimes,
and last night was one of them. But I shall be all right presently."

Parson Dan said nothing to any one about the idea which had come to him
concerning the noted singer. But the more he thought about it, the
more convinced he became that his suspicion was well grounded. He
watched her very carefully, and noted her special interest in Rod.
Another thing which confirmed his belief was the stopping of all
letters from Rod's mother as soon as Miss Royanna arrived at Hillcrest.
In her last one she had stated that she expected to be away for a
number of weeks, and would be unable to write until her return. The
parson's mind was greatly puzzled over the whole matter. If the famous
singer was really the boy's mother, why did she not say so? Was there
something which she wished to keep hidden?

He also watched the two when they were together, and as he studied
their faces, he was sure that he could see a remarkable resemblance.
No one else noticed it, so he believed, and not likely he would have
done so but for the idea which had come to him that day he was driving
along the road. Several times he was tempted to discuss the whole
affair with his wife in order to find out if she had suspected
anything. He always delayed, however, ho