me, Cedric; I have done nothing of which I am ashamed. As far as I can,
and up to a certain point, I will tell you the exact truth, and it may
be well for you to hear me."

Malcolm's quiet tone was not without influence, and Cedric flung
himself on a chair; but his attitude was still defiant.

"I own that I have done all in my power to induce Leah Jacobi to break
off this disastrous engagement," continued Malcolm. "I did this not
only for your sake, and because you were the tool of a designing and
unscrupulous man, but also for your sisters' sake. When I left her
yesterday it was impossible to know how far I had succeeded in my
purpose." Cedric looked up when Malcolm said this.

"This morning Miss Jacobi sent me a note, and I went to her at once.
She was in deep distress, and showed me her brother's telegram. To my
astonishment, she told me that she fully intended to break off her
engagement, and entrusted this letter to my care;" and here he stopped
and handed it to Cedric, and withdrew to another part of the room while
he read it.

A long time afterwards Malcolm read that letter.

"My darling, I cannot marry you," Leah wrote. "I am going to set you
free. I pray God that I may never see your dear face again, for this is
the hardest piece of work I have ever done in my life. Mr. Herrick has
been talking to me; he has made me see things in a different light. I
know now that I am no fit wife for you, my life has been too soiled and
degraded. In experience I am twenty or thirty years older than you, and
though I am only nine-and-twenty, my heart is gray. Dear--dearest, you
are so young--perhaps that is why I love you--your youth is so gracious
and lovely in my eyes. But Mr. Herrick is right. You must not be angry
with him, Cedric. He has been so kind and gentle, and he is so true a
friend to you. I have sent for him--when he comes I shall ask him to
hide me in some safe place where you and Saul cannot find me. I am so
afraid of Saul--he is so strong, he makes me do things against my
conscience."

"Darling, let me say just this one thing more. It is because of Saul
that I am so determined not to marry you. If you became my husband, he
would be a drag on you all your life. He has absolutely no conscience;
he would ruin you. No--no, you shall be free. I will not hurt a hair of
your head. Farewell.--Your loving and unhappy Leah"

Malcolm had turned his back, and stood looking down into the fire,
until a choked sob rea