our own
little income from my father and--the other was not used to any
extent--I have made it all up."

"I--do not understand you!"

This was partly true, but the suffering woman knew enough to guide her
and put her on the defence.

"There was a will made before my uncle came here--in that he left
everything to mother and me in case of his death, but the letter
changed all that--he wanted you to have the money!"

"Your mother was quite right!" the sternness was over-powering now;
"the will was the only thing to carry out. I could not possibly accept
any money from Theodore Starr nor his people."

For a moment Marcia Lowe felt the shrinking a less confident person
feels in the presence of one in full command of the situation. She
paused and trembled, but in a moment her sense of right and
determination came to her aid. Her eyes flashed, and with some spirit
she said:

"You are only speaking for yourself now."

"For whom else is there to speak?"

"The child!"

Had Marcia dealt Ann Walden a physical blow the result could not have
been different. Horrified and appalled, the older woman gasped:

"What child?"

"My uncle's and your sister's! Miss Walden, you could not expect me to
believe the story that the people tell around here. You perhaps think
your sister was not married to my uncle--but I trust him. I think you
and I, no matter what has passed, owe it to this little girl to do the
best we can for her. I have left my home to help; I have no one
besides her in the world--please consider this and be forgiving and
generous. Oh! what is the matter?"

For Ann Walden had risen and stood facing Marcia with such trembling
anger that the younger woman quailed.

"I wish you to leave my house!"--the words came through clenched
teeth--"leave it and never return."

"If you resist me in this way," anger met anger now, "I will have to
consult a lawyer. I mean to carry out my uncle's desires; I will not
be party to any fraud where his child is concerned. I hoped that you
and I might do this together for her--but if I have to do it alone I am
prepared to do so. I have brought the letter I found among my mother's
things--may I read it to you?"

"No!" Ann Walden stared blankly at the firm face almost on a level
with her own, for Marcia Lowe had risen also.

"You--you cannot forgive us for the long silence? But at least do me
this justice: I came when I could--as soon as possible. I was ill--oh!
Miss