ng anew into life
when the fact of his own origin was brought home to him so forcibly
through his sister's misfortune. His sworn friend and promised
brother-in-law had thrown him over promptly, upon the discovery of the
hidden drop of dark blood. How many others of his friends would do the
same, if they but knew of it? He had begun to feel a little of the
spiritual estrangement from his associates that he had noticed in Rena
during her life at Clarence. The fact that several persons knew his
secret had spoiled the fine flavor of perfect security hitherto marking
his position. George Tryon was a man of honor among white men, and had
deigned to extend the protection of his honor to Warwick as a man,
though no longer as a friend; to Rena as a woman, but not as a wife.
Tryon, however, was only human, and who could tell when their paths in
life might cross again, or what future temptation Tryon might feel to
use a damaging secret to their disadvantage? Warwick had cherished
certain ambitions, but these he must now put behind him. In the
obscurity of private life, his past would be of little moment; in the
glare of a political career, one's antecedents are public property, and
too great a reserve in regard to one's past is regarded as a confession
of something discreditable. Frank, too, knew the secret--a good,
faithful fellow, even where there was no obligation of fidelity; he
ought to do something for Frank to show their appreciation of his
conduct. But what assurance was there that Frank would always be
discreet about the affairs of others? Judge Straight knew the whole
story, and old men are sometimes garrulous. Dr. Green suspected the
secret; he had a wife and daughters. If old Judge Straight could have
known Warwick's thoughts, he would have realized the fulfillment of his
prophecy. Warwick, who had builded so well for himself, had weakened
the structure of his own life by trying to share his good fortune with
his sister.

"Listen, Rena," he said, with a sudden impulse, "we'll go to the North
or West--I'll go with you--far away from the South and the Southern
people, and start life over again. It will be easier for you, it will
not be hard for me--I am young, and have means. There are no strong
ties to bind me to the South. I would have a larger outlook elsewhere."

"And what about our mother?" asked Rena.

It would be necessary to leave her behind, they both perceived clearly
enough, unless they were prep