Elsie--the only condition I
have made is that she takes her name far out of our lives. Have you
known--have you suspected this woman, Elsie?"

"No, no! I don't know anything but what is good of her--I don't believe
anything! She is good and kind--send for her! You shan't drive her
away--she shall come to me now! My dear Elizabeth--I love her! You shall
not do this--you are mad, mad! She is the best woman that ever lived!
Let me go to her--I will go!"

She was writhing again in hysterical spasms, but Mellen forced her back
when she attempted to rise.

"Be still, Elsie--try to understand me! I can't tell you the whole
story--but we are parted. Do not plead for her. Do not mention her
name."

"But, Grantley, Grantley!"

"No more, I say--not a word."

"She is innocent," moaned the girl; "she is innocent."

"I know what you suffer--think of all that I endure--let that give you
strength."

"I tell you she is an angel--she has done no wrong!"

"I had the confession which separates us from her own lips--I tell you I
would not have believed any other testimony. Don't struggle so,
Elsie--lie still."

The girl fought with him like an insane creature--she had no self
control or reason--it was inability to speak which kept her from
shrieking out in Elizabeth's defence. She could only gasp for breath,
and when words did come, it was that broken cry:

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth!"

"You must try to understand me, Elsie! You are all I have left in the
world--oh, Elsie, Elsie! She has gone forever, and I loved her so--I
loved her so. You and I must live on as best we can--it is only for you,
child, that I live at all."

"Only bring her back--clear it all up--the truth--the truth at last! Oh,
Grantley, I----"

Her words were so indistinct that he could not gather their meaning; she
was struggling more fiercely than ever, and it required all his strength
to hold her.

"If you love me, Elsie, strive to be calm! Oh, think of my trouble, my
anguish--my sister, my sister!"

"Only send for her--call her here!"

"Be quiet and I will search, but she went off last night, I do not know
where!"

Elsie gave one frightful cry and sank back in his arms insensible again.
Her swoon was so death-like that it seemed as if life had gone out for
ever.

Just as Elizabeth had raised her and carried her into her own room, so
did Grantley Mellen carry her now, stricken by a fear so horrible that
his past agony paled under it. What if she w