rful to witness passed through his frame,
and looking at me with an expression of preternatural intelligence, he
whispered, "He tried to choke me."

Stunned with horror at this again repeated assertion, I sank down and
buried my face in my hands. I could think but one thought, and that was a
wish that I were dead!

CHAPTER VII

But my nature would not permit me at such a crisis to remain passive
long. I must arouse myself and act. Calling the nurse to take my place, I
went to seek Mr. Bristed. I found him, as usual, in his library.

"Sir," said I, "I am calm now; will you not explain to me this frightful
mystery? I will listen and thank you."

He placed a chair for me to be seated, and taking my hand, said gently:--

"Miss Reef--Agnes, you are too weak to hear this that you seek to know."

"No, no," I exclaimed, vehemently; "I am not weak; I must know all."

He arose and paced the floor hurriedly for a few moments; then muttering,
"It is best--I will tell her," he said:

"You have been surprised, no doubt, Agnes, at the frankness with which I
have expressed my opinion of Richard's character--let me inform you that
he and I are not brothers. He is a half-brother, the offspring of my
father's second marriage; though indeed I doubt if he have a right to
even that relationship. I have heard dark hints thrown out that my father
had been deceived, and that this child who claimed to be his son should
look in a lower quarter for his father. Richard's mother was not a woman
of high moral principle, and he partakes of her nature. My father
provided for him well, but as I was the elder son the bulk of his large
property became mine by inheritance; but Richard has always made the Hall
his home when in England--indeed, he has a legal right during his
lifetime to the use of the room he occupies. He has not, however, often
availed himself of this right since I have had his son Herbert under my
protection."

"His son Herbert?" I repeated, mechanically.

"Yes, poor child, his son; though the boy has always been taught to call
him uncle. Neither Richard nor myself desire the relationship to be
known, and it is only in hope of serving you that I reveal it."

"Richard married?" I said, falteringly.

"Ah, Agnes, there are many women whom he should never have seen, as he
could not marry them," said he, with the slow determination of a man
resolved on uttering a repulsive truth. Herbert's mother was a beautiful
but penn