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