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 penniless orphan of good family, who visited this house some years
since in the capacity of companion to our great-aunt.

"During that visit I became enamoured with her, and we were secretly
engaged in marriage. It was before the death of my father, and I was not
my own master; but I loved her truly, and meant well by her, only
desiring her to wait till I should be free to please myself. But Richard
stepped in between me and my happiness. He stole this girl's heart from