my own. As for your son, you know what he thinks of the mother
who deserted him. Your secret is safe in my keeping--safe from
your husband, safe from your son, to the end of my life."

I sealed up those words, and gave them to her when she had come
to herself again. I never heard from her in reply. I have never
seen her from that time to this. She knows she can trust me.

And what did my good uncle say, when we next met? I would rather
report what he did, when he had got the better of his first
feelings of anger and surprise on hearing of my contemplated
marriage. He consented to receive us on our wedding-day; and he
gave my husband the appointment which places us both in an
independent position for life.

But he had his misgivings. He checked me when I tried to thank
him.

"Come back in a year's time," he said. "I will wait to be thanked
till the experience of your married life tells me that I have
deserved it."

The year passed; and the General received the honest expression
of my gratitude. He smiled and kissed me; but there was something
in his face which suggested that he was not quite satisfied yet.

"Do you believe that I have spoken sincerely?" I asked.

"I firmly believe it," he answered--and there he stopped.