Mrs. Hartley looked earnestly into his face. Every muscle was
quivering.

"What of her?" she inquired, in tones quite as low as those in which
the young man had spoken.

"You know the history."

"Well?"

"And, regardless of my suffering and repentance, made known to Clara
the blasting secret."

"No! By my hopes of heaven, no!" quickly exclaimed Mrs. Hartley.

"No?" A quiver ran through the young man's frame.

"No, Mr. Florence! That rested as silently in my own bosom as in
yours."

"Who, then, informed her?"

"No one."

"Has she not heard of it?"

"No."

"Why, then, did she change towards me?"