hurts me!--it hurts me, Dad! I can't realise it! I thought you
were my own dear father!--and I loved you!--oh, how much I loved
you!--yet you have deceived me all along!"

"I haven't deceived you," he answered, impatiently. "I've done all
for the best--I meant to tell you when you married Robin--"

A flush of indignation flew over her cheeks.

"Marry Robin!" she exclaimed--"How could I marry Robin? I'm
nothing! I'm nobody! I have not even a name!"

She covered her face with her hands and an uncontrollable sob
broke from her.

"Not even a name!" she murmured--"Not even a name!"

With a sudden impulsive movement she knelt down in front of him
like a child about to say its prayers.

"Oh, help me, Dad!" she said, piteously--"Comfort me! Say
something--anything! I feel so lost--so astray! All my life seems
gone!--I can't realise it! Yes, I know! You have been very kind,--
all kindness, just as if I had been your own little girl. Oh, why
did you tell me I was your own?--I was so proud to be your
daughter--and now--it's so hard--so hard! Only a few moments ago I
was a happy girl with a loving father as I thought--now I know I'm
only a poor nameless creature,--deserted by my parents and left on
your hands. Oh, Dad dear! I've given you years of trouble!--I hope
I've been good to you! It's not my fault that I am what I am!"