"I know you mean me a greater one," she replied, coldly, withdrawing
her hand.

"See! I ask your forgiveness on my knees!" he urged, passionately.

But her heart was steeled against him, for her very soul was hot
with indignation. "Come, mammy," she said, firmly, "such shelter and
protection as I still have in this house you shall share."

"Louise, this is monstrous!" began Mrs. Baron.

"NO!" cried the girl. "This poor creature is the nearest approach I
have ever known to a mother. She doesn't know about her grandson,
and no one shall try to cut the truth out of her. Come, mammy," and
she led the trembling old negress up to her room. When hidden from
all eyes her courage and excitement gave way, and she cried on her
mammy's breast like the child she was.




CHAPTER X

A BAFFLED DIPLOMATIST


Miss Lou left consternation, confusion and deep anxiety below
stairs. Mad Whately had his own code of ethics, and he felt as if he
had committed the unpardonable sin. His mother was shocked and