me as an elder brother, who will counsel and control you as he would
an imprudent young--sister. I see very well how it is. Somehow or
other you, having first admired Mr. Compton as Romeo or Richard III.,
made his acquaintance as Mr. Compton. He allowed you to believe him a
single man. In a romantic moment you escaped from your home, with the
design of adopting the profession of the stage and of becoming Mrs.
Compton."

"Oh," broke out the girl, since her sex must now be declared, "oh,"
she exclaimed, with a passionate sob, "what a fool I have been! Only
do not think worse of me than I deserve. The man did deceive me; he
did not think I should take him at his word, and follow him here, or
his wife would not have appeared. I should not have known he had one
and--and--" here her voice was choked under her passion.

"But now you have discovered the truth, let us thank Heaven that you
are saved from shame and misery. I must despatch a telegram to your
uncle: give me his address."

"No, no."

"There is not a 'No' possible in this case, my child. Your reputation
and your future must be saved. Leave me to explain all to your uncle.
He is your guardian. I must send for him; nay, nay, there is no
option. Hate me now for enforcing your will: you will thank me
hereafter. And listen, young lady; if it does pain you to see your
uncle, and encounter his reproaches, every fault must undergo its
punishment. A brave nature undergoes it cheerfully, as a part of
atonement. You are brave. Submit, and in submitting rejoice!"