For a minute she did not speak; then, with her eyes studiously averted, she said: "William, the first four years of my married life were--were spoiled by an outsider in our home.

I don't mean to spoil Billy's." William relaxed visibly.

The smile fled from his face.
"Why--Aunt--Hannah!" he exclaimed.
The little old lady turned with a weary sigh.
"Yes, I know.

You are shocked, of course.

I shouldn't have told you.
Still, it is all past long ago, and--I wanted to make you understand why I can't come.