And I braced myself to meet the further disclosures I saw awaiting me.
But when these disclosures were made, and Arthur's conduct at the funeral was given its natural explanation by the finding of the tell-tale ring in Adelaide's casket, I was so affected, both by the extraordinary nature of the facts and the doubtful position in which they seemed to place one whom, even now, I found it difficult to believe guilty of Adelaide's death, that Clifton, aroused, in spite of his own excitement, to a sudden realisation of my condition, bounded to his feet and impetuously cried out: "I had to tell you.

It was your due and you would not have been satisfied if I had not.

But I fear that I rushed my narrative too suddenly upon you; that you needed more preparation, and that the greatest kindness I can show you now, is to leave before I do further mischief." I believe I answered.

I know that his idea of leaving was insupportable to me.

That I wanted him to stay until I had had time to think and adjust myself to these new conditions.