The 'Goddess'-- who is not much older than his daughter--is the present Mrs.Taine." "His wife!" The artist's exclamation drew a sarcastic chuckle from the other.

"I am prepared, now, to testify to your unworldly innocence of heart and mind," he gibed.

"And, pray, why not his wife?
You see, she was the ward of old Rutlidge--a niece, it is said.

Mrs.Rutlidge--as you have no doubt heard--killed herself.

It was shortly after her death that Jim took this little one into his home.