But I can only tell it to you, Monty.

Duncan, indeed you mustn't be angry; you are my friend, but not so much as Monty.

I can tell him, and him only." Duncan left the room, and Montagu sat down beside Eric on the bed, and put his arm round him to support him, for he shook violently.

There, with deep and wild emotion, and many interruptions of passionate silence, Eric told to Montagu his miserable tale.

"I am the most wretched fellow living," he said; "there must be some fiend that hates me, and drives me to ruin.