She died the day preceding that which united Lord Alphingham to your child.

I speak truth, Mr.Grahame; solemnly, sacredly, I affirm it.

Percy will tell you more; I was pledged to secrecy.

On her deathbed she demanded a solemn promise from all who knew her tale, never to divulge it, lest it should prove to the discredit of her cruel husband, whom her last accents blessed.

I promised Percy it should be sacred, unless an emergency demanded it.