In parting from him, she had again implored him not to divulge her secret, unless the interest of her child demanded it, or he saw urgent occasion.
"Let not the breath of calumny sully the name of my child," she said, grasping his hand with a painful effort.

"Let her not be looked on as a child of shame, when her birth is as pure and noble as any in the land.
If her birth be questioned, let the whole world know she is the daughter of Lord Alphingham.

In my mother's care is the certificate of my marriage, also of the christening of my Agnes.

But if nothing be demanded, if her lot be happy, it is better both for father and daughter that they remain unknown to each other." Percy had made the solemn promise she demanded, but the remembrance of her pale features, her drooping form, had haunted him on his return home, and caused that deep gloom his family had remarked.

It was more than a week after Mrs.Amesfort's death, before her afflicted mother could write the tidings to the young man, who, on hearing of Annie's conduct, had instantly and actively set about obtaining the exact date of the unfortunate lady's death, and also that of the Viscount's hasty marriage in Scotland.