But--Gordon, I can never thank you sufficiently for this kindness; will you add to it by keeping the thing to yourself for the present?
I wouldn't for the world have the story get into the papers." "Certainly, Ross!" returned his friend, grasping his hand in adieu.

"I understand how you feel.

There is but one person beside ourselves, who knows my errand here, and I can answer for his silence." "Who is it ?" "Mr.Hogg, a friend of your wife and daughters." The news brought by Mr.Gordon sent both Gertrude and her mother into violent hysterics, and Mr.Ross and an old nurse who had been in the family for years, had their hands full for the rest of the night.

It was a sore wound to the pride of both mother and daughter.
"The scoundrel! the wretch! the villain!" cried Gertrude.

"I can never hold up my head again; everybody will be talking about me, and those envious Miss Petitts and their mother will say, 'It's just good enough for her; serves her right for being so proud of the grand match she was going to make.' Oh dear, oh dear! why couldn't that Gordon have staid away and held his tongue!" "Gertrude!" exclaimed her father, in anger and astonishment, "is this your gratitude to him for saving you from being the wife of a gambler and murderer?
You might well be thankful to him and to a Higher Power, for your happy escape." "Yes, of course," said Lucy.