Florence, I am your brother--your father, my father.

On his death-bed he confessed his sins and discovered his son." A deep groan burst from Florence's lips, and her slender frame quivered like a reed in a wintry blast.

The Padre laid his head on the granite slab which covered the remains of Mr.Hamilton, and continued: "I call God in heaven, and all the saints to witness the truth of what I say, and if I prove it not, may I sink into perdition.

When your father was yet young, he made the tour of Europe.

Traveling in Italy, he met at Florence a poor but beautiful girl; and she, struck, in turn, by the handsome face of the stranger, left her humble home, and listened to the voice of seduction.