We had, father and I, what we believed good reasons, and kind reasons, for holding our peace.

But times and circumstances have changed; and, where silence was once true friendship and kindness, it is now wrong and cruelty.

Many years ago, Stephen, when I was young and beautiful, Launcelot Sandal loved me.

And my father and Launcelot's father loved each other as David and Jonathan loved.

They were scarcely happy apart; and not even to please the proud mistress Charlotte, would the squire loosen the grip of heart and hand between them.