"But why plague you," he cried, "with this poor tale of yesterday that will be forgot to-morrow ?" "Nay--ah, nay," she begged, and put out a hand in impulsive sympathy to touch his own, so transparent now in its emaciation.

"Tell me; tell me!" His smile softened.

He sighed gently and continued.

"This gentleman who adopted me lived for one single purpose, with one single aim in view--to avenge my mother, whom he had loved, upon the man whom she had loved and who had so ill repaid her.

He reared me for that purpose, as much, I think, as out of any other feeling.