.

THE GHOST OF THE PAST.
Temptation had seized Mr.Caryll in a throttling grip, and for two whole days he kept the house, shunning all company and wrestling with that same Temptation.

In the end he took a whimsical resolve, entirely worthy of himself.
He would go to Lord Ostermore formally to ask in marriage the hand of Mistress Winthrop, and he would be entirely frank with the earl, stating his exact condition, but suppressing the names of his parents.
He was greatly taken with the notion.

It would create a situation ironical beyond any, grotesque beyond belief; and its development should be stupendously interesting.

It attracted him irresistibly.