doubt suffer keenly, and who--"

"Pray hear me," interrupted Errington. "To part with Lady Alice is a
great aggravation of my present troubles; but considering the kind of
life to which we were both accustomed, and which she had a right to
expect, I am sincerely thankful she was preserved from sharing my lot.
Alone I can battle with life; distracted by knowing I had dragged _her_
down, I should be paralyzed. I shall always remember with grateful
regard the lady who honored me by promising to be my wife, but I shall
be glad to know that she is in a safe position under the care of a
worthier man than myself. _That_ matter is at rest forever. Now as to
using the information you have placed in my power, you ask what is
impossible. First, it is evident that the late Mr. Liddell fully
intended to alter his will in your favor. It would have been most unjust
to have bestowed his fortune to me. I am extremely glad it is yours."

"But," again interrupted Katherine, "why should you not share it at
least? Why should you be penniless while I am rich with what is not
mine?"

"I shall not be absolutely penniless," said Errington, smiling gravely.
"Even if I were," he continued, with unusual animation, "do you think me
capable of rebuilding my fortune on your disgrace? or of inventing some
elaborate lie to account for the possession of that unlucky will? No
amount of riches could repay me for either. I dare say the temptation
you describe was irresistible to a nature like yours, and I dare say too
the punishment of your self-condemnation is bitter enough. Now you must
reflect that your duty is to keep the secret to which you have bound
yourself. If you raise the veil which must always hide the true facts of
your succession, you would create great unhappiness and confusion in
Colonel Ormonde's family, and injure the innocent woman whom he would
never have married had he not been sure you would provide for the boys.
It would so cruel to break up a home merely to indulge a morbid desire
for atonement. No, Miss Liddell. Be guided by me; accept the life you
have brought upon yourself. _I_, the only one who has a right to do it,
willingly resign what ought to have been yours without your
unfortunately illegal act. Your secret is perfectly safe with me. Time
will heal the wounds you have inflicted on yourself and enable you to
forget. Leave this ill-omened document with me; it is safer than in your
hands. Indeed there is no use in keeping