untry."

"That is all very deplorable, but yet it hardly warrants your very
strong language, Fabian. I am sorry that you have discovered her to be
'ignorant, deceitful, and unreliable,' but let us hope that now, when
she is placed above temptation, she will reform. Don't take exaggerated
views of affairs, Fabian."

The elder man was growing calmer and more thoughtful. Presently he said:

"You are right, Clarence. My indignation, on learning that that woman
had succeeded in trapping our Iron King, led me into extravagant
language on the subject. Forget it, Clarence. And whatever you do, my
brother, drop no hint to any one of what I have said to you to-night,
lest our father should hear of it; for if he should--"

Mr. Fabian paused.

"I shall never drop a hint that might possibly give our father one
moment of uneasiness. Be sure of that, Fabian."

"That is good, my brother! And we will agree to ignore all faults in our
young stepmother, and for our father's sake treat her with all proper
respect."

"Of course. I could not do otherwise. And, Fabian, I hope you will
reconsider the matter, and bring Violet to Rockhold to join our family
reunion."

"No, Clarence," said the elder brother; "there is just where I must draw
the line. I cannot introduce my wife to the new Mrs. Rockharrt."

"But it seems to me that you are very fastidious, Fabian. Do you expect
always to be able to keep Violet from meeting with 'ignorant, insincere
and unreliable' people, in a world like this?" inquired Mr. Clarence,
significantly.

"No, not entirely, perhaps; yet, so far as in me lies, I will try to
keep my simple wood violet 'unspotted from the world,'" replied Mr.
Fabian, who, untruthful and dishonest as he was in heart and life, yet
reverenced while he wondered at the purity and simplicity of his young
wife's nature.

"I am afraid the pater will feel the absence of Violet as a slight to
his bride," said Mr. Clarence.

"No; I shall take care that he does not. Violet is in very delicate
health, and that must be her excuse for staying at home."

The brothers talked on for a little while longer; and then, when they
had exhausted the subject for the time being, Mr. Clarence said he would
go and look up Sylvan, and he went out for the purpose. Fabian
Rockharrt, left alone, resumed his disturbed walk up and down the room,
muttering to himself:

"The traitress! the unprincipled traitress! How dared she do such a
deed? Didn't she know