I ask it in the name of all that is dearest to you--in my name--in the name of Blanche--in the name of God!" All the color had, gone out of Mrs.Whitford's face, and she stood trembling before her son.
"You frighten me, mother," exclaimed the young man.

"What do you mean by all this?
Has any one been filling your mind with lies about me ?" "No; none would dare speak to me of you in anything but praise, But I want you to promise to-night, Ellis.

I must have that, and then my heart will be at ease.

It will be a little thing for you, but for me rest and peace and confidence in the place of terrible anxieties." "Promise! What?
Some wild fancies have taken hold of you." "No wild fancies, but a fear grounded in things of which I would not speak.

Ellis, I want you to give up the use of wine." The young man did not answer immediately.