CHAPTER XX.
HALF the night, following the receipt of Mr.Lyon's letter, was spent in writing an answer.

Imploringly she besought him to release her, truly, from the obligation to secrecy with which he had bound her.

Most touchingly did she picture her state of mind, and the change wrought by it upon her mother.

"I cannot bear this much longer," she said.

"I am too weak for the burden you have laid upon me.