"And it was such a strange story it stuck in my memory.

It--" "Well," resumed Claire, "I think I've made you understand the simple and natural things that led up to it all.

And now, I'll tell you everything, at least everything I know about it.

It's--it's a gruesome sort of story, and--and I've grown to hate it all so!" She quivered.

Then, squaring her young shoulders again, she continued: "I don't ask you to believe what I'm going to tell you.