A mistaken sense of duty guided me, and I obeyed it blindly.

Now I see my error and regret it," he said earnestly.
"Go on," replied my lady, while the vague dread grew stronger, and she braced her nerves as for some approaching shock.

She forgot Lillian, forgot everything but the strange aspect of the man before her, and the words to which she listened like a statue.

Still standing pale and steady, Paul spoke rapidly, while his eyes were full of mingled sternness, pity, and remorse.
"Twenty years ago, an English gentleman met a friend in a little Italian town, where he had married a beautiful wife.

The wife had a sister as lovely as herself, and the young man, during that brief stay, loved and married her--in a very private manner, lest his father should disinherit him.