If you do not wish to answer, say so, Mr.Ranelagh." "I do wish." This was a lie, but what was I to do, knowing how dangerous it would be for Carmel to have it publicly known where my affections were really centred and what a secret tragedy of heart-struggle and jealous passion underlay this open one of foul and murderous death.

"I am in no position to conceal anything from you.

I did love Miss Cumberland.

We have been engaged for a year.

She was a woman of fortune but I am not without means of my own and could have chosen a penniless girl and still been called prosperous." "I see, and she returned your love ?" "Sincerely." Was the room light enough to reveal my guilty flush?
She had loved me only too well, too jealously, too absorbingly for her happiness or mine.
"And the sister ?" It was gently but gravely put, and instantly I knew that our secret was out, however safe we had considered it.