It was the fear of afflicting you--the hope of finding some means of rescue, of escape--that sealed my lips.

I did not know you, my daughter; I did not know the inestimable treasure that God in his mercy had lavished on me! But _now_ you shall know all; I will no longer hide the secret of my conduct and my grief.

The fatal hour has come; the blow I desired to ward off is about to fall and cannot be turned aside! Are you prepared, dear child, to hear your father's story ?" Lenora, who was delighted to behold the calm and radiant smile that illuminated the face of her heart-broken parent, answered him instantly, in caressing tones,-- "Pour all your woes into my heart, dear father, and conceal nothing.

The part I have to perform must be based on complete knowledge of every thing; and you will feel how much your confidence relieves your burdened soul." "Take, then, your share of suffering, daughter," replied De Vlierbeck, "and help me to bear my cross! I will disguise nothing.

What I am about to disclose is indeed lamentable; yet do not tremble and give way at the recital, for, if any thing should move you, it must be the story of a father's torture.