You will learn now, my child, why Monsieur Denecker has had the hardihood to behave toward us as he has done." He dropped her hand, but, without averting his eager gaze from her anxious eyes, continued:-- "You were very young, Lenora, but gentle and loving as at present, and your blessed mother found all her happiness centered in your care and comfort.

We dwelt on the lands of our forefathers; nothing disturbed the even tenor of our simple lives; and, by proper economy, our moderate income sufficed to support us in a manner becoming our rank and name.
"I had a younger brother, who was endowed with an excellent heart, but generous to a fault and somewhat imprudent.

He lived in town, and married a lady of noble family who was no richer than himself.

She was showy in her tastes and habits, and, I fear, induced him to increase his revenue by adventurous means.

There can be no doubt that he speculated largely in the public funds.