I can't think of any other explanation for his continued silence,--and for Azalea's mysterious disinclination to talk about him.

Why, Phil, she forged a letter,--wrote one to herself,--and pretended to me that it was from her father!" "Poor child! How unhappy she must be over it.

If she cares for me, Bill, I'll take all that load off her poor little shoulders.

I'll get her to tell me the truth, and then we'll see what can be done.

But, in any case, or whatever her father may be, it won't affect my love for the girl herself.