I have kept the one secret of my life well--a secret that has blighted it before its time--but I can not face the dread unknown and bear my secret with me.

On my death-bed I must tell all, and my darling boy must bear the blow." Everard Kingsland listened to his father's huskily murmured words in boyish wonderment.

What secret was he talking of?
He glanced across at his mother, and saw her pale cheeks suddenly flushed and her calm eyes kindling.
"No living soul has ever heard from me what I must tell you to-night, my Everard--not even your mother.

Do not leave me, Olivia.

You, too, must know all that you may guard your son--that you may pity and forgive me.