He would have spared you any knowledge of the truth, even as this dead man would; but I and my brothers thought otherwise.

I have broken it to you badly, my son, but forgive me ?" An hysterical laugh broke from Clarence and the priest recoiled before him.

"Forgive YOU! What was this man to me ?" he said, with boyish vehemence.

"He never LOVED me! He deserted me; he made my life a lie.
He never sought me, came near me, or stretched a hand to me that I could take ?" "Hush! hush!" said the priest, with a horrified look, laying his huge hand upon the boy's shoulder and bearing him down to his seat.

"You know not what you say.