Father, I deceived and disobeyed you.

I followed Dora Thorne to Eastham, and married her there." A low cry came from Lady Earle's lips.

Ronald saw his father's face grow white--livid--with anger; but no word broke the awful silence that fell upon them.

Hours seemed to pass in the space of a few minutes.
"You married her," said Lord Earle, in a low, hoarse voice, "remembering what I said ?" "I married her," replied Ronald, "hoping you would retract hard, cruel words that you never meant.

I could not help it, father; she has no one but me; they would have forced her to marry some one she did not like." "Enough," interrupted Lord Earle.