I am a brute to have bothered you about her at such a moment; and now until you have told me what is paining you so I shall not let you speak of her." He was perfectly sincere.

What were Kitty's possible and easy tears over the loss of her money to the unknown agony that could wrench a sob from a woman like this?
"Dear Mrs.
Horncastle," he went on as breathlessly, "think of me now not as Kitty's husband, but as your true friend.

Yes, as your BEST and TRUEST friend, and speak to me as you would speak to him." "You will be my friend ?" she said suddenly and passionately, grasping his hand, "my best and truest friend?
and if I tell you all,--everything, you will not cast me from you and hate me ?" Barker felt the same thrill from her warm hand slowly possess his whole being as it had the evening before, but this time he was prepared and answered the grasp and her eyes together as he said breathlessly, "I will be--I AM your friend." She withdrew her hand and passed it over her eyes.

After a moment she caught his hand again, and, holding it tightly as if she feared he might fly from her, bit her lip, and then slowly, without looking at him, said, "I lied to you about myself and Kitty that night; I did not come with her.

I came alone and secretly to Boomville to see--to see the man who is my husband." "Your husband!" said Barker in surprise.