For a moment she sat erect and rigid at her desk.

Then she slipped quietly down, and, softly as one of the last shadows cast by the dying sun, glided across the floor to where he sat.
"Mrs.Martin," he said, starting to his feet.
"I have heard all," she said faintly.

"I couldn't help it.

I was here when you came in.

But I want to tell you that I am content to know you only as you seem to be,--as I have always found you here,--strong and loyal to a duty laid upon you by those who had a full knowledge of all you had been." "Did you?
Do you know what I have been ?" Mrs.Martin looked frightened, trembled a moment, and, recovering herself with an effort, said gently, "I know nothing of your past." "Nothing ?" he repeated, with a mirthless attempt at laughter, and a quick breath.