As if fearful he might read it, she involuntarily closed her eyes, and her answer was almost a sob.
"It is not my secret, it involves others, and I would rather die to-morrow, to-night, than have it known. Oh! let me go away at once, and for ever!"
Accustomed to compel compliance with his wishes, it was difficult for him to patiently endure defiance and defeat from that fair young creature, whom he began to perceive he could neither overawe nor persuade.
For several minutes he seemed lost in thought, still holding her hands firmly; then he suddenly laughed, and stooped toward her.
"Brave, true little heart! I wonder if some day you will be as steadfast and faithful in your devotion to your husband, as you have been in your loving defence of your mother? You need not tell me your secret, I know everything; and, Lily, I can scarcely forgive you for venturing within the reach and power of that wretched vagabond."
He felt her start and shiver, and pitying the terrified expression that drifted into her countenance, he continued:
"Unconsciously, you were giving alms to your own and to your mother's worst enemy. Peleg Peterson has for years stood between you and your lawful name."
She reeled, and her fingers closed spasmodically over his, as white and faint, she gasped:
"Then he is not—my——"
The words died on her quivering lips.