“Never mind your heart,” said Jack, curtly. “Come to the point, Stephen.”
“I sympathize with you deeply,” continued Stephen, not at all affronted. “The fact is, Mr. Rolfe has tonight made a communication respecting our dear young friend, which has completely overwhelmed me——”
“Let me see if it will overwhelm me,” said Jack. “What is it?”
“My dear Jack, it is a story involving shame——”
“Shame!” echoed Jack, and his brow darkened. “To whom?”
“To those who can feel shame no longer,” said Stephen; “but alas! its shadow falls on a young life as innocent and pure as the angels.”
“On Una?” demanded Jack, fiercely.
Stephen bowed his head.
“Yes, Jack. Una is a nameless child—she is illegitimate.”
Jack reeled and fell into a chair, and there he sat for a moment.