"I have not prospered," said Stanton quickly; "that is, not in the real sense of the word. I am rich, yes; but I am not prosperous."
"You have changed your name?" said Von Barwig.
"Yes; my uncle Stanton died in California. I took his name when he left me his great fortune."
"That is why I could not find a trace of you," said Von Barwig thoughtfully.
Stanton thought he detected signs of relenting in Von Barwig's voice.
"I suppose there's no use my telling you how sorry I am for——"
"Sorry, sorry!" almost screamed Von Barwig. "Does that bring back anything? Does that put sixteen years in my hands? Damn the empty phrase 'I am sorry' when there is no use in being sorry!"
"I have repented, Anton! Before God I have repented!" said Stanton huskily. "She made me repent, and God knows she repented. She never had one happy hour since she left you!"
Von Barwig was silent.
"This is the only blot on my life—the one blot on my life," cried Stanton.