“I have practised for an hour,” she said.
Mrs Kingsworth sat down and laid her hands together in her lap.
“I have something to say to you,” she began. “I have made up my mind to tell you certain facts which have been hitherto concealed from you.”
Kate looked startled and attentive, and her mother continued.
“You will feel quite sure, Katie, that what I tell you is absolutely true?”
“Oh, yes,” said Kate, surprised at such a question.
“It will be so. I shall not think it right to soften facts because of our relation to those concerned.”
“I want to hear,” said Kate, with a throbbing heart. “Your uncle James,” said Mrs Kingsworth, “was, of course, your grandfather’s natural heir. He was not a well-principled person, and displeased him by debts and other bad habits. My husband was of a steadier nature, and was his father’s favourite. After my marriage I found that in many ways he was James’ enemy, and made the worst of him to his father, whose preference he valued, I believe, from mercenary motives.”
“Mamma!” gasped Kate, with a frightened sob, “Oh, he could not—”
“I know that he did. James married secretly, and your grandfather conceived the idea that his choice was very discreditable.”