"Not everything, uncle. Not of my connection with that woman, for instance."
"Indeed I do, Marion."
"You are aware of our relationship! You know that!"
"My dear child, I have known it for years. But your secret is safe with me. I am not going to betray you. Could I have the heart to do so after all you have done for my family? Angel Marion."
He repeated the last words over and over again in a low, caressing voice, pressing the girl's hand softly as he did so. Even then Marion was not sure whether he was in earnest or whether he was grimly ironical.
"I never thought of this," Marion murmured.
"Perhaps not," Ralph replied. "Mrs. May is a bad woman, Marion."
"The worst in the world," Marion replied. "You only know her as Mrs. May?"
"I only know her as she is, dear. And yet I feel that in some vague kind of way she is mixed up with our family misfortunes. Oh, if I could only see, if I could only use my eyes. Then I might know that woman still better."