"No, no; read his death-bed confession, and you will see he was your malignant foe."
He read the paper through, and his hands trembled with excitement, astonishment and rage. He was about to say something, when she interrupted him with:
"No, no; don't, don't, George. He is dead—let us forgive. If you want more proof, I have it. See Father Healey's statement. He took Joseph Swartz's confession."
Glancing at the paper, he threw it aside and cried:
"Honore! Honore! Forgive me! I should have believed you, not him. I stole your child and, like a foolish man, ran away, without questioning you."
"I have been sixteen years seeking these proofs. I would not have come without them. You are forgiven, for, now that you have the proof, you believe."
When George Waters went out of the room, he was met by his daughter, Cora, who asked:
"Father, who is she—the woman in black?"
"An angel—your mother!"
"May I see her?"