"I may as well tell you," she said, after a moment's pause. "I take it for granted you will keep the matter secret."
"Of course I will."
"Then it is this: I married Mr. Harvey Middleton to secure a home and a position. I didn't love him."
"Quite right, ma'am."
"I was a poor governess. It was a great thing for me to marry Mr. Middleton."
"I should think so."
"I made him a good wife. He had no reason to complain of me, and when he died he left me in charge of the estate."
"For the boy?"
"Yes, for the boy, and this has given me trouble."