The man seemed deeply confused, and moved as well.
His face flushed and paled alternately, and he hesitated in what he had to say in a painful manner, until Jennie became alarmed lest the secret she was to learn was to be something terrible, indeed.
"Come, father, you seem deeply moved, so tell me what it is, be it what it may, and, perhaps, I can help you to bear some great sorrow which now I know nothing of," and Jennie arose and stepped toward the man; but he started back, and cried excitedly:
"No, no, do not touch me, do not speak kindly to me, child, for I have deceived you."
"Deceived me, father?"
"I have."
"But how?"
"That is what I wish to tell you, only I do not know how to begin."
"I forgive you beforehand, father, if you have done me a wrong."