"Do you think a man with such a past as mine has a right to ask any one to share his future?"
What Marion might have answered had there not been a knock at the door, I cannot tell. James entered, and carried to his mistress a note on a salver.
"I told you I could see no one to-night."
"Yes, miss, but the messenger persists. He's from the Home for the Sick."
[CHAPTER XVI.]
STELLA'S CONFESSION.
MRS. ASBURY was sitting at work in her room when she heard the outer door open and a quick step on the stairs.
"Who can that be?" she asked, somewhat surprised.
"No one but Mr. Angus has a key, ma."
"He never steps like that, Annie. Open the door and see."