"Is the girl mad?" Mrs. Leith exclaimed, recoiling from her.
"No, I am not mad, although my wrongs have been bitter enough to madden any human being," Golden retorted, passionately. "I am not mad, although your terrible sin has ruined my life and broken my heart."
"My sin, mine!" retorted Mrs. Leith, in apparent bewilderment. "What do you mean, girl? I am nothing to you!"
"Nothing to me, oh, my God," moaned Golden, wringing her white hands. "Then you deny that you are my mother?"
"Your mother, girl, when I have never had a child in my life. Mr. Leith, do you not see that the wretched creature is raving mad?" cried the lady, retreating to his side apprehensively.
Golden turned her flashing blue eyes on the white, startled face of the man.
"She denies that she is my mother," she said. "Perhaps you will deny that you are my father."
She saw a quiver pass over the man's pale face.
"I do not understand your words," he replied, in a voice shaken with emotion. "Explain yourself."
"I am the child Golden Glenalvan deserted at Glenalvan Hall in its helpless infancy, that she might return to New York and lead a life of shame with you," she cried out bitterly.