"Father, I cannot live if that wretched story becomes known," she wailed. "If you do not save me I shall drown myself."
A slight shudder convulsed his frame at the words. He looked down at the frightened, tear-wet face.
"Elinor," he said, "if I have to sacrifice my revenge for your sake, I shall hate you every moment of your future life."
"Anything but exposure," she wailed. "Oh, father, save me."
His dark brow lowered like a thunder cloud.
"So be it," he said, "but, mark me, girl, I shall hate you forever after."
"Then you will speak?" Bertram Chesleigh cried, gladly.
John Glenalvan hesitated a moment, then answered, gloomily:
"Yes, to save that wretched girl I will reveal the secret that has been locked in my breast for sixteen years."