"Phil, dear," she said softly, "I suspect how it is with you and
Ailsa. Am I indiscreet to speak befo' you give me any warrant?"
He said nothing.
"The child certainly is in love with you. A blind woman could divine that," continued Celia wistfully. "I am glad, Phil, because I believe you are as truly devoted to her as she is to you. And when the time comes—if God spares you both——"
"You are mistaken," he said quietly, "there is no future before us."
She coloured in consternation. "Wh—why I certainly supposed—believed——"
"Celia!"
"W-what, dear?"
"Don't you know I cannot marry?"
"Why not, Philip?"
"Could I marry Ailsa Craig unless I first told her that my father and my mother were never married?" he said steadily.