"More than thirty years ago. He deserted me and married another woman, but she could not have been his wife, because I was that. Then she died and he came back to me."
Leonie could scarcely control her agitation.
"You say——"
But before she could complete the sentence, the door opened and Ben Mauprat was in the room.
With a low cry of horror, Liz sprung to her feet, and at the same time the eyes of the child opened. He shrunk further into Leonie's arms, seeming to entreat her protection. She clasped him closely and awaited coming events.
[CHAPTER XXI.]
As though paralyzed by the audacity of the situation, Ben Mauprat stood there regarding the three.
Not a single word was spoken, and for seemingly an interminable time a silence that was painful rested upon them; then, with a snarl of vengeance, he stepped forward, his hand extended as though to snatch the boy from Leonie's arms, but quicker than thought Liz had placed herself between them.
"Don't do it, Ben," she cried hoarsely. "I've been a good wife and a true one to you, but you must not carry this any further than you have. God knows I do not know how it can be, but I have loved you with the devotion that few women have shown the husbands who have treated them with love and tenderness, and I have had nothing but blows and curses in return. I have never opened my mouth against it, and I never shall, if you kill me; but you have done your last to Dick. Listen, Ben; he is dying. Do you hear? Dying, Ben, and you are the cause of it. That girl whom you beat, and almost killed, has more love for your own child than you have, for she gave the liberty that she might have secured for his sake; and as there is a God above us, I will protect her with my life! I have been a coward just as long as I shall. As far as I am concerned I am willing to bear anything, but for Dick's sake the end has come."