"
And as Mr. Verne spoke he shut his teeth very firmly as if suffering
intense pain.
Mrs. Montgomery was quick to detect the cause, but she made no
comment upon it.
Prom the woman's heart went up a fervent prayer that Heaven would
avert the threatening blow, and that quiet and content would yet
reign in the now desolate home.
It was only by the utmost persuasion that Mr. Verne could be induced
to eat a morsel of food.
"You are doing yourself a great injustice, Stephen. Think what you
owe to your family. Think of Marguerite. Surely you will break her
heart."
"Ah, Hester, you have spoken truly. I must bear up for the sake of
my child; but oh God, it is hard to be branded in the eyes of the
world as a rogue and a scoundrel. Mothers will curse me, and the
orphan's wail will haunt me throughout time and eternity!"
Once more Mr. Verne placed his hand against his breast as if to ease
the spasmodic pain which had then seized him.
"He is going fast," murmured Mrs. Montgomery, as she noted the
livid lips and pallid face that followed the spasm.
"This cup of coffee will tempt anybody, and the rolls are delicious;
just taste one, Stephen."
"I was thinking of my darling child, Hester; how do you think she
will bear the news? And to think of her being exposed to the scoffs
of the world.
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