Page 60 (1/2)

The Vicar was beginning to enjoy the recital of his long past troubles,

and the thought flashed through his htened

his burden had he sooner confided in his son The conduct which seemed

so black and stained, when brooded over alone in his study, did not

seem quite so heinous when put into plain words and spread out in the

light

"Well," he continued, "in spite of my jealous temper, the first few

months of our wedded life were very happy, and it was not until I had

begun to notice that a very inti wife and ard

to them; but once alive to this idea, every moment of my life was

poisoned by it I kept a close but secret watch upon their actions,

and soon sahat I considered a certain proof that the love they felt

for each other was more than, and different to, that which the

relationship of brother and sister-in-laarranted Betto noticed it,

too, for she has ever been faithful and true to et rid of ive any reason for her advice; but I required no explanation You

say nothing, Caradoc, but sit there with a blacker look on your face

than I have ever seen before"

"I a for some excuse for your jealous

suspicions"

"I have very little to give but you shall have the story in its naked

truth I was devotedly attached to my brother; from childhood we had

been all in all to each other, and the difference in our dispositions

seemed only to cement more closely the bond of union between us; but

now my love seemed turned to hatred, and I only waited to make h I was anxious to