He gave a hollow laugh. "I am enjoying, for the first time for many months, the applause of an approving conscience," he continued; "that is something to live for." "Have you done anything rash, Philip?" "I have done something which my conscience justifies. Now, what about the telegram from Acland?" "He is coming here this evening to have a talk with me. What can he have to say?" "Doubtless his visit is accounted for by an interview I had with him yesterday. I asked him to explain matters to you, as you and he conducted the business with regard to this place together. Mildred, Silverbel must be given up." Her face grew red with passion, she felt inclined to stamp her foot. "It cannot be," she cried, "we have already paid two thousand pounds deposit." "That money was returned by me to Acland yesterday. He has doubtless heard of another purchaser. It will be a lucky thing for us, Mildred, if he takes the furniture as well as the place. Pray don't keep me now." She gave a sharp cry and flung herself into a chair. Ogilvie paused as if to speak to her, then changed his mind and went slowly upstairs. On the landing outside Sibyl's door he paused for a moment, struggling with himself. "The bitterness of death lies before me," he muttered, for he knew that difficult as was the task which he had accomplished that morning at the Cannon Street Hotel, terrible as was the moment when he stood before his fellow men and branded himself as a felon, these things were nothing, nothing at all to that which now lay before him, for God demanded something more of the man--he must open the eyes of the child who worshipped him. The thought of this awful task almost paralyzed him; his heart beat with heavy throbs and the moisture stood on his forehead. One look at Sibyl, however, lying whiter and sweeter than ever in her little bed, restored to him that marvellous self-control which love alone can give. Nurse was in the room, and it was evident that nurse had been having a bout of crying. Her eyelids were red. She turned when she saw her master, went up to him and shook her head. "Leave us for a little, nurse," said Ogilvie. She went away at once. Ogilvie now approached the bed, dropped into a chair and took one of Sibyl's hands. "You have been a long time away, father," said the child. "I have, my darling, I had a great deal to do." "Business, father?" "Yes, dearest, important business." "You don't look well," said Sibyl. She gazed at him, apprehensively, her blue eyes opened wide, and a spasm of pain flitted across her brow. "I have had a hard time," said the man, "and now, my little girl, I have come to you, to you, my dearest, to perform the hardest task of my life." "To me, father? The hardest task of your life?" "Yes, my little daughter, I have something to say to you." "Something bad?" asked Sibyl. "Something very bad."