“Yes;”—the doctor smoothed his mustache thoughtfully a moment, and then added: “I say, Joe, don’t be in such a hurry to get to the croquet. I want to talk with you. I’ve turned a new leaf. I’ve reformed. That time I was so sick in Austria, I repented. I did, upon my soul, and said a bit of a prayer,—and I believe I’ll join the church again; but first I’ll confess to you, who I know will be as lenient toward me as any one. I suppose you think you know just what and who I am, but you are mistaken. I am a hypocrite, a rascal, a gambler, and have broken every Commandment, I do believe, except ‘thou shalt not kill,’ and under great provocation I might do that, perhaps; and, added to all this, I am Rossie Hastings’ half-brother.” “Rossie Hastings’ brother! Do you mean you are Rosamond’s brother? and did you know it when you first came to Holburton, and why isn’t your name Hastings, then?” Josephine asked, excitedly, and he replied, in the most quiet and composed manner: “One question at a time, my dear. I _am_ her brother, and my name was Hastings once,—John Matthewson Hastings. I took the Matthewson and dropped the Hastings to please a relative, who left me a few thousands at her death. I _did_ know Rossie was my sister when I first met Everard Forrest in Holburton, and to that knowledge you owe your present exalted position as his wife.” She turned her eyes inquiringly upon him, and he continued: “I told you I was going to make a clean breast of my sins, and I am, so far as your business is concerned. I hated Everard and the whole Forrest race, and _that_ was my revenge!” “Hated Everard! For what? Had you seen him before you met him in Holburton?” Josephine said; and he replied: