"It is Clare and Elinor, and Uncle John," she sobbed. "They--the girls, I mean, now--said the worst thing I could have done was to be born; and that my mother was the first to disgrace the name of Glenalvan. And, grandpa, I heard what Uncle John said when he passed under the window. He said if I had died long ago it must have been better for all." Old Hugh Glenalvan's kindly blue eyes were flashing fire. He held the quivering little form against his breast with loving arms, and his outraged old heart beat fast against the girl's. But he could not answer her. Indignant pain and grief kept him dumb. "Grandpa, tell me what I have done to be hated by my kind," she sobbed. "Am I deformed? Am I repulsive to look at?" "My darling, you are as perfect and as beautiful as an angel," he answered, fondly kissing the fair, innocent brow. "Why do they hate me, then?" she wailed. "I would love them all if they would let me." "They are cruel and heartless. If they were not, they could not help but love you, my Golden," said the old man, bitterly. Then he sat down and drew her to a seat upon his knee. "Think no more of them, my darling," he said, brushing away the shining pearls of grief that hung trembling on her thick lashes. "They are cruel and unjust to you. Keep away from their presence and forget that the same strain of blood flows in your veins. Look upon them as aliens and strangers. Give all your love to me." She hid her sweet face against his shoulder, her breast heaving with the sobs that she could not repress. "I have a heart full of love," she sighed, "and it is all your own, dear grandpa. But tell me, oh, tell me of my mother! Can it be true? She did not, oh, she could not disgrace our proud old name." "Hush, Golden, you torture me," the old man said, hoarsely. "There is a mystery surrounding you, my little one. Your history is a sad one. But you shall never know it if I can keep the blighting secret from your knowledge. Ask me no more, my darling. Dismiss it from your thoughts. You have always been happy heretofore. Be happy still. You are innocent, pure and beautiful. There is no reason why you should not have a quiet, happy life if you will keep away from those who wound you with their cruel words, and cling closely to your simple, peaceful home." Her wild sobs had ceased. She was looking earnestly into his face, while long, low sighs quivered over her lips. "Now, listen to me, Golden," he said. "Your uncle has made a hard request of me, darling, but I have promised that it shall be done. Golden, will you trust me, and help me to keep my word?" "Is it about me?" she said. "Yes, dear. You know the three upper chambers which foolish people believe to be haunted, Golden?" "Yes," she said, and he saw a slight quiver pass over the delicate lips, and her face grew pale.