Doctor Vaughan was to remain for lunch; and while he talked quietly with Olive, Claire sat considering what they would say if they knew all. Presently her reverie was interrupted by the entrance of a servant, who said: "Mrs. Ralston wishes Miss Keith to come to her." Claire started up, and without a word to either her lover or her sister, hurried into the presence of her friend. Mrs. Ralston advanced to meet the girl as she entered the room, and laying a hand upon her shoulder, said: "I understood you to say that your sister knows nothing of your acquaintance with that man. Am I right? "Yes." "And you do not wish her to know?" Claire hesitated. "I did not then think it was wrong to conceal it from her," she said, finally; "but now, if you think it best, I will try and tell her." "But I do not think it best, my darling. I should have been convinced of his identity even had I not used the picture as a test. We will say nothing on that subject. And now, let us go down-stairs, for we have work to do!" So saying, she led the way from the room and Claire followed, wondering how all this was to end. CHAPTER XLV. MRS. RALSTON'S STORY. Mrs. Ralston entered the drawing-room with the light of a new and strong purpose shining in her eyes. "Dear friends," she said, "sit near me and give me your attention. I have a story to tell, and I must not fatigue myself too much in the telling." Without a word, Clarence moved forward an easy chair. As she seated herself, they all grouped about her with grave, expectant faces. "I will make brief mention of myself," said the lady, sinking back in the luxurious chair with a slightly weary smile. "My life has never been a bright one. Married for the first time at the age of sixteen, my childhood was prematurely blighted, and my first real trouble fell upon me. It was not a happy marriage, and during the years of my first husband's life, I became more and more alienated from my relatives. "When at last my husband died, I was thirty-six years old, and owing to ill-health, looked much older. But--I was wealthy. Then I met a man, younger than myself, and very handsome. I was weak and foolish. I believed in him and--married him. For four years he squandered my money and made my life a burden. At last, when I could endure no longer, and when, because he had inherited a fortune from some relative, I knew he would trouble himself little as to particulars, I caused him to believe me dead and buried. "In reality I was in better health than usual, and while he was spending his new fortune and fancying me in the grave, I sailed for Europe. Before I departed, however, I saw him once more, myself unseen. It is this part of my story that will make your hearts glad." She paused for a moment, and her three listeners gazed into each other's faces in silent wonder.