But my nature would not permit me at such a crisis to remain passive long. I must arouse myself and act. Calling the nurse to take my place, I went to seek Mr. Bristed. I found him, as usual, in his library. “Sir,” said I, “I am calm now; will you not explain to me this frightful mystery? I will listen and thank you.” He placed a chair for me to be seated, and taking my hand, said gently:-- “Miss Reef--Agnes, you are too weak to hear this that you seek to know.” “No, no,” I exclaimed, vehemently; “I am not weak; I must know all.” He arose and paced the floor hurriedly for a few moments; then muttering, “It is best--I will tell her,” he said: “You have been surprised, no doubt, Agnes, at the frankness with which I have expressed my opinion of Richard’s character--let me inform you that he and I are not brothers. He is a half-brother, the offspring of my father’s second marriage; though indeed I doubt if he have a right to even that relationship. I have heard dark hints thrown out that my father had been deceived, and that this child who claimed to be his son should look in a lower quarter for his father. Richard’s mother was not a woman of high moral principle, and he partakes of her nature. My father provided for him well, but as I was the elder son the bulk of his large property became mine by inheritance; but Richard has always made the Hall his home when in England--indeed, he has a legal right during his lifetime to the use of the room he occupies. He has not, however, often availed himself of this right since I have had his son Herbert under my protection.” “His son Herbert?” I repeated, mechanically. “Yes, poor child, his son; though the boy has always been taught to call him uncle. Neither Richard nor myself desire the relationship to be known, and it is only in hope of serving you that I reveal it.” “Richard married?” I said, falteringly. “Ah, Agnes, there are many women whom he should never have seen, as he could not marry them,” said he, with the slow determination of a man resolved on uttering a repulsive truth. Herbert’s mother was a beautiful but penniless orphan of good family, who visited this house some years since in the capacity of companion to our great-aunt. “During that visit I became enamoured with her, and we were secretly engaged in marriage. It was before the death of my father, and I was not my own master; but I loved her truly, and meant well by her, only desiring her to wait till I should be free to please myself. But Richard stepped in between me and my happiness. He stole this girl’s heart from me; gained her love as he has endeavored to obtain yours, by flattery and dissimulation you see I am not wily and smooth enough to please women--but also he destroyed her peace under promise of marriage; leaving her soon after and going abroad without acquainting her with his purpose.