THE TRUTH. HILLISTON came and went in the space of a few minutes. None of those present made any attempt to stay his exit, but as the door closed after him they looked at one another in silence. Thinking of Hilliston's last speech, Denis was the first to speak. "What does that mean, sir?" he asked his master, with an air of helpless bewilderment. "I think it can only mean one thing, Denis," replied Larcher, rousing himself. "Mr. Hilliston has at length awakened to the fact of his dastardly treatment of your sister, and is about to make reparation for the past. He intends to marry her." "But his wife only died a few days ago, master." "I know that. But Mrs. Bezel will also die shortly, and if Hilliston desires to atone for the past he has no time to lose. He can marry her at once, but he will again be a widower within the month." Denis lifted a pair of shaking hands, and slowly left the room, followed by the sympathetic looks of the others. He did not even pause to learn the contents of the sealed envelope left by Mr. Hilliston. Great as was his curiosity to learn all that had taken place on that fatal night, his love and grief for his sister were greater still. Bowed and gray and older-looking than ever, he departed; but in his heart there was one comfortable thought--Mona would die an honest woman, if Mr. Hilliston was to be believed. When the three found themselves alone, Captain Larcher picked up the sealed letter with some reluctance. "Strange," he said, balancing it in his hand. "For years I have been eager to know the truth. Now that I have only to open this envelope to learn it, I feel half afraid." "Nevertheless, it will be as well to lose no time in making ourselves acquainted with the contents," said Tait eagerly, for he was in a fever of impatience to know all. "It may be a confession by Hilliston." "I think not. It is directed to me in the handwriting of Mrs. Hilliston." "To Ferdinand Paynton?" "No. To Captain Larcher." "H'm!" said Tait, with a start. "How did Mrs. Hilliston know you were Captain Larcher? Did she see you at Thorston?" "No. But her husband doubtless informed her of my real name. However, we will learn all from this," said Larcher, breaking the seal. "I believe this is a confession by Mrs. Hilliston." "But what can she have to confess?" cried Claude, as his father smoothed out a closely written letter. "She can know nothing of the tragedy." "You forget," said Tait, with a sudden recollection, "Louisa Sinclair; she was at Horriston, and, according to Mona Bantry, was in the garden of The Laurels on that night. I would not be surprised if she saw the committal of the crime." "What! Do you think she is about to betray her husband?" "Oh," said Tait significantly, "we are by no means sure of Hilliston's guilt!"