my brother loathe me—oh, God! before I open my heart's black secrets to your eyes, give me your hand. Let me look at you once more. Can I have strength to endure it? Yes, sooner than suffer these vile slanderers to triumph, what dare I not endure!
"I am about to unfold a dreadful mystery, which may no longer be concealed. I come to accuse myself of the blackest of crimes." "This is no time for explanation," said the duke. "Yet hear me; for I require, I expect no mercy at your hands. You have been to me the best of brothers—the kindest of friends. Learn by the confession I am now going to make, in what manner I have requited you." Lady Margaret rose from her chair at these words, and shewed strong signs of the deep agitation of mind under which she laboured. Endeavouring not to meet the eyes of the duke, "You received me," she continued, in a hurried manner, "when my character was lost
