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220 but it didn't work. I was a coward and a rotter to steal from my own mother when she was alive, even though I could return it so soon; but with her dead and her body scarcely cold in the grave!—I couldn't! I defied him, and he saw he had gone too far; but he has been stalling along ever since.

"That last meeting was the end. I told him that I knew his game and he could go as far as he liked; he would never get another penny out of me by fair means or foul; and if he intended to use that check to expose me I would anticipate him. I swore I would go to Dad and old Titheredge and tell them the truth, and they could do what they wanted to with me; at least I would be out of his clutches. I suppose he means to sell them that check for about five times its face value; but I don't care if they refuse! I don't care if the whole world knows; for it couldn't condemn me half as bitterly as I condemn myself!" Gene's voice broke suddenly, and he buried his face in his hands. "Oh, if my mother only understands and forgives!"