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154 said Mrs. Courtenaye, "do I implore you to consent. My life and death are in your hands; for never would I survive the disgrace of a discovery." "It is somewhat late to think of this," exclaimed Norbourne, bitterly. The word was repented as spoken: "My dearest mother, you urge me too far." "Norbourne," said she earnestly, almost calmly, "listen to my story; and you will then find it is not even the harshest justice that you measure upon my ill-fated head." She returned to her seat by the fire, and, pointing to a chair near, made one strong effort at self-control, and began as follows: "I was but sixteen when I met your father; yet even then I had known sorrow. My parents had both died within my recollection, and left me to guardians, who, only intent on securing my fortune, used every means to induce me to follow a religious life. They forced me into a convent, whence your father rescued me: and that evening I was married to him—ay, married. A daughter of my noble house