~ With this unchristian aspiration upon her lips, she paced up and down tha dining room, and where, a short time before, a smile of triumph had rested, there now sat a look of fear and hatred. Finally she threw herself down in the dressing chair, once more looking calmer, but very determined, and took up the next letter. It was from Mr Durand, the first she had received since their departure. And this is whab it contained : ' St. Louis, 'Dear Child: We are here safe and very com fortable, and you will be very glad to know that your mother's health is improving wonder fully. We shall remain here some time longer, just how long I can't say. And now comes a matter which it grie.es me to write upon, yet it must ba done.' Here Aura started and looked around in voluntarily. ' I had hoped and expected never to be under bhe necessity of saying what I am aboub to say. I hove never told you much of my family history, only that at this pre senb momenb I stood 'quite alone in the world, as also did my wife, except that we have each other. Now, however, I must tell you that I had a brother, who, many years ago, became alienated from his family and friends. One by one the rest passed away, any my father's large fortune came into my hands. But yesterday, among the letters forwarded to me, came one from this brother's only son. My brother is dead, and he has recommended his son to my care. He is a young man, just of age, he informs me, and is my next of kin, and lawful heir of my wealth, morally as well as legally. lam bound to promote the interests of this young man. ' When I adopted you it was with the belief that I could one day make you my heiress. But this cannot be now. I shall make my will settling upon you a comfort able income; the rest must go to my brothers son. This, of course, will not affecb you as ib would have done were you a young man. Probably it will not be long before you'make a good marriage, and then your income will become your marriage portion. 