"It is because she threatened to tell you that you were not born in
wedlock that I leave this manuscript for you. It is but a few weeks
since you told me the story of Marah Adams, and assured me that you
thought her mother did right in confessing the truth to her daughter.
Little did you dream with what painful interest I listened to your
views on that subject. Little did I dream that I should so soon be
called upon to act upon them.
"But the time is now come, and I want no strange hand to deal you a
blow in the dark; if any part of the story comes to you, I want you
to know the whole truth. You will wonder why I have not told you the
name of your father. It is strange, but from the hour I knew of his
marriage, and of your dawning life, I have felt a jealous fear lest
he should ever take you from me; even after I am gone, I would not
have him know of your existence and be unable to claim you openly.
Any acquaintance between you could only result in sorrow.
"I have never blamed him for my past weakness, however I have blamed
him for his unholy marriage. Our fault was mutual. I was no
ignorant child; while young in years, I had sufficient knowledge of
human nature to protect myself had I used my will-power and my
reason. Like many another woman, I used neither; unlike the
majority, I did not repent my sin or its consequences.
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