“The cabinet was placed in the large closet attached to the sitting-room.  To explore it, I must conceal myself in the closet.  After the family departed, leaving me sole occupant of the house, a friend called.  When her visit ended, I was interrupted again by the servant, so that it was late before I could begin my secret work.  At last all was quiet, and my explorations began.  First one key, and then another, was applied to the lock, but without success.  I worked away hopefully, knowing the right one would come in turn if I were not interrupted.  Drawer after drawer was opened and when the right keys were at last found, not one yielded up the coveted prize.  I trembled with fear of disappointment.  Only one remained to be opened; what if that were empty, too?  Slowly and with trembling hand I applied the key to this last delicate lock.  Just then I heard a sound in the hall, and footsteps approaching.  What should I do?  Without stopping to reflect, I closed the closet-door.  As I did so, the sitting-room door was opened, and my step-mother entered, accompanied by Mark Abrams.

“‘Be seated,’ my mother said blandly; and in my covert I wondered what could be coming.  Mark obeyed, and drawing his chair nearer the fire waited till she had laid aside her wrappings and seated herself in front of him.  Then she said: 

“’It’s too bad, Mark, that your love for Leah is so misplaced; but, as I have told you before as mildly as possible, there are reasons why her father would never consent—­reasons that are unalterable.  Aside from poor Leah’s unfortunate deformity, there—­’

“‘Deformity!’ ejaculated Mark, in utter surprise, ’I would like to know how she is deformed?  She, the most perfect model that was ever cast in mortal mould.’

“’Still, my friend, I feel that it is but just and proper that I acquaint you with a painful fact; dear Leah is deformed.’

“‘And how?’ Mark uttered hoarsely.

“’She suffers from a spinal affection, that will in time render her a hideous deformity, and perhaps a helpless, hopeless invalid.’

“‘Merciful Heavens!’ uttered Mark, with shocked and incredulous expression, as he sat gazing into the fire.  At length he said: 

“’God knows how sorry I am to hear that, for I love her, love her fondly!’

“Quickly discerning the effect of her story, my step-mother with well-feigned feeling continued: 

“’After Leah’s school-term is ended, her father contemplates taking her to Europe for medical advice and skill, and in case of improvement, which is scarcely supposable or to be hoped for, he has long ago promised her hand to the son of a wealthy cousin somewhere in that country—­Baron von something—­I can’t remember hard names.’

“At length Mark looked up again and said: 

“’Mrs. Mordecai, do not distress me farther.  How can I credit your story?  How can I believe that Miss Leah is aught but what she seems—­the embodiment of health and beauty?  Alas! for my broken, vanished hopes!  Alas! for my golden dreams of the future!’