In vain did I try to break off the
match. It was useless. The pair loved one another devotedly and
refused to be separated."
Madam Lee ceased speaking for an instant; then went on resolutely.
"When I say my daughter had all the Lee determination, you will guess
the rest. She fled from home and although I spared no money to trace
her, I never saw or heard of her again. The next year, as if in
judgment upon me, Muriel, my youngest child, died and I had but one
daughter remaining. It was then that, saddened and chastened by
sorrow, I regretted my narrowness and injustice and prayed to God for
the chance to wipe out my cruelty. But my prayers went unanswered, and
all these years forgiveness has been denied me. Now I am old but God
is merciful. He has not let me die with this weight upon my soul."
She bowed her head on Delight's shoulder and wept.
"Your mother?" she whispered, when she was able to enunciate the words.
"My mother died in California when I was born. Then my father took to
the sea and carried me with him.
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