I never could forget that , nor tie many kindnesses bestowed upon the friendless boy . This afflicted me , even while I was acting a false part , and when I was away my heart failed me . But Helen gave me no peace ; for my sake , she urged me to keep the vow made to that poor mother , and threatened to tell the story herself . Talbot 's benefaction left me no excuse for delaying longer , and I came to finish the hardest task I can ever undertake . I feared that a long dispute would follow any appeal to law , and meant to appeal first to you , but fate befriended me , and the last proof was found . '' `` Found ! Where ? '' cried Lady Trevlyn , springing up aghast . `` In Sir Richard 's coffin , where you hid it , not daring to destroy , yet fearing to keep it . '' `` Who has betrayed me ? '' And her eye glanced wildly about the room , as if she feared to see some spectral accuser . `` Your own lips , my lady . Last night I came to speak of this . You lay asleep , and in some troubled dream spoke of the paper , safe in its writer 's keeping , and your strange treasure here , the key of which you guarded day and night . I divined the truth . Remembering Hester 's stories , I took the key from your helpless hand , found the paper on Sir Richard 's dead breast , and now demand that you confess your part in this tragedy . '' `` I do , I do ! I confess , I yield , I relinquish everything , and ask pity only for my child . '' Lady Trevlyn fell upon her knees before him , with a submissive gesture , but imploring eyes , for , amid the wreck of womanly pride and worldly fortune , the mother 's heart still clung to its idol . `` Who should pity her , if not I ?
God knows I would have spared her this blow if I could ; but XXXXX would not keep silent , and I was driven to finish what I had begun .
Helen Hester Richard Talbot Trevlyn accuser day first left night