I must know the whole truth about Kilmeny . Do not torment me . '' `` I am going to tell you the story , Master , though it will be like opening an old wound . No living person knows it but Thomas and me . When you hear it you will understand why Kilmeny ca n't speak , and why it is n't likely that there can ever be anything done for her . She does n't know the truth and you must never tell her . It is n't a fit story for her ears , especially when it is about her mother . Promise me that you will never tell her , no matter what may happen . '' `` I promise . Go on -- go on , '' said the young man feverishly . Janet Gordon locked her hands together in her lap , like a woman who nerves herself to some hateful task . She looked very old ; the lines on her face seemed doubly deep and harsh . `` My sister Margaret was a very proud , high-spirited girl , Master . But I would not have you think she was unlovable . No , no , that would be doing a great injustice to her memory . She had her faults as we all have ; but she was bright and merry and warm-hearted . We all loved her . She was the light and life of this house . Yes , Master , before the trouble that came on her Margaret was a winsome lass , singing like a lark from morning till night . Maybe we spoiled her a little -- maybe we gave her too much of her own way .
`` Well , Master , you have heard the story of her marriage XXXXX Ronald Fraser and what came after , so I need not go into that .
about as before from in like on that though to