If Ronald Fraser thought otherwise -- and there is no proof that he did -- HE committed a sin , but you surely do not believe that it was visited in this fashion on his innocent child ! '' `` No , I am not meaning that , Master . That was n't where Margaret did wrong ; and though I never liked Ronald Fraser over much , I must say this in his defence -- I believe he thought himself a free man when he married Margaret . No , it 's something else -- something far worse . It gives me a shiver whenever I think of it . Oh , Master , the Good Book is right when it says the sins of the parents are visited on the children . There is n't a truer word in it than that from cover to cover . '' `` What , in heaven 's name , is the meaning of all this ? '' exclaimed Eric . `` Tell me what it is . 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 XXXXX her lap , like a woman who nerves herself to some hateful task .
If for in like of on than that though to