traits had been preserved. Not merely were the
features and complexion unlike, but there was not a trick of the
countenance or of the gait reproduced, as is generally the case with
the sons of fathers who had such marked characteristics as Henry
Hogarth. Though she had not heard of Mrs. Peck's letter, Jane had told
her about Madame de Vericourt's to her uncle, and in her own heart she
had fancied that the reason why he had been so cold to Francis was,
that he had been doubtful of the paternity; the very indifferent
character of the woman he had married was not calculated to inspire him
with confidence, and the absolute absence of all family likeness was an
additional cause of distrust. He must have been satisfied on that
point, however, in later years, or he would not have been so strong in
his prohibition of his marriage with Jane or Elsie on account of his
cousinship; but, in early life, he must, in Elsie's opinion, have had
grave doubts on the subject.

She looked again more careful than before at Mrs. Peck. She was of the
age to be Francis's mother, but otherwise she was quite at fault; there
was not any likeness there either. A conformation of the little finger
was rather peculiar, but it was an exaggeration of a little defect on
Mrs. Phillips's otherwise very handsome hand, but not of Francis
Hogarth's.

"If Francis has no right to the property, and we have, of course we
should like to have our rights," said Elsie.

"It was a Scotch marriage, you know," said Mrs. Peck.

"Yes, but a binding one; he is received everywhere as my uncle's lawful
son."

"Yes, as his lawful son, no doubt. Do you know if he has brought
forward his mother at all?" said Mrs. Peck.

"No; I suppose she is dead, or we should certainly have heard of her."

"Dead, you suppose!" said Mrs. Peck, indignantly; "that is the easy way
of getting quit of relations that has got claims on you--just Suppose
them dead?"

"I do not know anything of the matter, except that she has not been
heard of. If she were alive and heard of his inheriting this property,
she would be sure to write claiming him, and probably asking for
assistance, which I have no doubt she would at once receive, for he has
ample means, and has the character of being both just and liberal."

"And you think she would apply; and you have no doubt that she ought to
have got it? Any one would have thought that," said Mrs. Peck, between
her set teeth.

"Yes, certainly," said Elsie;