l of gold in it, must,
as it was not found on her corpse, have been an inducement for the
gipsies, who were in the neighbourhood, to drown her; but Sir William
would not believe it, rather supposing that in her struggles in the
water she must have broken it, and that it had thus been detached from
her neck. Is it to return this unfortunate necklace that you have come
here?"

"No, madam, not altogether. Had you two white ponies at the time?"

"Yes, sir."

"Was there a mulberry tree in the garden?"

"Yes, sir," replied the astonished lady.

"Will you do me the favour to describe the appearance of your child as
she was, at the time that you lost her?"

"She was--but all mothers are partial, and perhaps I may also be so--a
very fair, lovely little girl."

"With light hair, I presume?"

"Yes, sir. But why these questions? Surely you cannot ask them for
nothing," continued she hurriedly. "Tell me, sir, why all these
questions?"

Mr Masterton replied, "Because, madam, we have some hopes that you have
been deceived, and that it is possible that your daughter was not
drowned."

Lady de Clare, breathless, and her mouth open, fixed her eyes upon Mr
Masterton, and exclaimed, "Not drowned! O my God! my head!" and then
she fell back insensible.

"I have been too precipitate," said Mr Masterton, going to her
assistance; "but joy does not kill. Ring for some water, Japhet."

Chapter L

In which, if the reader does not sympathise with the parties, he
had better shut the book.

In a few minutes Lady de Clare was sufficiently recovered to hear the
outline of our history; and as soon as it was over, she insisted upon
immediately going with us to the school where Fleta was domiciled, as
she could ascertain, by several marks known but to a nurse or mother,
if more evidence was required, whether Fleta was her child or not. To
allow her to remain in such a state of anxiety was impossible, Mr
Masterton agreed, and we posted to ----, where we arrived in the evening.
"Now, gentlemen, leave me but one minute with the child, and when I
ring the bell, you may enter." Lady de Clare was in so nervous and
agitated a state, that she could not walk into the parlour without
assistance. We led her to a chair, and in a minute Fleta was called
down. Perceiving me in the passage, she ran to me. "Stop, my dear Fleta,
there is a lady in the parlour, who wishes to see you."

"A lady, Japhet?"

"Yes, my dear, go in."

Fl