them. Though, of course, there is no one who has to be
satisfied except myself. And I am perfectly satisfied. But then I
never had any doubt from the beginning. How could there be any doubt?"

"How, indeed?"

"Truth, honor, loyalty, and candor, as well as gentle descent, are
written on that girl's noble brow, Arnold, plain, so that all may
read. It is truly wonderful," she went on, "how the old gentle blood
shows itself, and will break out under the most unexpected conditions.
In her face she is not much like her father; that is true; though
sometimes I catch a momentary resemblance, which instantly disappears
again. Her eyes are not in the least like his, nor has she his manner,
or carriage, or any of his little tricks and peculiarities--though,
perhaps, I shall observe traces of some of them in time. But
especially she resembles him in her voice. The tone--the
timbre--reminds me every moment of my poor Claude."

"I suppose," said Arnold, "that one must inherit something, if it is
only a voice, from one's father. Have you said anything to her yet
about money matters, and a settlement of her claims?"

"No, not yet. I did venture, last night, to approach the subject, but
she would not hear of it. So I dropped it. I call that true delicacy,
Arnold--native, instinctive, hereditary delicacy."

"Have you given any more money to the American gentleman who brought
her home?"

"Iris made him take a hundred pounds, against his will, to buy books
with, for he is not rich. Poor fellow! It went much against the grain
with him to take the money. But she made him take it. She said he
wanted books and instruments, and insisted on his having at least a
hundred pounds. It was generous of her. Yes; she is--I am convinced--a
truly generous girl, and as open-handed as the day. Now, would a
common girl, a girl of no descent, have shown so much delicacy and
generosity?"

"By the way, Clara, here is a photograph. Does it belong to you? I--I
picked it up."

He showed the photograph which Lala Roy had given him.

"Oh, yes; it is a likeness of Dr. Washington, Iris's adopted brother
and guardian. She must have dropped it. I should think it was taken a
few years back, but it is still a very good likeness. A handsome man,
is he not? He grows upon one rather. His parting words with Iris
yesterday were very dignified and touching."

"I will give it to her presently," he replied, without further
comment.

There was, then, no doubt. The