" said Bertram. "I saw this person
in a farm in Lower Canada, and there was an old lady who seemed to have
known my father, and was very much amazed to find he was not killed in
1814. I did not hear her name, nor know whose mother she was, nor
anything about her, nor what this dreadful business means."

"At any rate," said Fulk to her, "your claim to remain in the house
must depend on the legal proof of the fact. My father's first marriage
is undoubted, but absolute legal certainty that you are the child of
that marriage alone can entitle you to take rank as his daughter; and,
therefore, I am not compelled to admit your claim to remain here,
though if you will refrain from renewing this discussion till after the
funeral, I will not ask you to leave the house."

"I do not recognize your right to ask or not to ask," she said,
undauntedly.

"I am either Lord Trevorsham's rightful heir--and it is not yet shown
that I am not--or else I am the guardian he appointed for his son. I
know this to be so, and Mr. Eagles, who will soon be here, will show it
to you in the will if you wish it. Therefore, until the decision is
made, when, if it goes against me, the child will no doubt be made a
ward in Chancery, I am the person responsible for him and his property."

"I have no doubt you will take advantage of me and of every quibble
against me;" and there at last she began to break down; "but if there
is justice in heaven or earth my child shall have it, though you and
all were leagued against him."

And there she began to sob. And those brothers of mine, they actually
grew compassionate; they ran after wine; they called us to bring salts,
and help her. Emily shuddered, and put her hands behind her; but
Jaquetta actually ran up to the woman, and coaxed her and comforted
her, when I had rather have coaxed a tigress.

But I had to go to the table and pour out tea and give it to her with
all the rest. I don't know how we got through that breakfast. But we
did, and then I made the housekeeper put her into the very best rooms.
Anything if she would only stay there out of the way.

When I came back, I found Fulk explaining why he had spoken at once,
and he said he felt that she would have no scruples about taking the
initiative, and that everyone would be having surmises.

Poor Bertram was even more cut up than we were. It came more suddenly,
and he felt as if it was all his doing. He had no hope, and he took
all ours aw