ssary particulars for identifying the
person of Lady Redmond. The answer I received from them
yesterday has decided me to act on their advice, and
correspond personally with yourself. My aunt, Mrs. Duncan, has
had a young married lady and her child staying with her all
the winter. She calls herself Mrs. St. Clair, though I may as
well tell you that she has owned to me that this is only her
husband's second name"--here Hugh started, and a sudden flush
crossed his face.

"She arrived quite unexpectedly last September. She had been
at the Manse as a child, with her father, Colonel Mordaunt;"
here Hugh dropped the letter and hid his face in his hands.
"My God, I have not deserved this goodness," rose to his lips;
and then he hastily finished the sentence, "and she begged my
aunt to shelter her and the child, as she had been obliged to
leave her husband; and as she appeared very ill and unhappy,
my aunt could not do otherwise.

"The particulars I have gleaned from Messrs. Green and
Richardson's letter have certainly led me to the conclusion
that Mrs. St. Clair is really Lady Redmond. Mrs. St. Clair is
certainly not nineteen, and her baby is eleven months old; she
is very small in person--indeed, in stature almost a child;
and every item in the lawyer's letter is fully corroborated.

"We have not been able to gain any information from Mrs. St.
Clair herself; she declines to explain why she has left her
home, and only appears agitated when questions are put to her.
Her fixed idea seems to be that her husband does not want her.
Her health has suffered much from ceaseless fretting, but she
is better now, and the child thrives in our mountain air.

"As the sight of your handwriting would only excite Mrs. St.
Clair's suspicions, it would be as well to put your answer
under cover, or telegraph your reply. I need not tell you that
you will be welcome at the Manse, if you should think it well
to come to Rowan-Glen--I remain, dear sir, yours faithfully,

"FERGUS DUNCAN."

A few hours later a telegram reached the Manse.

"I am on my way; shall be at the Manse to-morrow afternoon. No
doubt of identity; unmarried name Mordaunt.

"H. REDMOND."

"Aunt Jeanie must be taken into counsel now," was Fer