other's child, may have it in your
power to afford me some information on the disappearance of my own. I
wish you, however, to observe this distinction. As the history you have
given happens to be pure fiction, I should wish the other to be nothing
but--truth."

"The loss of your child I regret, sir" (Sir Thomas bowed as before),
"but I am not here to speak of that. You perceive now that we have got a
clew to this painful mystery--to this great crime. A portion of the veil
is raised, and you may rest assured that it shall not fall again until
the author of this injustice shall be fully exposed. I do not wish to
use harsher language."

"As to that," replied Sir Thomas, "use no unnecessary delicacy on the
subject. Thank God, the English language is a copious one. Use it to
its full extent. You will find all its power necessary to establish
the pretty conspiracy you are developing. Proceed, sir, I am quite
attentive. I really did not imagine I could have felt so much amused.
Indeed, I am very fortunate in this respect, for it is not every man who
could have such an excellent farce enacted at his own fireside."

"All this language is well, and no doubt very witty, Sir Thomas; but,
believe me, in the end you will find this matter anything but a farce.
Now, sir, I crave your attention to a proposal which I am about to make
to you on this most distressing subject. Restore this young man to
his mother--use whatever means you may in bringing this about. Let it
appear, for instance, that he was discovered accidentally, or in such a
way, at least, that your name or agency, either now or formerly, may in
no manner be connected with it. On these terms you shall be permitted
to enjoy the title and property during your life, and every necessary
guarantee to that effect shall be given you. The heart of Lady Gourlay
is neither in your present title nor your present property, but in
her child, whom that heart yearns to recover. This, then, Sir Thomas
Gourlay, is the condition which I propose; and, mark me, I propose it
on the alternative of our using the means and materials already in our
hands for your exposure and conviction should you reject it."

"There is one quality about you, sir," replied the baronet, "which I
admire extremely, and that is your extraordinary modesty. Nothing else
could prompt you to stand up and charge a man of my rank and character,
on my own hearth, with the very respectable crime of kidnapping my
brother's