L de M, while that which belonged to the child is
marked J de F. Was it the marquis's child?"

"It was; the linen of the in other was some belonging to her previous to
her marriage. The maiden name was Louise de Montmorenci; that of the
child has the initials of its name, Julie de Fontanges."

"Humph! I have my reasons for asking that question," replied the old
lawyer. "Newton, do me the favour to step to my chambers and open the
safe. You will find in it, on the right hand side, another small bundle
of linen: bring it here. Stop, Newton, blow the dust out of the pipe of
the key before you put it in, and be careful that it is well inserted
before you turn it, or you may strain the wards. In all other points,
you may be as quick as you please. My Lord Marquis, will you allow me
to offer you some refreshment?--a glass of wine will be of service.
Brother Nicholas, do me the favour to call Amber." Newton and Nicholas
both departed on their respective missions. Amber made her appearance.

"Papa," said Amber, "do you want me?"

"Yes, my dear," said Mr Forster, handing her the keys, "go down to the
cellaret and bring up some wine. I do not wish the servants to come in
just now."

Amber reappeared with a small tray. She first handed it to the marquis,
who roused at her voice.

"Papa requests that you will take some wine, sir. It will be of service
to you."

The marquis, who had looked earnestly in her face when she had spoken,
took the wine, and drinking it off, bowed as he replaced the glass. He
then sunk back on the sofa.

When the rap at the door announced the return of Newton, Mr John
Forster requested Monsieur de Fontanges, in a low voice, to follow him,
and directing Newton, whom they met on the stairs, to return, they
proceeded to the dining-parlour.

"I have requested you to come down, sir," said Mr John Forster, "that I
might not, without being certain, raise hopes in your brother the
marquis, which, if not realised, would create bitter feelings of
disappointment; but I remarked the initials on the linen of the child;
and if my memory, which is not very bad, fails me not, we shall find
corresponding ones in the packet now before us;" and the old lawyer
opened the bundle and displayed the contents, which proved to be marked
as he had surmised.

"Most true," replied Monsieur de Fontanges. "They are the same, and of
course part of the property which was picked up."

"Yes; but not picked up at