envelope, and walking to her
father's chair beside his library table, sat down in it, and laying the
envelope on the table, crossed her hands on top of it.

"John," she said, "ever since I have been big enough to think and reason
and study things out for myself, there is a feeling I have had--I used
to think it was unreasonable, then I thought it remote possibility. This
minute I think it's extremely probable. Before I open this envelope I am
going to tell you what I believe it contains. I have not the slightest
evidence except personal conviction, but I believe that the paper inside
this envelope is written by my father's hand and I believe it tells me
that he was not Eileen's father and that I am not her sister. If it
does not say this, then there is nothing in race and blood and inherited
tendencies."

Linda picked up the paper cutter, ran it across the envelope, slipped
out the sheet, and bracing herself she read:

MY DARLING LINDA:

These lines are to tell you that your mother went to her eternal sleep
when you were born. Four years later I met and fell in love with the
only mother you ever have known. At the time of our marriage we entered
into a solemn compact that her little daughter by a former marriage and
mine should be reared as sisters. I was to give half my earnings and to
do for Eileen exactly as I did for you. She was to give half her love
and her best attention to your interests.

I sincerely hope that what I have done will not result in any discomfort
or inconvenience to you.

With dearest love, as ever your father,

ALEXANDER STRONG.

Linda laid the sheet on the table and dropped her hands on top of it.
Then she looked at John Gilman.

"John," she said, "I believe you had better face the fact that the big
car and the big people that carried Eileen away today were her mother's
wealthy relatives from San Francisco. She must have been in touch with
them. I think very likely she sent for them after I saw her in the bank
yesterday afternoon, trying with all her might to make the paying teller
turn over to her the funds of the private account."

John Gilman sat very still for a long time, then he raised tired,
disappointed eyes to Linda's face.

"Linda," he said, "do you mean you think Eileen was not straight about
money matters?"

"John," said Linda quietly, "I think it is time for the truth about
Eileen between you and me. If you want me to answer that question
candidly, I'll answer it."