The next day I wrote to Moreland & Paine, asking one or both to come over at once. Mr. Paine arrived the same evening, and looked very grave when he was in full possession of the case. He had a long interview with Mrs. Trevelyan, as we called her now; also with her solicitor, Mr. Dempster. Then he sought me. "This is a bad business, Mr. Trevelyan," he said; and by his ceasing to use the title, I knew he had given up all hope of my cause. "Of course," he continued, "you can go to law if you like, but I tell you quite honestly you have no chance. The evidence is clear and without a flaw; nothing can shake it. If you have a lawsuit you will lose it, and probably have to pay all costs." I told him that I had no such intention; that if the estate were not legally mine, I had no wish to claim it. "It was a very sad thing for you, Mr. Trevelyan. I am heartily grieved for you." "I must bear it like a man. I am not the first who has lost a fortune." But Sir John would not hear of my final arrangements until we had been to Lincoln and had seen the child. "No one knows the depth of those French women," he said. "It is possible there may be no child. Let us take her by surprise this very day, and ask her to accompany us to the house where the nurse lives." Both lawyers applauded the idea. "If there be any imposture we are sure to find it out," they said. Without a minute's loss of time, Mrs. Trevelyan was asked to join us in the library. She complied at once. "We want you to go with us to Lincoln to show us the child," said Sir John, abruptly. She consented at once so readily that I felt certain that our quest was useless. We started in an hour's time, my poor Clare being led to believe that we had gone to Harden on a visit. We reached Lincoln about six o'clock at night. While we stood in the station waiting for a cab Mr. Paine turned suddenly to Coralie. "What is the address?" he asked. Again there was not a moment's hesitation. "No. 6 Lime Cottages, Berkdale Road," she replied; and fast as a somewhat tired horse could take us we went there. We reached the place at last; a row of pretty cottages that in summer must have been sheltered by the lime trees, and the door of No. 6 was quickly opened to us--opened by a woman with a pleasant face, who looked exceedingly astonished at seeing us. Coralie came forward. "I had no time to write and warn you of this visit, Mrs. Smith. Be kind enough to answer any questions these gentlemen may wish to ask you." We all made way for Mr. Paine. I shall never forget the group, the anxiety and suspense on each face. "Have you a child here in your charge?" asked the lawyer. But she looked at Coralie. "Am I to answer, madam?" "You are to answer any questions put to you; my story is known." "Have you a child here in your charge?" he repeated. "I have," she repeated. "Who is it? Tell us in your own words, if you please."