“Father, you would hardly guess where I have been to-day,” he began, in as indifferent a tone as he could assume as he cracked and began to peel a walnut. “I am a poor hand at guessing, Alec.” “I have been to London and have had a long interview with my wife.” “So!—Only some very strong motive, I should imagine, would have impelled you to seek such an interview.” “It would have been next to impossible to find a stronger motive—as you shall hear.” He finished peeling his walnut before he resumed. “As the result of a vile conspiracy you had been led to believe that Luigi Rispani was your grandson. In the anonymous letter written by me, which was the first thing to open your eyes, you were informed that your grandchild was a girl and that she had died in infancy. Only the day before yesterday certain facts were brought to my knowledge which led me to doubt whether my daughter really had died when only a few months old, as I had been induced to believe, and whether, in point of fact, she might not still be living. It was the determination to get at the truth of the matter which led me to seek an interview with my wife.” He had spoken in studiously quiet tones, but already Sir Gilbert’s hands were twitching with nervous excitement. “Yes, Alec, yes. And the result of your interview?” “Was to satisfy myself that my long-lost daughter is indeed still alive!” For a little space Sir Gilbert sat staring straight before him in speechless astonishment. Not all in a moment could his mind take in and assimilate the amazing news which had just been told him. “Have you fully assured yourself, Alec, of the truth of this?” he said at length. “That woman—— But I do not wish to speak further of her. Only, you know how she imposed upon me; may she not have done the same by you?” John shook his head. “There is nothing to apprehend on that score. Not the least singular part of the affair is that till to-day she herself neither knew the whereabouts of the child, nor whether it was alive or dead.” “You surprise me more and more.” He drew a deep breath. “Oh! Alec, does it, can it mean a daughter for you, and a granddaughter for me?” “That is what it means, father.” “And where is she? when shall I see her?” “She will arrive at the Chase in the course of to-morrow.” “Arrive here to-morrow? So soon! Already my heart goes out to meet her. I long to see her, to embrace her.” “She is no stranger to you. You know her already.” “Alec, you trifle with me. I am an old man, and—and—— “Father, I am not trifling with you. On such a subject I would not for the world. What I said just now is the truth. Your granddaughter, under the name of Ethel Thursby, is known and liked by you already.” “Ethel Thursby my granddaughter!” “There cannot be a shadow of doubt about it.” As before, Sir Gilbert sat in speechless amazement, but this time, if such a thing were possible, his amazement was intensified a hundredfold.