"Your wishes shall be fulfilled," she replied, deeply moved. "But I trust the dire necessity may never arise." "We must prepare for the worst," he said. "Here is the key. See that the papers are safe." She unlocked the cabinet, and opened all the drawers. They were empty. "The papers are gone," she cried. "Impossible!" exclaimed Atherton, springing towards her. 'Twas perfectly true, nevertheless. Further investigation showed that the documents must have been abstracted. "There is but one person who can have taken them," said Atherton. "To that person the importance of the papers would be known--nor would he hesitate to deprive me of the proofs of my birth." "I think you wrong him by these suspicions," said Constance--though her looks showed that she herself shared them. "What motive could he have for such an infamous act?" "I cannot penetrate his motive, unless it is that he seeks to prevent my claim to the title and property. But malignant as he is, I could scarcely have imagined he would proceed to such a length as this." "Granting you are right in your surmise, how can Father Jerome have discovered the existence of the papers? You placed them in the cabinet yourself I presume, and the key has been in your own possession ever since." "True. But from him a lock would be no safeguard. If he knew the papers were there, their removal would be easy. But he will not destroy them, because their possession will give him the power he covets, and no doubt he persuades himself he will be able to obtain his own price for them. But I will force him to give them up." At this juncture the door was opened, and Monica, entering hastily, called out to Atherton: "Away at once, or you will be discovered. Father Jerome is coming hither. He has just left my mother's room." But the young man did not move. "I have something to say to him." "Do not say it now!" implored Constance. "No better opportunity could offer," rejoined Atherton. "I will tax him with his villainy." "What does all this mean?" cried Monica, astonished and alarmed. But before any explanation could be given, the door again opened, and Father Jerome stood before them. CHAPTER VII. ATHERTON QUESTIONS THE PRIEST. The priest did not manifest any surprise on beholding Atherton, but saluting him formally, said: "I did not expect to find you here, sir, or I should not have intruded. But I will retire." "Stay!" cried Atherton. "I have a few questions to put to you. First let me ask if you knew I was in the house?" "I fancied so," replied the priest--"though no one has told me yon were here. I suppose it was thought best not to trust me," he added, glancing at Constance. "It was my wish that you should be kept in ignorance of the matter," observed Atherton.