"Gertrude Bellwood," he said, "I am a rough man; I have lived a wild pioneering life where, for the most part, I have rarely seen woman, but I inherited from my sweet, dear mother's teaching a feeling of veneration for her, as one whom it is our duty to look upon with chivalrous respect. Frankly, I came here to-night, ready to claim the property my grandfather has bequeathed me, and to set the lady he wished me to wed quite free to follow her own bent. I feel it is my duty to do this, but I shall wait a while; meantime, I venture to think that you do not look upon me as an impostor. I am George Harrington, and though I now offer you my hand, it is only for the first friendly clasp. You will shake hands with me?" Gertrude's eyes were fixed on his, and held there as if fascinated. She did not speak, but looked at him wildly. But at last slowly, and in the midst of an utter silence, she said faintly: "I don't know what to think--you do not know. Mr Hampton, why do you not explain?" Then gathering strength and firmness, she raised her hand and placed it in the firm, strong palm which closed upon it with a pressure that was painful, though it sent a thrill of pleasure through her, such as she had never felt before. "No," she said; "no one who was an impostor could look and speak like this." "God bless you, my darling!" he cried warmly, as the tears started to his eyes; "and none but a true, sweet woman would have spoken like this." "Stop!" said the old lawyer, coming between them, and holding them apart. "You have, sir, to make your pretensions good. Mr George Harrington is here in England, has claimed his own, and is this young lady's betrothed." "What? Then where is he? Bring us face to face." CHAPTER TWENTY SIX. A THRILLING NARRATIVE. "Oh, this is absurd!" cried the new-comer as soon as he had recovered somewhat from his surprise. "I am George Harrington. What does it mean--some subterfuge on your part, sir, to make me take fresh steps to prove my identity? If so, pray speak out." The lawyer made a deprecatory movement. "I beg your pardon, ladies, for speaking out so abruptly, but it was a natural feeling of indignation." "It is quite excusable, sir, and this is no subterfuge." "But in Heaven's name give me some explanation." "My dear Gertrude, Mrs Hampton," said the lawyer with dignity, "perhaps it would be better for you to leave us. This gentleman and I will discuss the matter together." Gertrude looked at him almost resentfully, and then there was quite an air of sympathy in her manner, as she turned to their visitor, who said gravely: "Yes, Miss Bellwood, I quite agree with this gentleman, it would, perhaps, be better that we should discuss the question alone. Indeed, till I have proved that I am no impostor, I am no fit company for ladies." He crossed to the door, held it open, and bowed gravely, as without a word they passed out, and then as soon as they were gone, he turned fiercely upon the old man.