“Gone!” repeated Mr. Hatfield, staggering as if struck by a sudden blow. “And this book--this book,” he faltered, in a faint tone, “was in the immediate vicinity of the recess! He who took the papers--might have read also--in that volume--the terrible account----” Mr. Hatfield could say no more: overpowered by his feelings, he sank exhausted on the nearest seat. The Earl glanced at the open page which his half-brother had indicated; and, observing the nature of the statement there recorded, he instantly comprehended the cause of Mr. Hatfield’s emotions, and also of the suspicions which had suddenly seized upon him. “Yes--yes: this book has been read lately,” said Arthur, in an excited and hurried manner: “behold! the corners of the covers have been recently injured. Oh! my God! what does all this mean?” It will be recollected that on the memorable night when Charles Hatfield pursued his successful researches in the library, he had hurled away from him, in his rage and almost maddening grief, the volume that made such strange--such appalling revelations: and the violence of the action had so far injured the book, as to bend and graze the corners of the binding,--the marks of the injury remaining clearly visible, and the white interior of the leather being laid bare, and thus proving how recently the work had been used. “The book has been read very lately,” murmured Mr. Hatfield, in a musing tone; “and the papers have perhaps been stolen lately---” “Yes,” exclaimed the Earl: “for not a month has elapsed since I inspected that recess and found them safe.” “Then who could have done this?” cried Mr. Hatfield, starting from his seat, in a sudden access of excitement which was accompanied by a return of moral and physical energy. “Oh! is it possible that Charles is the author of all that seems so mysterious? Has he searched for the records of my earlier life?--has he by accident discovered and purloined those papers--those fatal papers?” “Yes--it must be he!” exclaimed the Earl: “for did you not tell me that he spoke of claims--and rights--and privileges unjustly withheld,--and that be has harped upon what he termed the unnatural conduct of his parents in concealing from him the secret of his birth? Thomas--my dear Thomas,” continued Lord Ellingham, speaking in a lower--more measured--and more impressive tone, “I can see it all! That young man has found out who you are: be has learnt that you are the rightful heir to the honours and estates which I enjoy;--and, believing himself to be your legitimate son--according to the assurance that you were forced, for your wife’s sake, to give him--the deluded, deceived Charles Hatfield fancies himself to be the lawful heir to the Earldom!”