There was no theatrical outbreak; but those two hearts, that had been separated one-third of a lifetime, seemed breaking with a great fullness of joy. “Ah, my Elizabeth! There is something in life for us yet.” She took his hand between hers, and kissed it. “Oh, Herman! I never, never expected to be so happy again.” “But there is greater joy than this in store.” “I know! I know! Our child! That beautiful girl. I was so jealous of her, Herman. Only this very day did I consent that Ivon——Do you know that Ivon loves her dearly? Well, only an hour or two ago I promised to make him my heir if he could persuade her to marry him. That was half because I pitied his disappointment, and half because people said that you loved her,” said the poor woman with a laugh, that reminded Ross of her girlhood. “And so I did from the very first. Now I understand why. She is very like you. That was what struck me.” “Was I ever so beautiful, Herman?” Ross bent down, and kissed her forehead. “But you have not told me how you found all this out. We must have good proof; a doubt would kill me now. Ah, me! how strange this happiness seems.” “I did not come to you, Elizabeth, without proof, though the very face of our child is enough. Come here, and see if you remember this!” Ross took the shawl from a table, where it had been laid and shook out its folds. Mrs. Lambert uttered an astonished cry and stood gazing on it, shrinking back a little as one retreats from the touch of a shroud. “It was my mother’s,” she said at last. “I remember wrapping the child in it, praying her to pity me if angels in Heaven could feel pity. Oh I remember it so well.” “When our Eva—” “Our Eva,” whispered Mrs. Lambert, clasping her hands so softly that he went on, without heeding the pathetic interruption. “When our Eva was found on the bank of the river, this shawl was wrapped about her. There was some coral too.” “Pink coral from Naples; I remember it! But what did they do with my child? How was she made the lovely creature we find her?” “Laurence was a gentleman in his habits, and educated the girl well. He left me a letter, which you shall read. There can be no doubt that she is our child; Mrs. Laurence admits it, and no girl ever did her parents more honor.” “And this policeman brought her up?” “As his own child, with his own child; and no two young ladies could possess more refinement.” “And I could look down upon them with scorn.” “You did not know them. But now?” “Now I have but one wish; for—for you have forgiven me, Herman?” Mrs. Lambert held out both her hands; the passionate tenderness of girlhood swept over her face, as it fell upon his bosom, drawn there by the strong arms that she knew would enfold her evermore. “Now let me see my child, and die of happiness,” she said, lifting her radiant face from his bosom. “In less than an hour Eva shall be with you,” said Ross. “An hour! how long it will seem, Herman.”