“I am happy to tell you she brings all the necessary documents, papers, &c., that I was so very anxious about. Most fortunately, or rather, providentially, my letters reached Sir Oscar before his death, and their contents imparted to his last hours soothing gratification and consolation, and his life was spared to complete and sign every necessary paper before proper witnesses. I will show you by-and-by his letter to me. It seems he was not aware that his sister was alive and had married a Mr. Granby Arden, and afterwards became Duchess of Coulancourt, by a second marriage with a French duke, and that she had a daughter living. He made his will, drawn up by an eminent solicitor at the Cape, and finally disposed of his immense property, acknowledging with grateful thanks the goodness of Providence in permitting him to recognise and acknowledge William Thornton as his son and heir.” “I see no difficulty,” continued Mr. Stanmore, “in proving Mr. Thornton’s right to the name and title of Sir Oscar De Bracy. The will shall be opened and read in a few days, and I wish you, Commander O’Loughlin, to be present.” We will here merely state the principal points in the will of the late Sir Oscar De Bracy: excepting a legacy of ten thousand pounds to his niece, Mabel Arden, five thousand to Mr. Patrick O’Loughlin, and a thousand each to his two solicitors, and ample donations to four attached domestics, the whole of his estates and remaining property were bequeathed to his son, known as William Thornton. To his will was added a solemn declaration, before four witnesses, that he felt perfectly satisfied and convinced that the proofs of his son’s preservation and his identity with William Thornton were most satisfactorily explained, and most clear as to dates, and that the picture found round the child’s neck was one he left with Lady De Bracy a short period before his departure for India. Captain O’Loughlin was greatly moved by this last mark of Sir Oscar’s esteem and remembrance, whilst Mabel deeply deplored that one so kind-hearted and noble should have undergone such trials; and that, just as his heart became relieved by the joyous intelligence received of his son’s being still in existence, when life would have been a boon, the destroyer should have laid his hand on his victim. “But we are not to murmur,” she said; “it is not upon earth we are to seek or expect our reward for trials; we must look higher.” Captain O’Loughlin’s marriage was postponed for twelve months. Neither he nor Agatha could think of their union taking place till the usual time for mourning for his generous benefactor had expired.