'His name?'

'De Montford! It was by accident I discovered the secret of the picture
in the justice-room, and I have availed myself of it to play spirit to
him and his base agent sometimes.'

'It was a boyish trick--but you have sterner work now in hand than
playing ghost--you have to avenge a murdered mother!'

'Ah! then my mother's sudden death, when she was recovering--'

'Was the work of poison!'

'I see it all!' said the young man. 'The papers he wanted, and she
refused--but I will kill him!' He started up, and was rushing to the
door. The iron grasp of the seaman arrested him.

'You must be calm, Edward. He shall die, but he must not perish by your
hand. He is your uncle. But he shall first be stripped of his assumed
rank and title, and his proud spirit humbled. Then he shall answer in a
court of justice for the murder of your mother.'

'Who, then, was my father?'

'The eldest lawful son of the late Earl De Montford!'

Edward gazed proudly around him for a moment, then sank into a chair,
and burying his face in his hands, burst into tears. Walter did not
disturb him, but sat regarding him with a look in which affection was
strangely mingled with his stern resolve. At length Edward raised his