"That consideration decided me. For my child's sake I agreed to his
proposal, and forebore to question him further. He provided a handsome
rosewood casket for my dear child, but upon the silver plate was
inscribed a name that was strange to me--the name of Francis Wharton."

"Francis Wharton!" exclaimed Frank.

"I was too weak and sorrowful to make opposition, and my baby was buried
as Francis Wharton. Not only this, but a monument is erected over him at
Greenwood, which bears this name."

She proceeded after a pause:

"I did not then understand his object. Your story makes it clear. I
think that you are that Francis Wharton, under whose name my boy was
buried."

"How strange!" said Frank, thoughtfully. "I cannot realize it. But how
did you know the name of the man who called upon you?"

"A card slipped from his pocket, which I secured without his knowledge."

"How fortunate that I met you," said Frank. "I mean to let Mr. Wharton
know all that I have learned, and then he shall decide whether he will
recognize me or not as his grandson."

"I have been the means of helping to deprive you of your just rights,
though unconsciously. Now that I know the wicked conspiracy in which I
assisted, I will help undo the work."