happy? Be equally forbearing with me. I do full justice to your Sophy's
charming qualities. In herself, the proudest parent might rejoice to own
her; but I cannot acknowledge her to be the daughter of Matilda Darrell.
And the story that assured you she was your grandchild, still more
convinces me that she is not mine!"

"But be not thus inflexible, I implore you;--you can be so kind, so
gentle;--she would be such a blessing to you--later--perhaps--when I am
dead. I am pleading for your sake--I owe you so much! I should repay
you, if I could but induce you to inquire--and if inquiry should prove
that I am right."

"I have inquired sufficiently."

"'Then I'll go and find out the nurse. I'll question her. I'll--"

"Hold. Be persuaded! Hug your belief! Inquire no farther!"

"Why--why?"

Darrell was mute.

Waife passed and repassed his hand over his brow, and then cried
suddenly: "But if I could prove her not to be my grandchild, then she
might be happy!--then--then-ah, sir, young Haughton tells me that if she
were but the daughter of honest parents--no child of Jasper's, no
grandchild of mine--then you might not be too proud to bless her at least
as his bride! And, sir, the poor child loves the young man. How could
she help it? And, at her age, life without hope is either very short, or
very, very long! Let me inquire! I should be happy even to know that