Here was a disturbing question for Juliet. She had imagined, until this
instant, that she was on the point of being told who her family was, and
now this man was asking for information from her. Tears of disappointment
would not be kept from her eyes.

"I am a member of Sir Arthur's household," she stammered.

"Are you not his daughter, then?" asked Mr. Findlay.

"No, I am not really," Juliet replied.

"Then may I ask what relation you are to him?" said the lawyer.

"I am his adopted daughter," said Juliet. "I have always called him
'Father.'"

"Are you not any relation at all?" pursued Mr. Findlay.

"I believe not."

"Then, Miss Byrne, I hope you will not think it an impertinent question
if I ask, who are you?"

"I don't know," acknowledged poor Juliet. "I was hoping you would tell me
that. I thought, I imagined, that that was why you sent for me."

"You astonish me," said Mr. Findlay. "Do you mean to say that your family
has never made any attempt to communicate with you?"

"No, never."