Part 31 (2/2)
”What is your other name?”
”Farringford.”
”That was certainly the name of my aunt's husband; but it is impossible to believe so strange a story.”
”I am afraid your father and your grandfather would refuse to believe what I say. Now, while we are chasing Mr. Whippleton, I will tell you the whole story.”
I did tell it, and I had an attentive auditor; but when I had finished it, I was taken aback by her declaring that I had been reading dime novels, and had stolen the plot of one of them. But she said it so prettily and so good-naturedly, that I forgave her on the instant, though she did not sue for pardon.
”But I have heard that your father--” she began.
”Was a drunkard and a spendthrift,” I added, completing the sentence for her. ”He was, but is not now. He is a sober, honest, prudent, and Christian man.”
”I am glad to hear that, for I was forbidden years ago even to mention his name,” added Marian. ”I don't think my father or grandfather will believe this story.”
”They will have to believe it, if evidence will convince them,” I replied, stoutly.
”But what does my aunt say?”
”My mother has not yet heard the story. My father wrote to my grandfather several times, but he took no notice of the letters.”
”Aunt Louise has been in Europe several years.”
”I have never seen my mother since I was a child; I do not remember her. Do you know where she is?”
”She was in Italy last winter; but I don't know where she is now.”
”Will you ascertain for me?” I asked, with more interest than I cared to manifest.
”I will.”
”I have her portrait in St. Louis. It was in a locket attached to a coral chain which I wore when I was saved from the river. I will show it to you some time.”
”If it is really her portrait, I shall believe the story, whether anybody else does or not.”
”My father says it is her portrait, and he ought to know. He is sure I am the lost son.”
”You are so honest and brave, Philip, that I can't help believing you.
I hope you are my cousin, at any rate, for I shall be proud of the relations.h.i.+p.”
”Thank you, Marian--may I call you so?”
”Certainly you may, if you are my cousin.”
”You are very kind.”
”Indeed, you have already placed me under a debt of obligation to you which I can never repay.”
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