"My child," said Father Kenelm, "has he not told thee?"
"Nay, he speaks so mysteriously--read."
Father Kenelm read. Then, looking up, he spoke with deep emotion. Tristam had told him all.
"One long since dead to the world, and as many thought buried. I alone knew of his existence, as a secret which I was absolutely forbidden to disclose; and as many years had elapsed since I last heard of him, I thought him dead--he who was once the hope of Aescendune."
"End our suspense!"
"Thou hadst a brother once--a bright, laughing, fair-haired boy, whom thou didst love whilst father and mother lived. I speak of events long forgotten, save by me."
"Nay, I have never forgotten him. Hast thou not often commemorated him amongst the faithful departed, at my request?"
"Only as one, whom the world might yet contain in the body, or whose soul heaven might have received--I knew not which. Well, my lady, this thy brother yet lives."
"Wilfred?"
"And is returning home with thy husband."