“I have news,” she replied, “though of importance only to myself; I need a little counsel, and was told to come to you.”
“You know, Lyle, I will only be too glad to give you any advice, or render any assistance within my power.”
“Thank you,” she answered, at the same time producing the little box and the letter. “Leslie has probably told you of the manner in which I learned that the proofs as to my true parentage and my own identity existed within this house, and of my search for them since that time.”
Houston bowed in assent.
“To-day,” she continued, “my search proved successful, in so far as that I have discovered my own name, and also the proofs that I was stolen by that villain, Maverick, in a spirit of retaliation and revenge; but I have as yet no knowledge as to who or where my friends may be. Naturally, I took these proofs to Jack, and asked his advice as to the best course to pursue, and he has sent me to you.”
“I am more than glad to hear this, my dear Lyle,” responded Houston cordially; “I have always felt a great interest in you, and it will give me much pleasure if I can assist you in finding your friends, and I shall appreciate it highly if Jack has intrusted me with this responsibility.”
Taking the locket from the box, Lyle handed it, unopen, to Houston, saying as she did so, “This is the only clue I have by which to find my friends; it contains my mother’s picture, and my own name,––Marjorie Lyle Washburn.”
“Washburn!” exclaimed Houston in surprise, pausing as he was about to open the locket. “Washburn! Marjorie Washburn! That sounds familiar, both those names occur in my uncle’s family, his wife and his daughter,––ah, I recall it now, that was the name of my cousin’s little daughter. Strange!––what! what is this?” He had opened the locket and was gazing in astonishment at the beautiful face. “This,––this is her picture, the picture of my cousin, Edna Cameron Washburn! What is the meaning of this?” And, unable to say anything further, he looked to Lyle for an explanation.
She, too, was nearly speechless with astonishment. “What did you say was her name?” she stammered.
Houston repeated the name, while a strange light began to dawn in his face.