"Mrs. Rumbold takes her authority from me," said Hubert quietly.
Then, as the Sister looked at him with a little uncertainty in her mild gray eyes, he felt in his pocket and drew out a pocket-book.
"I think I have a letter here from Mrs. Rumbold which will establish my claim to make inquiries. It is a mere chance that I have not destroyed it, but it is here, and will serve as my credentials perhaps."
Sister Louisa took the letter from his hand and looked at it. It was the one which Mrs. Rumbold had written to Mr. Lepel when she had heard of Jane Wood's talent for music and other accomplishments from "the mother of the children" herself.
The good Sister smiled sadly as she gave it back.
"I see now who you are, Mr. Lepel. You are really this poor child's great friend and helper."
"I am acting for my family, of course," said Hubert, a little stiffly. "The girl has naturally no right to expect anything from us; but we were sorry for her desolate portion."
"Yes, poor child—she has a hard lot to bear."
If Hubert was stung by this asseveration, he did not show it.
"I always heard that she was very happy here," he said.