"I know her only as Madame Odille Orphia Orme, an actress of very remarkable beauty and great talent."
"Do you understand the peculiar circumstances that attended her marriage?"
"I merely possess her assurance that she was married by you."
"Have you been informed who is Regina's father?"
"The name has always been carefully suppressed, but she told me that Orme was merely an alias."
"Have you ever suspected the truth?"
"Really, that is a question I cannot answer. I have at times conjectured, but only in a random unauthorized way. I should very much like to know, but my client declined giving me all the facts, at least at present; and while her extreme reticence certainly hampers me, it prevents me from asking you for the information, which she promises ere long to give me."
Mr. Hargrove bowed and leaned back more easily in his chair, fully satisfied concerning the nature of the man with whom he had to deal.
"You doubtless think it singular that Mrs. Orme should commit her daughter to my care, while keeping me in ignorance of her parentage. A few days since she signed in the presence of witnesses a cautiously worded instrument, in which she designated you and me as joint guardians of Regina Orme, and specified that should death or other causes prevent you from fulfilling the trust, I should assume exclusive control of her daughter until she attained her majority, or was otherwise disposed of. To this arrangement I at length very reluctantly assented, because it is a charge for which I have no leisure, and even less inclination; but as she seems to anticipate the time when a lawsuit may be inevitable, and wishes my services, she finally overruled my repugnance to the office forced upon me."
"I must ask you one question, which subsequent statements will explain. Do you regard her in all respects as a worthy, true, good woman?"