"Heaven forbid!" cried Bidaud. "Give my darling child into Gilbert's care! I would as soon give her into the care of a wolf! No, no, it is not to be thought of. Six months ago I wrote to my sister, in whom I have some confidence--she is a woman, and would surely not ill-treat my child--informing her of my circumstances, and of the certain fate which awaited me, and imploring her to come out to me. I promised to provide for her, and for her family, if she had any. I thought that the knowledge that I was rich would tempt her. To that letter I have received no reply. Basil"--like his daughter, he called his guest by his Christian name--"it is the sad and sober truth that you are the only friend upon whom I can rely to render me a service. Will you do so?"
"If it is in my power," said Basil, gravely.
"You have given me the impression that you are alone in the world."
"Practically alone," replied Basil.
"With no kindred who have claims upon you."
"My parents are dead; I was their only child. There is but one man alive in England who is of my blood--an uncle whose heir I was to be, but who has cast me off."
"May I inquire for what reason?"
"For a very serious reason. I did not know the value of money, he said. My father, when he died, was heavily involved, and I ruined myself in paying his debts. My uncle was angry at this, saying there was no obligation upon me to satisfy my father's creditors. I held, and hold, a different opinion; but the consequence was that my uncle abandoned his intention of making me his heir."
"My task is all the easier for your explanation. The service I am about to ask of you is no light one, and may be agreeable to you because it will open out a future which few men would turn their back upon. I do not say this to tempt you, for I know that you will be guided entirely by your own feelings, by your own sense of right and wrong, and that worldly advantage will weigh for nothing in the scale. You are fond of Annette."
"I love the child; I never met with a sweeter and more sympathetic nature than hers. She has strength of character, too."