“Certainly; very carefully put away,” replied Roma.
“And, of course, you have written to the Scotch lady?” added Dr. Shaw.
“Yes, of course. Immediately after the death of that poor young creature I wrote to Mrs. Arbuthnot, giving her full particulars of her granddaughter and the condition in which her infant great-grandchild was left. I said nothing of William Hanson. There has not yet been time to receive an answer to my letter,” concluded Roma.
“Do you think, my dear, that Hanson knows the child he has carried off to be his own daughter?” inquired Dr. Shaw.
“I have not a doubt of it. Else he would not have dared to take her. I suppose he has had me under espionage for a long time, and even during his long disappearance. I think, of course, that he knows the parentage of my adopted pet as well as he knows my affection for her.”
“Now, my dear Roma, are you quite sure that you have not been deceived in this matter? Even that your poor protégée was not herself deceived?” inquired Lawyer Merritt.
“Quite sure. I can show you documents and correspondence that will place the matter beyond question, even of a Washington lawyer. But here we are at home.”
The carriage drew up before the entrance.
Puck got down from his box and opened the door.
The two gentlemen alighted.