Mrs. Bosher's brother was the only person who remained calm. "What's the matter?" said he. "Are you old friends or old enemies?"
"It is so odd," said Mitchell; "I can't make it out."
"Well, shake hands," cried Roberts; and he shook hands all round.
When that was over Mr. Rowles said he would like to know what it was all about, and so at last matters were explained.
"It is Daniel Roberts, who married my poor sister Nan, that died nine years come the 1st of November." While Mitchell said this he was gazing harder than ever at Roberts.
"Why did you never tell me his name?" Mrs. Mitchell asked of Juliet.
"I did," Juliet replied. "I always called him Mr. Robert."
"Ain't he Mr. Robert then?" asked Rowles, still perplexed.
"No," said the butler; "I am Daniel Roberts. Roberts is my surname, and Robert is not my Christian name. But some people have no ear for music, and can't hear an S when it is at the end of the word."
Mrs. Mitchell turned to her children. "It is your Uncle Roberts. I am surprised at finding him here. Why, Daniel, Mrs. Johnson said she thought it was partly owing to you that Mr. Burnet had us brought down here."