"She died of what?"
"A broken heart," replied Patience, in a low voice, "a broken heart, poor soul."
"Good God!"
"I heard of it shortly afterwards," she went on, rapidly, "and as your birth had never been acknowledged I determined to bring you up without letting anyone know the truth. After staying some time in London, I brought you to Doctor Larcher, and he has had charge of you since."
"Why did you come here?"
"Because it is my native place. I only intended to stay for a time, and then return to service in London, but Squire Garsworth wanted a housekeeper, so I took the situation in order to remain near you."
"Why did you not tell me this before."
"There was no need to," she answered, coldly, "and even now it is useless. Your parents are dead, and the property has gone to distant heirs."
"But I am the heir."
She shook her head.