"Will you do me the favour to describe the appearance of your child as she was, at the time that you lost her?"
"She was—but all mothers are partial, and perhaps I may also be so—a very fair, lovely little girl."
"With light hair, I presume?"
"Yes, sir. But why these questions? Surely you cannot ask them for nothing," continued she hurriedly. "Tell me, sir, why all these questions?"
Mr Masterton replied, "Because, madam, we have some hopes that you have been deceived, and that it is possible that your daughter was not drowned."
Lady de Clare, breathless, and her mouth open, fixed her eyes upon Mr Masterton, and exclaimed, "Not drowned! O my God! my head!" and then she fell back insensible.
"I have been too precipitate," said Mr Masterton, going to her assistance; "but joy does not kill. Ring for some water, Japhet."
Chapter L
In which, if the reader does not sympathise with the parties, he had better shut the book.