Sir William looked up sharply, perplexed. "Fifty?"
"He only knew this life: I know the world."
"What world?"
"The great North, the South, the seas at four corners of the earth."
Sir William glanced at the top-boots, the peeping sash, the strong, bronzed face.
"Who was your mother?" he asked abruptly.
"A woman of France."
The baronet made a gesture of impatience, and looked searchingly at the young man.
All at once Gaston shot his bolt, to have it over. "She had Indian blood also."
He stretched himself to his full height, easily, broadly, with a touch of defiance, and leaned an arm against the mantel, awaiting Sir William's reply.