"Judge Eldridge," he said, his voice a little unsteady, "I am going to ask you a question, which I trust you will be free to answer—will answer, and then forget." An expression of uneasiness dwelt on the lawyer's face, but he answered:
"Ask it; if I am free to answer, and can, I will."
"I will ask it straight," said Edward, resolutely: "Have you ever suspected that Gerald Morgan is the son of the young woman who went away?"
Eldridge's reply was simply a grave bow. He did not look up.
"You do not know that to be a fact?"
"I do not."
"What, then, is my duty?"
"To follow the directions left by your relative," said Eldridge, promptly.
Edward reflected a few moments over the lawyer's answer.
"I agree with you, but time may bring changes. May I ask what is your theory of this strange situation—as regards my ward?" He could not bring himself to betray the fact of his own mystery.