“I do not say our mother,” said Reginald. “I say my mother. Where is she?”

“I swear I know nothing about her,” said Leon, earnestly. “I have never seen her.”

“You have never seen her?” repeated Reginald, in a tremulous voice.

“Never,” said Leon; “that is, not since she left this place ten years ago.”

“You saw her at Dalton Hall!” cried Reginald.

“At Dalton Hall? I did not,” said Leon.

“Mrs. Dunbar, she called herself. You saw her often.”

“Mrs. Dunbar! Good Heavens!” cried Leon, in unaffected surprise. “How was I to know that?”

Reginald looked at him gloomily and menacingly.

“Leon,” said he, in a stern voice, “if you dare to deceive me about this, I will show no mercy. You must tell all—yes, all.”