"And what has led you to discard this extraordinary theory?" he asked.
"I was glancing yesterday over a copy of an old French newspaper—L'Étoile de la Bretagne—in which is given a full description of your father as he appeared at his trial in the Palais de Justice. Now in this account Eric Marville is described as having very dark eyes, whereas Lord Ormsby's eyes are light grey in colour."
"Which deprives me of the honour of claiming an earl as my father," said Idris, with an air of mock disappointment.
"I do not think you will esteem it much of an honour when you hear what I have to say. But, first, will you not read these letters?"
Idris, though much surprised by her words, made no further comment, but turned to the correspondence of Captain Rochefort.
Lorelie had arranged the letters in chronological order, and Idris began his perusal, becoming more interested with each successive missive. When he had finished reading he looked extremely grave, and said:—
"The final letters, interpreted by what we know to have taken place within Ormfell, would almost seem to suggest—how shall I say it?—that your father was killed by mine!"
"That at first was my belief, but I know now it cannot have been."
"I trust that you are right. But why cannot it have been?"