"And you have heard of her son, a lad who goes by the name of James Croft?"
"Yes," said my father, "I have heard of him; but it doth not matter."
"Ay, but it doth matter."
"Because he, although Charles Stuart will doubtless deny it, is the next heir to the throne of England."
My father started back in amazement.
"He is Charles' son," continued the woman.
"Ay, but——"
"Charles married Lucy Walters—married her in Holland."
"But the proof, the proof!" cried my father.