"Jack, can this be true, and must I give you up?" she sobbed.
"No, I'm not going to give you up, Marion. We have always been brother and sister, and so we shall remain—if you are willing."
"Yes, dear Jack; stay by all means."
By this time Dr. Mackey had arisen to his feet, and now he came up to Jack with a darkening face.
"Did I understand you to say that you wished me to prove I was your father?" he demanded harshly.
"Yes, I do wish you to prove it," answered Jack, with a boldness born of desperation. "And until you prove it I shall remain here—if Mrs. Ruthven will let me."
"By golly, dat's de talk!" came from Old Ben, who was hanging around on the veranda.
"Shut up, you worthless nigger!" cried the doctor, at which Ben disappeared like magic.
"This is a very—ahem—a very strange way to treat a newly found father, Jack."
"I don't acknowledge you as my father."