I have written “uncle” inadvertently, that being the character in which Mr. Roscoe appeared to the world.
“By the way, Hector,” said Allan Roscoe, “there is one matter which we have not yet settled.”
“What is that, sir?”
“About your name.”
“My name is Hector Roscoe.”
“I beg your pardon. Assuming by brother’s communication to be true, and I think you will not question his word, you have no claim to the name.”
“To what name have I a claim, then?” asked Hector, pointedly.
“To the name of your father—the last name, I mean. I have no objection to your retaining the name of Hector.”
“What was the name of my father?” asked the boy.
“Ahem! My brother did not mention that in his letter. Quite an omission, I must observe.”