“You may be surprised when I answer, that I do not know.”
“I am not surprised,” said Mr. Sharp, inclining his head gently. “This was the answer I anticipated.”
Once more Mr. Ford regarded his visitor with a look of surprise.
“Is it possible,” he said, not without hesitation, “that you should know anything of my unhappy history?”
“Of that you shall judge. What if I should say, for example, that the name by which you are known is not your real one?”
“I cannot conjecture where you obtained your information, but it is correct. My real name is not Ford.”
“And is—Rand.”
“You are right; but how——”
“A moment, if you please. I have more to tell you. You were born to wealth, and being an only son, were sole heir to your father’s possessions. You were not, however, without a companion,—a cousin, whom your father generously took under his charge.”
“Lewis?”