Jed led the way into Mrs. Fogson's private sitting-room, where that lady found them. She stopped short at the threshold.
"Why, it's Jed Gilman!" she said sharply, with a feeling that she had been humbugged.
"Mrs. Fogson," said Jed, gravely, "I am Jed Gilman no more. I have found out that I am entitled to a large estate in England, but best of all I have found a mother, and am no longer alone in the world."
Mr. Fogson, who had followed his wife into the room, was the first to "take in" the surprising news. Jed's handsome suit, his gold watch-chain and diamond scarf-pin, as well as his mother's stately figure, convinced him that the story was true.
"No one is more glad to hear of your good fortune, my dear boy, than Mrs. F. and myself," he said in a gushing tone. "I have often thought that you were a nobleman in disguise."
"You never let me suspect it, Mr. Fogson," said Jed, amused. "Probably you didn't want to raise my expectations."
"Just so, Jed, I mean Sir Robert. We feel that it was an honor to have you so long under our roof—don't we, Mrs. F.?"
"Certainly, Simeon. If Lady Fenwick will permit me to offer an humble collation, some of my ginger snaps; you remember them, Jed, I mean Sir Robert."
"You are very kind," said Lady Fenwick hastily, "but I seldom eat between meals."