‘What was the name of the church at Didmouth where the marriage took place?’ asked Maurice.
‘The parish church, St. John’s.’
‘And the date of the marriage?’
‘September 30th, 1847.’
This was all that Madame Bâlo could tell him and all that he wanted to know. It seemed to him that his course was tolerably clear. He had three distinct facts to prove. First the marriage, then the birth of the infant, and finally Justina’s identity with that infant.
His three witnesses would be—
1. Miss Barlow, to prove the marriage.
2. Old Mrs. Trevanard, who could testify to the birth of the child.
3. Matthew Elgood, in whose custody Justina had been from the day of her birth, and whose evidence, if held worthy of credence, must needs establish her identity with the child born at Borcel End.
On leaving Madame Bâlo, with whom he parted on excellent terms, Maurice went straight to his solicitors, Messrs. Willgross and Harding, of Old Square, good old family solicitors,—substantial, reliable, sagacious. Before the younger partner, his especial friend and counsellor, he laid his case.