“Two years ago he applied to us to look up some relatives who went to America many years ago. We were authorized to make thorough work and spare no expense, for his lordship was anxious that his property should go to some of his kindred rather than to the crown after his death. We traced Nora Norton Bradford to California, but she had been dead many years. We found she had had a daughter Alberta who had married a man by the name of Alexander. She and her husband were also dead; their graves were found in the Lone Mountain cemetery, San Francisco. We learned that they, too, had a daughter by the name of Virginia, but she had disappeared from the city several years ago, and no trace of her could be found; not until I saw your signature this morning did it occur to me that I had found the heir for whom Lord Norton commissioned us to search so long ago.”
Mrs. Alexander looked up with a pale, wondering face.
“Do you mean to imply that I am Lord Norton’s heir?” she asked, in an agitated tone.
“Exactly,” replied Mr. Thurston, confidently, “judging from what you have told me there can be no doubt of it. I suppose that you have proofs of your identity, however?”
“Yes, I have my marriage certificate and an old Bible that belonged to my grandmother, which contains, in her own handwriting, the date of her birth and marriage, also that of her husband’s death and my mother’s birth.”
“That will be ample proof. And now, Mrs. Alexander, as Lord Norton is in a very critical condition, being liable to drop away any day, we must go to Chester immediately. When can you be ready?”
“In an hour, if necessary,” she replied, “but it does not seem possible that I can be related to this gentleman! I cannot realize it—a peer of the realm!” she quoted to herself with a strange smile.
“We will submit our evidence to his lordship himself and see what his verdict will be,” returned Mr. Thurston, smiling. “A train will leave for Liverpool at two this afternoon. Chester is a few miles this side, and we will avail ourselves of that, if agreeable to you.”
“Very well; I submit myself wholly to your guidance, in this matter,” Mrs. Alexander responded. “Meantime, I suppose, my other business will have to wait.”
“I should advise it; as Lord Norton is in such a critical condition, every moment is precious. It will be far better for him to recognize you as his heir, than to be obliged to prove it after his death; and, madam, you will occupy no mean position if you become the mistress of Englewood, which is the name of his fine estate.”