"It is probable they were married before they did go away," spoke Robert Carr, hating more than he liked to show the being compelled to this discussion.
"That, I can answer for, they were not. When they left here she was Martha Ann Hughes."
"Mr. Fauntleroy is right so far," interposed Mr. Arkell. "They were not married when they left Westerbury: on that point there can be no mistake. The question that remains is, were they married subsequent to it?"
"They must have been," said Robert Carr.
"But there is no must in the case," dissented the lawyer. "The probabilities are that they were not: the belief is such."
"I do not see why you should persistently seek to cast this opprobrium on my father and mother, Mr. Fauntleroy!" exclaimed Robert Carr, his hollow face lighting up with reproach.
"Bless you, my good sir, I don't seek to cast it," said the lawyer, good-humouredly. "Facts are facts. If you can prove that Robert Carr married Miss Hughes, and your own legal birth with it, you will take the property; but if you can't prove it, Squire Carr must keep possession, and things will remain as they are. Where's the use of shutting our eyes to the truth?"
"There can be no doubt whatever of the marriage. I am sure of it; I would stake all my hopes upon it here and—I was going to say—hereafter."
"But you so speak only according to your belief, sir? You have no shadow of proof."