“My darling,” cried the mother, “what is the matter?”
“It can’t be,” cried Leonore. “Mamma! Papa! Say it isn’t so?”
“What, my darling?” said Peter, supporting the swaying figure.
“This,” said Leonore, huskily, holding out the newspaper.
Mrs. D’Alloi snatched it. One glance she gave it. “Oh, my poor darling!” she cried. “I ought not to have allowed it. Peter! Peter! Was not the stain great enough, but you must make my poor child suffer for it?” She shoved Peter away, and clasped Leonore wildly in her arms.
“Mamma!” cried Leonore. “Don’t talk so! Don’t! I know he didn’t! He couldn’t!”
Peter caught up the paper. There in big head-lines was:
SPEAK UP, STIRLING!
WHO IS THIS BOY?