Hugh read:
"Name, Paul. Date of birth, August 14, 1845. Place of birth, Russell Square, London. Father's name, Robert Lowther. Mother's name, Grace Lowther; maiden name, Ormerod."
"Then this comes second—Registration of Marriage."
Mr. Bonnithorne rose in his eagerness and rubbed his hands together at the fire. "Yes, second," he said, with evident relish.
Hugh read calmly:
"Allan Ritson—Grace Ormerod—Register's office, Bow Street, Strand, London—June 12, 1847."
"What do you say to that?" asked Mr. Bonnithorne, in an eager whisper.
Hugh continued without comment. "And this comes last—Registration of Birth."
"Name, Hugh—March 25, 1848—Holme, Ravenglass, Cumberland—Allan Ritson—Grace Ritson (Ormerod)."
"There you have the case in a nutshell," said Mr. Bonnithorne, dropping his voice. "Paul is your half-brother, and the son of Lowther. You are Allan Ritson's heir, born within a year of your father's marriage. Can anything be clearer?"