“Yes, Alec, yes. And the result of your interview?”
“Was to satisfy myself that my long-lost daughter is indeed still alive!”
For a little space Sir Gilbert sat staring straight before him in speechless astonishment. Not all in a moment could his mind take in and assimilate the amazing news which had just been told him.
“Have you fully assured yourself, Alec, of the truth of this?” he said at length. “That woman—— But I do not wish to speak further of her. Only, you know how she imposed upon me; may she not have done the same by you?”
John shook his head. “There is nothing to apprehend on that score. Not the least singular part of the affair is that till to-day she herself neither knew the whereabouts of the child, nor whether it was alive or dead.”
“You surprise me more and more.” He drew a deep breath. “Oh! Alec, does it, can it mean a daughter for you, and a granddaughter for me?”
“That is what it means, father.”
“And where is she? when shall I see her?”
“She will arrive at the Chase in the course of to-morrow.”
“Arrive here to-morrow? So soon! Already my heart goes out to meet her. I long to see her, to embrace her.”