"I can't think. There are but two persons on earth who care a tinker's button what becomes of me."
"And who are those two?"
"My father and mother."
"Who do you mean when you say your father and mother?"
"Why, Henry A. Chamberlain and his wife."
"The worthy couple who live at No. 10 Franklin Street, New Haven?"
"Certainly."
"Do you really think they are your father and mother?"
"They are all the father and mother I have ever known."
"Ha! ha! Well, I might tell you that they are no more your parents than they are mine. I might tell you that your name is not Chamberlain, but Curtis. I might tell you that there are certain persons—one in particular—who are deeply interested in your welfare. But what's the use? I will only tell you that there is one person whom, for years, it has been my aim and purpose to crush; that I saw I could best accomplish my end by striking at you; that, therefore, I sought you out when you were but a mere lad at Eton school; that I took you in hand and led you, step by step, to——"