“‘You are welcome, madam,’ said Lady Mary, bowing to Eva Meredith.
“Eva tried to smile, and answered by a few affectionate words. How could she forbode hatred, she who only knew love? We proceeded to Lord James’s room. Mrs Meredith, scarcely able to support herself, entered first, took a few steps, and knelt beside her father-in-law’s arm-chair. Taking her child in her arms, she placed him on Lord James Kysington’s knee.
“‘His son!’ she said. Then the poor woman wept and was silent.
“Long did Lord James gaze upon the child. As he gradually recognised the features of the son he had lost, his eyes became moist, and their expression affectionate. There came a moment when, forgetting his age, lapse of time, and past misfortune, he dreamed himself back to the happy day when he first pressed his infant son to his heart. ‘William, William!’ he murmured. ‘My daughter!’ added he, extending his hand to Eva Meredith.
“My eyes filled with tears. Eva had a family, a protector, a fortune. I was happy; doubtless that was why I wept.
“The child remained quiet upon his grandfather’s knees, and showed neither pleasure nor fear.
“‘Will you love me?’ said the old man.
“The child raised its head, but did not answer.
“‘Do you hear? I will be your father.’