“No, she married against father’s wishes. Father was a very stern, proud man; not at all like Adoniram, who, I am afraid, is not stern enough for his good,” and she smiled a little; but there was moisture in her eyes as she gazed up at the portrait.
“She was a lovely girl—at least we thought so—and she was father’s favorite, too. But she married a poor sea captain by the name of Frank, in direct opposition to father’s command, and so he cast her off.
“He forbade Adoniram or me having anything to do with her, or to help her in any way, and she herself put it out of our power to do so, by going to the other side of the world with her husband. Several years later we heard of her death, and were told that there was a child; but although Adoniram has done all he could he has never been able to find this Captain Frank.”
The old lady wiped her eyes before continuing.
“After father died we had this room fixed just as she used to have it, and had that picture hung there.
“Now, Brandon, I won’t bother you longer. There is your satchel, which the expressman brought an hour ago. If you want anything, please ring.”
Then she departed, and left the captain’s son to make ready for dinner.
CHAPTER XIX
TELLING A GREAT DEAL ABOUT DERELICTS IN GENERAL
Although there seemed to be everything for comfort about the Pepper mansion, the habits of the household were most simple. Miss Frances was evidently a woman of very domestic tastes, and had a vital interest in all her household arrangements. Yet there appeared to be plenty of servants about.
When dinner was over, the merchant had a short conference with his manager, Mr. Marks, who always came to report on matters at the close of the day; after which he took his two guests into the library, and the all absorbing topic of the search for the Silver Swan was broached by Caleb, who had now regained some of his wonted confidence.