When he had finished, Roger cried,—
"There is no doubt,—the date, the place, everything is proof."
"Which would not be sufficient, if I had not this."
And Monsieur Dalize gave to his friend Solange's letter. In this letter Monsieur Solange announced his ruin, and his approaching death from heart-disease; the doctors had given him up, and he begged Monsieur Dalize to tell Paul that he was not his son. Monsieur Solange declared that he was the French Consul at the Island of Saint Christopher when some Danish fishermen, from the Island of Saint Thomas, brought him the child, which they had found in the sea. He and his wife had no children. They determined to adopt the child which had been found. Monsieur Solange confessed that he had been wanting in his duty in not making the necessary search. He excused himself sadly by saying that he was convinced of the death of the parents of the child, and he begged for pardon, as he had wished to bring this child up and make him happy. In finishing, he said that the linen of the child was marked "G. L. M.," and that the boy could pronounce the French words "maman" and "papa."
"I pardon him," said, gravely and solemnly, Monsieur Roger.
The coupé had entered the park, and the two gentlemen alighted before the château, where the family awaited them. Monsieur Dalize advanced towards him who had hitherto been called Paul Solange, and who really was George La Morlière.
"My dear child," said he, "I have news for you,—some very sad news and some very happy news."
Anxious, excited, George came forward. Monsieur Dalize continued:
"You have lost him who was your adopted father,—Monsieur Solange."