sorry
to leave her. I don't like to believe she is not my mother, after all
she has done for me. I don't believe she ever spoke a cross word to me
in her life;" and the tears started in the boy's eyes.

"I don't think you will have to leave her. Your father will take her up
to Belfast."

[Illustration]

"And all the money came from my father?"

"Yes; I have carried a great deal to her myself."

Robert Montague continued to ask questions till the buggy stopped before
the door of the cottage in Camden. Mrs. Taylor wept, and the boy wept,
as they met. He wished that the truth had not been revealed to him. Mr.
Barkesdale went to the hotel, and Robert spent the evening with Mrs.
Taylor. Ezekiel was at home, and sober. He was permitted to know where
the money which had perplexed him so much came from; and, as the son of
Colonel Montague, he regarded Robert with respect and deference.

Mrs. Taylor and Robert took the steamer for Belfast the next morning,
with Mr. Barkesdale. The boy was dressed in his black suit, and looked
like another person. Colonel Montague's carriage was waiting for them
when the steamer arrived. As Robert entered the elegant mansion, now
"the house of mourning," he could hardly control his violent emotion.
Mr. Barkesdale conducted him and Mrs. Taylor to the library, where the
colonel was alone. As they entered, he walked towards his son, grasped
him by the hand, and turning away his face, wept bitterly. Robert could
not help weeping in sympathy.

"You know now that you are my son," said he, when he was able to speak.

"Mr. Barkesdale told me all about it."

"You are my son, and I am proud of you; but I have been a coward,
Robert," added the colonel, with anguish. "I have wronged my father, who
lies dead in the house; and I have wronged you, my son."

"No, sir; you haven't wronged me," protested Robert.

"I have kept you out of your birthright for sixteen years."

"I couldn't have been any better off than I was with Mrs. Taylor,"
replied the boy, turning to the woman.

The colonel took her hand, and expressed his gratitude to her for all
she had done.

"He is a good boy, and I wish he was my son," said Mrs. Taylor. "I can't
bear to think of losing him."

"You shall not be separated, and he and I both will see that you never
want for anything while you live."

Mrs. Montague and Grace were sent for, and presently appeared.

"I am glad to see you, my boy," said the lady, as she took both