to me that at least I must tell her grandmother the
truth. So we came here, three years ago, and if it wasn't for Miss
Alice's mistake about her, perhaps the story would have come out then!
But that's all the truth."

Chris nodded, his arms folded on his chest, his tired face very
thoughtful.

"It makes her a rich woman, Mrs. Sheridan," he said.

"I suppose so, sir. I understand Mr. Melrose--the old gentleman--left
everything to his son, Theodore."

"But not only that," Chris said. "She can claim every penny that has
ever been paid over to Leslie, all through her minority, and since she
came of age, and she also inherits the larger part of her grandmother's
estate, under the will. Probably Mrs. Melrose would have changed that,
if she had lived when all this came to light, and given that same legacy
to Leslie, but we can't act on that supposition. The court will
probably feel that a very grave injustice has been done Norma, and exact
the full arrears."

"But, Chris," Norma said, quickly, "surely some way can be found to
_give_ Leslie all that would have come to me----"

"Well, that, of course, would be pure generosity on your part!" he said,
quietly. "However, it would seem to me desirable all round," he added,
"to keep this in the family."

"Oh, I think so!" Norma agreed, eagerly.

"Annie and Hendrick must be informed, and, as Leslie's mother, Annie
will provide for her some day, of course. We'll discuss all that later.
But to-day I only wanted to clear up a few points before I see Judge
Lee. He has the will, I believe. He will be here to-morrow morning. In
the meanwhile, I think I would say nothing, Norma, just because Annie is
so upset, and if Leslie heard any garbled story, before she got
here----"

"Oh, I agree with you entirely, Chris! Anything that makes it easier all
round!" Norma could afford to be magnanimous and agreeable. She would
not have been human not to feel herself the most interesting figure in
all this dramatic situation, not to know that thoughtfulness and
generosity were the most charming parts of her new role. Quietly,
affectionately, she went to the door with Aunt Kate.

"I wish I could go home with you!" she said. "But I think they need me
here! And if Wolf should come up Saturday, Aunt Kate, you'll tell him
about the funeral----"

"Rose said he wasn't coming up on Saturday," his mother said. "But if he
does, of course he'll understand! Remember, Norma," she added, drawing
the girl