cept the memory of his name preserved by
the wife of Joseph, and handed on to her son, who, in turn, spoke of
Thomas to his wife, who has been heard by Mrs. Rooke (her sister) to
mention that fact in the family history. What is more, I find a vague
tradition that a sister of Joseph and Thomas made a brilliant marriage."

"How is it that your advertisements were never seen by these
people--these Rookes?"

"So it happened, that's all one can say. I have known many such
failures. May Tomalin was born at Toronto, where he? father, also a
Joseph, died in '80. Her mother, an Englishwoman, came back to England
in '81, bringing May, the only child; she settled at Northampton, and,
on her death in the following year, May passed into the care of the
Rookes. She has no surviving relative of her own name. Her father, a
builder, left a little money, which now provides the young lady with
her income."

Prom a state of choleric flurry Lady Ogram was passing into irritable
delight.

"Better late than never," she exclaimed, "but I can't see why you
didn't find the girl ages ago. Haven't you advertised in Canada?"

"No. We knew that your brothers went to Australia. Thomas, no doubt,
died there. The story of Joseph's wanderings is irrecoverable; we must
be content to have satisfactory evidence of his death, and of this
girl's descent from him."

"Well, and why haven't you brought her?"

"I saw no need for such precipitancy. Miss Tomalin has not yet been
informed of what is going on. Of course, she is her own mistress, free
to accept any invitation that may be offered her. The Rookes seem to be
quiet people, in easy circumstances; no trouble of any kind is to be
feared from them. You may act at your leisure. Here is the address. Of
course if you would like me to return to Northampton--"

"She must come at once!" said Lady Ogram, starting up. "Would the Crows
understand a telegram?"

"The Rookes, you mean? I think it would be better to write. Naturally,
I have not let them know your name. At first I found Mr. Rooke rather
disposed to stand upon his dignity; but a firm of Northampton
solicitors vouched for my _bona fides_, and then things were smoother.
No, I don't think I would telegraph."

"Then go to Northampton, and bring the girl back with you."

"If you wish it."

"When is there a train?--Oh, there's the luncheon bell. Of course you
must eat. Come and eat. I have some one staying here that I should like
you to know our