our own any future
mortification and loss of self-respect which might be caused by a
discovery of his true origin. He will bear my husband's name, and he
will be brought up in the belief that he is really our son. His
inheritance of what we have to leave will be secured to him--not only
according to the laws of England in such cases, but according to the
laws of Switzerland also; for we have lived so long in this country,
that there is a doubt whether we may not be considered as I domiciled,
in Switzerland. The one precaution left to take is to prevent any
after-discovery at the Foundling. Now, our name is a very uncommon
one; and if we appear on the Register of the Institution as the
persons adopting the child, there is just a chance that something
might result from it. Your name, my dear, is the name of thousands of
other people; and if you will consent to appear on the Register, there
need be no fear of any discoveries in that quarter. We are moving, by
the doctor's orders, to a part of Switzerland in which our
circumstances are quite unknown; and you, as I understand, are about
to engage a new nurse for the journey when you come to see us. Under
these circumstances, the child may appear as my child, brought back to
me under my sister's care. The only servant we take with us from our
old home is my own maid, who can be safely trusted. As for the
lawyers in England and in Switzerland, it is their profession to keep
secrets--and we may feel quite easy in that direction. So there you
have our harmless little conspiracy! Write by return of post, my
love, and tell me you will join it." * * *

"Do you still conceal the name of the writer of that letter?" asked
Vendale.

"I keep the name of the writer till the last," answered Obenreizer, "and
I proceed to my second proof--a mere slip of paper this time, as you see.
Memorandum given to the Swiss lawyer, who drew the documents referred to
in the letter I have just read, expressed as follows:--'Adopted from the
Foundling Hospital of England, 3d March, 1836, a male infant, called, in
the Institution, Walter Wilding. Person appearing on the register, as
adopting the child, Mrs. Jane Anne Miller, widow, acting in this matter
for her married sister, domiciled in Switzerland.' Patience!" resumed
Obenreizer, as Vendale, breaking loose from Bintrey, started to his feet.
"I shall not keep the name c