“No one knows the depth of those French women,” he said.  “It is possible there may be no child.  Let us take her by surprise this very day, and ask her to accompany us to the house where the nurse lives.”

Both lawyers applauded the idea.

“If there be any imposture we are sure to find it out,” they said.

Without a minute’s loss of time, Mrs. Trevelyan was asked to join us in the library.  She complied at once.

“We want you to go with us to Lincoln to show us the child,” said Sir John, abruptly.

She consented at once so readily that I felt certain that our quest was useless.  We started in an hour’s time, my poor Clare being led to believe that we had gone to Harden on a visit.

We reached Lincoln about six o’clock at night.  While we stood in the station waiting for a cab Mr. Paine turned suddenly to Coralie.

“What is the address?” he asked.

Again there was not a moment’s hesitation.

“No. 6 Lime Cottages, Berkdale Road,” she replied; and fast as a somewhat tired horse could take us we went there.

We reached the place at last; a row of pretty cottages that in summer must have been sheltered by the lime trees, and the door of No. 6 was quickly opened to us—­opened by a woman with a pleasant face, who looked exceedingly astonished at seeing us.  Coralie came forward.

“I had no time to write and warn you of this visit, Mrs. Smith.  Be kind enough to answer any questions these gentlemen may wish to ask you.”

We all made way for Mr. Paine.  I shall never forget the group, the anxiety and suspense on each face.

“Have you a child here in your charge?” asked the lawyer.

But she looked at Coralie.

“Am I to answer, madam?”

“You are to answer any questions put to you; my story is known.”

“Have you a child here in your charge?” he repeated.

“I have,” she repeated.

“Who is it?  Tell us in your own words, if you please.”

“He is the son of the late Mr. Miles Trevelyan and his wife, who was Mademoiselle d’Aubergne.”

“Where were they married?” he asked.

“They were married at the Church of St. Helen’s, Edgerton.  I was one witness; the other was Arthur Ireton, the head game-keeper.”

“Where was this child born?” he asked again.

“Here, sir, at this house.  Mrs. Trevelyan left home, it was believed, to visit some friends.  She came here and took this house.  I remained with her, and have had charge of little Master Rupert ever since.”

He asked fifty other questions; they were answered with equal clearness and precision.

“Let us see the child,” said Sir John, impatiently.

She went into the next room and brought out a lovely little boy.  He was asleep, but at the sound of strange voices opened his eyes.

“Mamma!” he cried when he saw Coralie, and she took him in her arms.