Stepping up to Alice, Quincy took her hand and led her forward, facing their guests.  “I take great pleasure, my friends, in introducing to you my wife, Mrs. Quincy Adams Sawyer.”

There came an exclamation of pleased surprise from Linda, followed by congratulations from all, and while these were being extended, Aunt Ella entered the room.  She advanced to meet Sir Stuart, who had been present at Alice’s reception.  Quincy introduced Mdme. Archimbault, and then Aunt Ella turned towards Linda.  “This is the young lady, I believe,” said she, “who has just found a long-lost relative, or rather, has been found by him.  You must be very happy, my dear, and it makes me very happy to know that my nephew and niece, who are so dear to me, have been instrumental in bringing this pleasure to you.  But have you been able to learn your mother’s name?  Quincy did not mention that in his letter.”

“Yes,” said Quincy, stepping forward, “the letter contained that information, but I thought I would rather tell you about it than write it.  My dear aunt, allow me to introduce to you Miss Linda Fernborough Chessman.”

“What!” cried Aunt Ella, starting back in astonishment.

“Listen to me, Aunt Ella;” and taking her hand in his he drew her towards him.  “Your husband had a brother, Charles Chessman; he was an artist and lived in England; while there he married; he wrote your husband some thirty years ago that he was going to return to America, but Uncle Robert, you told me, never heard from him again after receiving the letter.”

“Yes, yes!” assented Aunt Ella; “I have the letter.  But what is the mystery, Quincy?  You know I can bear anything but suspense.”

“There is no mystery, auntie, now; it is all cleared up.  Uncle Robert’s brother Charles married Linda Fernborough, Sir Stuart’s daughter.  The vessel in which father, mother, and child sailed for America was wrecked.  Father and mother were lost, but the child was rescued.  This is the child.  Aunt Ella, Linda Chessman is your niece, but unfortunately I am unable to call her cousin.”

Aunt Ella embraced Linda and talked to her as a mother might talk to her daughter.  Her delight at finding this relative of the husband whom she had loved so well and mourned so sincerely, showed itself in face, and voice, and action.  Her hospitality knew no bounds.  Linda must stay with her a month at least, so must Sir Stuart and Mdme. Archimbault.  It was the holiday season, and they must all feast and be merry over this happy, unexpected return.

It was a joyous party that gathered in the dining-room at Aunt Ella’s house that evening.  She said that such an occasion could not be fitly celebrated with plain cold water, so a battle of choke old port was served to Sir Stuart, and toasts to Mrs. Sawyer and Miss Chessman were drunk from glasses filled with foaming champagne.

Then all adjourned to Aunt Ella’s room and Uncle Robert’s prime cigars were offered to Sir Stuart and Quincy.  But Aunt Ella had too much to say to think of her cigarette.  For an hour conversation was general; everybody took part in it.  The events of the past year, which were of so great interest to all present, were gone over, and when conversation lagged it was because everybody knew everything that everybody else knew.