If you like, I will break it to Miss Mallory. I am
probably more intimately acquainted with the story than any one else
now living."
Something in the tone, in the solemnity of the blue eyes, in the
carriage of the gray head, touched Marsham to the quick. He laid a hand
on his old friend's shoulder--affectionately--in mute thanks.
"Diana mentioned her father's solicitors--"
"I know"--interrupted Sir James--"Riley & Bonner--excellent
fellows--both of them still living. They probably have all the records.
And I shouldn't wonder if they have a letter--from Sparling. He _must_
have made provision--for the occasion that has now arisen."
"A letter?--for Diana?"
Sir James nodded. "His behavior to her was a piece of moral cowardice, I
suppose. I saw a good deal of him during the trial, of course, though it
is years now since I lost all trace of him. He was a sensitive, shy
fellow, wrapped up in his archaeology, and very ignorant of the
world--when it all happened. It tore him up by the roots. His life
withered in a day."
Marsham flushed.
"He had no right to bring her up in this complete ignorance! He could
not have done anything more cruel!--more fatal! No one knows what the
effect may be upon her.
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