This story was not believed.

Mr.
Paralette, it is said, who has retained possession of all Mr.
Ballantine's property since his absence, was waited upon by the young woman; but he repulsed her as an impostor, and refused to make the least investigation into her case.

He had his own reasons for this, it is also said.

Several of Mr.Ballantine's old friends received notes from her; but none believed her story, especially as the man she called her father bore little or no resemblance to Mr.
Ballantine.

But it is now said, by many, that loss of reason and great physical suffering had changed him, as these would change any man.