As for what you have done to me--well--if she was illegally my mother, I had rather be her illegitimate son than the son of any woman who ever lived within the law.

Now may I have her letters ?" "Is that your decision, Berkley ?" "It is.

I want only her letters from you--and any little keepsakes--relics--if there be any----" "I offer to recognise you as my son." "I decline--believing that you mean to be just--and perhaps kind--God knows what you do mean by disinterring the dead for a son to look back upon----" "Could I have offered you what I offer, otherwise ?" "Man! Man! _You_ have nothing to offer _me_! Your silence was the only kindness you could have done me! You have killed something in me.

I don't know what, yet--but I think it was the best part of me." "Berkley, do you suppose that I have entered upon this matter lightly ?" Berkley laughed, showing his teeth.

"No.