The second is a certificate of the birth and baptism of Jerrine, daughter of Arthur and Marguerite Tracy, who was born at Wiesbaden, January 1st, 18--, and christened January 8th, 18--, by the Rev.Mr.Eaton.' Then a deep silence fell upon the group, while Tom stood like one paralyzed.

He understood the situation perfectly, and knew that if Jerrie was mistress there, he could never hope to be master.
'May as well evacuate at once,' he said at last, with an attempt to smile as he walked slowly out of the house, which he felt was his inheritance no longer.
Just then Frank came down, saying that Maude insisted upon knowing what was in the papers which Marian was to read, while the others were to come up and listen.

He did not seem at all like a man who had lost anything, but bustled about cheerily; and when the judge said to him apologetically, 'We know the contents of two of the papers.

They are certificates of the marriage of Arthur with Gretchen, and of Jerrie's birth.

I hope you don't mind if we read them,' he answered, briskly.
'Not at all--not in the least.