And you who know me will acquit me of any ignoble motive if I say that she is not your social equal, Garry." "What! I thought you said--" "Yes--about the others.

But it is not the same with Shiela Cardross.
I--it seems cruel to say it--but it is for your sake--to effectually forestall any possible accident--that I am going to tell you that this very lovely girl, Shiela, is an adopted child, not a daughter.

That exceedingly horrid old gossip, Mrs.Van Dieman, told me that the girl was a foundling taken by Mr.and Mrs.Cardross from the Staten Island asylum.

And I'm afraid Mrs.Van Dieman knows what she's talking about because she founded and still supports the asylum." Hamil looked gravely across at his aunt.

"The poor little girl," he said slowly.