So I followed you on the next ship and met you at Sorrento, where I introduced myself as Count Ferralti--a name we had agreed I should assume before we parted in America.
"The rest of my story you know.

My father was killed in an accident on his own railroad, and I received the news while we were prisoners of the brigand, whom I discovered to be my uncle, but who had no mercy upon me because of the relationship.

To-night, on my return here, I found a letter from my father's attorney, forwarded from my bankers in Paris.
Through my father's sudden death I have inherited all his wealth, as he had no time to alter his will.

Therefore Mrs.Merrick's objection to me is now removed, and Louise has never cared whether I had a penny or not." He halted, as if not knowing what more to say, and the little group of listeners remained quiet because it seemed that no remark from them was necessary.

Young Weldon, however, was ill at ease, and after hitching nervously in his chair he addressed Uncle John in these words: "Sir, you are the young lady's guardian for the present, as she is in your charge.