"Either there is some mystery in this matter, which we cannot hope to penetrate at present--or Mrs.Rook may have been speaking at random; on the chance of discovering whether you are related to some 'Mr.Brown' whom she once knew." "Besides," Emily added, "it's only fair to remember what a common family name mine is, and how easily people may make mistakes.

I should like to know if my dear lost father was really in her mind when she spoke to you.

Do you think I could find it out ?" "If Mrs.Rook has any reasons for concealment, I believe you would have no chance of finding it out--unless, indeed, you could take her by surprise." "In what way, Mr.Morris ?" "Only one way occurs to me just now," he said.

"Do you happen to have a miniature or a photograph of your father ?" Emily held out a handsome locket, with a monogram in diamonds, attached to her watch chain.

"I have his photograph here," she rejoined; "given to me by my dear old aunt, in the days of her prosperity.