He reached out for it, and she handed it to him.

He looked at it a moment, when his eyes suddenly lighted up and he passed it to the attorney.
"_Et la_"-- Madame Delphine's utterance failed--"_et la, ouala sa moman_." (That is her mother.) The three others instantly gathered around Jean Thompson's chair.

They were much impressed.
"It is true beyond a doubt!" muttered Madame Thompson.
Madame Varrillat looked at her with astonishment.
"The proof is right there in the faces," said Madame Thompson.
"Yes! yes!" said Madame Delphine, excitedly; "the proof is there! You do not want any better! I am willing to swear to it! But you want no better proof! That is all anybody could want! My God! you cannot help but see it!" Her manner was wild.
Jean Thompson looked at her sternly.
"Nevertheless you say you are willing to take your solemn oath to this." "Certainly----" "You will have to do it." "Certainly, Miche Thompson, _of course_ I shall; you will make out the paper and I will swear before God that it is true! Only"-- turning to the ladies--"do not tell Olive; she will never believe it.

It will break her heart! It----" A servant came and spoke privately to Madame Thompson, who rose quickly and went to the hall.

Madame Delphine continued, rising unconsciously: "You see, I have had her with me from a baby.