The young people eloped together, and the old man died of a broken heart.

Your mother went by the name of Moncton, and was introduced to his sporting friends as my brother's wife.

But no evidence exists of a marriage having taken place; and until such evidence can be procured, the world will look upon you as illegitimate.
"You will soon be of age, Geoffrey, and if you are prepared with these indispensable documents, I will assist, to the best of my professional abilities, in helping you to establish your claims.

It is not in my power to destroy or invalidate them.

Why then these base suspicions--these unmerited reproaches--these hurricanes of passion?
Why doubt my integrity at the very moment when I am most anxious to serve you ?" "Because in no instance have you ever proved yourself my friend, and I cannot help doubting your sincerity!" "A want of candour is certainly not among your failings," said Mr.
Moncton, with a slight curl of his proud lip.