There was, however, nothing in Mascarin's manner to justify the misgivings of the young man, for he appeared to ask all these questions in quite a matter-of-course way, as if they were purely affairs of business.
After a protracted silence, Mascarin resumed,-- "I am half inclined to believe that the solicitor sent the money on his own account." "No, sir," answered Paul.

"I am sure you are mistaken." "Why are you so certain ?" "Because my mother, who was the incarnation of truth, often assured me that my father died before my birth.

Poor mother! I loved and respected her too much to question her on these matters.

One day, however, impelled by an unworthy feeling of curiosity, I dared to ask her the name of our protector.

She burst into tears, and then I felt how mean and cruel I had been.