"
"Yes, yes!" assented Aunt Ella; "I have the letter. But what is the
mystery, Quincy? You know I can bear anything but suspense."
"There is no mystery, auntie, now; it is all cleared up. Uncle Robert's
brother Charles married Linda Fernborough, Sir Stuart's daughter. The
vessel in which father, mother, and child sailed for America was
wrecked. Father and mother were lost, but the child was rescued. This is
the child. Aunt Ella, Linda Chessman is your niece, but unfortunately I
am unable to call her cousin."
Aunt Ella embraced Linda and talked to her as a mother might talk to her
daughter. Her delight at finding this relative of the husband whom she
had loved so well and mourned so sincerely, showed itself in face, and
voice, and action. Her hospitality knew no bounds. Linda must stay with
her a month at least, so must Sir Stuart and Mdme. Archimbault. It was
the holiday season, and they must all feast and be merry over this
happy, unexpected return.
It was a joyous party that gathered in the dining-room at Aunt Ella's
house that evening. She said that such an occasion could not be fitly
celebrated with plain cold water, so a battle of choke old port was
served to Sir Stuart, and toasts to Mrs.
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