“Only an aunt, who has treated her in tho
most inhuman manner.”
“.Serious news for Miss Westeflicld, as you
say,” Kandal resumed. “And, as 1 think,
serious nows for us. Hero is a mere girl—a
poor friendless creature—absolutely depen
dent on our protection. What are wo to do
If anything happens In the future to alter
our present opinion of her?”
“Nothing of tho sort is likely to happen,”
Mis. Linley declared.
“lad ns hope not,” Kandal said, gravely.
V.
The members of the family at Mount Mur
ven consulted together, before Sydney Wist
erlield was Informed of her brother’s disap
pcaranee and of her mother's death.
Speaking first, as master of the house, Her
bert Linley offered Ids opinion without hesi
tation. His impulsive kindness shrank from
the prospect of reviving the melancholy rec
ollections associated with Sydney's domestic
life. “Why distress tho poor child, just as
she is beginning to feel happy among us?”
he asked, “(live me the newspaper; 1 shan't
feel easy till I have torn it up.”
His wife drew the newspaper nut of Ids
reach. “Wall a little,” slm said, quietly;
“some of us may feel that it Is no part of our
duty to conceal the truth.”
Mrs. Presty spoke next. To the surprise
of the family council, she agreed witli her
Hon in law.
