第35章

``Frank!'' he exclaimed.``My dear boy, is it you who are my grandson?''

``Grandfather!''

Mr.Wharton held out his arms, and our hero, already attached to him for his kindness, was folded in close embrace.

``Then you believe I am your grandson?'' said Frank.

``I believe it without further proof.''

``Still, Mr.Wharton,'' said the lawyer, ``I want to submit my whole proof.Mrs.Parker!''

Mrs.Parker entered and detailed her part in the plot, which for fourteen years had separated Frank from his family.

``Enough!'' said Mr.Wharton.``I am convinced--I did not believe my nephew capable of such baseness.

Mrs.Parker, you shall not regret your confession.

I will give you a pension which will relieve you from all fear of want.Call next week on Mr.

Hall, and you shall learn what provision I have made for you.You, Frank, will return with me.''

``What will Mr.John say?'' asked Frank.

``He shall no longer sleep under my roof,'' said Mr.

Wharton, sternly.

Frank was taken to a tailor and fitted out with a handsome new suit, ready-made for immediate use, while three more were ordered.

When Mr.Wharton reached home, he entered the library and rang the bell.

To the servant who answered he said:

``Is Mr.John at home?''

``Yes, sir; he came in ten minutes ago.''

``Tell him I wish to see him at once in the library.

Summon the housekeeper, also.''

Surprised at the summons, John Wade answered it directly.He and Mrs.Bradley met at the door and entered together.Their surprise and dismay may be conjectured when they saw our hero seated beside Mr.Wharton, dressed like a young gentleman.

``John Wade,'' said his uncle, sternly, ``the boy whom you malign, the boy you have so deeply wronged, has found a permanent home in this house.''

``What, sir! you take him back?''

``I do.There is no more fitting place for him than the house of his grandfather.''

``His grandfather!'' exclaimed his nephew and the housekeeper, in chorus.

``I have abundant proof of the relationship.This morning I have listened to the story of your treachery.

I have seen the woman whose son, represented to me as my grandson, lies in Greenwood Cemetery.

I have learned your wicked plans to defraud him of his inheritance, and I tell you that you have failed.''

``I shall make my will to-morrow, bequeathing all my property to my grandson, excepting only an annual income of two thousand dollars to yourself.And now I must trouble you to find a boarding place.

After what has passed I do not desire to have you in the family.''

``I do not believe he is your grandson,'' said John Wade, too angry to heed prudential considerations.

``Your opinion is of little consequence.''

``Then, sir, I have only to wish you good-morning.

I will send for my trunks during the day.''

``Good-morning,'' said Mr.Wharton, gravely, and John Wade left the room, baffled and humiliated.

``I hope, sir,'' said the housekeeper, alarmed for her position; ``I hope you don't think I knew Mr.

Frank was your grandson.I never was so astonished and flustrated in my life.I hope you won't discharge me, sir--me that have served you so faithfully for many years.''

``You shall remain on probation.But if Frank ever has any fault to find with you, you must go.''

``I hope you will forgive me, Mr.Frank.''

``I forgive you freely,'' said our hero, who was at a generous disposition.