"You will never do that, Berk," returned Linda, trying to look very grave.
"Why, sweet?"
"Because when Grace marries it will be mine without any question. We have had a letter from Judge Goldsborough."
"And he said—"
"That he had discovered papers which prove that Cyrus Talbot had only a lease on the place; it was for ninety-nine years, and it expired more than ten years ago."
"Of all things!" ejaculated Berkley. "That was the last explanation that would have occurred to me. Did Jeffreys know before he left?"
"Yes, we told him that afternoon he called to say good-by. Aunt Ri thought it was best to tell him, and to show him the judge's letter."
"Poor old chap! And he had to go without even the recompense of having made a sacrifice for you."
Linda's face clouded. "Yes, he said that everything had failed, even his attempted good deeds. I hope he will find happiness some day."
"And you are very glad that you can feel an undisputed ownership of the old home?"