“Well, come to-morrow at eleven, and I think I can have her here. The lovely child in Margaret’s Home, in whom I have felt such an interest, must be the one. Her name is Jane. I will write to Margaret at once to bring her here to-morrow morning, and, Arthur, if you can identify her she is Jane Chetwynd’s child without a doubt;—but Jane—poor Jane! What has happened to her? It is a mystery, and I shall never rest until it is explained.”
“And perhaps you will hate me for my stupidity,” replied Arthur, looking very much cast down, as he shook hands and said good-night.
“No, no, my dear boy. You were not in the least to blame, and perhaps your generosity in giving Lady Jane the blue heron may be the means of restoring her to her friends.”
Thinking the matter over from Mrs. Lanier’s point of view, Arthur went away somewhat comforted, but still very anxious about the developments the next day might bring forth.
CHAPTER XXXI
LADY JANE COMES TO HER OWN
The next morning, when Margaret brought little Jane, Mrs. Lanier sent for them to come to her room, and there she heard the strange story that Paichoux had told Margaret.
Putting together one thing and another, the incidents seemed to form a chain of which there was only one link missing, and that was an explanation of the mystery surrounding the fate of the young mother. What had become of her? And how had Madame Jozain got possession of the child, as well as of the property?
“It is work for a skilful detective,” said Mrs. Lanier, when Margaret had told her of Paichoux’s plan.
And Margaret replied that, with the aid of a little money, the snarl could soon be unraveled.
“The money will be forthcoming,” returned Mrs. Lanier. “It shall be my sacred duty to begin an investigation as soon as the child’s identity is established. Mr. Lanier will interest himself with me, and every possible effort shall be made to get at the bottom of the mystery. Meanwhile, my good Margaret, you must leave little Jane with me. Jane Chetwynd’s child must not be dependent on charity.”