human
You are either very dull or very cunning, he said addressing Alan pointedly.
gpt
The latter, I think. How did I find Beauchamp again? In a curious way. I saw an illustrated paper in Jamaica, which gave a portrait of the famous South African millionaire, Richard Marlow. The face had on its right cheek a jagged scar. Jean gave that scar to Beauchamp with his diamond ring. No doubt it was the drawing of blood which led to the murder.
human
Then you assert that Marlow was none other than Herbert Beauchamp?
gpt
I do. Also that Sophia Marlow is my child whom he carried away. I have mourned her for twenty years. By the accident of the illustrated paper I have traced her. At Southampton I heard of Marlow's death, so I knew that he had escaped punishment on earth. But at least I have found my dear child Marie.
human
I am not your child! she cried.
gpt
I will never acknowledge you as my father.
human
In that case --Lestrange rose to his feet and looked very stern--
gpt
I must appeal to the law.
human
The law can't help you, he said.
gpt
Sophy is over age and her own mistress. Even if you can prove your case, you cannot force her to go with you.
human
Natural affection----
gpt
Don't talk to me about natural affection! cried the girl.
human
I know nothing about you. Nothing in the world will make me go with you!
gpt
But if I tell my story to the world?
human
Tell it, by all means, said Thorold, putting his arm round Sophy.
gpt
You can hurt only the memory of the dead. Even if Marlow, as you assert, killed your cousin, he is dead, and beyond your reach.
human
Are you so sure he is dead?
gpt
Of course we are sure, cried Sophy indignantly.
human
Didn't I see him dead in his coffin?
gpt
Well, said Lestrange, preparing to go,
human
Do you mean that he is alive?
gpt
Yes. He feigned death to escape me.
human
How could he have known that you were coming?
gpt
I don't know, was the answer,
human
Do, said Thorold calmly.
gpt
And when you find it you will gain the reward of a thousand pounds.
human
I shall gain more than that, Mr. Thorold. My daughter----
gpt
Never! Never! Leave this house, sir, and don't come near me again!
human
You turn your own father out into the street, he said.
gpt
Very good. I shall take my own means of punishing you for your want of filial respect. It is to the bad influence of Mr. Thorold that I owe this reception. Be assured, Mr. Thorold, that I shall not forget it. To revert to the tongue of my progenitors, I shall say _Au revoir_ but not 'Adieu.' We shall meet again.
human
Do you think this story is true?
gpt
I must admit that there appears to be some truth in it, was the reply.
human
The certificate is correct as to your age, your birthday, and your birthplace, and the name of your mother also is correct.
gpt
Then, am I that man's daughter?
human
Not necessarily. He may have assumed the name. He may--oh, I don't know what to think! But even if he proves his case, you won't go with him?
gpt
Never! never! How can we find out the truth?
human
Joe might know. I wish he would come back. I wonder if, after all, your father can be alive--Marlow, I mean.
gpt
How can that be? We both saw him dead. Dr. Warrender gave a certificate of the death. Why do you ask?
human
Well, it is strange. In his will a sum of two thousand a year is left to be paid to a man called Herbert Beauchamp, through the Occidental Bank.
gpt
And he says that my father was Herbert Beauchamp.
human
I know. Can your father have feigned death to avoid him?
gpt
Impossible. He did not know Captain Lestrange was coming.
human
Well, said Alan slowly,
gpt
You won't find that he is my own father, Alan; I am sure of that. He may be a relative. No, no! He is not a murderer! He is dead--quite dead! I don't believe a word of the story.
human
Time alone can prove its truth or falsehood, Sophy,