Page:Guy Mannering Vol 3.djvu/260

250 "Proof! the thing is as clear as daylight—here's Mr. Sampson and Miss Bertram, and you yourself, at once recognise the young gentleman as his father's image; and he himself recollects all the very peculiar circumstances preceding his leaving this country—What else is necessary to conviction?"

"To moral conviction nothing more, perhaps, but for legal proof a great deal. Mr. Bertram's recollections are his own recollections merely, and therefore not evidence in his own favour; Miss Bertram, the learned Mr. Sampson, and I, can only say what every one who knew the late Ellangowan will readily agree in, that this gentleman is his very picture—But that will not make him Ellangowan's son and give him the estate."

"And what will do so?"

"Why, we must have a distinct probation.—There's these gypsies, but then, alas! they are almost infamous in the eye of law—scarce capable of bearing evidence,