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 even if he had been celebrated, for Beauling was only his real name—he only told it to me."

"I see," said the judge.

"And I want my son," she went on, "to grow up as good and loyal a gentleman as Tomas Beauling was; and I have come to you, Judge Tyler, for help. Won't you help me about it? I beg your pardon." She began to cough again.

"You place me in a very difficult position," said Judge Tyler; "pardon me, if I am blunt. If you were to die, the position would not be altered. I am willing to do anything you ask—in reason; but you cannot expect me to provide for your son's future, or to act as his guardian. I have no gift with children. The habits of my life are opposed to any change, and if I undertake to help you in this matter it can only be with advice. You did right in coming to me, perhaps. But if, as you say, you are seriously ill, you must go to your sister Dorothy. She is the proper person to appeal to. And I feel sure that if anything were to happen