Mr. King, without noticing the abrupt exclamation, went on to relate in detail the manner of his first introduction to Miss Royal, his compassion for her subsequent misfortunes, his many reasons for believing her a pure and noble woman, and the circumstances which finally led to their marriage.  He expressed his conviction that the children had been changed in a fit of temporary insanity, and dwelt much on his wife’s exceeding anxiety to atone for the wrong, as far as possible.  “I was ignorant of the circumstance,” said he, “until the increasing attraction between Gerald and Eulalia made an avowal necessary.  It gives me great pain to tell you all this; but I thought that, under a reverse of circumstances, I should myself prefer to know the facts.  I am desirous to do my utmost to repair the mischief done by a deserted and friendless woman, at a moment when she was crazed by distress and terror; a woman, too, whose character I have abundant reason to love and honor.  If you choose to disinherit Gerald, I will provide for his future as if he were my own son; and I will repay with interest all the expense you have incurred for him.  I hope that this affair may be kept secret from the world, and that we may amicably settle it, in such a way that no one will be materially injured.”

Somewhat mollified by this proposal, the old gentleman inquired in a milder tone, “And where is the young man who you say is my daughter’s son?”

“Until very recently he was supposed to be dead,” rejoined Mr. King; “and unfortunately that circumstance led my wife to think there was no need of speaking to me concerning this affair at the time of our marriage.  But we now have reason to think he may be living; and that is why I have particularly felt it my duty to make this unpleasant revelation.”  After repeating Tulee’s story, he said, “You probably have not forgotten that last winter two slaves escaped to Boston in your ship ’The King Cotton’?”

The old merchant started as if he had been shot.

“Try not to be agitated,” said Mr. King.  “If we keep calm, and assist each other, we may perhaps extricate ourselves from this disagreeable dilemma, without any very disastrous results.  I have but one reason for thinking it possible there may be some connection between the lost babe and one of the slaves whom you sent back to his claimant.  The two babes were very nearly of an age, and so much alike that the exchange passed unnoticed; and the captain of ‘The King Cotton’ told Gerald that the eldest of those slaves resembled him so much that he should not know them apart.”

Mr. Bell covered his face and uttered a deep groan.  Such distress in an old man powerfully excited Mr. King’s sympathy; and moving near to him, he placed his hand on his and said:  “Don’t be so much troubled, sir.  This is a bad affair, but I think it can be so managed as to do no very serious harm.  My motive in coming to you at this time is to ascertain whether you can furnish me with any clew to that young man.  I will myself go in search of him, and I will take him to Europe and have him educated in a manner suitable to his condition, as your descendant and the heir of your property.”