“But you are in my brother’s confidence, doctor—­you were present at our family gathering this afternoon.  It is because of that I have come to see you again, at this late hour.  My husband and I are returning to London in the morning, and there would be no other opportunity.  I have been thinking over all my brother said this afternoon, and I am very much distressed about my niece.”

He gave a short comprehending nod which encouraged her to proceed.

“I am extremely desirous of preventing this scandal of my brother’s marriage coming to light after all these years,” she earnestly pursued.  “It seems to me that Robert has decided to let the truth be known without first considering all the circumstances.  He has forgotten that if he succeeds in restoring the title he will come prominently into the public eye.  As the holder of a famous name his affairs will have a public interest, and details will be published in the newspapers and eagerly read.  That is why this story about Sisily’s mother would be so terrible for all of us, and especially for Sisily.”

“I should think your brother had foreseen all this.” said Dr. Ravenshaw, after a short pause.

“I do not think Robert has realized it,” Mrs. Pendleton eagerly rejoined.  “He is a most unworldly man, and lives in a world of his own.  His whole life has been devoted to the idea of restoring the title.  He has thought of nothing else since he was a boy.  He is quite incapable of understanding what a sensation this story of an earlier marriage will cause if it is made public.  Indeed, I did not realize it myself until afterwards.  Then I decided to come and see you, and ask your help.”

“I quite agree with you that it would be better if the story could remain unknown, after all these years.  But how can I help you?”

She had anticipated that question, and proceeded to unfold her plan.

“It might be kept quiet, I think,” she said meditatively.  “It is Robert’s duty to keep it secret for Sisily’s sake.  I am chiefly concerned about her.  Girls are difficult, so different from boys!  It wouldn’t be so bad if she were a boy.  A boy could change his name and emigrate, go on a ranch and forget all about it.  But it is different for a girl.  Leaving the shock out of the question, this thing would spoil Sisily’s life and ruin her chances of a good marriage if it was allowed to come out.  People will talk.  It is inevitable that they should, in the circumstances.  I fancy the matter could be arranged in a way to satisfy Robert—­so as not to interfere with his plans about the title.”

“What do you suggest?”

“Sisily could be told that there is some obstacle which prevents her succeeding to the title.  Robert has not brought her up as an heiress with expectations.  He has never treated her fairly, poor girl.  It was his dream to have a son to succeed him.  Not that it would have made any difference if Sisily had been a son, after what’s come to light!  Sisily would never question anything that was told her about this wretched title, for I’m quite sure that the idea of inheriting it has never entered her head.  It certainly never entered mine.  I thought titles descended in the male line.  I don’t know, really, but that has always been my idea.”