Years passed , and when the child was old enough to ask for its parents and demand its due , the proofs of the marriage were lost , and nothing remained but a ring , a bit of writing , and the name . The priest was very old , had neither friends , money , nor proofs to help him ; but I was strong and hopeful , and though a mere boy I resolved to do the work . I made my way to England , to Trevlyn Hall , and by various stratagems -LRB- among which , I am ashamed to say , were false keys and feigned sleepwalking -RRB- I collected many proofs , but nothing which would satisfy a court , for no one but you knew where Sir Richard 's confession was . I searched every nook and corner of the Hall , but in vain , and began to despair , when news of the death of Father Cosmo recalled me to Italy ; for Helen was left to my care then . The old man had faithfully recorded the facts and left witnesses to prove the truth of his story ; but for four years I never used it , never made any effort to secure the title or estates . '' `` Why not ? '' breathed my lady in a faint whisper , as hope suddenly revived . `` Because I was grateful , '' and for the first time Paul 's voice faltered . `` I was a stranger , and you took me in . I never could forget that , nor tie many kindnesses bestowed upon the friendless boy . This afflicted me , even while I was acting a false part , and when I was away my heart failed me . But Helen gave me no peace ; for my sake , she urged me to keep the vow made to that poor mother , and threatened to tell the story herself . Talbot 's benefaction left me no excuse for delaying longer , and I came to finish the hardest task I can ever undertake . I feared that a long dispute would follow any appeal to law , and meant to appeal first to you , but fate befriended me , and the last proof was found . '' `` Found ! Where ? '' cried Lady Trevlyn , springing up aghast . `` In Sir Richard 's coffin , where you hid it , not daring to destroy , yet fearing to keep it . '' `` Who has betrayed me ? '' And her eye glanced wildly about the room , as if she feared to see some spectral accuser .
`` Your own lips , my XXXXX .
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