"Who--who--" gasped the woman, pointing at Mabel, then overcome
sank into her chair, covering her face with her hands.

Grace sprang to her side in an instant, kneeling beside her chair.

"Mrs. Allison," she cried impulsively. "Forgive me. I should not
have startled you so. I did not really know, although I felt sure
that--"

But Mrs. Allison had uncovered her face and was looking eagerly at
Mabel, who stood the picture of mystification.

"Who is that young girl who bears the name of my baby, and where
did she come from?" asked the patient hoarsely.

"Speak to her," whispered Jessica, pushing Mabel forward.

"I am Mabel Isabel Allison--" began Mabel, but before she could
proceed further the woman had risen, and clasping the girl in her
arms, began smoothing her hair and kissing her, laughing and
crying hysterically. "You are my baby girl that I lost long ago,
my own little Mabel. I know it. I know it."

"Mrs. Allison," said Grace firmly, placing her arm around the
sobbing woman, who seemed to have entirely lost control of her
emotions, "try and be calm. There is so much to tell. Will you
listen to me? And you must sit down, you were not strong enough
for this. We should have waited."