There is amazement in the court-room, "His Honor," with a startled
glance at Judge Hardin, who is gazing vacantly at the two figures
before him, says, "Which of these young ladies is Miss Isabel
Valois?"
A voice is heard. It is one of the strange counselors speaking.
Hardin hears the words, as if each stabbed him to the heart.
"Your Honor, we are prepared to show that the last young lady who
has taken the stand, is Miss Isabel Valois."
There is consternation in the assembly. Hardin's veins are knotted
on his forehead. He stares blankly at the two girls. His eyes turn
to Natalie de Santos. She is gazing as if the grave had given up
its dead. Her cheeks whiten to ashes. Pere Francois, Henry Peyton,
and Armand Valois enter and seat themselves quietly by the side
of the man who is speaking. What does this all mean? No one knows.
The lawyer resumes.
"We will show your Honor, by the evidence of the priest who baptized
her, and by the records of the church, that this young lady is the
lawful and only child of Maxime Valois and Dolores Peralta. We
have abundant proof to explain the seeming paradox. We are in a
position to positively identify the young lady, and to dispose of
the contest raised here to-day, as to the marriage of the parents
of the real heiress.
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