The girl looked up into the face of Jonas Prim. Theman voiced an exclamation of surprise and annoyance. Mrs. Prim gasped and sank upon a sofa. The girl stoodmotionless, her eyes once again bent upon the floor.

"What's the matter?" asked Burton. "What's wrong?"

"Everything is wrong, Mr. Burton," Jonas Prim's voicewas crisp and freezing. "This is not my daughter."

Burton looked his surprise and discomfiture. He turnedupon the tiny child.