My little sister , Bertha , then three years old , and I were left quite alone and very poor . We had no relatives . I was adopted by a well-to-do old bachelor , who had known my father . My sister was taken to an orphan asylum in a city some distance away . I was very much attached to her and grieved bitterly over our parting . My adopted father was very kind to me and gave me a good education . I did not forget my sister , and as soon as I could I went to the asylum . I found that she had been taken away long before , and I could not even discover who had adopted her , for the original building , with all its records , had been destroyed by fire two years previous to my visit . I never could find any clue to her whereabouts , and long since gave up all hope of finding her . But I have found her at last . You are Bertha Seeley , my little sister ! '' `` Oh -- can it be possible ! '' `` More than possible -- it is certain . You are the image of my mother , as I remember her , and as an old daguerreotype I have pictures her . And this is her watch -- see , I scratched my own initials on the case one day . There is no doubt in the world . Oh , Bertha , are you half as glad as I am ? '' `` Glad ! '' Bertha 's eyes were shining like stars . She tried to smile , but burst into tears instead and her head went down on her brother 's shoulder .
By this time everybody in the room was staring at the extraordinary tableau , and Ernest , coming through the hall , gave a whistle of astonishment that brought the two in the corner back to a sense XXXXX their surroundings .
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