Here it is . '' Max Seeley almost snatched the old-fashioned little silver watch , from her hand and opened the case . An exclamation escaped him as he pointed to some scratches on the inner side . They looked like the initials M.A.S. `` Let me tell my story now , '' he said . `` My name is Maxwell Seeley . My father died when I was seven years old , and my mother a year later . 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 XXXXX the case one day .
at by for from of on since than that to