She must have the box that contained the papers, lest, finding the papers, people should rob her of the child.
Quick as thought, she seized the box--which always stood on a bracket in the drawing-room--and hid it under her shawl.

To the end of her life she was puzzled as to why she had done this.

It would not be missed, she knew, in the confusion that was likely to ensue.

She felt sure, also, that no one, save herself and the child's father, knew of its contents.
She did not wait long in that scene of confusion and sorrow.

Clasping the child in her arms, lest she should see the dead face, Margaret Dornham hurried back to the cottage, bearing with her the proofs of the child's identity.
The doctor was buried, and with him all trace of the child seemed lost.
Careful search was made in his house for any letters that might concern her, that might give her father's address; but Stephen Letsom had been faithful to his promise--he had kept the secret.