Your brother Robert was not the man to make a statement of that kind without the proofs.

He knew the value of documentary evidence too well for that." "But so far the proof of his daughter's illegitimacy rests on his unsupported statement, which would be quite valueless in a court of law ?" "That is so." "If these proofs are found, do you think that my chance of regaining the title is as good as Robert's ?" Austin asked.

"Are the circumstances of his death likely to tell against my succeeding?
I ask you because I know nothing about peerage law." "The House of Lords has inherent rights of its own in regard to the granting of any claim," replied the lawyer carefully, "rights as the guardian of its own privileges.

I do not think, however, that your claim would be rejected.

The line of descent is clear, if the proofs of your brother's statement are found.