The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-06-24
A FAMILY SECRET.
CONCLUDED.

If you know anything about what
I am going to tell you, you're good
at keeping your countenance; If you
don't, it will be a little surprise for you,
that's all. However, to settle all doubts,
this is my story: arrived in England
week ago, and have been in Nutbourne
three days. intended to give you q
chance of settling my little business
privately, before 1 resorted to other
means. Till to-day could not find an
opportunity; but this morning watch
ed your husband out"
"All of which can in no way interest
or concern me,'' said Dora, seriously, be-
ginning to think that her visitor must
be mad.
"Don't jump at conclusions, Mrs. Os-
borne," said he; "it's bad habit to get
into. You had housekeeper of the
name of East ?"
"Yes," said Dora.
"Did she ever mention a sister who
was living in Australia ?"
" Yes" said Dora.
90 oh, che did," said the man. "I
fancied she might have been rather re-
served on that point. Well, that sister
is my wife, which is sufficient, by way
of explanation. And now / should be
glad to know whether my respected sis
ter.in-law gave you any particulars con-
cerning your parentage."
Dora guessed something of what was
coming, and was accordingly on her
guard,
"It was scarcely likely that we should
have discussed that subject" said she,
eoldly.
"Likely or not, you may have done
so," said the man. Now, Mrs. Os-
borne, as you seem to be growing impa-
tient, allow me to tell you that 1 had
the honor of bringing you into the
world, and am in position to prove
that, instead of being the daughter of
Mr.. Lynton, and consequently heiress of
Lynton Hall, you have no more right
to it than have, and that, in reality,
you are the child of my wife's sister,
and consequently my niece"
sand supposing this to be correct %
said Dora, "what do you expect me to
do ?'
"Well, you see it's rather an impor-
tant secret" said the man and if you
don't care to pay for having it kept,
dare say the other branch of the family
will be quite willing to buy it. TO do
Mr.. Lynton justice, he was not mean
man, but he has been dead five years,
and in all that time I've not had a pen
ny. To tell the truth, can't afford to
let my knowledge lie idle any longer land
am determined to take it to the best
market; only thought I'd come to you
first, for the sake of old times"
"And if decline interfering in any
way in this affair ?" said Dora.
"Well, if that means that you don't
intend to pay the price of my silence,
shall go to your husband, who will
likely look at it in different light" he
replied; but if he is as blind to his
own interests as you have been, shall
then simply look out for the next of kin
and make my own bargain in the best
way 1 can"
Sand is that all you have to impart?'
said Dora.
EYES," was the reply; "and think
you understand my meaning.
Perfectly said Dora, "as 1 hope
YOU will understand mine. I shall
tell my husband of your visit and youl
proposal. Depend upon it, he will
search into the truth of this affair, bu
rest assured, that whatever the conse
quences may be, we shall not avert then
by bribing you"
"Andis that all you have to say ?" hi
asked.
Certainly" replied Dora, Z" Miller,
said she to the servant who answered
the bell, " show this person out.'
A malignant scowl overspread tn
mans countenance at this summary dis
missal, and as he followed the servant
he muttered, " You will hear more O
this.''
Dora deigned no reply, but as soon a
she was alone her pride gave way, an,
seating herself in the chair by whicl
she had remained standing during tn
interview, she buried her face in he
hands, and tried to think ; but all to n
purpose. She could only feel that trout
le threatened to darken her horizon, an
that very heavy cloud was likely t
come between her and her happiness.