Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1882-10-27
A GUILTY SECRET.

4. A GUILTY SECRET.
Mr.. Medwyn Lancaster looked for
ward to the arrival in England of his
nephew-the head of the family-with
almost morbid interest. The lad had
been brought up in Italy under the care
of his mothers relatives, and W. s COM
ing over to complete his education at
Cambridge University. in accordance
with the directions contained in his
fathers VIII. Arthur Ian caster was
then nineteen, and in less than two
years. time would inherit the vast estates
which had belonged to the Lancasters
for generations.
Mr.. Medwyn Lancaster had never set
eyes on his nephew, nor sought to do
so. The birth of the lad h I'd ruined his
expectations and soured his temper.
No one or anticip ted that Colonel
l. ncaster would m rry second time,
after the disastrous result OF his first
matrimonial venture, and Medwyn Lam
caster was always regarded rs heir to
the property. But ter leading an ir-
regular and dissip ted life for several
years, Colonel Lancaster welded an
Italian lady of good family, and settled
down in Italy. Medwyn Lancaster was
much shocked by this unexpected event,
and did not conceal his resentment A
GOODNESS sprang up between the broth
ers, which eliminated in an open rupt-
ure when, in due course, an heir was
born. Medwyn Lancaster, m .ddened
BY disappointment, set to work some
what ostentatiously to satisfy himself
of tho sAaafh Nf "a, 81
who had deserted him many years pre-
viously. Colonel Lancaster naturally
felt highly indignant at this proceed
ing, and, being a hot-t mpered man,
expressed his opinion with characters
tic freedom. He died shortly after
wards, b ing then a widower for the
second time, and either from genuine
distrust of his brother, or with the in
tcntion of putting a deliberate slight
upon him, he left directions that his
son and heir should be educated in Ita-
ly by his mothers family, until he was
old enough to go to an English Universi-
ty to qualify himself for his position in
his own country.
For many years Medwyn Lancaster
clung desperately to the hope that the
boy would die. He was reported to be
delicate, and the anxious without
holding any intercourse with the lad s
guardians-took care to keep himself
informed as to his state of health. The
reports which reached him were not
unfavorable to his own chances. The
boy had many illnesses, and required
constant care and attention. But some
how, the years rolled on and Arthur
Lancaster continued to exist. His uncle
Medwyn began to g ow seriously uneasy,
and though his belief that the boy would
not attain full age almost amounted to
infatuation. he longed to see him ard
judge for himself Of the true state of the
case.
Arthur Lancaster's appearance GER
tainly did not justify gloomy forebod-
ings. He turned o to be fine, hand
some young fellow, with pleasant man
ners, though by no means robust. But
tho proverbial treachery of the English
climate appeared to make no impression
upon him, while the aptitude and skill
which he displayed in all athletic exer-
cises testified to the vigor of his frame.
The young man took to cricket and
boating rs naturally as duck takes to
the water, and soon began to develop
his muscles and to lose his somewhat
fragile aspect. Medwyn Lancaster
could not conceal from himself, there
fore, that his nephew was as strong and
healthy as any young man of his age,
and that his "life" would be taken
without demur by the most fastidious
assurance Office in the kingdom.
Mr.. Medwyn Lancaster s position was.
perhaps, worthy OF commiseration. He
had large and expensive family, and
occupied an important post under tho
Government which brought him more
distinction than profit. Being obliged
to live IN London and move in good
society, he had incurred debts which
pressed heavily upon him. His only
chance of extricating himself from his
embairassments lay in the remote con-
tingency of his succeeding to the family
honors. No wonder, therefore, that he
was filled with gloomy despair when he
realized that his eager expectations had
been based upon a complete delusion.
Young Arthur Lancaster evinced the
strongest desire to ingratiate himself
with his uncle and his uncle,s family.
He was lad of bright, happy disposi-
tion, and made friends wherever he
went. He had probably been informed
that his uncle cherished in-feeling
against him, and seemed laudably
anxious TO dissipate disagreeable i'm
pressons. But all his efforts proved
hnayailing, for Medwyn Lancaster had
brooded so many years over his grev-
anee that he could not be reconcifed to
the limo ent cause of it. BY degrees
the intercourse between Arthur Lam
caster andShis nearest relatives became
coldiand constrained, for Medwyn Ian
caster did not attempt to disguise his
feelings, and his wife and children were
naturally influenced by his example.
Ihe. young man was the more surprised
and hurt at the treatment he received,
because his uncle's manner towards him
seemed TO suggest that he was guilty OF
some .grieyous wrong.
A few weeks before the coming OF
age Of the young heir, Mr. Medwyn Ian.
caster was startled by receiving an
anonymous letter. in which the writer
said he had acquired important informa,
tion respecting The first wife of the late
Colonel Lancaster. Though this mys
terious communication excited hin
strangely. moments reflection con
yinced him that il was unworthy o.
serious attention He had long age
satisl ed himself that his brothers. frs
wife w.. dead at the time of his seconC
marriage, so that whatever knowledge
this anonymous correspondent might
possess respecting the unhappy woman
could not be Of material Importance
His first impulse was TO treat the lettel