Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-11-30
CHAPTER XXxn.

Mrs. Dalton had been expecting Sir
Stephen and Lady Langley to call, but
it caused her no surprise when Sir
Stephen appeared by himself. Nor did
Sir Stephens grave face and serious
manner alarm her. She was quite
aware that her future son-in-law was
no greater favorite with the Langleys
than with Lord Alphington, and that it
was with an i'll grace Sir Stephen was
prepared to act the parental part and
give Lena away.
Mrs. Dalton sat in her usual seat, Sir
Stephen placing himself opposite to
her. Sir Stephen, for once in his life,
felt somewhat embarrassed.
II am afraid" he began, shat what
I have come to tell you will cause great
distress; but it must be told. wish,
my dear madam, could now feel as
sured that Madelina's affections are not
set on this marriage; yet only yester-
day, when we came up to town, I'd have
given a good deal to know that they
were."
"What has happened, Sir Stephenp"
cried the poor lady, thoroughly fright
ened. "What is it you are going to tell
me? Surely not that Lord Alphington
has withdrawn his consent? Or has
Mr.. Fancourt-no, he would not think
of breaking off-he is SO very much in
love with Lena"
Mrs. Dalton's voice began to quiver.
Sir Stephen really pitied her, though
he had never felt any great respect for
his friends widow.
"If the engagement has to be broken,
it is by no act of Lord Alphington's, /
assure you, Mrs. Dalton. I asked the
question about the real state of Lena's
affections because it will be well if the
separation from her betrothed, which
has now become necessary, will not be
so great grief to her as might have
been feared"
"Separation-necessary!" gasped Mrs.
Dalton. What can you mean, Sir
Stephen?"
''iThe man who called himself Fam
court has proved an impostor," Sir
Stephen replied. "He is not lord Alph-
| ington's grandson!"
Mrs. Dalton gave a little shrek.
"Do you mean to say that Mr.. Fan
| court is not Mr.. Fancourt?" she ex-
claimed. "Oh, the villain, to come here
and propose to my poor. Lena! And
now-oh, what shall we do? And the
very wedding breakfast orderedP
"You know how truly sorry Lady
! Langley and / were that this engage
ment should have taken place, said Sir
Stephen; land now certainly poor Lena
| is placed in a most painful position.
But hope. when you know all, you will
at least feel thankful that matters have
gone no further. The real name of this
scoundrel is Sedley, and he is a married
man." a
Again Mrs. Dalton shrieked.
ut is dreadful-dreadful!' she cried.
"Oh, my Door, precious Lena-it will
be enough to kill her! think it will
kill mel''
Mrs. Dalton became more and more
distressed as she had time to take it all
in. Her tears became uncomfortable
All the brilliant prospects in which she
had iudulged faded away. What could
she say to her friends? What would
become of Lena? 1t was indeed too hard
to bear. %
"You are acquainted with the young
man who is the real Mr.. FancOurt,
said Sir Stephen, striving to turn his
companions mind from the contempla.
tion of her woes.
Mrs. Dalton made no reply. She
took no interest; she was too much
crushed.
''You have hitherto known him undel
the name of st. Lawrence" Sir Stepher
continued.
'sSt. Lawrencel" exclaimed the poo
lady, with returning animation, hel
cheeks flushing. ''Then everybody i.
turning out to be somebody else! How
is one to know2 Are you sure, Si
Stephen?" ~
"Yes, we are sure this time" 81,
Stephen answered, surprised by th'
sudden change in her manner.
"Well, 1 always liked Mr.. ST. Law
renee; I always said there was some
thing distinguished about him. Per
Z haps things may not be so very bad af
ter all" she went on, drying her eyes a.
I. bright idea struck her.
A sort of grim smile passed across
Sir Stephens face. 1.-THE woman is ;
fool,n he said to himself. Mrs. Daltol
became confidential, thinking the snil
was caused by an idea answering to tina
in her own mind.
ITO BH CONTINUED. ,s.i,