The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-01-06

the portrait Of a son of mine | had the
misfortune to lose many years ago,
when he was not much older than you
are now" Lord Alphington began. II
wished to Judge for myself find the
likeness stronger thanlI had expected,
not only in face, but in voice and man.
ner - so strong that the conviction
forces itself upon me that you must In
some way be connected with our fami-
ly, though from what branch you can
have sprung cannot guess. You are
not only extraordinarily like my own
son. but you have the Fancourt face, as
the portraits at Alphington can testify.
| tell you this that you may not suppose
am actuated by mere gossiping curl
Osity."
"f do not think should suspect that
In any case" said st. Lawrence, with q
smile that went to the old mans heart.
"Miss Bertha Dalton told me last even
ing of the likeness she had discovered"
A softening of the eyes and the voice
did not escape Lord Alphington's OBJ
servation.
ut is as suspected-there is an at
tachment in that quarter" he said to
himself.
"Have you any objection to tell me
where you were born?" the Earl began
again.
az am an American by BIRTH" st.
Lawrence replied.
Born in America! That is strange,
too" Lord Alphington said, under his
breath.
st. Lawrence fastened to add some
thing more.
Il fear, after the great Kindness you
have shown me, Lord Alphington, you
may think me ungracious," " he said. 1T
is a matter Of deep regret to me to have
to place myself at a disadvantage in
your eyes. I need scarcely say that, il
/ answer questions, it must be truly
and frankly; and l am compelled to add
that circumstances at present necessi-
tate reserve that is the more painful
to me as it may lead to misjudgment on
the part of those with whom l would
most earnestly wish to stand WELL"
"Are these circumstances ever likely
to be altered?" Lord Alphington asked
after pause, during which, judging by
the VARYING expression of his cOunte-
nance. many thoughts and feelings have
been chasing each other through his
mind.
II can only most fervently hope and
pray that they may" replied St. Law
renee, earnestly.
As he spoke, clasping his hands, and
leaning his elbow on his knees, he bent
forward. raising his eyes with look Of
respect, interest, and affection almost,
to the face of his interlocutOr.
70 or GtrQn1a ~ ord
AlphingtOn unused; and then he added,
aloud, II must not press for your con-
tidence-I have no right; but will you
bear in mind that, if you want friend,
if you have any entanglements or en-
barrassments that helping hand may
assist in unrayeling. you will find that
friend in me-for the sake of one who
Is gone, and of one other for whom /
nave great regard"
You are very good, my lord: feel
your kindness deeply" st. Lawrence
replied, not catching Lord Alphing-
toms last allusion. lone thing owe
It to myself TO say. though l have only
my own word to give as assurance. II
nv past life could be laid bare before
You at this moment. should not blush
TO let il be so. Ii am just now placed
in doubtful position. it is through the
turpitude of others. not my own He
drew himself up as he spoke. with that,
stately air and that steady, honest out,
look from thee which had sometimes
made poor Mrs. Dalton feel 50 insignia
cant.
Il believe you from my heart" said
Lord Alphington. holding out his hand,
and glaneing with admiration az the
noble-looking fellow before him. ~Tol.
must come down and ses NE al Alph.
ington Park: do not lei me lose sight ot
you"
Lord Alphington then descended to
his carriage. puzzled, beBildered, but
deeply interested. All, if fate had only
given him grandson Like that young
painter, he thought, he would have
been proud and happy man that dayl