Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-02-10
SIR ANTHONY'S HEIR.

years after their marriage, having pre-
scented Sir Anthony with n son and
heir.
Sir Anthony and his wife have been
abroad. and this is the first time that
Basil has heard of the event which will
make such wonderful alteration in
his prospects. He looks pale and anx-
ious. as he broods over the news. He
was at breakfast in his comfortable
chambers when the telegram came;
but the news has deprived him of all
desire TO continue the meal.
What would Laura Balfour, his af-
tianced wife. say? She has been very
sweet and amiable during their en-
gaocment, and it seems strange that
doubt of her truth and loyalty should
arise at that moment. He opens
locket and looks at the pictured face
within. 1t is a pretty face with laugh
ing eyes, and tangle of yellow
hair over the babyiSh brow. The
mouth is exquisite; but Basil looks at
it with dissatisfaction for the first time
in his life. Will she be strong enough
to stand such a test? he asks himself
as he takes his hat to go out He
ultdllS 10 hUDN HIS ltlc NllHout
for suspense is unbearable.
Laura and her widowed mother live
in a little villa near Regents Park.
Mrs. Baifour is a very handsome wo-
man. and it is said will shortly throw
off her weeds and contract a second
marriage, which, perhaps. accounts for
her anxiety to see her pretty daughter
comfortably settled in life. Basil
slowly mounts the steps and rings the
bell with a trembling hand. In an
other moment he will stand in the
presence of his lady-love. with her
sweet blue eyes and her pretty irreso-
lutte mouth.
just then he hates the life that has
robbed him of his inheritance, and may
deprive him of all future happiness.
1t is a good opportunity to sound his
sweetheart affection; but he does not
want to try her. lest she should be
found wanting. He feels that where
| ignorance is bliss. it is, indeed. folly to
be wise. Laura looks up eagerly when
| Basil is announced by the trim parlor-
maid Her pink and white face is
wreathed in smiles as she rises TO meet
| him. holding out her two delicate little
hands.
Il am so pleased TO see you," she
says with swift. smiling,upward glance
| that changes to one of concern when
she sees how pale and grave he looks.
why. what is the matter?' she
says.
Basil does not beat about the bush.
He tells her the truth at once, and as
she listens a slight shade crosses over
the pretty face. She cares for Basil
as much as she could ever care for
anyone-more, perhaps. But Laura
feels that she cannot marry poor
man. The thought of love in cot
Ltage has no charm for her. She knows
he has enough to keep her in comfort;
but she loves life and gaiety-balls,
picnics, races, the opera, and all the
pleasures she would have to deny her
self if she married Basil. No! it can
never be. She-loves him, and would
have been happy as his wife. if only
that stupid baby had never been born.
1t was very hard that it should have
made its appearance after all these
years. during which poor Basil had re-
garded himself as Sir Anthony's heir.
Il was in very different position
wen | asked you to be my wife, y
Basil says in conclusion. watching her
keenly as he speaks. And it is. there
| fore, right that you should nave your
freedom again. Of course, l would
not ask you to fulfill your promise un-
der the altered circumstances.
Poor fellow, how eagerly he waited
| for Laura to break the silence, for he
hoped against hope. The girl sits with
| downcast eyes, while the color comes
and goes in her mantling cheeks. She
| loves Basil, but she loves ease and lux
ury more.
III he had only seen mamma first"
| she thinks, trying to transfer the re-
sponsibility to Mrs. Balfour's motheriy
| shoulders.
at is better-is it not?" he says.
finding she does not speak, and then
using lovers privilege for the last
time-he feels it is the last time--he
takes her pretty hower-like face be
tween his strong, brown hands and
looks down at her with longing eyes.
His idol has feet of clay. The deep.
tender love of his manhood has been
lavished on worthless object. And
yet if he might only have gone on be-
ing deceived, The girl is sorry to lose
her handsome, distinguished-looking
lover. and cries little in a pretty. be-
coming way. She would not spoil her
eyes or redden her nose for the world.
That would be foolish, indeed, since
her face is her fortune. That evening
Basil got a properly-wor letter from
Mrs. Balfour. which he reads and then
tears up into hundred pieces. He
knew how it would be long before the
delicately-scented missive came. 1t
was disagreeable letter to write; but
Mrs. Balfour has performed the deli
cate task well. and sugared the bitter
pill to the very best of her ability, for
she likes Basil, and is sorry for him.
He never liked Mrs. Balfour at any
time, and almost hates her now, for it
is through her teaching that Laura is
so worldly wise.
He is sitting in his chamber when
some one noisily knocks at the door,
beating regular tattoo on the panels.
Come in," he cries rather impa-
tiently, without turning is head. He
knows who his visitor is, and would
gladly avoid his company if lie could.
Tom Eden is the last person he wishes
to see in his present mood. They We're
schoolfellows. and Tom is one of his
best friends; but when we are in trouble
even our best friends seem in the way.
How goes it, old fellow?" asked
Tom, putting his hand on Basil's
shoulder and looking at him with ques-
tioning eyes. His manner is in singu-
lar contrast to the noisy fashion of his
entrance. But he sees something in
Basifs attitude that tells him that all
is not well with his friend, and his SYM
pathieS are aroused in a moment.
do look so disconsolate then?"
says Basil, pulling himself together,
and laughing little as he glances at
Toms short, stout figure and sunburnt
face.
You look better now,' returns his
friend, reassured by Basil's laughter