The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-07-07
was not So long as usual. It happened

in Hilda's honor, given by the old Duke
OF Middlesex, Lord Lexicon's cousin.
In vain poor Mrs. Dulcimer pleaded ill
ness and almost went on her knees to
her daughter to spare her the agony of
going into society when her SON S trial
was close at hand. The beautiful
Hilda was memorable; to begin with.
without her mothers escort she would
have to absent herself also; but apart
from this it seemed to be of the very
highest Importance at such critical
time that they should appear among
their friends as usual. She so i'm
pressed this upon her unhappy mothers
mind that the poor lady suffered her.
self to be Over-persuaded, and she ac-
companied her daughter with the
bravest air she could muster.
When the guests had all assembled
at Middlesex Lodge it was found that
Lord Lexicon was late, and after watt
ing for him nearly half an hour it was
decided to 60 down to dinner without
him. Hilda, who looked her best, was
most graciously received by every one,
and felt in no way uneasy at Lord Lex
ICONS absence, for his LOrdship's habit
of travel had rendered him a little for
getful OF the exlgencies of polite So
ciety. In fact, to be late for dinner
was an idiosyncrasy of his which ex-
cited very little surprise. Hilda would
have enjoyed herself perfectly but for
vague apprehensions on her mothers
account. 1t may be that she felt a
twinge of remorse when she glanced at
the poor old lady's 'bloodless face and
tremulous hands. She saw that her
mother was in condition of nervous
tension and suppressed excitement
which might eliminate in a sudden at
tack of illness.
When dinner was over, but before
the ladies had left the table, the door
opened and Lord Lexicon appeared.
BEG your pardon, Duchess; awfully
sorry, Duke!' he cried. in his impet-
uous fashion, as he took the vacant
chair next Hilda and gently squeezed
her hand. Don't have dinner up for
me. =! had something to eat while l
dressed"
"A nice way of coming out for din
| tuC OuhC.
II will tell you what kept me-" said
Lord Lexicon, in a loud and distinct
tone, for the old Duke at the head of
the table was little deaf "When l
was in Mexico about two years ago l
chummed for while with very nice
young Englishman. who saved my life
at the risk of his own. Well, l lost
sight of him, and it appears he came
over to England a short time back and
got into trouble. Quite by accident l
found out to-day that he was to be
tried for forgery at the Surrey Ses-
sions."
For whatp" inquired the Duke,
with his hand behind his ear.
Forgery. A young fellow. mind
you," cried Lord Lexicon, waxing elo-
quent with indignation, "who is as
honest as the day is long, and would
no more commit crime than you
would, Duke. l would have pledged
my right arm" he added, bringing it
down with a bang, upon the table. THAT
he was innocent"
"What is his name?" inquired some
one.
''Trower, he calls himself; and
would you believe it. cried Lord Lex
icon, with fresh outburst of indigna-
ton, "his lawyer told me that he has
relatives, near relatives, living here in
London who have all kept aloof from
him. because they hadn't the pluck to
stand by him. Imagine poor fellow
in his position being deserted by his
nearest and dearest!'
"Not his parents, surely!' exclaimed
the Duchess.
"His parents! Well, his father is
dead, and his mother, poor lady, seems
to have done what she dared for him, p"
said Lord Lexicon, in a gentler tone.
Gas far as l could gather, 1t is sister
who is to blame. From all accounts
this young lady must be absolutely
heartless and selfish"
Amid the expressions of surprise and
indignation which this recital excited
Hilda Dulcimer, whose embarrassment
only betrayed itself by becoming
flush upon her cheeks, stole an anxious
glance at her mother. Mrs. Dulcimer
was staring eagerly at the speaker
with distended eyes, her face deadly
pale, her frame rigid.
al pitched into Trower for not send.
ing for me-" continued Lord Lexicon,
but it appears he did not know me by
my title"
acquitted OF COURSE" returned
Lord Lexicon impatiently. 'The case
only concluded about half an hour ago
and that is what has made me late.
But the jury never hesitated, and the
Judge said he left the court 'withou,
stain on his character.
Even Hilda-in the midst of her dis
, may-was conscious of a thrill of salts
faction at this news, but when Lore
, Lexicon had finished speaking she saw
, to her horror, her mother uprising
from her chair. The next instant the
poor lady, in sort of paroxysm of un
comfortable excitement and agitation
., with clasped hands and upturned face
cried out in frenzied tones, which
: penetrated to every corner of tn
room:
, "Thnnk God! thank God! my son
! my darling son!' As the last word
, passed her lips Mrs. Dulcimer swayet
and fell senseless into the arms of tn
gentleman by her side, and amidst
painful and embarrassed silence sh
!, was borne gently from the room.
!.
; Lord LeXicon's abrupt departure oil
, a shooting excursion to the Rock,
p mountains caused great deal of com
:. ment. There was no formal announce
\ ment that his engagement was broker
: off, but during his absence Mis-