Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-07-19
CHAPTER VII.

LORD tarlSWOuu owned that his sorrow
was heavy one but it did not humble
his pride In vain the white haired old
chaplain, who had taught him when he
was boy spoke to him of the hu ty
that should follow a great affection.
"My children are dead, sir. and every
hope of my life is destroyed; but the last
thing Carlswood lays down is what you
are pleased TO call his pride"
But the time came when he was obliged
10 look to the future The Bralyn proper
ty was not eutailed 1t had passed at times
into the hands of the male heirs OF the
daughters of the house, the only stipula-
ton being that whoever rcigned there
must take the title and name of Carts
wood In the reign of George the First,
Francis, Lord Carlswood, had three daugh-
tiers, but no son; he was succeeded by the
second son of his eldest daughter, who had
married Lord Burton, and SO the success
sion was kept up.
But now Lord CarlswoOd looked around
him with q vague feeling Of fear aud Won
der rs Go who was to succeed him, who
was to carry on The glories and the honOrs
of the grand old race. He had no next of
kin. there was no stout, Stalwart young
cousin whom he could summon as his
heir, and every drop of his ancient blood
rose in hot rebellion ut the thought OF
strangers reigning ut Bralyu. What was
to he donef In great tribulation, Lord
Carlswood sent for his lawyer, Mr.. Ford.
of Lincoln lnn.
MIR. Ford had been the family solicitor
for many years. When Miss Carlswood
ran away from home. he had begged her
father 10 give her Mt least a small fortune,
but the master Of Rralyu had steraly re-
FTr.g. l.,
would not give one shilling.
Not even to save her life" he added;
and Mr. Ford turned away with sigh.
After that he never dared 20 mention her
name; aud now, when his loriship sent for
him to consult him, he hesitated before
speaking
There Is but one course l can suggest
10 your lordshjp, and that will not please
you"
What is itf" was the brief question.
~ was unfortunate enough 20 incur
your anger the last time l refer ID to the
matter. Nothing but the deepest interest
in your affairs induces me 10 risk rep
etitiou of the otrcuSe Your lordShip for
gets that you have stills daughter living"
81 have no daughter" was the stern re-
ply; she died years ago-to me-
''She may have had children" continued
the lawyer; she may have sons and
daughters. Granted that the offenSe she
has committed il apardonable. her chill
dren are Innocent"
Lord Carlswood's face grew very pale.
He pushed away his chair, and began 20
walk with rapid, agitated footsteps up and
down the room. Mr.. Ford watched him
inteutly the while.
"lnnoceutH' he said at length. with
scornful emphasis. They may be limo
cent enough, but you forgot they are the
children of a low-born, low-bred thief. who
stole Iny-my daughter from me-"
Ii was so many years since his lips had
fashioned TIE i, uEu It4.sL Ll3ry seemed 10
tremble over it.
How could l." he continued. bring
the children of such a man to live here at
Bralyuy How could let them succeed
such ancestors as mine? Ii simpoSSible.'
1T would be better, perhaps, than 10 al
low stranger to come after YOU, or than
letting the old name go tn ruin aud decay
They may be the children of ThOruton
Cameron but they belong to your lace
also my lord-there is no denying that
fact-they may even have YOUR features -
An expression OF uuutUerable loathing
came over the proud old face.
al hope not" he said, abruptly
''They may even" continued the lawyer,
lat diplomacy, have the grand old