Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-09-20
CHAPTER XII


Lord AlphingtOn ut home when he had
appointed to meet his newly-found
grandson, but he was subject to severe
attacks of govt, which he could only
ward off by attention to first Symp-
toms. lie was spare man of temper
ate habits, but he had inherited this
complaint probably from some indolent
and self-indulgent ancestor. On the
day before he intended to 90 to town,
he felt a premOnitOry tWinge that eX
perience told him must not be neglect
ed, so his journey was postponed till
Monday, by which time he hoped to
be able to put his foot to the ground
without fear.
Lord AlphingtOn arrived at his town
house in Magnus Square by one O'Clock
ON Monday morning, and found MIR.
Thompson, the solicitor, waiting for
him as appointed. Fancourt was to be
there an hour later.
Lord AlphingtOn shook Mr.. ThOmp-
son cordially by the hand.
"N on congratulate me. [ am sure, my
good friend, " he said. "Y on know what
| have gone through, what my lonely
life has been to me, and now Heaven
has been good to me in allowing me to
embrace son in my old age"
Mr.. Thompson cleared his throat, and
looked as if he did not quite know what
to answer.
"Of course, | congratulate you, my
lord" he said. Mr.. Sedley, or Mr..
FancOurt, as we must now call him, is
still young man. There is no doubt
he viii acquire the habits and manners
of the class with which he will for the
future associate. We must allow for
defective education"
Something i'll the solicitors tone
made Lord Alphington uneasy.
defective education" he repeated.
81 understood that the young man had
been educated at Y ale College, and that
he had travelled much since. He is
surely a gentleman"
Mr.. Thompson coughcd behind his
hand.
Il believe he was at college, and,
when [ speak of defective education, [
don't mean that he is exactly ignorant.
He writes a good letter; but what you
term travelling, my lord, | should prefer
to call knocking about the world
"EOu alarm me, " said Lord Alphing-
ton; Il am sure by your manner you
know something against this young
man. Speak out, pray; however much
1t may distress me, it is better that |
should know"
Indeed, my lord, you take my words
more seriously than they were intend
ed, Mr.. Thompson replied. Il know
nothing whatever against Mr.. Fan
court; perhaps, remembering what his
father was, felt disappointed. That
is all, | assure you"
He is not like his father then?" Lord
AlnhingtOn Intercepted, glancing with
sigh at the portrait of a handsome,
MISUNDERSTANDING young man, which
h1,rlCr n tho hhr0ry y,-hprn thpu
sitting.
Not in the least; perhaps he takes
after his mothers family" Mr.. Thomp-
son suggested.
Lord Alphington sighed again.
I'VE must not let any disappointment
as to his appearance bias our judg-
ment," said he. Il hoped there might
have been a resemblance, but l have
learned to put my hopes ON one side.
Let us proceed to buSiness-time is
creeping on
Mr.. Thompson proceed to lay before
Lord AlphingtOn the proofs that had
been placed in his hands. There was
a considerable bundle of papers, all of
which the Earl looked over carefully.
1t seems quite 'yOnd doubt that
all is as we wish he said, but in less
cheerful tone than that in which he
had first spoken when he met the solic-
itOr. How | wish all this had been
known years ago, that | might have
had the guardianship of the bowl How
ever, lit is useless to regret the past. That
opal ring is the only thing missing" he
added, taking up a lOcket and eXamin-
ing it. Did Fancourt explain its loSs?"
He spoke of having been robbed by
a servant Mr.. Thompson replied. Il
have placed that affair in the hands of
40 4 I'D
acute fellow, who has been engaged in
more than one case that has come under
my notice. If any man can follow it up,
Riggs can"
Lord Alphlngton was about to reply,
when the door of the room was thrown
open and Mr.. Faneourt announced.
Lord Alphington rose quickly, look
of painful anxiety upon his counte-
nance. He was about to advance to
meet the man who entered, but stopped
short, the eagerneSS of his manner
changing to extreme bGHel,r.
Fancourt, in appearance much the
same as when he had called at Ivy Cot
tage. came forward with an air half
cringing, half preSuming. Mr.. Thomp-
son, thinking that the Earl was in some
uncertainty, also rose
ALLOW me to present to YOU your
SAiAuStH. LOU alt'iAlllENtlt- NC csAitA-
Lord Alphington waved him back.
II know" he returned. You have
proved to me that this is Fancourt's
son; as such he will receive every JUS
tice at my hands. Sit down. young
man." he added. addressing Fancourt
for the first time as he resumed his own
seat.
Fancourt felt cowed and uncomfort-
able. but, endeavoring to assume a
nonchalant air, he waited for Lord
Alphington to speak.
when I wrote 10 you to make the
appointment for YOU TO meet me here
to-day, / took Mr.. Thompson's word
for the correctness of the proofs" said
Lord Alphington, in chilling tone. Il
have since looked over them myself,
and find them to be as he has stated
There are a few questions, however,