The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-04-19
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Palace road, and as Col Roche listened he
shrugged his shoulders and again sat down
TO the table.
What fools women are, to be sure" he
said, almost under his breath.
This man says that the lady who sent it
wa Lady Ennismore," continued Francis.
You are lucky young dog, then.
laughed Col. Roche, grimly. And may |
ask how this fellow knew all thIs.'
''LOrimer's husband, man called Twiss,
gave me the money, and he persuaded
Lorimer to tell him all the story If Lady
Enuismore's girlhOod, and the supposed loss
at sea Of her first husband. Uucle, l be
lieve there Is something in 1t. Why won't
you tell me what you know"
"Beceusen-began Col. Roche, and then
he checked himself. Come along, Frank"
lie said a moment later. Ito my MOTEL; 1t
strikes me this conversation had better be
carried in the strictest privacy; not, of
course that any one can hear US.
He rose as lie spoke. and left his club fol-
followed by Francis Roche. Col. Roche at
this time had An appointment al Woolwicn
and frequently came up to town, staying
when he did 50 at the GrosveuOr Hotel. He
was staying there now, and speedily Francis
Roche found himself in very comfortably
furnished apartment.
You must let me think this affair quietly
over, Frank >" be said, as he handed Francis
Roche his box Of cigar. and rang for
brandy and scdas. but now tell me from
beginning to end exactly what this person
said who called on you this morning"
Then Francis Roche commenced the story
again, adding;
He said, you know, that it was unjust
that | who am her eldest son should not in
herit some at least of her fortune, and that
her children by Lord Ennismore were not
legitimate
And he was positive about the first mar
rage" asked Col. Roche.
quite positive; he named the city
church where be was married to Katherine
Maiden, and said Lorimer signed her name
as witness. He also said that both Lady
Ennismore and L1rimer when they saw him
admitted he was George Roche, whom they
had supposed was dead
And what does he intend 10 do" asked
Col Roche
"He made out for my sake he intends to
prove his marriage"
But, my boy, do you know this means
ruin, absolute ruin to Lady Ennismores
children--it is impossible, with honor to
advance such claIm-if this story be true
Lady Ennismore was forsaken, and be-
ieved the man she had the misfortune to
meet when she was a mere child, to be dead.
No blame is to be attached to her conduct,
md she has also lived blameless life over
twenty years. What did you say to him.?
II told him also it would be impossible to
advance such a claim. but he said this was
quixotic folly"
"Of course continued Col Roche, rising
and beginning to pare the room, there are
two sides TO the question-yOu believe this
man really to be George Roche"
II scarcely think it possible that he
should show such intimate knowledge OF
the circumstances if he were not, Uncle
Walter!n
And You believe in his marriage with
Katherine Maldenp
THAT could be proved, you know, by re-
ferring 10 the register, could it notl"
"Trce;n aud then Col. Roche was silent,
and began abseDtly shaking the ash off his
cigar. He was thinking what he should do,
what he should say. He was bound by
honor to keep Lady Ennismore's secret, and
he had most faithfully kept it, but it was
seemingly secret no Ion ger, and Frances
interests we're perhaps to be considered
I'D best see this fellow myself" he said,
presently; lit mayn't he George Roche after
all, you know, but some one who has as
suned his name"
He said that both Lady Ennismore and
Lorimer recognized him.
'Ho might impose on two frightened
women, but he won't impose on me.
should know him among a Thousand if he is
this graceleSs brother of mine, though he
may be greatly changed"
He is a worn, dissipated looking man;
is he older or younger than you, Uncle
Walter?n
''If he is George Roche, he is five years
Younger" answered the colonel.
Then he looks older, much older, and
yet there is a sort of resemblance in the
features, but the expression is so different
"I'll see him at all events-let me see-nor
tomorrow, for l must be early at Wool
wich; but on Tuesday could you bring him
here about 4 o'clockl No occasion to an
nounce his name. you know"
"Yes, l will bring him; l know his adj
dress"
THAT is settled then; and now, Frank,
tave another cigar. and then, | think, |
should like to have time to think things
over bit by myself, before go to roost."
Francis Roche took the hint. He babe his
uncle good night. and then stroled out alone
into the lighted streets, thinking of the
strange fate to which he had been born.