The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1891-04-04

she was the most beautiful woman l
have ever seem"
These words were spoken in so low
tone that the ladies present had not
caught their meaning, and murmurlng
in return that she must Introduce INN
to the waiting Duchess, he allowed her
10 lead him forward while she presented
him as "my father"
Drawing close to her grace. on being
thus introduced, he turned half-qulz-
zical look upon her, which caused her to
spring ND instantly as she met it, "X-
claiming:
Edward, Can this be my son Ed
ward?"
My own. dear mother. then YOU do
know me after all these years?" was the
answer, as he held forth his arms to en-
brace her.
Amazed at this unlooked-for revela
ton. Ethel and Lady Claire clasped
hands in mutual sympathy, and looked
on in silent wonder.
After this fond greeting, the Duke
turned and saluted his sisters child.
whom he had never seen, after which he
took EtheI's hand, and leading her to
his mother. said:
"Now. dearest mother, let me ask for
a share of your love to be given to my
daughter, Lady Ethel Worthington, for
in her You see your own granddaughter. !"
Edward. this is a surprise, indeed"
returned her grace. as she pressed the
sweet girl to her bosom and kissed her
bright Young brow. "Ethel has already
won our affections during her brief resi-
dcnce here, without knowing that she
could lawfully claim them. But now,
please, tell Your mother who You mar
ried, and why you kept your marriage so
long a secret?"
Before answering your question, my
dear mother, we will proceed to open
the package left in Ethel's charge"
Taking the small bundle of what
seemed papers and letters from his
daughters hand, the Duke cut the
strings and drew forth the contents.
The first thing to meet the eye was a
marriage certificate, setting forth that
on October Is, IS, just twenty-five
years before, in New York City. Edward
Worthington, only son Of Charles. tenth
Duke Of Westmorclana, was united in
marriage to Florence Nevergail, daugh-
ter of the late John Nevergail, of Lon
don 10y Rev. Henry Morris, ID. d,
Next came to view magnificent circle
diamond ring which he had given to her
at the time of their engagement. and a
plain gold band. containing their Joint
initials and the date Of their marriage.
The last was his wifc's wedding ring.
Then appeared a small locket, set with
diamonds, containing the likenesses OF
both: and a he threw the gold chain to
which it was attached over Ethels neck
he babe her wear ii hereafter "for the
sake OF her parents"
L., 7 al 1ai
looked at the beautiful face of Ethel's
poor. young mother, they were each
struck with the likeness She bore TO tie
picture, and thought she might almost
have been its original.
Now, my dear mother and daughter.
! viii tell you why | have So long con
ceaied the fact Of my marriage.
"iou. mother, can scarcely blame me
when YOU remember the set and stern
disposition my father ever possessed.
Ills will was law. his rule 4 rod OF iron.
and a child daring 10 diSobey him was
sure to be punished with the utmost
severity.
Nv hen | was only a STRIPPING of nine
teen years, | had accompanied my father
to Il fox hunt. and after the chase was
over, on our return rid" he commenced
talking about my being heir to his title
and wealth, and about the intense desire
he lad that when | married | should Sc
lect a wife from a certain number Of
ladies belonging to the nobility.
Il remember that, | replied Bat.
father, perhaps / could not love
either Of the persons named. Sure
~ You would not wish me 10 marry
without my hearts affection being en-
it>tod"'
i surely do not expect love to have a
single consideration Wealth, title and
beauty ar ali that is requisite
Father. | replied, 4 have always cN-
pcctcd to love some sweet young girl. and
on that account solely to MARI" her. :
",TEen your expectations vii! 1}eet q
sudden and grierols appointments
was the stern reply
"Nhccli,g his horse so that he faced
me in the road. he extended his right
hand towards heaven, and then and
there took The solemn oath.
The words were so scared into my
heart by my aStoniSilmcnt that | coull
never forget a single one Of them:
"'Gnce for all, Edward, hear me and
mark what say: ! s0i"mnly "a on God
10 witness that never vi | consent To
yoHr wedding any person not in your own
rank III life! Never, boy: remember
that. Never.
This VOW is now recorded above, and
| shall never break it. See that you
never ask it of me.
Fire m that hour matrimony and ladies
los all charms for me-. |. as you know.
mingled little in society, and found my
chief amusement in study. hunting and
travelling When about tweHty-siy years
cid went to America. and while in New
York accidentally met Gertrude Never
gail. who was the daughter o. Sir
t,.ufTr,y Glcndrnning. our Eeighbor at
tie Iia /, She, in making what they
considered a plebcian marriage, had been
cast off and disowned by her proud
father and all her friends and relatives.
With her husband and his Young
orphan sister. Florence Ncyergail. they
had left England: and Nevcrgail s 3on
came talented lawyer. respected. and
received into the best society in New
York City.
1T was then. at their house. first
met aud passionately loved my beautiful
Florence. Infatuated to the widest
degree with this young lady. | could not
leave the place, and before many weeks
PASSED discovered that she recipiocatcd
my warm devotion,
"Whcn she did confess her feelings.
saw al once that asking for the consent
Of my father would be useless. so | urged
a private marriage. To this she con
! scented, if | could gain the appreciation Of
| her brother and his wife.
In remembrance of their own happy
! life. brought about by 4 marriage solely
! for loyr. their consent was soon given,
and in their presence We were united.
Il took my darling then to the ---
! Hotel, one Of the finest in the city. where
! | engaged a Suitc OF apartments, and
| dropping my title, | lived with her the
! happiest year Of my life. under tho sim
! pie name of Edward Worthiagton.
/ But, alas, our Joy was hnt for a brief
! period. for when our little girl was only
! three weeks Old, she left me for Il bright
! er world-a ncver-tadiHs heritage on
j high.
/ "After her death l was iEconsoiabIe
! Lie for me was aimleSs; - | cared not
what became Of me-. Then Mrs. Never.