The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1892-02-11

ward, then, with his testimony which the
Earl had noted down, and which was to
be test of his own truth now. As
sisted by these notes there could be no
more shamming forgetfulness: he must
speak out.
I'm what terms did the Colonel men
ton your" proceeded Lord Inchcape.
"Insoently," answered Sircombe. who
had never forgotten or forgiven the i'm
pertinence. "And coupled with an
odious insinuation. He implied that my
lords secretary would not hesitate to
trade on my lady's secrets if he could
see his advantage in it. Lady lnchcape
allowed the SANDER to pass unQues-
toned, which injustice naturally irri-
tated me, for my attachment to my
patrons interest had been most devoted"
"And this is your excuse for the in
jury you did her?" said Inchcape, con-
temptuous!y. @How b!indIy l have
trusted craven! But proceed. What
was Lady Inchcape's reply?"
"She asked why he had deserted his
post, or some such reproach The
quoting his desire for a reconciliation
before they should part; he spoke as
lover would speak,"
exclaimed Lord lnchcape. sternly; re
member that have the truth before me,
and be more exact. l shall suffer no
distortions. Richard Accrington spoke
as lover, true, but was 1t not as
scorned and rejected lover? Answer
me-"
"He did sue for more mercy, l now re-
member" reluctantly owned Sircombe,
whose stubborn pride revolted at every
self-cOndemning admission he was
obliged to make.
swell, and the lady's answer"
"She reproached him for writing her a
clandestine letter, and for the impudence
of paying her compromising visit at
such an hour" He stopped short
gnawing his lip
"Continue!" Numbered Lord Inchcape
@My lord, l can recall no MORE" pro-
tested Sircombe. enjoying the equivocal
light he had put the lady's words in.
"Was it anything like this?" demanded
the Earl, who read as follows: There
can be no amity between you and me.
You have dared to write me clandes-
tine letter; WELL listen to mel have
not read it. You have come back to pay
me compromising visit; you shall gain
nothing by that but disgraceful expos
ure: for l am about to call my house
hold to protect me from the insults of q
midnight intruder Well, Mr.. Sir
combe, do you recOllect these words?"
Sircombe bowed in silence. What use
to rebel any longer? He saw that Lord
Inchcape was in possession of the truth,
and that Edgar Arden was ready to de-
nounce him if he evaded it.
@Can you recall Colonel Accrington's
response?" demanded my lord
at was a menace, fiercely delivered
He spoke of his love turning to hatred
and revenge. My lady then defed him.
and the Colonel tainted her with deliv-
ering over your lordship to his VEN
geance. and promised to work his will
upon you. At that moment, if l am
not mistaken. they heard the appoach of
your lordship, and Colonel Accrington
amused himself by painting the suspi-
ciOuS appearance their situation must
have in jealous husbands eyes, and bv
prophesying the scandal which would
ensue. There was no answer from Lady
Inchcape; when next heard her voice
she was at my door, ordering me to fol-
low you and colonel Accrington.
Lord Inchcape laid down the manu-
script, and rose with a long breath.
He fixed his quiet gaze upon his
treacherOus secretary.
"You have strugg ed hard to maintain
the appearance of having suspected
Lady Inchcape," said he. sternly: land
of course l understand why. 1t was the
only excuse for the part you have since
played between her and me-
"Rut now, in the face Of this testi-
mony, corrOborated as it has been by
yourself, dare you still harbor the faint
est shade of suspicion against that
guiitless lady? Speak, sir; l will be an
Swered."
Raging and sickening with shame. the
secretary was forced to part with this,
his last, poor rag of defense; for Edgar's
fierce eye b!azed upon him as he hest
tated. and the whitening scCrn Of Inch
cape's glance convinced him that he was
not to be deluGed.
81 believe in her innocence, muttered
he. with bowed head and ashen lip.
@And always have?" pursued the Ear.
sAnd always have!" whispered Sir
combe; and he buried his lace in his
hands with grOan OF heartfelt degrade
ton.
But my lord and his young kinsman
turned toward each other with out
StTcCCucu UduUS. oyC snug oeO III
speakable emotion. Forgotten was the
crushed wretch behind them; the last
faint doubt of sweet Engelonde Inchcape
was cleared away-her husbands heart
trusted in her as of yore.
One strong hand clasp, and moment
airy paling of the majestic face, and my
lord was himself again.
"And this l owe to you, Edgar" he
said, fervently.
.WelL my boy. l cannot fifty thank
you; but l trust the time may come when
may possess the power to give you the
desire of your heart, as you have this
day given me the desire OF NINE"
He was interrupted by sudden move
ment Of Sircombe's; he was cropping
blindly for the door, his face pale as
dea III, and convulsed with despair.
The two men regarded him in dismay;
no mortal spending sickness could have
turned the man more haggard, old, or
broken, than had the into cradle expos
ure Of his baseness Ay, but was there