The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-04-29
I CnaFIER XX.-Continued

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CnaFiER XX.-Continued
Oh, how the girls heart throbbed!
Not for Wanda, but for Kate he asked!
And suddenly there stood before him
the weeping girl, looking, even in the
agony of the moment, radiantly beauti-
full.
"And Wanda = Sister Wandal" he
cried.
They made striking group-the
young man, his face illuminated with
ecstatic joy, the maidens standing bend
ing over him, their hands clasping his.
But Dr. jacobson put an end to these
transports, and after Arundel had been
allowed a few words of congratulations
from Mrs. Evesham, Mr.. Hardcastle and
Bladon, the sick-room was cleared of
visitors and George Arundel was left to
the repose his overstrung nerves so
sorely needed.
Now, it was just five days after this
memorable event that Mr.. Hardcastle
received from Harry Evesham the bulky
letter which conveyed the story of his
adventures in Derbyshire-the revela-
ton of the mystery which had sur
ronuded the birth and parentage of
Wanda Arlington.
Recovering from the first shock of
astonishment he at once sent for Bladon
to come to his study.
''Sit down. he said, gravely, as the
old servitor entered. 81 have much to
tell and ask you"
mo occasion, SIR" Bladon answered.
There was a cowed, detected air about
the man which Mr.. Hardcastle had
never noticed before. ST know what
thee be a-going to say. Thou'st going
to tell me that the young master must
marry Miss Kate well, her is as likely
lass as e'er another, an I've nowt to
say"
Il was not about to tell you any
such good news. Now, Bladon, were
you ever in the service of Lord Airing
ton, of Wilmington hall, Derbyshire?"
"Eh! Good Lord, what makes thee
ask, sir9"
Then Mr.. Hardcast1e read Harry Eve
sham's letter from beginning to end.
The old servant never spoke during the
recital of the strange story. When it
was finished his feelings broke forth:
SIT is the hand of the Almighty. And
my dead master, innocent after all of
the charge they made against him! Aye,
sir, George Arundel is the Earl of Ar
lington.'
'sBut can you prove it, man?"
Yes, his father left in my hands all
his papers and testimonies
Then, no for England and restitu-
tion, for his and Wanda's rights"
Wanda's rightsl The phrase startled
the old servant like an electric shock.
''Iwas thinking SO much O. the young
lord that had forgot the lady. Sothat
sweet maid is my masters own flesh
and blood. Bless her pretty face, al
ways loved her like my own child"
Why, you amazing old hypocrite, you
have been plotting and planning against
her for the last two years." Mr.. Hard
castle burst forth in righteous indigna-
ton.
Nay, there thou'st wrong. feared
the lass, but always loved her. III
had'na thought the world of her, think
thee should have stood quietly aside
an seen Master George give her ten
thousand dollarS?"
"What, that money came from him?"
"Aye, sure it did / found it out,
though he did contrive to keep it so
close, but his handbook leaked the Sc
cret.'
"Well, this is indeed day of revela-
tions," Mr.. Hardcastle declared.
Though, as suppose she really is his
sister, it is perhaps as well the money
came from him."
''And Hayter? We shall drop hard
on Hayter, Mr.. Hardcastle?"
'Well try," was the grim reply.
Then Mr.. Hardcastle enjoyed the de-
lightful satisfaction of revealing to the
other actors in this little drama the
startling developments of Harry S letter.
George Arundel was the least discom-
posed. He had so long felt that his
father had moved in another sphere of
life that he was somewhat prepared for
the disclosure. Kate heard the news
with sad and sinking heart, for the ties
of this new position would take the
friend she loved so far away. And as
for Wanda, she vowed she would never
give up America and Mrs. Evesham to
be made queen, much less a countess,
while every nerve of her little body
thrilled with gratitude to think that
she could now in sober truth call her
darling George her brother.
So they wrote and told Harry that as
soon as Georges health permitted the
whole party would set sail for England.