The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-04-30
and overwhelm him in the course of a
few more hours

\ Gipsy as his legitimate child was to
brand Lady Carsland as his mistress and
/ Cordelia as their illegitimate offspring
| which, after all, was the naked truth.
| On the other hand if he had refused to
/ admit that he was the man who had mar
! ried SalOme Velazo his ward, impelled by
| his love of his sweetheart and his desire
! 10 clear her reputation in the eyes of the
! world, would carry the case into a court
| of law, in the event of which the whole
! country would ring with the story of
| Lady Carslands shame and his own in
| fanny.
In dire tribulation he rose from his seat
and paced about the room, seeking vainly
d way of escape from the difficulties that
encompassed him. What must he dO2
! Take Lady Carsand into his confidence,
tell her the story Of his youthful folly and
sin and throw himself upon her mercy.
For the sake of her own name and that
of her child she would he likely to for
give him ultimately, no matter how much
she might storm at and denOunce him at
first.
But he feared her ladyship's biting
! tongue as a whipped dog fears the lash
and he determined not TO face it until all
other chance of refuge was denied him
Perhaps he might induce Paul to forego
the vengeance he had threatened to take.
He was ready to admit to his ward and 10
the White Gypsy that he was her father
and was prepared to will half his fortune
to her. Probably his ward would be
satisfied with such a concession, and in
case he was not he could only face the
worst then.
Just as the baronet came to this de-
termination there was a light tap at the
study door which opened the next mo
ment to admit her ladyship. Startled by
the knock Sir Sydney ran to the table,
picked up the letter, and thrust it into a
drawer, but not in time to prevent his
wife from seeing the act.
'What is the matter with YOU. Svd-
neyp' Lady Carsland asked as she came
forward toward him.
Nothing, my dear he answered, with
forced cOmposure ''Whv do You ask"
Because can see there is something
wrong. Was that letter from Paul?'
1T was"
"What has he to say you do not desire
me to know"
Nothing nothing, L assure you, dear"
"Tell me the truth! He has discovered
that girl, suppose, and is bringing her
back again to this neighbOrhOod.
'No-not that"
"What them"
Gle has written to say that he is com
ing here this afternoon. That is all, AIDE
laide."
"But why is he coming?" she de-
manded, her curiosity quickening rather
than getting less
ITO talk over some business matters
with me-"
IF that is all why did you not open his
letter at the breakfast table, and why
are you so much agitated MOVIE If he has
not discovered the girl what business can
he have with you that | ought not to
know off May | see your ward letter."
'YOu cannOt-he might not like you to
see it, he answered.
"That is not the real reason why you
will not show the letter to me. You are
afraid. There is something wrong, | tell
you again. 7 can see trouble in your face
l am your wife, and if there is trouble
you ought to trust in me-"
u wish | could, ;" he muttered.
"Then why not do SOP
because daren't!" he blurted out.
ere he was aware of it. "Therel You
have made me say more than | wished to
say. Now 60 and leave me in peace !" he
cried.
81 will go when have learned what the
trouble iS-not before. Tell me what it
is, or show me Paul Meredith's letter"
He was silent for a moment, his head
bent on his hands. Suddenly he took
arms against his fears and resolved to
face the worst there and then Lady
and perhaps it would be better, all things
considered, to tell her everything before
his ward arrived.
IF you insist upon knowing, will tell
you then" he said.
II insistl' was her response.
''You will be panied terribly-shocked
beyond all your expectations and wished
to spare you if could"
Have done with this mystery, and
speak"
"Well, before came to the title and es-
tates, when l was in hiding after taking
those damnable jewels, | was tramping
through Yorkshire, and CHANGED to fall
ill--fainted, in fact, by the roadside
When ! came to my senses | was in a
respectable cottage, and pretty woman
was attending upon me. l was there some
time, passing under false name, and
ultimately married the woman. When
my father and brother met their death so
suddenly l deserted my wife and came
here, -
What was the name you gave your
self :" Lady Carsland gasped.
Sydney Birmingham. "
"My GOd!n she exclaimed, as she sank
into a chair, 81 see it all now. Your wife
had a child, and that child is Salome
Birmingham, the pit brow girl2''
He nodded, with white face.
"And you knew this all alOng2N
Il never even suspected it until Paul
told me the story of the girl he wished to
marry, | was told that the woman was
dead-had died a few months after nv
return to Carsland hall, and / never
dreamt that she had left daughter be-
hind her"
when did the woman die!" Lady Cars
land demanded, white to the lips now, and
quivering from head to foot with sup
| pressed passion.
Ten or a dozen years ago"
$50 that YOU committed biCamy2"
mot knowingly
you committed it all the same!" she
Kissed, and ] am not your wife at all.
save in name, and Cordelia is"
For Gods sake do not make a scene,
Adelaide" he cried imploringly. Think
Of the terrible scandal there will be if the
secret leaks out For your own sake,
mine, and our daughters, let US keep this
thing to ourselves. You must see that it
viii be better for all concerned TO take
that course. Come what may this
thing must never be made known to the
world!"
docs Paul Meredith know"
He does, ] regret to say
And threatens to publish il broadcast
unless you acknowledge Miss Birmingham
as your daughter3"
He does-but read his letter and then
you will perhaps be able to suggest some
scheme to CheCkmate him
ip OnRppd tho drawer, and fpnlr thapa-