St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1894-04-07

Mr.. Hardcastle, in the abandon of his
Joy, and, let us hope, in the pardonable
forgetfulness of the moment. put his
arm around Mrs. Evesham's waist and
absolutely kissed her, a proceeding
which none-not even the widow
seemed to think out Of place.
ssYou must not excite him." DIR. Jacob
son said, reproachfully, whereupon all
were still as statues.
Then George Arundel spoke in low,
soft, satisfied tone, and all leaned for
ward to hear his words.
.sNow, which is Kate?"
Oh, how the girls heart throbbedl
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
Sand 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 DIR. jacobson put an end to these
transports, and after Arundel had been
allowed few words of congratulations
from Mrs. Evesham, Mr. Hardcastle and
Bladon, the sicI-room was cleared OF
visitors and George Arundel was left to
the repose his overstrung nerves SO
sore1y needed.
3,,ckG cff his
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
establishment he at once sent for Bladon
to come to his study.
''Sit down." he said, gravely, as the
old servitor entered. ~ have much to
tell and ask you"
mo occasion, SIR" Bladon answered.
There was cowed, detected air about
the man which Mr.. Hardcastle had
never noticed before. 81 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
a lass as e'er another, an I've nowt to
say"
II was not about to tell you any
such good news. Now, Bladon, were
you ever in the service of Lord Airing
ton, Of Wellington hall, Derbyshire?"
"Eh! Good Lord, what makes thee
ask, sir?"
Then Mr.. Hardcastle read Harry Eve.
sham's letter from beginning to end.
The old servant never spoke during the
recital of the strange story. When 1t
was finished his feelings broke forth:
.'It is the hand of the Almighty. And
my dead master, innocent after all Of
the charge they made against himl Aye
sir, George Arundel is the Earl of Ar
lington."
''But can you prove it, man?"
"Yes, his father left in my hands al
his papers and testimonies"
s'Then, ho for England and restitu
ton, for his and Wanda's rights"
Wanda's rightsl The phrase startled
the old servant like an electric shock.
'I was thinking SO much o the young
lord that had forgot the lady. So thai
sweet maid is my masters own fesl
and blood. Bless her pretty face, al
ways loved her like my own child"
'sWhy, you amazing old hypocrite. 20,
have been plotting and planning agains
her for the last two years. Mr.. Hard
castle burst forth in righteous indigna
ton.
'sNay, there thou'st wrong. fearee
the lass, but always loved her. If
, had'na thought the world of her, thinl
thee l should have stood quietly aside
an seen Master George give her ter
thousand dollars?"
: "What, that money came from him?'
: AYE, sure it did. found it out
, though he did contrive to keep 1t sc
! close, but his handbook leaked the Sc
cret.''
, "Well, this is indeed a day Of revela
J tions,'' Mr.. Hardcastle declared
} Though, as suppose she really is hi
sister, it is perhaps as well the none.
came from him"
s'And Hayter2 We shall drop hare
on uayter, Mr.. Hardcastle?"
;. ] "We'll try" was the grim reply.
/ Then Mr.. Hardcastle enjoyed the de
lightful satisfaction of revealing to th'
, other actors in this little drama th
: startling developments of Harry's letter
: George Arundel was the least discom
posed. He had SO long felt that hi
father had moved in another sphere o
life that he was somewhat prepared TO
the disclosure. Kate heard the new
with sad and sinking heart, for the tie
of this new position would take tn
friend she loved SO far away. And a
for Wanda, she vowed she would neve
give up America and Mrs. Evesham t
be made @ queen, much less countess
while every nerve of her little bod
thrilled with gratitude to think tha
she could now In sober truth call he
darling George her brother.
So they wrote and told Harry that a
soon as Georges health permitted th
whole party would set sail for England
CHAPTER XXI
|