The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1894-02-20
A FIGHT FOR MILLIONS.
By JOHN ]. M'GINNIss.
Copyright. 1894, by American Press Associa-
tiOn.l
[CoNFINUED.1


rism, he said slowly, with look that
was portent in its tirmness, and yet SO
full of tenderness that Isabel hesitated
until the explanation which was evil
IDENTIFY coming could be offered in JUS
tice to him and her.
Il am prompted to talk in this vein,"
he said, "out of regard for one who is
dear to you, nderstand-Laurence
Mangan. 1t il in my power to make
HIM and you happy"
Not by putting"- sho began, while
afiush of resentment mantled her cheeks.
mo, not by putting you apart" he
interrupted, "if that is what you were
gong to say. Let me tell you l will
bring you closer. His name Is not
Laurence Mangan, no more than yours
is Isabel Lo Clair" .... ....s
Isabel was startled. She awaited in
fear the words that were to follow.
"If Mangan knew it, his real name
is Laurence Leland, and he is your
brother, was Raymond's next decia-
ration.
My brotherl" she exclaimed.
Your brother.
"Thank Godp'
"That he isl"
moo. Never mind, was her reply,
her right hand mechanically rising to
her brow as il to keep her dancing brain
from beating its way outward. What
conflicting emotionsl Gratitude that
she had escaped marriage with her
brother; grief that she had lost Lau-
renee in a rIlation, the very thought of
which had, in days gone by, awakened
within her the tenderest sensations of
peace and bliss. She stared blankly
at Raymond. Her eyes were upon
him; her spirit was in other realms,
where golden memories, crystallized
with ideals that must never evolve into
realities, were flying before her vision,
disslpating before this revelation like
mist on the mountains when the morn
Ing rays break in upon them. She was
thinking, too, of the truth in the poets
lines:
All such Is the fate of our lfe's early promise,
So passing the sprlngtide of joy we have
known;
Each wave that we danced on at morning ebbs
from us,
And leaves US at eve on the bleak shore alone.
Sunmoning all her will power to her
aid, she concentrated her mind on the
situation and its suggestions. Reason
came back to its throne, and she asked:
How have you learned this2 How
do you know it is true, that his name
and mine Is Leland?'
Raymond was cool and collected. He
had not made up his mind how he
would broach the subject. He realized
that he had not done it delicately, but
he had anticipated the result and was
prepared. If she expected to read in
his face anything OF that which she had
long dreamed to make cleaI-the secret
of her ancestry-she was disappointed.
Not tremor of musclel His look was
really one calculated to give her conf
dence in the sincerity he professed.
"If you do not believe me to be
friend" he continued, II will say no
more about the matter. Let me assure
you thought you would be pleased to
hear news you must have long yearned
for. II was my great solicitude for
your welfare that caused me to speak as
l have, and that, too, is my apology
for being so abrupt. Let me take you
back" "
"Stay moment" she interposed.
How rightly had he studied woman's
nature! How often has her curiosity
cost her the most priceless jewels in the
circle OF her womanly treasuresl But
in lsabel's case much might be pleaded
in e2tenuation.
"Will you tell me all?" she asked,
her arms involuntarily outstretched in
abjuration.
Gently he took her hands and held
them in his own. He looked at her
lovingly, for his heart went out to her
more than it ever had to any other of
her sex.
Don't think me hard" he beseech-
ed. I'm tell you, but if my story makes
you happy, as | know it will, can not
hope for happiness in return?"
Are you sure -that-Lau-
Laurence is my brotherf"
'As sure as | am that You are Isabel
Leland.
'You could not ask me to answer
now. have never imagined this. Do
not press me. 1 will certainly be CRATE
full. Let me not think you anything
but manly, when the recollection Of
your kindness will rise before me. ;"
This means much to Laurence
Laurence, you call him, and my friend
ship warrants me in using the name"
continued Raymond. He is under a
cloud. If You were my wife, | could
appeal in his behalf to those who mean
TO ruin him, ruin him through wrong, |
feol. As disinterested person, could
not stay the storm that lowers above
him, but TO protect me and mine from
dishonor these people could be induced
to consent to an investigation that
would vindicate Laurence. Then, again,
/ have long desired 10 lift him to the
highest place in his profession. 1t is
within my power to do SO. "
but l know nothing OF this, or of
what it means. Am asked to pledge
myself before there is jushfcation2
Will you still torture me with sus-
pensef'
mo, | will begin my story. Your
father was George Leland, an honored
and an honorable man. He came from
England with your mother, ambition
goading him on. Laurence WAS the
eldest child, nearly years your senior.
Two other children your parents had.
They are dead. Your father was er-
ratio In his way. For several years he
lived at Worcester, Mass. When your
brother was years old, your father be-
gan to travel. searching for speeula-
tions. Your brother Laurence was not
very strong, and as your mother had
hopes of bringing her husband back to
Worcester she left the boy there in her
sisters care. As he grew up, the boys