The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-08-25

guests were with him on this mo-
mentous evening.
It was about 1920 o'clock when, not
ing the hour, the Baronet said to him.
self that it was growing late, but hope
would remain with him until midnight
had struck; he had confidence in our
friend Tony, and believed in his sue
cess.
Sir Loghlen sought out Frances, and
asked her if she could tell him any
thing Of Stanley's whereabouts.
And the answer he received from
Frances was, that her cousin had not
returned to the mansion since he had
quilted it early in the evening.
And the Baronet had a suspicion that
his nephew was purposely absent, be-
cause he feared-to brave the promised
exposure of his yillany.
1t has been already stated that Sir
Loghlen had never evinced any very
great affection for his nephew; but, of
late, won by that young gentleman's
hypocrisy to believe that he had felt
and acted unjustly, the Baronet had
striven hard to like Stanley, without
entirely succeeding; and now that feel
ing was reversed, because BELIEVING that
he had Wiley cheated his uncle into a
Sl1OW Ol duSCUlOu, d1lOl W Tic lOI IluC
of his darling niece.
fAnd Stanley left no word as to
when he would returnY' inquired the
BarOnet.
mo- replied Frances; "and he is
more fortunate than us, in being able
to avoid the people who are here this
evening""
The Baronet said it had not been
possible to countermand the invita-
tions; and, besides, if Tony should sue
coed, more eclat would be given to
Sydney's rehabilitation.
And earnest We're the prayers of both
uncle and niece for our good Tony's
success.
What would have been their despair
if they had known the Wretched plight
in which we last left our gallant hero?
old Mrs. WilIoughby, who, full of ter
ror, her tears necessarily flowing, was
waiting the decisive hour-to whom the
destruction of the hopes she now cher
ished would be speedy death.
And for him, too, disappointment
would be death, the Baronet told HIM
self.
He asked if Mrs. Willoughby and
OlnSy uCIu 6IlIIFCCl, anu was lAOO 6ul
prised when told that they had not yet
presented themselves at the mansion.
In their own home no eyes would be
upon them. There would they stay till
the decisive moment had almost ar
rived, striving to inspire each other
with courage for an ordeal on which
depended more than life itself.
Pray dispense with my company,
unclew pleaded Frances. Compel me
not, at least, at present, to show my
self among your guests!''
The Baronet understood and SYM
pathized with the feeling which had
urged his niece to the request Which she
had now made, but heSitated to grant
it.
81 implore you, unclew Frances
cried, more earnestly even than she
before had spoken.
but what will be said?" urged the
Baronet "Will it not seem strange
that"
MY absence will not be remarked
every we'll; be it as you wish"
ooh, thanks, dear uncle! / know you
would not refuse, for you are always
so good to mer'
And Frances hurried to her own
apartments, to endeavour to subdue
her fears, and to watch for the arrival
of Mrs. WilIoughby, that she might
strive to inspire the poor old lady with
hope if not with confidence.
Eleven o'clock had struck before Mrs.
Willoughby and Sydney arrived at the
mansion.
Frances O'NIeara's waiting maid, who
had been directed by her mistress to
remain on the watch for the old lady'S
approach, at once conducted her to
Frances, and they threw themselves
into each others arms, and Wept and
prayed together.
The fate of both of them was now
about to be decided If destiny should
now decide against their happiness,
Mrs Willoughby, so near the grave,
would not have long to suffer; but
Frances was young, and many years of
misery would she be made to endure.
Sydney, hurTying III search of some
obscure corner where he might await
unobserved the arrival of his brother,
encountered on his way the banker by
whom formerly he had been employed,
and from whose service he had been
driven, disgraced and branded as
thief.
The banker passed Sydney by with
out word but not without a wonder
ing and indignant glance.
And Sydney hurried forward, his face
with shame.
.'Oh, brotherw Sydney mentally ex-
claimed, IF I dared but hope that you
will presently arrive, proofs in hand,
to proclaim my innocence, and to en-
able me to demand PREPARATION for all
my sufferings' my most unmerited de-
gradationr'
And in his despair, Sydney resolved
that. should his brother now fall. he
would have justice on his enemy. sgd
ney himself could not survive to eternal