The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1896-09-04

01ance0 was, t0at her cousin had not
returned to the. mansion since he had
Quilted It early in the evening.
And the Baronet had suspicion that
his nephew was purposely absent, be-
cause he feared to brave the promised
exposure Of his villany.
1t has been already stated TINT Sir
Loghlen had never evinced any very
great ahection 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 vilely cheated his uncle into a
show OF affection, and to the torture
Of his darling niece. sr
"And Stanley left no word as to
when he would returny' inquired the
Baronet.
NO." replied Frances; ''and he is
more fortunate than us, in being able
to avoid the people who are here this
evening"
The Baronet snid It had not been
possible to countermand the invita-
tons; and, besides, IL Tony should sue
coed, more eclat would be given to
Sydney's rehabilitation.
And earnest were the prayers of both
uncle and niece for our good Tony's
success.
What would have been their despair
It they had known the wretched plight
In which we last left our gallant hero?
And Frances thought, too, Of poor,
old Mrs. Willoughby, 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 Il Mrs. Willoughby and
Sydney had arrived, and was not sur
prised when told that they had not yet
presented themselves ut 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,
uncle" pleaded Frances. compel me
not, at least, ut 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 che
had now made, but hesitated to grant
It
II implore you, uncle!' Frances
cried, more earnestly even than she
before had spoken.
4, But what will be said?' urged the
Baronet. Twill It not seem strange
that"
my absence will not be remarked"
Every well; be it as you WISH"
oh, thanks, dear uncle! know you
would not refuse, for you are always
SO good to mew
And Frances hurried to her own
apartments, to endeavour to subdue
her fears, and to watch for the arrival
Of Mrs. Willoughby, that she might
strive to inspire the poor old lady with
hope, II not with confidence.
Eleven o'clock had struck before Mrs.
Willoughby and Sydney arrived ut the
mansion.
Frances O'Meara,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. II destiny should
now decide against their happiness,
Mrs. Willoughby, 30 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, hurrying In 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 q
thief
The banker passed Sydney by with
out word, but not without wonder
ing and indignant glance.
And Sydney hurried forward, his face
reddening with shame.
"Oh, brothery' Sydney mentally ex-
claimed. III dared but hope that you
will presently arrive, proofs In hand,
to proclaim my innocence, and to en-
able me to demand reparation for all
my sufferings' my most unmerited de-
eradation!" E
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
shame, and he would not leave St0n.
ley behind him to wed with Frances.
to become Sir Loghlen's heir to be sur.
rounded, In word, with wealth and
happiness, 40 the unjust reward for
all the ruin and destruction he had
wrought.
The present was indeed terrible
hour for Sydney-his shame and in.