The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-05-05
CHAPTER ".

Past, Present and Future.
Greatly afflicted was the baronet by
che loss of his old and faithful servant
and greatly shocked by the manner of
his death.
And with James Frampton had per-
haps forever disappeared all chance
of knowing that which the baronet
had for years been very eager to dis
cover.
Sir Loghlen, convalescent when his
nephew and niece returned to him,
from a rather serious illness, was near
to suffering a relapse when the fatal
Ridings concerning his old servant were
brought to him.
But he bore up bravely. The crush
ing calamity of his sons death had
somewhat steeled his heart to after
affection; for, after that one terrible
blow, all others could but fall with
comparative ightness
1t was on the third day after the re-
turn Of Frances and Stanley to their
uncle's residence, some few miles from
Wexford, that Frances looking from
one of it's windows, uttered SO loud an
exclamation that Sir Loghlen, seated
by the fire in deep thought, was start
led by her cry from out the reyerie
unto which he had fallen.
While Stanley Claremont bounded
from the chair in which he had been
sitting opposite the baronet and hur-
rrfed to the window from which Fran
ceS was still gazing, her face and neck
covered deep with bushes, and a joy
full expression increasing the brilliancy
of her always more than sufficiently
Iustrous eyes.
One glance toward Frances, and her
cousin had been prepared for that
which he beheld on looking from the
window.
He saw Sydney Drummond seated
on car which was jogging up the
avenue toward the house, and with
difficulty suppressed the eXecration
(which had risen to his lips.
cit is the gentleman of whom l have
already spoken to you, uncle" said
Frances hurriedly, and with much con-
fusion of manner.
81 am glad of it, darling" was the
baronet's response.
Frances, in a great fiutter, yet be-
aIieving that she was acting calmly and
with becoming dignity, rang the bell
and instructed the servant who an
Swered it that the gentleman who had
Just arrived was to be received with
every respect and conducted immedi-
.sately to her uncle's presence.
And presently Sydney Drummond
: entered the room, carrying in his hand
iby the strap which was around it the
small we'll secured box, which we
have already mentioned as containing
certain important documents and
4rather large sum of money.
Coldly and haughtily bowed the bar
<onet's nephew as Sydney entered the
room: while Frances, her eyes east
down as if she were particularly eX-
aiming the carpet, tlmidly extended
:s1pr hand to her agreeable companion
of the Dreadnought.
81 have ventured hither to-to-to-1
.stammered Sydney, and could proceed
no further.
And Frances. glad so to relieve the
Young mans embarrassment, and per-
haps discovering that she was not her
self at ease. led Sydney toward her
uncle who had already risen to re-
-ceive him.
Sir Loghlen. while his niece was go
fng through the form of introduction,
started slightly. and, drawing back
step, fixed his eyes steadily for mo-
Eoent or two on Sydney'S face, his own
countenance at the time wearing
very puzzled expressions
While Stanley Claremont on his
mart. was keenly and darkly watching
the baronet.
Atlength, as if recalled to that which
was required of him. Sir I.oghlen hast
fIy recovered the step which just be-
,dsore he had receded, and grasping sgd
ney's hand, welcomed him warmly,
and earnestly thanked him for the at
tentions which, on board the steam
boat. he had bestowed on Frances.
Sydney bowed and muttered some al
most inarticulate words: and felt how
little he merited the baronets graft
fude since all his attentions to Fran
ces had arised from most selfish and
interested motives.
On learning thai the bankers clerk