The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-07-28

believe not, Sir Loghlen," con.
tinued Sydney, that for myself
plead-'tis for those so dear to me.
For months 1 have seen my hopes,
feeble as they were, disappear one by
one. The appointment which has just
been refused to me was my last, and
it is in your hands. l humiliate myself
before you, because have in my heart
the feeling of my innocence, and be-
cause / would. spare you the remorse
of having unjustly stricken me-"
you wish, then" commenced the
baronet.
And Sydney, with dignity, re-
piled to the half spoken ques-
ton: San honest man, falsely accused,
| desire that | may not be treated
worse than the criminal who repents.'
And, firmly and coolly, and seeming
ly impossible, Sir Loghlen said, "You
say truly-sthere is indulgence for those
who repent, but alaSi compassion may
touch the heart. but cannot restore the
confidence which has been lost-and
unlimited confidence is necessary for
the situation to which you aspire"
(Which confidence you have not?"
(Which, without proofs of your in
nacence, cannot have. Believe me-
the baronet added earnestly, Il would
ioyfully welcome those proofs which
l demand from YOU"
and | cannot furnish them-lt is i'm
possiblew Sydney cried despairingly.
'tAn irreproachable life sufficeth not
the accents of truth are as nothing
and heaven will not perform miracle
to rescue my name from infamy!"
At this point Sydney's name was
tenderly pronounced, and pair OF
loving arms was thrown around him,
and, standing near his grandmother,
pale and sad, was the idol of Sydney'S
now Wretched heart-the good and
lovely Frances O'Meara.
Mrs. Willoughby had been informed
of her youngest grandSon'S visit to the
barcnet, and, dreading what might
happen should father and son again
encounter had hurried to Frances
O'Meara, who at once conducted Mrs.
Willoughby to the apartment in which
they have now arrived.
And ON beholding Mrs Willoughby
and Frances there Sydney exclaimed
defend me. both of YOU Defend me
against myself Tell this baronet,
grandmother, that my father was as
a 81
or lord in the land; and that If he were
here he would comprehend the cry OF
outraged innocence, and, his hand upon
my heart, his eyes looking into mine
would say to me, Garry your head
erecti Your father believes your
And Mrs. Willoughby and the baro-
net glanced towards each other, and
Sir Loghlen, fer just one moment, had
faith in Sydney'S innocence, and
longed to clasp the unhappy young
man to IS heart.
And Frances sobbed forth, ''No, I'm
Gle. no--he is not guilty.
"But he is not my father!' Sydney
cried, pointing scornfully to the baro-
net 81 have before me an accuser,
and l cannot snatch from his heart his
cruel and unjust belief!'
And, madly exasperated, he strobe
towards Sir Loghlen, eXclaiming, why
are you my enemy? Why seek you to
drive me to despair and death!' And,
as the baronet, naturally turned away,
''You see, mother" raved Sydney, che
recoils before me-is a coWardly
wretch"
With a loud shrek Mrs. Willoughby
placed her fingers on Sydney's lips,
and, as distractedly as he had spoken,
cried out, "Oh, Sir Loghlen! why do
you not tell him that you are his
father"
Not only Sydney, but Frances, too,
was utterly stunned by this announce
ment.
The baronet darkly frowned, and ut
tered an angry exclamation; and Mrs.
Willoughby gasped forth, "Oh, baro-
net! may heaven pardon you your Sc
verify to the son of her you had SO
wronged"
And then sank fainting into Sydney's
arms.
ITO be Continued)