Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-25
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Oscar Despard's Confession.

Oscar Despard's Confession.
There was still one place to which
LancelCt Vanbrugh invariably turned
when he was in trOuble-his mother S
room. Mrs. Zayertal, as she still called
herself, might be somewhat strange
and fantastic to the world at large,
but she was always tender to her son.
He came to her therefore when Made
lire had sent him from her presence
and although he did not at first con-
fide his griefs to her-fOr he knew that
she had some sort of prejudice against
the Despards-she soon won his con-
fidence and heard the whole story. He
was half-sorry that he had told it to
her, haIf-afraid that she would make
sCme charge against Madeline's father
that he might not be able to rebut.
But she did not do anything of the
kind. She simply sat still and laid her
hand upon his hair He was sitting be-
side her on a low chair, and she was
lying back in a deep lounge, almost
like couch. 1t was very seldom now
that she rose from that reclining chair.
Her health had been slowly but steadily
failing for some time and she was
painfully weak, but there was still
great and pathetic beauty in her wasted
face and lustrOus eyes.
My poor boy" she murmured at
length, Il am sorry that you should
suffer"
81 1t is more for her sake than for my
own" he said, in a low tone
All" she drew a long breath, Il
know what it is-that feeling. One
does not suffer for oneself when one
loves. But, LancelOt, my son, this
girl, this Madeline Despard, is not your
equal"
She is my superior" said the young
man, hotly. she is goodness itself
and she is most beautiful"
"Ah, yes but spare me your raptures
about goodness and beauty. dear one.
They are always alike-every lover
says the same-fOrgive me for saying
so and don't be hurt 1t was not of
goodness and beauty that | was think
ing exactly, but of her antecedents-
her family"
Il know you have reason to dislike
her father-SO do |. But her mother
one of the Armstrong;. Lady Esler's
niece
Il did not know her-I knew none
of these people," said Venetia, with a
little gesture of repulsion. The Eng
lish-provincial English especially-do
not interest me. But the father is a
sufficient drawback surely. Could you
take your father-in-law down to Alder
sleigh, Lance? And what would Roger
Vanhrugh say to him?"
Il should not have taken him to
Aldersleigh. I should have persuaded
him to live abroad But it is no use:
she will not have anything to do with
me-"
His mother strOked his hair. but even
her caressing hand failed to bring him
any comfort
she is quite right" said Nine. Ia
vertal at last. Il respect her for her
decision. No good. true woman would
wish to bring disgrace on the name
of one she loves"
A knock came to the door and she
took away her hand, while Lancelot
drew himself into more erect posi-
ton. Old Josef came in, bearing a slip
of paper in his hand and with a low
how he presented it to his mistress.
Nine. Zavertal read it and tossed it to
her son with a low laugh. but a new
81 ~ Oh
Does he think that I will exert my
influence on his behaIf?" she said:
Lance read the penciled words: Twill
Nine Venetia Zavertal permit me the
favor of few words with her?-Oscar
Despard'
What can he want with you?" said
Lance
He has probably come to offer his
daughter to yOu-at a high-enough
bride" said Nine. Zaverfal. with a curl
ing lip. Lance started up.
Mother. do not say such things"
Well, to please you. / will not
But I cannot see this man. He is a
roguc-a spy. Send him away from
me"
She looked imperiously at Lancelot
He waited a moment looking down
then made a sign to old Josef to leave
the room.
1T is little hard on me" he said
gently. that should have to send hin
away. Could you not consent to see
him for a moment or two-just to ash
what he wants."
You are in the plot too. I suppose.
said Venetia. with one of her flashes
of hot unreasonable anger. "Perhap.
he comes at your request
Mother!'-Lance stood gravely re
garding her. He was so like his father
at that moment that Venetia WINGED a.
from some inexplicable stab of pain
at the sight of him. She held out on.
white hand entreatingly
DO not be angry with me, Lancelot
my Lancelot." she said with wonderful
sweetness of tone. Il have had to bea