Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-07-09
CHAPTER xxx.
The Last. Atter1nt

The Last Attempt
! Col. Vanbrugh did not go back to
Aldersleigh that night. His whole soul
was absorbed in this development of
his life 1t seemed to him as if he
could think of nothing but the new
hope, the new love, that had come to
/ him so unexpectedly, that he could
but delight in the prospect of making
Venetia happy, after these long years
OF misunderstanding and division.
AS the afternoon and evening wore
on the husband and wife came nearer
to each other than they had ever done
before. Only when Roger began to
! forecast the future and make plans for
other days, Venetia gave him a pathe-
tic look and smile, which startled him
into silence.
''It is too late" she said, after A
pause. Il was never intended to be
happy and certainly I never deserved
to be. Roger, I cannot forgive myself. -
If l can forgive you, dearest, you
need not hesitate about it, said the
colonel, with masculine directness.
She turned to him with a movement
OF passionate, involuntary fondness.
eff only I had known years ago how
good you weren' she exclaimed.
Col. Vanbrugh was loath to leave his
wife's side even for a moment, but
LancelOt came to him with a troubled
face and begged for his presence in the
ante-roOm. Father see here, will YOU
no
his fathers hind when they were
alone
The colonel read she letter as fol-
lows:
Dear Sir: In the agitation of the
moment I forgot to mention to you one
of the purposes for which I visited YOU
last night. I have cause to believe that
another attempt will be made to rob
Lady Esler of her jewels before long
and [ wish, for many reasons. to put
Lady Esler's friends on the alert. I
do not desire to appear personally in
the matter, but when I assure Won
that the Count de Marsac had much
to do with the late attempt and that
Miss Constance Esler (so-caIled) is his
wife, [ think you will agree with me
that there is grave cause for apprehen-
sion. I am, dear sir, faithfully yours.
o. D.
Oscar Despard." LarCelot explained
He gave his father a short account of
the facts Of the case and recapituIated
them again in the presence of his
mother, who had asked for the reason
of their private interview.
He is a worthy character. certain
ly" said Col. Vanbrugh with a touch
of dryness in his tone did I hear.
Lancelot. something about that pretty
daughter
Say no more, Roger" interposed his
wife quickly. "She was not his daugh-
ter, after all; she is nearer to us than
to him" Then, answering his look of
inquiry, "she is my niece-Leon Zaver-
tails lawful daughter, whose mother I
knew we'll You will see her tomor-
row. But never mind Madeline now.
Lancelot. Go on with your story
Lancelot obeyed. you see, father.
Despard feels convinced that De Mar
sac means to make another attempt.
but of course he does not know when
or how"
Had you not better give information
to the police?"
No. l don't think I can do that
if there is any other way said Lance
lot, hesitating.
Why not?"
i think" consulting his mother with
his eyes, that we undertook not to
make the matter public for Madeline's
sake. Besides, we have not much to
go upon. l did think, however. that
it might be as we'll to warn the Es-
lers-and then, if they like to take
precautions"
of course we must do that" said
Col. Vanbrugh, taking out his watch.
1t is quite early. It would be better
if you went down tonight, Lance. You
could be back by II o'clock"
Gould u" He shot a wistful glance
at his mother, who smiled back a reply.
i have your father to care for me
now, Lance. my dear one; you can
leave me quite safely. I am better to-
night
Then will CO. said Lance, reso-
lutely.
He took a very tender leave of his
mother. who was wonderfully we'll and
bright and whom he could leave with
confidence in Col. Vanbrugh's care. 1t
was strange even to him to feel how
strong was the bond between the three.
even after the lapse of so many years
OF separation. The colonel followed
him out into the hall before he left
the house.
Are you armed, Lance? De Marsac
always carries a revolver"
Il have horse whip" said Lance.
grimly. L should very much like an
opportunity of layiag it about his
shoulders
Yes" said the colonel. But fire
arms would be. perhaps, better
. 'On the continent, you mean?"
!, "A duel. no; certainly not. I only