The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-02-13
CHAPTER VII.
LORD PERIVALE,

Mr.. Harry Stoke had finished break
last, and was waiting his wife in order
70 so to church with her as q respecta-
Die and God-fcaring gentleman should
on sunday morning. His wife-for he
mad married with his fathers sanction
ana approval-was none other than Lady
beatrlce, daughter of the Earl and
countess OF Thordisa. He was himself
tne honorable Harry, eldest son of Lord
reriVale, the newest creation. No one
Souid grudge elevation of man who
nad achieved, single-handed, what all
.he men IN the City are perpetually try
ing 10 90 with the aid of partners, an
cestral connections, inherited capital,
ana the brains of paid servants; he had
amassed an enormous fortune; all gov
ernmentS love to honor the CITY and the
successful children of the City; there
lore there was but one murmur of ap-
provaI when Mr.. John Stoke, of Thread
needle street, was elevated to q peer
age. And the fact that he had so much
money was sufficient reason for max
ing his children and his children's chill
oren, SO long as the stock should last.
caste apart, and hereditary Legislators.
Inc honorable gentleman looked per-
fectly healthy, happy, and contented
with himself. Why not? His partner
ship enabled him to occupy a good
house in a good square; his marriage
opened great many good houses 10
MIN; he had brace of fine, strong
children, one OF whom, the heir to the |
peerage, little boy of 2, had been
brought down to play with him, and
was now rolling On the hearth rug.
The choicest gifts in store had been
poured into his lap, which was like a
sack for capacity, and was ready to re-
ceive more choice gifts-the more and
the choicer the better. Heaven GER
tainly seems very good indeed to the
richer creatures.
footman brought him card.
Who is it?' he asked; Il don't know
the name. What does he mean by CON-
ing on Sunday morning?"
Gentleman says he has to speak to
you on most important private bust
ness"
Obi" He thought it must be some
message from the city, or from his faith
II. snow him into the study. No, Let
him come here.
The visitor was an elderly gentleman.
dressed plainly, who entered, bowed,
md waited to be asked his business.
We'll, SIR" asked the Honorable ,
Henry Stoke, what do you want with
ne2 You said you had important pri-
ate business with me?"
Yes. have brought you some =
ews."
What news?"
You gave evidence In trial about /
hree years and half ago."
What about that trial?" The Honor Y
lie Harry turned very red and then /
ale. Who are your" 4
L am librarian of a free public libra n
?. 1t really does not matter who am.
GU gave evidence in case of alleged
iabbing and wounding. Your evidence
snt your own wife to penal servitude a
" seven years." t
My wife? It's a liza lie, I say" g
e said more, but the terror in his eyes
realty detracted from the strength of
s words.
1T is true, said the librarian, calmly. =
Your own wife"
Prove it. if you can" II
l can. 1t can be proved very easily.
gu took lodgings in certain parish Il
lder the name of Hendricksen. I'm d
r that name you were married at the is
gistrar's of that district to Ruth
eron. You continued in your lodg- O,
gs, and your wife, who lived with her 81 ~
5ter, visited you there. One of your o
lends, man named Middlemist, then III
clerk in your fathers office, was in m
ur confidence, and was present at W
ur marriage"
: Middlemist is dead" n
: Not at all. He lost his place in your o,
Ice and had to go abroad He has ~
W come back again and has made an i ,o