The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1897-12-18
CHAPTER ".

DR.. Letsom had prospered; one CLEAN
Of good fortune had brought with it a
sudden outburst Of sunshine. The doctor
had left his little house in Castle street,
and had taken pretty villa just outside
Castledene. He bore his good fortune as
he had borne his i'll fortune, with great
equanimity; it had come too late. The
greatest happiness he had now in life was
his love for little Madaline. Besides his
great love for the little Madaline. he be
came interested in the story of Margaret
Dornham's life-in her love for the hand
some, reckless ne'crdo-well who had Civ
en- up work a failure-in her wonderful
patience. for she never complained
her sublime heroism, for she bore all as
martyr.
So the two years and half passed, and
the child, with her delicate, marvellous
grace, had become the very light of those
two lonely lives. In another six months
they would have to lose her. Dr. Letsom
knew very we'll that if the earl were still
living at the end of the three years his
son would tell him of his marriage.
On a bright, sunshiny day in June the
doctor walked over to Ashwood. He had
a little packet Of fruit and cakes with
him, and a wonderful doll, dressed most
royalty.
''Madalne." he cried, as he entered the
cottage, and she came running to him.
should you like a drive with me to-
morrow? | am going to Corfel, and |
will promise to take you if you will be a
good girl.
She promised-for a drive with the doe
tor was her greatest earthly delight.
Bring her to my house about three TO-
pft NrC i1,
Or. Lctsom, land she shall have her
drive"
Margaret promised. When the time
came she took the little one, dressed in
her pretty white frock; and as they sat
i'll the drawing room, the doctor was
brought home to his house-lead.
1t was such a simple yet terrible acct
dent that had killed him. A poor man
had been injured by kick from a horse.
For want Of better accommodation. he
had been carried up into a loft over a
stable. where the doctor attended him.
IL the loft was an open trap door, through
which trusSes of hay and straw were rails
ed and lowered. No one warned DR.. Let
som about it. The aperture was covered
with straw, and he, walking quickly
across. fell through. There was but one
comfort-he did not suffer long.
Margaret Dornham and the little child
sat waiting for him when the sad pro-
cession stopped ut the door
The doctor is dead was the cry from
one to another.
y terrible pain shot through Margaret's
head. Dead. The kindly man. who had
been her only friend. dead Then per
haps the child would be taken from her
and she should see it no more
An impulse, for which she could hardly
account, and for which she was hardly re-
sponsibe. seized her. She must have tho
box that contained the papers, lest. find
in- the papers. people should rob her Of
the child Quick thought. she seized
the hoN-whlch always stood on a bracket
in the drawing roOm-and hid il under
her shawl. To the end of her life she
was puzzled as to VIII, she had done ;his
1t would not be missed. she knew. in the
confusion that was likely to ensue She
felt sure also, that no one. save herself
and the chld's father, knew of its con
tents
She did not wait lone IN that scene Of
confusion and SORROW. ClaspiuC the child
in her arms. lest she should see the dead
face, Margaret Doruham hurried back TO
the cottage. hearing with her the proofs
Of the child'S identity.
The doctor was buried. and with him
all trace Of the child seemed lost Care
fu! search was made III his house fer any
letters that might concern her. that might
give her fathers address; hut Stephen
Lctsom had heen faithful To his promise
he had kept the secret. There was moth
ing that could give the least clcv There
We're no letters. no memoranda; and. af-
Tor 4 time. unonla came 70 the conclusion