The Chipley banner. (Chipley, Washington County, Fla.) 1893-1943, 1897-08-28
CHAPTER VII.
LORD PERIyALE.

Mr.. Harry Stoke had finished break
fast, and was waiting his wife In order
to 60 to church with her as Q respecta.
BILE and God-iearing gentleman should
on Sunday morning. His wife-for he
had married with his fathers sanction
and approval-was none other than Lady
Beatrice, daughter OF the Earl and
Countess Of Thordisa. He was himself
the Honorable Harry, eldest son Of Lord
Perivale, the newest creation. No one
could grudge elevation Of man who
had achieved, single-handed, what all
the men in the City are perpetually try
ing to do with the aid OF partners, an
cestral connections, inherited capital,
and 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
fore there was but one murmur OF ap-
proval when Mr.. John Stoke, Of Thre ad-
needle street, was elevated TO peer
age. And the fact that he had so much
money was a sufficient reason for max
ing his children and his children's chill
dren, 80 long as the stock should last, q
caste apart, and hereditary legislators.
The honorable gentleman looked per-
fectly healthy, happy, and contented
with himself. Why notp His partner
ship enabled him to occupy good
house in good square; his marriage
opened great many good houses to
him; he had brace Of fine, strong
children. one OF whom, the heir to the
peerage, q 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 q
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.
A footman brought him card.
who is it2" he asked; Il don't know
the name. What does he mean by COM
ing on Sunday morning.
Gentleman says he has to speak to
you on most important private BUSH
ness"
"Oh!" He thought It must be some
message from the city, or from his faith
er. SHOW him into the study. No, let
him come here.
The visitor was nm elderly gentleman,
dressed plainly, who entered, bowed,
and waited to be asked his business.
well, sir" asked the Honorable
Henry Stoke, what do you want with
me? You said you had important pri.
vate business with me?"
yes. l have brought you some
news"
what news2"
you gave evidence in trial about
three years and a half ago."
What about that trial." The Honor
III ID ..I 81
pale. who are your"
Il am librarian Of free public libra
ry. 1t really does not matter who am.
You gave evidence In case OF alleged
stabbing and woundlng. Your evidence
sent your own wife to penal servitude
for seven years.
my wife? It's q liza lie, say"
He said more, but the terror in his eyes
greatly detracted from the strength Of
his words.
1T is true" said the librarian, calmly.
Your own wife,"
Prove it, IL you can"
Il can. 1t can be proved very easily.
You took lodgings In certain parish
under the name OF Hendrlcksen. IN
der that name you we're married at the
registrars Of that district to Ruth
ings, and your wife, who lived with her
sister, visited you there. One Of your
friends, a man named Middlemist, then
clerk in your fathers Office, was In
your confidence. and was present at
your marriage"
-Middlemist is dead"
Not at all. He lost his place in your
Office and had to 60 abroad. He has
now come back again and has made an