The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-05-19

ner due eyes BclntlliateQ as gne saw
her rival quail before her gaze ant
tremble like storm-driven leaf. Mrs
Greyson had entered the room, and
quietly witnessed the whole scene;
she came forward now, dignifed and
composed, and put her arm around
Lesley's trembling form.
what is 1t. my dear?" she asked,
anxiously, "and what are these people
doing here?"
turline advanced slowly, her rich
black princess robe trailing over the
green velvet carpet strewn with white
rosebuds. She paused directly in Mrs.
Greyson's path.
"You will learn soon enough, mad
am" she Kissed, insolently, "and you
will realize the truth thoroughly when
you are turned out of doors and Chad
wicke Hall is once more in the hands
of its rightful owners. II you desire
any further explanation l am prepared
to give it.; for l, Lurline Chadwioke,
am the lawful heir to this estate. I
am the grandchild of Eben Chadwick,
who has been missing all these years.
Mrs. Greyson stared at the woman
with scornful incredulity, while Les
ley, white as snow-wreath. leaned
against her kind friend.
"You are mad!" said the lady, con-
temptuously.
perhaps So" said Lurline, coolly.
Nevertheless, you will speedily dis
cover that there is method in my mad
ness. As you are all aware, the true
heir to the estate has never been dis
covered, and it was not even known if
male or female had a right to the
Chadwick fortune. Strange as it
may appear, have lately come into
possession of papers which prove my
right to the name of Chadwicke, even
before I became Barton Chadwicke's
wife. I am, of course, prepared to
prove my assertion, and shall take
steps to do so Immediately. All, Les
ley, my dear, it wasn't wise to be quite
so high and mighty with me; It is my
turn now to show you the door and the
sooner you leave the better for all con-
cerned."
mot so fast. medam, If you please"
-.
interposed Mrs Greyson, sternly "You
must be out Of your senses to think
for moment that Lesley Dinsmore is
going to relinuuish her inheritance in
favor of any impostor who comes along
with trumped-up tale. Be kind
enough to take your departure, mad
am, at least until this matter can be
Investigated
VERY WELL" said Lurline, sardonic-
ally, "the delay of few days can mat
ter but little to me. am ready for
the investigation, and will speedily
prove my claims, and I warn you that
shall have little difficulty in enforce
ing my claims. All, Lesley Dinsmore
Mrs. Ardsley-you will find out how
much John Ardsley, as he calls him
self, cares for you, when your riches
shall take to themselves wings and fly
away Good-morning, ladies'"
There was the swish of sweeping
train over the floor of the marble hall
without, the outer door closed behind
her, and Lurlne Chadwicke was gone.
Max followed her.
Lesley stood for some time like one
bereft Of life. Mrs. Greyson led her to
a sofa, and seated herself by her side.
Lesley" she said, kindly, my poor
child, what means that-that fiend in
woman's shape by calling you Mrs.
Ardsley?"
Lesley laid her head upon Mrs.
Greyson's motherly breast and sobbed
out the whole story of her clandestine
marriage. Mrs. Greyson's kind face
looked grave and troubled.
Il fear that you have acted unwisely,
my child" she said softly. Il like
Mr.. Ardsley very much; but secret
seldom bring happiness,
evidently has something to
conceal. Lesley, we must be wise as
serpents and work diligently to cir
this terrible woman. My
lear, fear that she has some founda-
ion for her assertion. She must real
y possess such papers as she declares
% be in her hands: and, even though
hey are forged, l apprehend that we
IAN do nothing unless it is in our pow
er to prove their falseness. We will
nave to fight her, Lesley"
The girl arose, pallid and stern; her
eyes flashed with an ominous light,
md her face was set, and resolute and
determined
I'VE will fight her, Mrs. Greyson!"
he said, calmly-"to the bitter end!
f We are conquered at least shall
lave my husband"
But Mrs. Greyson made no reply,
'nly shook her head gravely.
A telegram flew over the wires at
,nce, which brought Lawyer Greyson
o Chadwick Hall, pale and anxious.
lie was accompanied by DR.. Dudley,
or impelled by an irresistible impulse
or which he could not account, though
lie afterward blessed it as an inspira-
ion, he had begged the young physi-
ian to go down with him.
Once arrived at the hall, the old law
'er went to work with a will in the
ase. But he found the papers which
we're produced by Mrs. Chadwicke, to
'e cunningly contrived. Whether false
# genuine, there was no way of prov
ng the truth.
Days came and went. Lurline had
one to neighboring city, where she
ad retained famous counsel to push
er case. Her beauty, and the strange
ascination Of her manner, were not
'ithout effect upon the counsel, who
s she had been well aware when she
ngaged him, was a very impressiona-
lie old bachelor, and when the case
'as brought to issue it was decided in
er favor.
And all this time, John Ardsley had
OF been seen or heard from. Since the
light that she had becOma his wife and |