The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-03-04
CHAPTER X.
Lurline's Triumph.

with triumph, fall upon Lesley, and
her blue eyes scintillated as she saw
her rival quail before her gaze and
tremble like storm-driven leaf. Mrs.
Greyson had entered the room, and
quietly witnessed the whole scene;
she came forward now, dignified and
composed, and put her arm around
Lesley's trembling form.
what is it, my dear?" she asked,
anxiously, land what are these people
doing here?"
Lurline 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
an" she hissed insolently, land 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. If you desire
any further explanation l am prepared
to give it; for I, Lurline Chadwick,
am the lawful heir to this estate. I
am the grandchild of Eben Chadwicke,
who has been missing all these years.
Mrs. Greyson stared at the woman
with scornful incredibly, while Les
ley, white as a snow-wreath, leaned
against her kind friend.
"You are mad!" said the lady, com
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 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. l 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 NE; it is my
turn now to show you the door ard the
sooner you leave the better fol all cor
cerred."
Not SO fast, madam ii you please"
.nterposed Mrs. Greyson, sternly. "You
must be out of your senses to think
for moment that Lesley Dinsmore is
going to relinquish 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 WE'LL" said Lurline, sardonic-
ally, "the delay of few days can mat
| ter but little to me. I am ready for
the investigation, and will speedily
prove my claims, and l warn you that
l shall have little difficulty in enforc-
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
without, the outer door closed behind
her, and Lurline Chadwick was gone.
Max followed her.
Lesley stood for some time like one
bereft of life. Mrs. Greyson led her to
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.
81 fear that you have acted unwisely,
my child she said softly. Il like
Mr. Ardsley very much; but secret
: marriages seldom bring happiness,
and-he evidently has something to
conceal. Lesley, we must be wise as
serpents and work diligently to cir
cumvent this terrible woman. My
dear, fear that she has some founda-
ton for her assertion. She must real
/ ly possess such papers as she declares
to be in her hands: and even though
they are forged, | apprehend that we
can do nothing unless it is in our pow
er to prove their falseness. We will
have to fight her, Lesley"
The girl arose, pallid and stern; her
eyes flashed with an ominous light.
and her face was set, and resolute and
determined.
I'VE will fight her, Mrs. Greyson!'
che uaid nalp,lv sto thn hitter o. 2