The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-05-17
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He want ON qpistIys


ly fitted for the position. Be kind en-
ough to glance over these papers. AMI
II you will take the trouble to com
municate with the gentlemen named
therein, l think you will find all sat
isfactory."
He laid some folded papers In hel
hand. Lesley glanced them over with
genuine surprise. They were recon-
msndations of the highest order, stat
Ing that John Ardsley was thorough,
educated and fitted for the position o
trust which he sought; that circum
stances having rendered it necessar!
for him to seek employment 1t would
be considered personal favor to thu
gentlemen whose names were append
ed, should Miss Dinsmore see fit tt
submit her estate to his management
And the signatures were those of some
Of the highest dignataries in Washing
ton. and in the surrounding country.
Lesley folded the papers, when they
were read, and glanced reflectively al
the applicant. Her heart beat with
the same strange, wild thrill, that she
had experienced the night preceding
when she had dreamed of this very
man, and yet she had never met him
before. He was graceful, refined
courteous, gentleman born and edu.
Gated, one could see that at a glance
and Lesley's gray eyes wandered in.
voluntarily to the shapely white hands
one Of which rested on the carved back
Of gold and crimson chair. The
strangers glance followed hers. and a
slight smile crossed his beautifully
curved lips.
II understand, Miss Dinsmore," he
observed. you are wondering il l
have ever worked before. am
ashamed to say that I have never done
anything in the way of labor. Never
theless, I am now reduced by unfore-
seen circumstances to earn my daily
bread, and if I did not believe that I
am fully capable Of attending to your
interests in this matter, rest assured
I would not seek the situation"
There was tone in his voice,
straightforward, and manly, with a
tinge of hauteur, which appeared to be
demanding rather than seeking. It
seemed to the girl as though she wan
ted to study him, and know his nature,
and guags him morally and mentally.
And there came home to Lesley Dins-
more's Notwithstanding In the pretty
gold and crimson room-that perfect
spring morning conviction that she
stood face to face with her destiny.
Il will lay the matter before my
lawyer, Mr.. Ardsley," she said at
length, speaking with an effort; land
If you will kindly call again to-mor-
row evening, you shall know the re-
suit"
He bowed gracefully and with a few
chosen words of thanks, took his de-
parture leaving the testimonials in
Lesley's hands.
She carried them straight to Lawyer
who examined them atten-
lively. That day, kilograms were fly
ing over the wires to the different gen.
tlemen whose names were affixed to
the document; the answers, in every
instance, corroborated the indorse-
ments, and John Ardsley was appoint
ed at once, steward and general bust
ness manager Of the great Chadwicke
estate.
Mrs. Greyson had decided to remain
for an indefinite time, as chaperon to
the young heiress: but the old lawyer,
with DR.. Dudley, left Chadwicke Hall
the next day, and returned to the
scene of their professional labors.
During all this time, Lurline had kept
her own room: but when at last she
learned through her maid, of the de-
parture of the gentlemen, she came
down stairs, and sent curt message to
Lesley, that she wished to see her in
the library. Lesley obeyed the sum-
mons, and found Mrs. Chadwick, look
Ing like statue in her deep mourn
Ing robe. awaiting her.
Il am about to leave Chadwicke
HALL" she began, icily, my own house
my lawful inheritance. I have been
robbed of my rights, insulted, and de-
fed under my own roof. Listen to me,
Lesley Dinsmore, shall never cross
the threshold Of Chadwicke Hall again,
until I come back to my own, until
l return its mistress! All, you smile,
and think, suppose, that am conse-
quently bidding it long farewell; bus
do not be too sure. Miss Dinsmore; you
know not upon what a precipice you
are standing; at any moment you may
30 over to everlasting destruction.
hall do all in my power to bring about
hat ruin, believe mel"
Lesley arose, with a dignifled ges-
ure. ~
Your threats. madam" sho said,
With quiet scorn, trouble me very
title. Right is right, and will always
revail!"
"Humph! Then I am safe; for my
ause is the right one, and you will
nd, ultimately, that 1t will prevail.
m Mrs. Barton Chadwlcke."
She hesltated, for low, sneer!ng /
augh fell on the silence. At her side
'as an open window, but no ono was
isible. She grew white to the very |
ps.
Il am Mrs. Barton Cbadwicke!" she
epeated, boldly, but the sweet. bell
Ike voice trembled in spite of her et-
'rts to be calm. "and this Is my
one. You are but an interloper, who,
y some trick OF the law, have secured
but it will not be for long.
Sieve me, Miss Dlnsmcrs, it will not
0 for long! swear i'll"
She glanced, as she Apoke, toward
&c opsn window. Her face grew ash
a white. her eyes dilsted wildly, aad
e. breath came in quick, painful
lsps.
"Whc-is-that-man? she tailored.
rohsnly.
Lesley's eyes followed hers, and she
wv Mr.. Ardslay lourging upon rus
c scat q half-smoked cigar between