The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-02-11

plicant for the situation OF steward on
your estate. and am anxious to know
II there is any possibility OF securing
1t, for. should your decision be adverse,
must find some other resource"
He paused. and Lesley bowed, not
knowing what to say.
He went on quietly:
"Of course, I am stranger to you,
Miss Dinsmore; but come we'll recon-
mended. and believe myself to be real
ly fitted for the position. Be kind en-
ough to glance over these papers. and
II you will take the trouble to COM
municate with the gentlemen named
therein. think you will find all sat
isfactory."
He laid some folded papers in her
hand. Lesley glanced them over with
genuine surprise. They were recon-
mendations OF the highest order, stat
ing that John Ardsley was thoroughly
educated and fitted for the position of
trust which he sought; that circum-
stances having rendered it necessary
for him to seek employment it would
be considered personal favor to the
gentlemen whose names were append
ed. should Miss Dinsmore see fit to
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 at
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, a 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 a 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. l am
ashamed to say that have never done
anything in the way Of labor. Never
theless, | am now reduced by unfore-
seen circumstances to earn my daily
bread, and If l did not believe that /
am fully capable of attending to your
interests in this matter, rest assured
l 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. 1t
seemed to the girl as though she wan
ted to study him, and know his nature
and guage 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 a conviction that she
stood face to face with her destiny.
II will lay the matter before my
lawyer Mr.. Ardsley," she said al
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 few
chosen words of thanks, took his de.
parture leaving the testimonials in
Lesley's hands.
She carried them straight to Lawyer
Greyson, who examined them atten.
lively. That day, kilograms were fly.
ing over the wires to the different gen.
tlemen whose names were affixed te
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 Chadwick
estate.
Mrs. Greyson had decided to remain
for an indefinite time, as chaperon tc
the young heiress; but the old lawyer
with DR.. Dudley, left Chadwick Hal
the next day, and returned to the
scene Of their professional labors.
During all this time, Lurline had KEEP
her own room; but when at last sh,
learned through her maid. Of the de
parture Of the gentlemen, she came
down stairs, and sent curt message t
Lesley, that she wished to see her il
the library. Lesley obeyed the sum
mons, and found Mrs. Chadwick, look
ing like afstatue in her deep mourn
ing robe, awaiting her.
Il am about to leave Chadwick
HALL" she began, icily, my own hous,
my lawful Inheritance. l have beer
robbed of my rights, insulted, and de
fed under my own roof. Listen to me
Lesley Dinsmore, l shall never eros!
the threshold Of Chadwicke Hall again
until l come back to my own, unit
l return it's mistress! All, you smile
and think, suppose, that l am conse
quently bidding 1t long farewell; bu
do not be too sure, Miss Dinsmore; 20,
know not upon what a precipice yol
are standing; at any moment you MAJ
80 over to everlasting destruction.