Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-08-21
CHAPTER ".

OIIAI JD w.
81 am very sorry-I think it unjust;
but it is quite impossible to say how it
viii end" said George Malcolm, the law
yer.
For the secret was known now-the
shadow had become a substance, the
vague fancies had all assumed a form,
the airy nothings had become realities so
stern and so cruel that they had driven
Darcy Lonsdale almost to despair. Mrs.
Hardman's heir-at-law, James Hardman,
had given legal notice that he intended
to contest his relatives will on the ground
of undue influence. He maintained that
Darcy l.onsdale had taken undue advan-
tage of his position, that he had influence
ed a weak-minded woman, and had per-
suaded her to leave him the half of her
money. 1t was a clever ruse, advising
her to send for another lawyer; but it
would not help him. Everyone in Lii
ford knew this before the least rumor of
it reached Darcy Lonsdale. He went at
once to Mr.. Malcolm; but the honest law
yer had no cheering news for him.
Il am a lawyer myself" he said, ''but
| can never tell how lawsuit may end;
it may take the right turn, and again it
may take wrong one"
But" returned Darcy Lonsdale, Mrs.
Hardman meant me to have the money,
did she not? That one broad fact no one
can dispute"
Il believe honestly that she intended
you to have it. | know she did She
talked TO me for some time about the
good it would do to you and your chill
dren."
Then what can there be found to dis
pute? She intended to give me the money,
and she did give it," cried Darcy Ions
dale
The law deals heavily with cases like
this. James Hartman will plead that
he is heir-atlaw. that he is the rightful
heir of the late Elizabeth Hardman. that
he has been brought up in expectation of
receiving the money, and that you have
taken an undue advantage of your posi-
ton as her legal adviser and friend to
induce her to leave it to you
But" declared Mr. Lonsdale, 81 did
no such thing; | swear TO you | never
asked, influenced or said one word to her
about it, How dare any man say such
thing of me?'
Il am very sorry for you," said George
Malcolm. Il can say no more. do not
believe it, and 1 shall stand by you
through it all. Hardman has placed the
whole matter in the hands OF a London
firm, and the trial viii come on about the
end of September. You must prepare
your defense and look up your Witnesses
If my whole life does not witness for
me, said Darcy Lonsdale, with quiet
dignity, then the words of no man can
benefit me-"
He dreaded going home-for the FIRST
time in his life he disliked passing
through the streets of his native town.
for the first time he shrank from the
glances and words of his old comrades.
Heaven help Katew he said TO him
self. How am | TO tell herr
But Kate knew already-such news
travels fast. 1t was no weeping. hysteri-
cal wife who chung to him, half mad with
pwemanish fears; a bright. tender face
looked into his, sweet, warm, white hands
elasped his. loving lips kissed him, a
brave. bright voice cheered him with the
music OF home words.
Il have heard all about ii. Darcy" said
his wife. Never mind-no one can in
jure you. You are innocent, honest and
honorable. Never mind what anyone says
heaven knows the truth. and lcve sou
all the more thar you bear this blame so
we'll"
Darcy Lonsiale was relieved 70 ind his
wife 50 cheerful. and they sat down 10
discuss their difficulty.
Give the money back. Darcy" said
his wife. If l were in your place I
would not touch one shilling Of il
If did that il would look as though
feared inquiry-aS though knew that
had gained it BY wrong means. and re
morse compelled me 10 return It.
But said his wife. If there should be
trial, and it should 80 against your
Then | must bear il ike man. Kate.
have had many blessSngs-if il pleases
heaven 10 send me reverse. must not
complain"
Presently Felix came In. and one glance