Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-05-30
CHAPTER XIII.

Left alone, Mr.. Chester's reveries
were again interrupted by the entrance
OF a servant with card, on which was
inscribed name strange to him-Mr.
William Grant.
rs it gentleman, Edward?" he
asked.
YES SIR" answered the man.
''Then invite him into this room. I
will see him here"
But when, a few moments later, the
butler ushered him into the room, his
appearance, like the card, was wholly
unknown.
He paused on the thresholds; then
advancing, bowed with the easy grace
and self-possession of one familiar with
che world.
II must beg you to pardon my in
trusion, Mr.. Chester" he said, courte-
ously: but had the pleasure of meet
ing your cousin many years ago, when l
was comparatively boy and, indeed,
Travelled with him in company with my
father, during several months in Italy.
Soon after our little party separated we
learned, to our great surprise that your
cousin had married. and returned to
this country With his Wife. He corre-
sponded With my father for many
years--indeed. until the latter's death.
which preceded Mr.. Marllham's five
years. He always expressed the most
earnest desire that we should see Grey
Oaks. At the time of my fathers death
I'VE We're about returning to America;
but after that unlooked-for and unhap-
py obstacle, 1 was detained in settling
up his affairs. l should tell you that he
a1eld a diplomatic position under our
government for so many years that,
now that I am once more in my own
native country, feel a stranger in ND
own land. However, on at last reach
ing here, my thoughts naturally revert
ed to Mr.. Markham. learned that he
was dead, and that you, Mr.. Chester.
were master at Grey Ooks. Will you
pardon me that I ventured to redeem
my promise, though I could no longer
do 20 to him to whom 1 made it?'
:, With keen glance, Mr.. Chester had
measured the stranger during this some
What long, though rapidly-uttered
speech.
The mans voice, appearance and
manner betokened him high-bred. II
WAS difficult to determine his age, as he
More short, thick, black beard, cut in
English style. His hair was also jetty
In hue, and his chin somewhat swarthy;
his teeth were very white and even,
hnd, as he wore no mustache, they
thowcd to greater perfection. A scarce
ty po-ceptible foreign accent, too, was
apparent in his tone.
Ere he had finished speaking Ran
holph had determined on his course.
If, indeed, this stranger was so famil-
far with his cousins early life, he might
learn just what information he pos
ecssed, and deal with facts accordingly.
Cautiously he outstretched his hand.
"Allow me-" he said, mot only to
welcome you to Grey Oaks, but to claim
you as my guest. I am, indeed, master
here. Mr.. Grant; but the fact gives me
no pleasure. You spoke, a moment ago.
bf my Cousins marriage. Do you know
any of the particulars concerning it?"
None, excepting that we heard it
was a highly-romantic affair.""
Romantic, indeed! The truth is, my
dear Mr.. Grant, it was no marriage at
hll The lady in question already had
a living husband. This fact transpired
only since my cousins death, but his
laughter, on learning the truth-a most
beautiful girl, to whom I was engaged
10 be married-lost her reason. She is
under my roof, and, need not add, has
every care; but fear, poor girl, her re-
covery is impossible. Pardon my con-
adence. but your old friendship with my
cousin 1 felt entitled you to it. You are
pale. Mr.. Grant. Are you ill?'
"a sudden faintness. only" replied
the stranger. 81 hate to confess such
weakness, Mr.. Chester, but through my
own family runs vein Of insanity, and
the thought of associating with any one
whose reason is impaired robs me of all
my strength. . Yet the picture you
draw is sad and pitiful, indeed. 1 can
the more truly sympathize with 1t and
you because of my fatal inheritance
an inheritance which explains why
have never married, why l shall never
marry"
He sighed deeply and bowed his head.
Chester grasped and pressed his hand.
'sMv dear fellow, you look on it too Sc
riously," he said. "But you will see
but little of Miss Markham. She rare
Ily leaves her own apartments. me
most singular form her madness takes
is her aversion to me, whom she once
so foEdly loved"
Indeed! How is that possible?
81 cannot understand, except that
they tell me that it is one of the COM
monest forms which madness takes"
IL believe it isl believe it is" as
scented the other.
And when Chester spoke again he
seemed to rouse himself by an effort
form the dependency into which the
gloomy thought had plunged him.
But at dinner that night-for his con-
sent to few days sojourn had finally
been obtained, with only natural re-
luctant distrust at his intrusion-he
~ proved most brilliant and welcome
addition to the little party
His seat was next Miss Lorrimer, and
she ii was whom he honored by his
most brilliant sallies and most Impress
I've glances.
Beatrice he scarcely addressed-in-
deed, rarely glanced toward her. Miss
Lorrimer's beauty seemed to have
blinded him to any other charms.
perhaps he may pique Allen into the
discovery that Miss Markham's pale
loneliness may not dazzle all eyes," she