Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-10-30
THE LADY
OF LYNN ]
J By SIR WALTER BEsANr
Copyright 1900, By Bcsans



= am informed rnar Lazy Anastas,a
hath held bank every night in this
place. to the hurt and loss of many.
II turn next to the case of the Rev.
Benjamin Purden, who stands before
you. He was the tutor of Lord Flying
dale. He is described as the compan-
ion of his vices. He was the cause last
year of n grieyous scandal at Bath. He
is the author of ribald piece of verse,
by, which he has corrupted many. No
bishop would sanction his acceptance
of the smallest preferment."
"Thls is very surprising" said Mr..
Purden, shaking his big head, "but we
shall see, we shall see-immediately.
"There are next the two gentlemen
known rs Sir Harry Malyns and Colo
mel Lanyon. Their occupation is to act
as decoy ducks, to lure young men to
the gaming table ana to plumber them
when they are caught"
Both these gentlemen started, but
neither replied.
II now come to the noble lord be-
fore me. He is a most notorious profit
gate. He shares in Lady Anastasia's
gaming house. He has long since been
refused Ambulance into the houses Of
persons of honor. He Is an inveterate
gambler. He has ruined his own es-
tate, sold the family plate and pic
lures, library, everything. He is at
this moment unable to borrow or to
raise the smallest sum of money. The
Fleet and the Kings Bench prisons are
full of the unfortunate tradesmen who
trusted him and the young rakes whom
he has ruined.
Ladies' and gentlemen, this was
the story which reached us yesterday,
fortunately in time. Miss Molly broke
off her promise and wrote to his lord
ship for explanations. Captain Crowle
called upon his lordship this morning
derision. He was told that he was
too late-the young lady was already
married; there was no necessity for
any explanations"
The company murmured. Voices
were raised demanding explanations.
"My friends" said his lordship cold
ly, "these inventions need no reply.
claim my WIFE"
"She is not your wife," said the vicar.
eve are ready to prove that at @
O'Clock the young lady was already
engaged with her mother in the still
room or some other occupation. OF
that there is no doubt possible. But
and here he lifted warning finger,
but his lordship paid no attention
''there was-a wedding early this morn
ing. His reverence, Mr.. Purden, per-
formed the service. The wedding was
In the name of Mary Miller as bride.
The registers are signed Mary Miller
This is therefore a conspiracy"
'sYou talk nonsense" said his lord
ship, who certainly carried 1t Off with
an amazing assurance. 81 claim my
wife. Once more, madam, will you
come with me7''
II am not your wife,"
1--WE must endeavor," said the vicar,
ito find the woman who personated
Miss Molly. The clerk of the parish
testifes to the wedding, but he does
not appear to have seen the face Of
the bride. Whoever she was she wore
O domino and had thrown her hood
over her face"
The Lady Anastasia stepped forward,
agitating her fan. "Reverend SIR" she
said to the vicar, Sin matters of society
you are very ignorant and very sim
pie person. 1t is quite true that I have
been presented by n Middlesex jury for
gambling. 1t is also true that half Lon
I don might also be presented. As for
the rest of your statements-that,f for
instance, Lord Fylingdale shares in the
profits of my bank-let me assure you
| that your innocence has been abused.
| These things are not true. However, II
| is not for me to answer public insults
in public place. Sir Harry, my old
friend, they call you decoy, even you,
A decoy! Sir, your cloth should shame
| you. Sir Harry, take me to my chair.
II tomorrow morning the company
thinks proper to dissociate itself from
this public insult, will remain in this
| place, where, own, have never
found many friends. If not, shall re.
| turn to London and to the house pre-.
scented by the grand jury Of Middle.
sex"
So saying, she retired smiling and, as
they say of soldiers, in good order
with her, also in good order, the an
cient beau, with no other signs Of agi
tation than trembling of the knees
and this might very well be laid to the
account of his threescore years and flf
teen or perhaps fourscore.
/ Lord Fylingdale once more turned
to Molly.
Madam, for the last time
4 "Send him away-send him away
said Molly. ''He makes me sick"
eve deny the marriage, my lord,
said the vicar. "That is all we have
to say"
Eat your peril" replied his lordship
| So saying he walked away unmovet
apparently. Mr.. Purden and Colone
Lanyon went with him. Both me1
were flushed in the cheeks and re
strained themselves by an evident eff
fort. was sorry for Sam Semple, fol
he followed, his face full Of troubl,
and disappointment.
When they were gone, the vicar spok
once more.
Ladies and gentlemen" he said
1--WE have thought 1t best to court tn
greatest publicity possible in this mat
ter. The people whom we have ex
posed will not again trouble this com