The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1901-06-01
CHAPTER XIII.

were again interrupted Dy the entrance
Of a servant with a card, on which was
inscribed a name strange to him-Mr.
William Grant.
us it a gentleman. Edward?" h.
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 threshold; then
advancing, bowed with the easy grace
and self-possession Of one familiar with
The world.
II must beg you to pardon my in
krusion, Mr.. Chester" he said, courte-
pusly; but I had the pleasure of meet
ing your cousin many years ago., when l
was comparatively a 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
khis country with his wife. He CORE
WPOAuGN Will ~ A" hAo'AS
Neafs--indeed, until the ~latter's death.
(which preceded Mr.. Markham's five
gears. He always expressed he most
Earnest desire that We should see Grey
paks. At the time of my fathers death
ne were about returning to America;
but after that unlooked-for and unhap-
py obstacle, I was detained in settling
mp his affairs. l should tell o that he
0Ao11 a H3r1nroot{o OnS{ti0n under orr
government for so many years that,
now that I am once more in my own
native country, I feel a stranger in nh
6wn land. However, on at last reach
ing here, my thoughts naturally revert
cd to Mr.. Markham. I learned that he
was dead. and that you, Mr.. Chester.
Nvere master at Grey Ooks Will you
pardon me that I ventured to redeem
my promise, though I could no longer
10 20 to him to whom I made it,"
Il With q keen glance, Mr.. Chester had
measured the stranger during this some
What long, though rapidly-uttered
bpeech.
The mans voice, appearance and
manner betokened him high-bred. II
WAS difficult to determine his age, as he
wore a short, thick, black beard, cut ! n
English style. His hair was also jetty
In hue, and his chin somewhat swarthy;
his teeth were very white and even,
Ind, as he wore no mustache, they
showed to greater perfection. A scarce
~ pei ceptible foreign accent, too, was
apparent in his tone.
Ere he had finished speaking Ran
aolph had determined on his course
If, indeed, this stranger was 80 famil-
lar with his cousins early life, he might
learn just what Information he pos
kessed, and deal with facts accordingly.
C~ourteously 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 g o
hf my cousins marriage. Do you know
kny Of the particulars concerning it?'
t'None, excepting that we heard 1t
was a highly-romantic affair"
Romantic, indeed! The truth is, my
Hear Mr.. Grant, it vas no marriage at
hi. The lady in question already a
living husband. This fact t%ranspired
hnly since my COUSINS death, but his
laughter, on learning h truth-a most
beautiful girl, to whom I was engaged
10 be married-lost her reason. She Is
hinder my roof, and, I need not add. has
livery care; but I fear, poor girl, her re-
hoyerv is impossible. Pardon my con-
hdence, but your old friendship With my
kousin 1 felt entitled you to 1t. You are
male. Mr.. Grant. Are you ill.,
"A sudden faintness, only replied
Ahe st hate to confess such
sveakness, Mr.. Chester, but through my
hwn family runs a vein of insanity, ano
The thought of associating with any one
whose reason is impaired robs me OF all
INV strength. Yet the picture you
draw is sad and pitiful. indeed. l can
10 more truly sympathize with 1t ana
~oua because of my fatal inheritance
IN inheritance which explains why !
have never married, why I shall never
marry" ..a
He sighed deeply and bowed his head.
Chester grasped and pressed ms manu-
envy dear fellow, you look on 1t TOO Sc
~,ouslv." he said. "But you Will see
but little Of Miss Markham. Sne rare
Nv. leaves her own apartments. Inc
[most singular form her madness taxes
IA her aversion to me, whom once
10 foEdly loved"
indeed! How is that possible?"
sI cannot understand, except tnat
lxhey tell me that it 10 one OF the com-
i.nonest forms which madness takes
II believe 1t isl believe it ID" as
scented the other.
And when Chester spoke again ne
seemed to rouse himself by an enort
FORM the dependency into which the
irloomy thought had plunged him.
But at dinner that .night-for his con-
lent TO q few days sojourn had 9
neen obtained, with only natural re
iuctant distrust at his intrusion-he
aroved a most brilliant and welcome
edition to the little party.
His seat was next Miss Lorrimer, and
ahe It was whom he honored by hia
most brilliant sallies and most Impress
Ave glances. .
deed. rarely glanced toward her. Miss
I.orrimer's beauty seemed to y
AIinded him to any other charms.
perhaps he may pique Allen into the
Aiscoyery that Miss Mcrkham's pale
ioyaliness MAJ not dazzle all eyes" sht
xhought
"a hars cheek and added sparkle : hel
!. ayes and words. @
m was = strange relief to Al to 9
4haS sat the board.
aTshH neal ended, one aione afnonl
ehera III seemed 10 note that 2 q
ehair nnum,ibsr was ntsslns. -