Willmar tribune., 1903-12-09
CHAPTER II.-CoNr1NUED.


assent. -. - : :; 49,.
Nothing more was said until the
meal was ended. Then, leaning; back
IN his leather chair and lighting a
cigar-Sir Arthur abhorred tobacco-he
said sulkily, sarcastically. giving his
brother his title
''Well, Sir Arthur what is it?'
1t was not very inviting opening.
Yet it may be conceded that fate had
certainly not been kind to Richard.
At bottom he loved his brother, and
in his heart he knew that Sir Arthur
wanted to do the right thing. But
perverse humor held him that morn
ing, and he would make no effort at
complaisance or conciliation.1
Sir Arthur flushed painfully at Rick's
carelessly contemptuous tone. He rose
and went to the window, where he
stood in silence while the secondhand
of the old clock licked solemnly half
way round it's dial.
I-l-want to put things right, old
man." he said at length, facing inward
towards Rick, who sat moodily smok-
ing, his cigar tilted towards the CELL
ing.
do you? That's kind!" was the
curt rejoinder.
The baronet looked at his brother in
mute surprise; the hot color famed
in his sallow face and as suddenly
left 1t paler than it's won't He had
never before seen Rick like this. But
he controlled himself and went on, a
little more f1uently, as though the other
had not spoken.
Yes. l happen to know what
fathers intentions were about money
matters, and am prepared to carry
them out to the letter."
did he tell you to do it," inquired
Rick laconically.
You remember he never spoke after
they carried him home," said Sir
Arthur reproachfully, 'but knew from
what he said to me at times that you
were to be taken care of-that you
would have been provided for if there
had been willard I simply mean to
act in his stead"
All this was certainly very fair and
generous, and the baronet looked ex-
pectantly at Richard for some sign of
a relenting humor. But the perverse
devil which clutched his heart-strings
would permit no relaxation, and the
only response was monosyllabic and
irritating
"Well?''
Sir Arthur's patience was giving
way, end signs Of the Dysart temper
appeared in the shape of certain
twitchings and indentations of the
nostrils, yet he kept himself in hand
wonderfully. rl e1.s2z --.
There is not much ready cash, Rick
there never has has been,"
hewent on, "but father set aside certain
sums which you were to have at his
death. believe the amount is now
something like couple of thousand
pounds, and this shall be paid in to
your account as soon as the lawyers
can arrange it"
Thanks awfully," drawled Richard
He knew in his heart that Sir Arthur
was acting nobly and generously, even
as he would have acted had their posi-
tions been reversed. Yet back of it all
was the knowledge, common to each,
that woman had come between them,
that they both loved her, and that only
one Of them could possess her. This
hardened both of them.
But Richard had begun the interview
badly, and the Dysart pride, which was
fully as bad as the Dysart temper,
would not let him descend from his
lofty perch. And although he knew he
was wronging his brother grievously
by the suspicion, the fend within COM
PEELED him to continue
"And so you wash your hands Of
me, and can go to the devil with your
two thousand pounds!"
Sir Arthur's patience was exhausted,
and even his affection could not with
stand this last thrust, coupled with
what had gone before. Still, as Rick
waxed hot, he grew cool.
1T Is matter of complete indiffer-
ence to me what you do or where you
co." he retorted icily. It have done my
duty. More you could not ask; more
you shall not have. I wish you good
morning and better temper!" -
With these words he turned away,
and was for stepping out on the lawn.
But in couple of strides Richard was
by his side, strong hand on his
shoulder, so as to swing him round.
and they stood face to face, one as hot
as molten iron, the other as cool as
chilled steel. y *
"All very fine!'" Rick sneered. "Now
that you've got the title, suppose you
think you'll capture the lady besides.
But don't be too sure!"
The caddish thrust told. The baro-
net quivered, and then steadied
himself as does good fencer when his
enemy's foil touches vital spot. His
eyes blazed, yet still he kept admirable
outward control of his temper. With
cool and cutting irony he rejoined:
If the lady gets you, i shall be the
first to congratulate her on her ex-
ceedingly. wise choice. She might do
better. / do not see how she could do
worse!'
Then he passed ) out to the. grass,
paused. and again turned to where
Richard stood, speechless with rage anG
chagrin, saying as though to q mere
q caller: ssf 4. IA. i st 55sss,$ =e5z
a}5T5 5s5 Il will order the gig round in an
hour There is a train at 12:40.
I would not hurry you, or hint that / am
the master here, but doubtless you Will
I be glad to leave Denecroft. = " .s.* .sz
And with q slight bow he passed
round q turret angle. and Richard saw
4 him no more. Thus the brothers
- 1Gs