Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1903-08-08
CHAPTER n.


"Dr. Elfenstein." said Mr.. Gray, my
is, as you see, extremely III. Our friend
Ing to whom he wishes to leave his large
fortune. Hc has dictated his last will
aud testament, and as he desires to sign
1t before he may be unable to do NO, 1t
was necessary for him to see you per-
sonally. previous to placing his name to
the document. In which. may add, you
are deeply interested"
Earle Elfenstcin started as he heard
these words. and looked from the lawyer
to the invalid beside him.
"You IRE surprised. naturally" again
resumed Mr.. Gray. 'and probably won
der what Mr.. Rappelye knows Of you.
will explain this ut once. Your father
was George Elfcnstcin, well.known
banker: In years gone by he did Mr..
Nnppelye a never-to.be- forgotten service.
lila arrival In this country was follow.
cd by long and dangerous illness. when
he lay alone among strangers, almost
neglected. and he attended to his wants
like u brother, until he was entirely con.
vulescent. They met often afterwa ard,
and then lost sight Of each other. Years
Of silence passed, when accidentally he
learned about three months since that
his benefactor was dead. and his only
son was a struggling physician In New
| York. He has heard Of your fearless,
| conscientious manner Of meeting your Ell.
gagements, and. this was a characteristic
he particularly wished to find In some
young friend. When. therefore, his
health entirely failed. he determined to
send for you. and perhaps place his at.
fairs In your hands,"
Anything that I can do within the
range Of honor and integrity. I shall be
pleased to undertake." Earle answered.
I'VE felt 10. The case then Il this:
but, Of course. you will recognise the
fact that the history Of our friends life,
which l shall be obliged to unfold to you,
n told In strict confidence. VIII you
promise to regard that confidence a. q
sacred trust, never to be told to another,
until all that 10 now mysterious has been
swept awayT'
II will"
"Then will proceed. Our friend was
the youngest son of Sir Godfrey Glen.
denning. residing In q large town near
Liverpool. This gentleman had one
daughter, who married against his
wishes, and three sons. Arthur, who
would In case Of his death succeed to
the title; Reginald. two years younger,
and Fitzroy. the gentleman you see be-
fore you. whose severe domestic misfor-
tunes have been 10 great that for the last
twenty-five years he has been Obliged ia
live in this country. under the assumed
name of Rappelye."
"A short time after the death Of his
parents, for they expired within few
months of each other, and after his
brother Arthur had come into possession
of his title. little turmoils arose between
the brothers, and seemed to embitter
them exceedingly.
"Reginad, the second son, had an ugly
morose disposition, that was peculiarly
eSasperating. and whenever the oppor-
tunity occurred he delighted in getting
Fitzroy into disgrace with the young
| barOnct.
"rhese young men had very pretty
cousin, In whose society they each took
extreme pleasure. Her name was Con
stance Leonore Glendenning. 1t was soon
discovered that the affections Of the
young girl were centered upon Sir AR
thur, aud this knowledge was immedi'
ately followed by a betrothal.
Reginald, being somewhat disappoint
ed that he could not win the prize, un'
dertOok to report several little interviews
of purely innocent and accidental ma
ture that Fitzroy had with this lady to
his brother, casting very sinister light
upon them, and assuring Arthur that
Fitzroy was endeavoring to supplant him
In her favor.
"rhis artful story Infatuated the young
nobleman. and caused a very bitter inter
view. Fitxroy Indignantly denied every
thought of interference, declaring tho
truth, that his love for Constance wal
merely cousinly. This Sir Arthur refus
ed to believe. and they parted In anger
Fitsroy exclaiming In a moment Of un
guarded passion as he left him:
"'Very well. think 30 II It suits you