The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-07-18

Copyright 1908 by the National Press Agency
really wonderful old place, that half-ruined
castle rocky coast of Brittany, most unex-
q expectedy left to by my uncle Roger de Poy-
tron Only whim, and desire to turn my back
upon the world and woman, had brought me to
the place which had been mine for a year; yet
that it was inclined to call the whim wise
resolve. If had known that the possessor OF so
fine property might have visited it sooner but had
allowed myself time to be stirred by curiosity regard
ing my legacy until night at little dinner was
giving for her at the Carlton, Maud Lansdowne an
nounced that she was going to marry Lord Tenbrook
Now without great conceit felt had reason to
pose that had a chance with Miss Lansdowne who
Of the beauties of her But tho family was
centuries older than Tenbrooks and tho had enough
money to satisfy an unamblt1ous woman was neither
a of title millionaire. Lord Tenbrook
both. and it appeared that the beautiful Miss Lans-
downe was woman of ambition
not such fool to believe that my heart was
broken, nevertheless, it pride) temporarily
damaged and the night when was SO kindly taken
into Miss Lansdowne's confidence also made an
nounceent. In truth it the Of the moment
which happened to be sharp and irritating spur but
deviated the truth that already had
laid plans for visit to castle Of mine in Brittany
"a castle of mine" sounded distinctly well, coming
from pretntions been aside because
of less Importance than somebody else; but
matter fact had been led to the ancient
stronghold worthless shell of grandeur.
Ny uncles solicitor in Tresitat the village nearest
Poytron castle, had not, indeed, made this state
ment in so many words when he informed that his
client left the palce to but he had
ferred residence in disparagng terms explain
ing that part only of the ancient fortified house had
been made sufficiently habitable for somewhat
trio elderly bachelor who scorned luxury and hated
cety
Now not elderly" bachelor, and was far
from hating society scorning luxury tho could cheer
fully do without either if blessed with incentive. Be
sides, condition which accompanied the legacy
that should allow the present caretakers still
gard the castle their home given to understand
that there widow who had acted for
unces housekeeper, and that had family. Even
If had wished to expatriate myself live tumble
castle which my uncle had bought only because
been in the dePoytron family before the of
William the Conqueror, and into the market from
alien for should not have cared to
bullied by domneering old hopelessy spot
by having her accepted the condition, there
rather than let de Poytron castle into the
session of such informed it would
my uEcle's will if Ibis surviving relative-re
fused the gift But had not Saturday to
Monday visit to Brittany since became master of the
family stronghold, until banshed myself London
to avoid Maud Lansdowne's wedding
Then my decision made suddenly that had
time for nothing before departure, except send
wire to Madame Lascelles the caretaker housekeeper,
saying that would arrive the following night
of uncertain duration.
did arrive, and saw the great castle of
eestors for the first time, with all its grim cut
darky and sharply out Of the flaming which burnt
the western sky
The huge stone pile be towering centinu-