Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-30

else one of us must be much to blame. But
in truth have that confidence in you, and
that assurance in myself as to rest secure
the fault will never be made On either side.
Well. then: this short and this long which
I aim at is more than to give you this
first written testimony that am your hus-
band; and that husband of yours that will
ever discharge those duties of love and re-
spect toward you which good women may
expect. and are justly due from good men
to discharge them; and this is not only
much. but all which belongs to me: and
wherein 1 shall tread out the remainder of
life which is left to me-
STAFFORD looked up from his perusal,
blank amazement upon his countenance.
How came you by this paper?"
II found 1t among the documents left by
my grandfather, who died year ago. 1t
was sent by you to my mother, Frances,
daughter of Sir John Warburton. his only
daughter as l am hers, my lord"
But when Sir John wrote to me coldly
Of her death he made no mention Of any
issue"
My grandfather always hated you. my
lord. 1t is very like that he told you not
that the cause of my mothers death was
her childrens BIRTH
Children?
Yes. my lord. My twin brother and my
self"
The earrs hand trembled until the letter
that he held shook like the autumn leaves
above him. He conjured up the face of the
boy whom he had supposed his only son.
and saw him challenged by stranger, IN
known and unloved.
The girl saw with quick intuition, that
she had lost her ground. Cold dislike tine
tured the tone in which the next question
was asked
why is your brother not here in your
place. and you in the background. where
you properly belong?"
"Sir, my brother shares our grandfather
dislike Of you. He is for the parliament
and against the king. AS for me, 1 know
little Of the questions that disturb the
state. My only knowledge is that you are
my father, and were you the wickedest per-
son in the world should come to you
The Earl of STAFFORD raised his head alb
ruptly, as one who has come to decision.
Come with me to the palace. In a world
of lies 1 find myself believing you; thus I
am not grown SO old as 1 had feared.
Come"
The girl was at his side In moment.
Sir. will you lean upon my shoulder"
mo. I am ailing. but not decrepit"
He led her into room on the first floor.
and sank into deep arm chair beside the
fire with a sigh of relief. For a few mo-
ments he regarded her with no pleased ex-
preston: then said petulantly:
Did your grandfather bring you up q
lady. or are you an ignorant country
wench?'
Quickly she drew back the small feet out
thrust to take advantage of the comforting
| fire. and the blaze showed her cheek q
| ruddier hue than heretofore.
Sir she said, 81 was brought up with.
out a mothers care in the ancient hall of q
1 sour old grandfather my brother my only
companion. / can sometimes outfence him
and. failing that. l can always outruI
| him. Any horse he can ride I can ride
| and we two have before now put to flight
\ three times our number of the yokels OF
| the neighborhood. AS to education I have
| smattering and can read and write.
| have studied music to some advantage
and foreign tongues with very little
| dare say there are many things known tc
| your London ladies that 1 am ignorant Of
1--WE may thank God for that" muttered
| the earl.
| The conversation was interrupted by 6
] servant throwing open the door. crying;
| His majesty, the king"
| The girl sprang instantly to her feet
| while her father rose more slowly, assist.
ing himself with his hands on the arms OF
| the chair.