The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-11-18

on tie hearth rug with IN impassiye
expression OF countcnance. He waited
Tor George - open the war OF words,
ana after polite greeting lie waited In
sucnce. George was not at all embar-
rassed. He knew perfectly well that
he had difficult task before him and
did not choose to shirk It,
Il am sure you are not surprised to
see me, Lord Darlington" said Bren-
don, with his eyes fixed on the old
mans grim face.
mot half so surprised rs you were
at seeing Bawdsey," said Darlington,
not to be outlonc in coomess.
George smiled. IL was not ut nil sur
prfaed at seeing the man." he said calm
". ut was my happy lot to rescue him
from an accident, and 1t was my inten-
ton to call on him"
For what Tcason2' asked Dcrrinp-
ton, who could not help betraying as.
tonishment In spite OF his self control.
you must excuse my not answering
that question"
"Oh, certainly" replied Lord Derring-
ton, with ironical politenc,s, but Won
are not SO diplomatic rs thought
Because | decline reply?"
Because you allow me to see that
you are on good terms with the man
employ. A. clever diplomatist would
nave allowed me to think that Bawtl-
sey was hostile and So have used the
man against me-"
'"Thcre Is no need for me to stoo, t.
such crooked ways" said Brendon.
With some scorn, land I always and
IN, h1
Darlington sat down and leaned hi,
elbows on the table. His temper was
rising, as Ire was not accustomed 70 be
treated In this offhand way. Come
sir. let us understand one another. Stata
the situation so Ms to clear The ground
for proper argument"
Certainly" said George, with frigld
peliteness. "You know who Z am
understand"
No. don't. SO far as 1 know you
sre George Brendon. met you at Mrs
Wards, and
And were good enough to hold a
long conversation with me-" finished
George smartfy. ~ sec, sir, it is nee.
essary for me to be explicit"
It's the best course" rejoined Der.
rington, looking at him with hard eyes
and secretly admiring his self con.
troll
'Then~I have to state thatmy name
OF Percy vanc and Rosfna lockwood"
Indeed! What proof have you OF
this?"
"The evidence OF my nurse, Jane
Fraser. who attended to me when my
<J1 oI;
testimony of my formeS guardian. Mr.
Ireland, who took charge Of me after
the death of my mothers father. IL
nally. my certificate Of birth. which I
will show YOU whenever you choose"
Dcrrington WIS confounded by this
calm answer. He would have buster.
ed, but Georges politeness gave him
no chance Of losing his temper, and
without fuel it would not blaze up.
''You seem to be well provided with
proofs" sal, he grimly. "I.et us admit.
for the sake Of argument, that you nre
my rr,nason. But the MARRIAGE
"Ah that Is the difficult point! And
1t is unpleasant for me to talk OF the
subject. W justice to the memory OF
my mother ! hold that there was n
marriage"
"And in justice to my family I hold
that there was none"
"1n that case, Lord Darlington. we
Join issue"
"You are quite lawyer, sir" sneer.
ed the old man.
II thought Of studying for tile bar
at one time"
Indeed. and why did you not?"
Il had no money to pay my fees"
said George coldiy.
The old lord WINGED. sYou could
have had money had you chosen" said
he roughly.
II know. For that reason changed
my name to Brendon."
"Well," said Darlington irritably,
"let us come to the point You say
you are my grandson. l admit that, as
! am aware of what evidence you can
bring forward. But 1 decline to admit
that ysu are my heir. The onus OF
proof lies with you."
III am prepared to discover the proof
II your lordship will behave In an hou-
srable manner"
WHAT! roared Darlington, rising
with fierce look. do you mean to
say, you Jackanapes, that I am behav-
ing dlshonerabIy
Extremely So" said Brendon eoldly.
"You have had me watched by q de-
tective, You threaten through him to
have me arrested for a crime Of which
i am Innocent II I do not give up my
attempts to gain my birthright and
here George leaned forward--'Doro-
thy Ward. Do yon call these actions
honorable 7s.
"Do you know who I ama" ques-
toned the other, clustering.
"yery well. You are the man who
tsrkeeping me out Of my rights"