Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-09-02
CHAPTER XXIv.-fContinued.)


for another look at her beautiful face, he
added:
"My child, you are the perfect image
of your mother, and to my partial eyes
she was the most beautiful women I
have ever SEEN"
These words were spoken in SO low a
tone that the ladies present had not
caught their meaning, and murmuring in
return that she must introduce him to
the waiting duchess, he allowed her to
lead him forward while she presented
him as my father"
Drawing close to her grace, on being
thus introduced, he turned a half quiz
Efcal look full upon her, which caused
her to spring up instantly as she met it,
exclaiming:
Edward! Can this be my son Ed
wardY'
my own, dear mother! then you do
know me after all these years" was the
answer as he held forth his arms to em-
brace her.
Amazed at this unlocked for revelation,
Ethel and Lady Claire clasped hands in
mutual sympathy, and looked on in 81
lent wonder.
After this fond greeting, the duke turn
ed and saluted his sisters child, whom he
had never seen, after which he took
Ethel's hand and leading her 10 his moth
er. said:
"Now, dearest mother let me ask for
share Of your love to be given to my
daughter, Lady Ethel Worthington, for
In her you see your own granddaugh-
ter"
Edward, this Is a surprise, inded," re-
turned her grace, as she pressed the
sweet girl to her bosom and kissed her
bright young brow. ETHEL has already
wen our affections during her brief resi-
dence here, without knowing that she
could lawfully claim them. But now,
please. tell your mother who you mar
ried; and why you kept your marriage SO
long secret?'
Before answering your question. my
dear mother, we will proceed to open the
package left in Ethels charge"
Taking the small bundle of what
seemed papers and letters from his daugh-
ter's hand, the duke cut the strings and
drew forth the contents.
The first thing to met the eye was a
marriage certificate, setting forth that on
Oct. 1S. 18-. just twenty two years be-
fore, in New York City, Edward Wor-
thington, only son of Charles, tenth Duke
Of Westmoreland, was united in marriage
to Florence Nevergail, daughter of the
tate John Nevergail of London, by Rev.
Henry Morris, d. D.
Next came to view a magnificent circle
diamond ring which he had given 10 her
a tthe time of their engagement and a
plain gold band, containing their joint
initials and the date Of their marriage.
The last was his wife's wedding ring!
Then appeared a small locket, set with
diamonds. containing the likenesses of
both: and as he threw the gold chain, to
which it was attached, over Ethers neck,
he bade her wear 1t hereafter, "for the
sake of her parents"
As the duchess and Lady Claire looked
at the beautiful face of Ethel's poor,
young mother. they were each struck
with the likeness she bore to the picture,
and thought she might almost have been
Its original.
"Now, my dear mother and daughter,
I will tell you why 1 have so long con-
cealed the fact of my marriage. You,
mother, can scarcely blame me, when you
remember the set and stern disposition
my father ever possessed. His will was
law, his rule a rod of iron. and a child
daring to disobey him was sure to be pun
tshed with the utmost severity.
"When l was only a STRIPPING of nine
teen years I had accompanied my father
to a fox hunt, and after the chase was
over. on our return ride he commenced
talking about my being heir to his title
and wealth, and about the intense desire
he had that when married 1 should Sc
iect a wife from a certain number of la
dies belonging to the nobility.
'Father,'I replied. Il have always ex-
sfod To oSn n
and on that account solely to marry her!''I
""Nhen your expectations will meet a
sudden and grievous disappointment
was his stern reply.
wheeling his horse so that ne faced
me in the road. he extended his right
hand towards heaven. and then and there !
took this solemn oath:
"'Once for all, Edward. hear me and |
mark what l say: I solemnly call on
heaven to witness that never will con- |
sent to your wedding any person not in |
your own rank in life! Never, boy: re- |
member that. Never |
"From that hour matrimony and ladies |
lost all charms for me. 1, as you know, |
mingled little in society. and found my |
chief amusements in study, hunting and |
travelling. When about twenty-six years |
old went to America. and while in New
York accidentally met Gertrude Never !
gail. who was the daughter of Sir Geof- |
frey Glendenning. our neighbor at the |
hall. She, in making what they consid- |
cred a plebeian marriage. had been cast |
off and disowned by her proud father and |
all her friends and relatives. |
"With her husband and his young or
phan sister. Florence Nevergail, they |
had left England; and Nevergail soon be-
A-I-
received into the best society. In New
York CITY.
"It was then. at their house, first met |
and passionately loved my beautiful |
Florence. infatuated to the widest de- |
gree with this young lady. I could not |
leave the place. and before many weeks |
passed discovered that she recprocated |
any warm devotion.
"When she did confess her feelings, I |
aaw ut once that asking for the consent /
of my father would bs useless, % urg-