The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-05-21
CHAPTER x.-Continued.

on"
well, then, in the first place we'll
get the bad news over. This young
Australians claim seems to be a
good one
well, never say die! We may be
wrong. But he has answered every
question of my solicitors in the most
satisfactory way--I should say the
most unsatisfactory way as far as my
chances of keeping the property are
concerned. 1t now only remains for
us to send some one over to Aus
tralia for certain other proofs of his
identity which he says he can give,
and then out goes Fulke. Lord Cath
erington, and in comes Godfrey, Lord
Catherington, in his place.
It's a shame! It's a trick! !. ]
don't believe it," cried Beatrice, In
wildly illogical protest.
He laughed. He liked her woman
ish incoherence better than he would
have liked a reasoned-out argument.
mo, it isn't" he said quietly. It's
nothing but the unfortunate truth. !
say unfortunate, because this fellow
doesn't know anything about English
life, or the duties of his position or
anything. I used to think L knew less
of the duties Of my position as nobel
man and land owner than any living
mortal but I find know a precious
deal more Of them than he does"
Then why couldn't he leave well
alone?" cried she, sharply.
well, I'm inclined to think that's
just what he would have done If he
hadn't been egged on to making his
claim by other people who hope to
get something out of it-this Brad
win and lot more"
'Then this Bradwin is villain!"
cried Beatrice excitedly.
mot a bit Of it. Only lawyer who
sees his way to a paying case. It's my
belief, judging from what I've seen of
the young fellow himself, that he feels
heartily ashamed of his own position
and that, If he could have his own
way, he would ask me to make him a
small allowance and promptly take
himself back to his native bush again
and never trouble us over here any
more"
Then why don't your lawyers ar
range that?"
MY simple little lady, It's not to
be done. Don't you see that there
are others concerned in the matter
have a word to say, and that, in any
case, we're in for a tustle for mas
terry whether we like 1T or not? Don't
you know that nobody who has a
kingdom or an estate under him Is
really his own master? He's egged
on by system, by events, by every
thing but his own free will No
Either Godfrey takes the lot or he
takes nothing; and it's the same with
Fulke."
ooh dear, oh dear! It's dreadful
moaned Beatrice.
well, we'll, 1t might be worse
There's a nice bit of news for you
at least I hope you'll think it nice
about something else"
''Vhat2 What 2o she asked as he
paused.
"About-my unlucky marriage
Johns has ferreted out this Burnet-'
"Oh!" she cried. interested now II
good earnest.
"And there's no doubt that Ross
never really was my wife at all. Sht
married Burnet, and therefore tn
ceremony with me was absolutel!
worthless More than that 1T seems
I can get O decree here, without an!
necessity of going back to America
since I'm domiciled Englishmal
and our English laws entitle me to m
freedom
but the artist did you see him :?
mo, my lawyers. They found hir
very difficult customer to dea
with. He's undoubtedly crazy, bu
it's a very pitiful case. It seems wha
he Is most anxious for is that th1
woman, the very woman who ra
from MIN, SnOulu TeldlH lie
title and status my wife, and moth
ing would shake him on that poin
He is the most slavishly devoted {
lovers that ever lived, and In cense
ouence-so a cynic would say--he's G
mad as halter. So the end of
was that he ran away without leavir
them the dates and other proofs the
wanted, and, to tell you the truth b1
not to alarm you, it's because re
O. little nervous about his finding Of
where you and the child were that
came down here to watch. You sc
now he's once learned the way he
and knows Rosa's in England too,
is sure to trace her out sooner or late
And where she is there the child is
and you"
He finished very softly, and a thr
ran thru Beatrice.
81 think she said, in a frighten'
voice, sit Is you who have the mo
cause to be afraid of him. 1t seer
he puts all the blame upon you. DO
of his own loss and of her threaten
fall in position. l wish, Lord Cathe
ington, you'd go back to Londo
We're quite safe, quite safe"
II don't know about that. wa
you to warn Rosa. You needn't s.
you've seen me or how you've lear
it, but tell her to be on her guart
"Why didn't you have him arrest
at the lawyers Officer
There seemed to be nothing
arrest him for. You see, he made
attack upon me that night that h
him In at Catherington House,
what excuse had +? And Johns sa
he behaved in all respects like sa
person. Perhaps we haven't so mu
to fear from him as we fancy, aft
ALL
Nobody has but you, think" Sc
she. 1.-The woman whom he loves
much would be able to influence h
still. But I'll warn her, If you wisl
She got UP from her rustic CHI
and took Ermyn by the hand
felt a little shy with Lord Catherir
ton, a little afraid Of herself. T
the touch of his hand as it brush
hers to caress the little one sent
thrill of ecstacy thru her, and broue
an answering softness into her e.
when he met them with his.
"Good-by!'' said she, in a sort
breathless way. "Good-by! beg
pray you to take care"
"Good-by!" said he. And If )
can contrive it, come and see
again; both Of YOU"
He took UP the child, kissed
little face, and then watched tn
from the outside staircase as Il
went quickly away thru the plan
ton.
Ernayn was full of the adventure, 6
Beatrice felt sure she would prat
on about 1t during the drive that
ternoon; but when the time came
dill function