Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-01-29
CHAPTER XVIII.

ONA@ III ~ WILL
Strange things often come TO mass IN
thls queer world Of ours, but never could
anything happen more singular in its ma
ture than the meeting, face to face. Of
Lawrence Richmond, the man of strong
impulses and fierce passions, with the
woman who had been his wife, and vet
upon whom his eyes had never once fallen
during the past fifteen years.
Between those two, though they seemed
separated by but a step, lay a chasm so
deep that it would have been almost i'm
possible to have crossed it. This was the
pit time had dug and over which even
love had not built a bridge.
She knew him at once. but as for him
he had not the remotest suspicion Of the
truth as he stood there.
That this kind-looking, elderly lady,
from whose life his hand had driven all
happiness except what she drew from
within, was his wife of the past, was
something that did not enter his mind
Just then, so that he had not a glimmer
or the truth, and was all upprepared for
what was to come.
He was hot with anger. Having fol-
lowed Roger Darrell in the direction of
the haunted mill, he knew just where his
child had been hidden away, and had hur-
ried on as fast as possible.
In common with others. Lawrence
Richmond had heard of the widow VIII
occupied the old mill, but he had never
paid any attention to the gossip that was
circulated concerning her, and the fact
that she never seemed toe want for any,
thing so long as money would buy it.
He was enraged at the idea of his child
being carried off in the audacious. manner
she had been, and then kept so close to
home. In his anger, he forgot that Carol
was Of age, and that the law could rot
and would not help him in the matter.
When he, found himself face to face
with the mysterious widow, he saw with
some satisfaction that she evidently SEEM
ed disturbed by his presence, and the fact
gave him pleasure.
Yes, it is Lawrence Richmond, mad
am. AT last | have found you out. BY
tracking young Darrell / have struck the
bower to which he carried her. Do rot
attempt to deny it, madam; ny child is
here!' he Numbered.
At first she had suspected that he had
recognized her, but was Immediately re-
assured on this point by his words.
Il Shall not attempt to deceive you;
Carol has been here. She is out for a
walk now, but will be back soon, when
you can see her if you wish. We have
nothing to fear from you, Lawrence Rich
mond, for the girl is of age, and no long
er subject to your authority. Go your
way, or remain and see her if you will
He started at sound of her voice. rs
though memory had given him a stab,
and yet just then he could not compre-
bend why he should act thus.
His keen eyes seemed to search the
face of the woman, but she was so utter
ly changed from the one he had loved. vet
sent from him. that not the faintest glim-
mer of the truth penetrated his brain.
You talk boldly, madam. Perhaps you
forget the difference in our station. You
are poor and friendless. l the rich and
powerful Lawrence Richmond. of Rich
mond Terrace. Which. do you think
would have the most influence in court ~
The question was cruel. but the widow
only smiled, as though ready to meet it.
Think not your secrets are unknown
to me. Lawrence Richmond. The Terrace
is mortgaged to its full value. and any
day the real owner may foreclose. In
deed, it has been a source Of wonder TO
you for n year past why he has not done
so. This was one reason why you wish
your daughter to marry Captain
You believed him to be wealthy.
the heir to vast estates. Had you let
him know the truth on your side. he
would never have troubled you about
your daughters hand, for he believed her
to he an hcircss."
woman" gasped the Old man. "how
You this? | supposed there was not
a soul in the world acquainted with the
facts save my lawyer and Lionel Mars.
den, to whom the mortgage belongs.
What witchery is thisy Am | to be ruin
ed by a babbling tongue? Surely heaven
Furnishes me terribly for that mad act of
the past"
He almost groaned these last words.
and she knew to what they referred, for a
exclamation fell from her lips.
ITO be continued.)