Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-09-29

' birth" said Ireland sharply.
 That among other things"
 The old man looked down again and appeared to be in deep thought He was turning over in his own mind how much or how little he should tell George. And the young man looked at him anxiously. Much depended upon the speech of MT. Ireland. At last the silence was broken, and by most unexpected remark. 'I loved your mother" said Ireland.
 'I never knew that" said Brendon softly, for he saw that the man was moved at the recollection of some early romance.
 T never spoke of it before," was the reply; and Ireland laid down his cigar to speak more freely. "Yes, I loved Rosina Lockwood with all my heart and soul. was not bad looking in those days, George, and had a good income, but she preferred your fa- ther''
 'I am sorry to be obliged to ask you for story of the past" said Brendon apologetically, ''but it means so much to me-"
 '.Pll tell you all I can," said Ireland, taking no notice of the apology. He paused for a moment to collect his. thoughts and then began abruptly. I first met your mother at her fathers house in Amelia square, where went to take lessons in singing. Lockwood was famous for his method in those days, and his fame was increased by the appearance of your mother, Ro- >sina, at many concerts. She was a most beautiful. creature and was as | much admired for her beauty as for her voice. An, what voice! 1t was like the thrill of a lark, flexible and sil- very, and with an immense range. She was quite the rage for season and was called the English Jenny Lind, Many offers were made to her for the operatic stage dare say she would have accepted in the end had she not met with Percy, Vane, and he"- Ireland's hand clinched. Brendon saw that the recital was painful to him, and but that he was so anxious to get at the proofs of his birth would have asked him to desist.
 Percy Vane was handsome man and rich. warned Lockwood that he was in love with Rosina, but the old man would not heed. He was f1attered by the attention Rosina, received All through that season Vane was in at tendance on Rosfna. At the end of it he eloped with her-yes. He met her outside St. James hall and they eloped"
 Where did they go to?'' asked Bren- don eagerly.
 'That I cannot say. Rosina wrote three weeks afterward from Paris, signing herself vane and stating that she was the wife of Percy"
 Was my grandfather angryY Yes and no. He was angry that he should have lost her, for she was of use to him as an advertisement of his method of singing and also she earned great deal of money The house in Amelia square was large and required good deal to keep it up. Besides, Anthony Lockwood was ex- travagant. That was why you were left so badly off," @ Brendon shrugged his shoulders. Tt was good of my grandfather to leave me anything" he said, "but in what way was my-Mr. Lockwood pleased? You hinted that he was not quite an- l gry.'
 Well" said Ireland, The was flat tered that his daughter should have married into the aristocracy.''
 Then there was no question of the lnarriage?"
 'No. Lord Darlington said nothing l till your mother was dead, and even l then he said very little. It was when l Vane was murdered at San Reno that he first decisively asserted that no mar l riage had taken place. He did so be- cause Lockwood insisted that Derring- ] ton should acknowledge you as the heir. He refused to do so and said that his second son was the heir.''
 "That is Walter Vane's father?"
 Exactly, And now the father is dead Walter Vane stands in your shoes. wish you could prove the marriage, my boy,' said Ireland, shak- ing his head, ''but it will be difficult task"
 T don't care how difficult it is,'' re piled Brendon resolutely. T am de termined to learn the truth.''
 ''Who is the ladyf' asked Ireland. ! Miss Dorothy Ward. You don't know anything of her.'
 Ireland shook his head. q left the adoration of the aristocracy to Lock wood," he said, with something like a sheer, ''but that's neither here nor there, my boy. To make long story short, met your mother in Paris, and shortly afterward she died, giving birth to you. Eliza Stokes was with her when she died, and you were given into the charge of that woman. Your mother was buried in Pere la Chaise. Vane put up a stone to her-oh, he behaved very well, don't deny that added Ireland, but with dark face. "He was really fond of her, and I sup pose there was marriage"
 Did my mother ever say anything about itY'
 Never. You asked me that before. It was an accepted fact. After the death of Rosina her husband went to Italy. I was there, too, and it was IA IL