Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-05-13

his ssclusion, and a reconciliation took
place between him asi his parents. The
General was shocked to see him looking
pale and hollow-eyed but attributed 1t to
the dissipated life he had been leading,
while Ida and her mother were too much
absorbed with bridal finery to notice his
wasted hands, or the cough that racked
his attenuated frame; only Darcy watch
ed him with great anxiety, and refused
to be satisfied with ambiguous replies to
his questions.
at is no use telling me that you are
not i'll, while l see you so weak and
spiritless. You must consent tn see a
physician
'My dear fellow, | wish you'd let me
alone If I choose to consider myself
well, why strive to convince me to the
contrary? / have seen physician, and
he was frank enough to tell me that he
could not cure me-"
81 must know the name of this incura-
BILE malady, before | place any degree
Of faith in this inability of the medical
profession to cope with it."
Ell whisper it to you before | die"
said Percy, smiling sadly
One morning Percy was sitting over
the fire, shivering and coughing every
time the door was opened, and yet taking
vivid interest in the instructions for
settlements which the Generals solicitor
was receiving from the bridegroom.
Gen. Glenaughton lay back in his easy
chair, seldom speaking, but wearing a
look OF supreme satisfaction at the pro-
gress of affairs. Once only he deprecat-
cd Darcys very generous intentions.
"This is too much, my dear boy. If
Idas dowry had been larger, it might
have been settled on the younger chill
dren, and then
But now Percy interrupted.
"Why not increase the sum you nam
ed for my sisters dowry, sir? Let us be
as just as we can"
The General looked annoyed ut his
brusqucre
at is on your account, or, rather,
through your extravaganza, that l am
obliged to act with less liberality than l
intended"
but / shall want nothing more from
you, father, except grave his son re-
piled; land Darcy will make better use
Of your money thnn | should. Put down
the other ten thousand pounds, Mr..
Yately,"
But Darcy laid his hand on the va
pers, for he saw that the speech had ter
riby unnerved the General.
Let us defer all further discussion till
tomorrow"
Mr.. YateIy started up with al rrity.
"The very thing | was wishing Is pro-
pose; for | have an appointment at noon.
Are you walking that way, Mr.. Lesmere?
/ should be glad to say few words to
you in private
Darcy oled surprised for the solicitor
looked significant; but thinking it would
be as well to leave the father and son
to themselves, he expressed his, readi-
ness to accompany Mr.. Yately, and they
quilted the house together.
II am constrained to put some rather
peculiar questions to you, Mr. Lcsmcre,'
the solicitor began; "but have my rea-
sons for them, which | will explain
presently. DO you retain much recollec-
ton of your father, Arden Lesmerc!"
mo. / was mere child when his
death occurred. Why do you ask this?"
Mr.. Yatcly, who was very precise
little old gentleman, waved his hand.
zone moment, my dear sir--one mo-
ment Mrs Lesmcre survived her hus-
band some three or four years. The
match was in every respect Il happy
one?"
ITO the best of my knowledge. yes"
answered Darcy, trying to grow patient.
"And you have never had any reason
to suppose or suspect that Arden Les
mere had contracted any marriage prior
to his union with Mis- Henrietta Darcy?
Now hear me patiently my dear sill"
he added, as the young man commenced
an indignant disclaimer. Il told YOU
that ] have sufficient reason for making
these inquiries. Tax your memory, and
try and recall any hints YOU may have
heard, any papers you may have found,
which would imply that such n secret
marriage was actually celebrated.'
81 prefer to hear your reasons first,
Mr.. Yatey. | don't care to be mysti-
fed on such subject"
Mr.. Yatcly tapped paper he produced
from his pocket. ''Thcy are contained
here. sir | received this document this
morning from n highly respectable firm,
notifying to me their intention of calling
upon you. Darcy Lesmere, to resign all
the moneys and estates you are now
holding to their client, who claims to be
the only surviving child of the said Ar
den, by previous marriage"
Darcy staggered back, and stared at
the lawyer incredulously.
(ro DO continucdl
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