The Grit-advocate., 1905-07-14

have the ak of the headsman, with an
inward fiinching but an outward com.
posnre.
The man is-dead-and cannot
divulge his name" finished.
Then Lord Feltons face flushed |
saw him open his mouth to SPEAK: I
felt the words, He lies-I am the
man." trembled on his lips. He locke d
at his daughter, Rosemary, and saw
fear and relief commingled; at Lady
Dwight, who had trusted him for
years. and saw suspicion dawning
there-and. they were unuttered.
Lord Waters died without know
ing, Lady Dwight. that he had another
son." continued. "I was imprisoned,
although promised safety and rein
statement by the king, Immediately
after I found 1t out. Thus | was un-
able either to convey to you or to my
father the word desired. I was
struck upon the head and lay for a
time sick. When l recovered it was
too late for me to receive Lord Wa
ter's blessing and give him the lid.
ings that might have made his pass.
age into heaven easier.
HE is dead" she exclaimed.
Rosemary, kneeling at her side, took
her shaking hands in her firm young
ones and fondled her.
Lady Dwight, my father left vast
estates, and to these your son, Raoul
Dwight, as his fathers son, succeeds"
She made motion Of protest, and
her son Raoul raised his head with
expectancy.
II shall not be exactly poor" I
smiled and said, for read her wom-
anly heart. my mother was Squire
Hadley's daughter and heiress AS
you know, her mother was Elinor
Sackett, and brought vas: estates to
her country squire, whom in marry
ing the world thought she had taken
step backward, but she thought
otherwise"
| dismissed that subject with a
wave of the hand, while I turned to
the two men.
Lord FELTON, and Sir Raoul
Dwight" l said, 81 have a request to
make to each of you. / am a bold
man-it will cost you much. OF you"
| bowed to Sir Raoul, that you will
take my hand in friendship for our
fathers sake. OF you," l bowed to
Lord FELTON,, that you will give me
Rosemary to we'd"
had said what I wished, and
waited the result. In each face
read the conflict going on in their
souls. Lord FELTON,, having nothing
to lose (Rosemary had been nothing
to him for years., was the first to
speak.
Lady Dwight he said, you have
occupied the place of mother to Mary
for years, ever since her own mother
died. Are you pleased that she should
marry Quentin Waters?"
Indeed yes, an she love him" re-
piled the sweet lady. She kissed the
blushing Rosemary at her side.
Then Mister Quentin Waters-I be-
lieve your title on your mothers side
is Lord Sackett-" Z
I nodded.
Lord Sackett-it is no more than
right that you should be called by it
give my daughter into your keeping,
and may you make her happy" He
finished with great show of virtue.
and put Rosemary's hand in mine like
the fond parent on the stage. bowed.
gave a French shrug to his shoulders,
and stepped back. He had to his sat.
isfaction paid the debt he owed me.
Sir Raoul Dwight, with good grace
be it said, for no doubt he thought he
loved Rosemary-with some men love
of money and love of women are not
distinguishable, they are so closely
woven; one is the weft and the other
the warp of the loom-now came for
ward. With low bow he said, ex-
ending his hand:
81 would we had known before, sir,
that the ties of kinship bound us-I
request your friendship"
We clasped hands heartily.
LAS for you, sweet co.," he said to
Rosemary, 81 am as ever your devoted
cousin"-and bending over her he
kissed her cheek and took the rose
fem her hair. asking" May keep it?"
And she answered lowly, Yes"
THE END.