Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-09-13
CHAPTER XIV.

$9I was tie next QAy IlaL george
III went to see Ireland. At the door
vi he was informed that Ireland had
been very Ill with his heart and
that the doctor had been called In.
Nevertheless Ireland would not obey
the advice of his physician and stay In
bed. He was up and dressed as usual
and in his study.
George entered the large room and
saw his former guardian seated ut his
desk as usual The man looked very
Ill. His large, placid face was ex-
tremely pale, there were dark circles
under his eyes, and he even seemed
to have grown lean. His clothes hung
loosely on him. and he did not rise
when George entered.
Excuse me, George" he said, with
an attempt at cheerfulness, but l am
not so we'll as might be-"
You are looking ill-very ILL.," said
George, taking his seat.
Ireland nodded. II can't live long"
he remarked in his heavy voice. $50
the doctor informs me- My heart is
extremely weak. It's as bad as 1t well
can be. For the last few days have
deviated sadly from my usual habits.
l have not taken walk, and my sys-
TEN of life is quite upset. It's the be-
ginning of the end" He paused and
sighed. You are looking we'll.
George"
II have every reason to. Mrs. Ward
has consented to my marriage"
with her daughter? How Is thaty
"Well, the church where my parents
were married has been discovered.
The marriage has been proved beyond
q doubt. My grandfather has seen the
copy Of the certificate and now holds
it."
"Is he pleased?"
Every pleased He IL now as friend
ly toward me as he has been hitherto
hostile"
Ireland nodded, breathing heavily.
81 thought he would be. He and had
q long talk about you on the day l
called. That was when saw Mrs.
Ward and
You can go on" said George, see-
ing his hesitation. II know the whole
story"
what story7 asked Ireland sus-
piciously.
THE story Of what happened at San
Reno. Mrs. Ward know was Violet
Howard, and her sister Jenny 10 Miss
Bull"
Eyes. Poor Jenny. she was the bet
ter Of the two, and now she drags out
q miserable life in London lodging
house. While Violet, who is bad
woman
"And the mother Of Dorothy" inter-
rupted George imperlously. "Say no
more. sir"
"You are quite right. AS can't say
good of the woman, let me say no bad.
Well, you know how she loved your
father"
II think she lirted with him, but 1t
was Jenny who really loved"
"And look at her reward" said Ire
land, with deep sigh. Those who
try to do their best always come off
worst. I loved your mother, George,
and I have been a lonely man all my
life"
1t was a sad case. George wished to
get at the truth, but he was so sorry
for Ireland, who had passed SO many
miserable years, that he did not like
to infict more pain. Nevertheless 1t
was necessary to learn If Ireland had
really visited Mrs. Jersey on that night
so as to set Bawdssy's mind at rest. II
George did not learn the truth Bawd
sey might attempt the discovery, and
he would handle the old man In a
much worse manner than George was
likely to do. While bordering how he
could set about his unpleasant task
George was saved from making the
first step. always the most difficult, by
an observation from Ireland. which
paved the way to an explanation.
"How did you discover the churchT
he asked idly.
''In rather queer way. Lola velez"-
Ireland opened his eyes, which had
been closed. and locked up. "Who Is
Lola Velez2' he asked anxiously.
'tShe Is q l3rntn,. ,-.ho,o ' helned--oh