The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1905-02-18
CHAPTER XIV.

he was Informed that Ireland had
been very i'll with his heart and
that the doctor had been called in.
Nevertheless Ireland would not obey
the advice Of his physician and stay IL
bed. He was UP aud dressed as usua.
and in his study.
George entered the large room and
saw his former guardian seated at his
desk as usual. The man looked very
Ill. His large, placid face was e2-
tremely pale, there were dark circles
under his eyes, and lie even seemed
10 have grown lean. His clothes hung
loosely Oh him, and he did not rise
when George entered.
Excuse me, George" he said, with
an attempt at cheerfulneSS. but AIN
not SO well as | might De"
You are looking ill-very ILL., said
George, taking his seat.
Ireland nodded. Il can't live long,"
he remarked in his heavy voice. so
the doctor informs me. My heart is
extremely weak. It's as bad as it well
can be. For the last few days / have
deyiated sadly from my usual habits.
L have not taken a walk, and my sys-
TEN of life ;s quite upset. Its the be-
ginning Of the end" he paused and
sighed. You are looking well.
George"
Il have every reason to. Mrs. Ward
has consented to my marriage"
With her daughter: How is that:"
well, tie church where my parents
were married has been discovered.
The marriage has been proved beyond
a doubt. My grandfather has seen the
copy OF the certificate and now holds
it,
is he pleaSedy'
VERY pleased. lie is 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 ]
called. That was when l saw Mrs.
Ward and
You can go on" said George, see
ing his hesitation. Il know the whole
story"
What story?" asked ireland sus-
piciously.
The story of what happened at San
Reno. Mrs. Ward / know was Violet
Howard, and her sister Jenny is Miss
Bull"
Yes. Poor Jenny. she was the bet
ter Of the two and now she drags out
a miserable life in a London lodging
house. While Violet, who is a bad
woman
And the mother of Dorothy" inter
rupted George imperiously. 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"
Il think she flirted with him. but II
was Jenny who really loved"
And look at her reward" said Ire
land, with a deep sigh. Those who
try to do their best always come off
worst. | loved your mother. George,
and have been lonely man all my
life"
1t was a sad case George wished 10
get at the truth. but he was SO sorry
for Ireland, who had passed so many
miserable years, that he did not like
10 infiict more pain. Nevertheless it
was necessary 10 learn if Ireland had
really visited Mrs Jersey on that night
40 rs to set Il lwdSey'S mind at rest. If
George did not learn The truth Bawd-
sey might attempt the discovery, and
he would handle the Oh man in a
much worse manner than George was
likely 10 do " lille pon;! ring how he
could set INT his unpleasant task
George WIS >avci from making the
first step. always the most difficult, by
m observation from ireland. which
paved the WAX 10 m explanation.
How did you discover the church,"
he asked IDLY.
In rather n queer way. Lola Velez~-
ireland opened his eyes. which had
been closed. and looked up. Who is
Lola Nelez:" he asked anxiouSly.
'She is a dancer whom l helpel-Oh,
quite in a proper way. Mr.. Ireland
You know the name
Ireland, contrary TO Georges eXpec-
tation. nodded There WAS a woman
in San Reno about the time of your
fathers death. She was called Nelez
and was in love with him"
He seems TO have been faScinat-
ing man." said George. smiling. to set
ireland at his ease. But this Lola is
the daughter OF the woman you men
ton. Ii was she who found the
church"
By this time Ireland was quite
awake and keenly anxious for details.
How did she learn its nameE" he de-
manded quickly.
"She found il in the confession OF
Mrs. Jersey
Ireland snapped the paper cutter he
was holding. and, leaning back in his
chair. looked anxiously at George.
''What do you mean"
Well" replied the young man. keep
ing his eyes fixed on Ireland's face. it
seems that Mrs. Jersey left = coufes-
sion behind her ~ Ia what took place
at San Reno"