Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-08-22
CHAPTER XxxVll.

4eAnd you found this in the library.
TN the old bureau by the FIRE
place. It was in a secret drawer
which, l believe only Sir Godfrey and
l were aware Of
"And-and this will? What is It's
purport?" demanded Philip Dyce, in a
low voice. have you read it?"
Il have read it. 1t was. not sealed
and l read it. was Sir Godfrey's,
am Miss Dale's legal adviser, l and
my father, and his father before him,
have been the friends and the advis-
ers of The Lormes,' said the old man
proudly.
"You are quite within your right TO
read it," said Philip Dyce, inclining
his head.
And you asked me its purport
said the old man with suppressed ex-
citement-"ea cannot you guess"
Il cannot guess" said Philip Dyce,
musingly. AT one time" he con
tinued, myself, may have en-
tertained some hope"
Yes. broke in Mr. Ford, you
were to have been the heir of Lorme,
so all said Well, Philip Dyce. II
this be the genuine will and last
testament of Sir Godfrey Lorme. you
are the master Of Lorme Abbey and
all Sir Godfrey possessed.
Philip Dyee started, and stared
breathlessly.
Then he turned aside and covered
his eyes with his hands, as if over
come
Mr. Ford stood and looked at him
keenly in perfect silence for a min
ute, then he said
Now you understand why [ said
that tomorrow may be too late for
any reconciliation between you and
Leola Dale"
Tell me what you meal2" said
Philip Dyce, in low voice.
Il mean This" said the old man,
with nervous agitation If all had
been well, and as it should be between
you. If you were in perfect accord, en-
gagged as man and wife. this will
would matter little You would slill
be master ami she mistress OF Lorme.
But" and he laid his hand upon
Philip Dyce's arm, IF she learns the
contents of this will if it be a will.
mind-while you are SIN estranged,
her pride will forever prevent your
- ming together again. You will
Aate gained the Abbey-and lost
LeOia Dale"
The words seemed to move Philip
pyce. For the moment he was not
acting.
lose herr he said passionately.
II w0uIG rather lose the Abbey ten
times ever. She must not know of
this.
She must" retortad Mr.. Ford.
striking The parchment. I ought
not to keep it from her one hour.
one minute! 1t is my duty to 20 to
her and say, See what have
found Ii may prove genuine and
valid, or it may not; but | have
found it, and now what will you do?'
That is what l ought to do know
my duty, and If | depart from it, it
is for your sake, Philip Dyce, and
hers. She was to have been your
wife
She was"
~she must still be-" said the old
man. passionately; otherwise. if this
be genuine. she returns to the poverty
in which found her, Mark Lhatl
This document makes no provision
for her, and she is in addition liable
fer all she has spent since she took
possession of the Abbey. What posi-
ton for proud soul like Leola's,"
Philip Dyce paced the floor.
II his must be kept secret until to
morrow" he said
"Twfnty-fours hours I will keep it
secret said the old man-"so long.
and no longer"
Within that time" said Philip
Dyce, Il must make my peace with
her. love her with all my heart
and SOU, and if this should prove
true, would gladly and ioyfully ex-
Change 1t for her love. Within
twenty-four hours. But tell me-
what is your opinion respecting this
deed?"
Mr.. Ford looked at him shrewdly.
4 am Miss Dale's lawyer Mr..
Dyce. am not likely to express
any opinion"
You viii not let me see it?",
Mr.. Ford hesitated, then he opened
and spread out the parchment.
Yes" he answered, II see no oh.
lection to that under the peculiar
circumstances.
TT is written on parchmept7' said
Philip Dyce, examining the deed with
well-feigned curiosity.
"On parchment, yes. Sir Godfrey
always had some by him"
II is written in his handwriting s.
said Philip Dyce, musingly.
eyes. said Mr. Ford. "and is very
short 1t leaves the Abbey and all
1t possesses to you"
And the witnesses-who are thev2'
asked Philip Dyce.
Mr.. Ford put his hand upon the
deed, to prevent Philip Dyce turning
it over.
stop" he said: 81 see a way OF
testing this. Is the man Slime still
on the PREMISES"
Il believe So" said Philip Dyce. "Ht
has notice to leave, but he is still
here at the stewards cottage. He IS
uo4 a 1zerv re1iahIa v,i+ro., Al