The Washington herald., 1906-11-30

IF Sir Bernard''-Julius WINGED at the
title-'is alive and comes forward. / shall
do my best TO prove his innocence"
And in any case" said Miss Beren-
garia in clear tones, Mr.. Beryl does not
benefit"
julius turned on her with fury, and
seemed Oh the point Of breaking our into
wrathful speech. But his habltual dis
stimulation came to his aid. and he sup
pressed himself. More than that, he at
tempted TO smile.
4 don't say that I do not feel hurt, -
he said. with a desperate attempt al
cheerfulness. Sir Simon distinctly nemed
me as his heir. and, moreover, asked Mr..
Durham TO read the new will in which
I was named as such"
Perfectly true" said Durham, coldly.
But Sir Simon changed his mind and
burnt the new VIII. It was never exc
cuted. as I say"
Sir Simon had every right to do what
he liked with his own" said the diplo-
matte Beryl, while Miss Berengaria, won
dering what was in his mind, watched
| him with her keen eyes But, as ] say,
I am hurt. I quite understood that SiI
/ Simon had disinherited my cousin, but
/ had received the property
Two hundred a year, said the lawyer
"a munifcent offer"
at was approved by Sir Simon" said
| Julius, calmly. However. Il appears that
| Sir Simon rescinded the new will"
1T was never executed"
Then we will say he never executed
/ it. The money goes to Bernard Gore. Sc
| far as I believe. he IS dead: but 1 hope Mr.
| Durham, as the executor of the estate
viii offer a reward to prove if he Is dead
or alive.
with regard to the commission of the
crime, the jury at the inquest found Ber-
nard guilty without one dissenting voice
/ However. I am willing to give my cousin
the benefit Of the doubt, and should he
! reappear (and I hope he may) I shall do
my best 10 aid him TO prove his innocence
hope any words that may have escaped
me in the heat caused by a disappoint-
ment win be overlooked"
Whether any of those present believed
this statement 1t Is impossible to say. Ev-
/ cry looked down. and no response was
made, save by Miss Plantagenet. She
rose. and walking across tho room. offer
/ cd her hand to the disappointed heir
| You are good young man" she said
| heartily. And 1 hope you viii come
and see me-"
/ julius, rather taken aback by this in
vtation from one whom he had cause tC
| think loved him but little, grasped heI
hend and thanked her with great ferven-
! cy. Her speech was a relief to him, and
ne sat down with a calmer face when tht
old lady returned to her seat.
why did you do that, aunt?" asked
Alice, dismayed.
MY dear" whispered Miss Berengaria
with a grim smile, that young maT
means mischief. I am taking Mr. Dur
hams advice and making friends with
/ him. that I may thwart his plans"
This was whispered so softly that Lucy
/ did not overhear. Nor had 1t been spoken
aloud. would she have attended. Durham
had come forward and was speaking ear
nestly 10 her
! L trust you viii stop at the Hall fol
| the present" he said, until Bernard
| comes home"
viii Bernard ever come homer" asked
Lucy, signing.
Let US hope so. doubt IL he is dead
and I viii not believe he is until hi:
/ body IS laid before me. AS to the crime
! do not believe he committed 1t. How
ever, I want you to stay here as the chat
e.aine of the Hall All things will go OF
as before"