Los Angeles herald., 1906-05-13
CHAPTER XII
THE NEW PAGE.

VSzskJ sence Of Bernard. The girl herseiI
firmly believed that her cousin was
dead and assumed deep mourning She had been
fond OF Bernard in ssterly way, and felt MS
loss deeply. IL was her outspoken affection that
provoked quarrel between her and Julius, and
which led to the breaking of their engagement.
Mrs Gilroy came back from her visit to the
lawyer in rather detected frame Of mind. She
3w that she had gone too far and had gwen
Durham an inklng as to the possibility OF
Fiichael having masqueraded as Bernard. The
Rhousekeeper had thought her position unassail-
2 able, knowing that she had married Walter
Gore; and although there was flaw in the cir
cumstances upon which she built her claim, yet
she trusted to her own ceverness to conceal this
from the too-clever lawyer. But, apart from
this, the fact that he suspected someone of pass
ing himself off as Bernard startled her, and
opened abyss at her feet. On leaving the Of
flee she judged it best to lower her crest for
the moment and to wait patiently to see what
would transpire Mrs. Gilroy was well-edu-
Gated woman and very astute, therefore she
hoped to gain her ends by craft if not by force.
So far she had failed, but she did not intend to
abandon her claim for one failure.
AS it was, she came back to the Hall and be-
haved herself much better than she had ever
done before.
Lucy suffered severely from the shock of Sir
Simon's tragic death, and from the supposed
death of Sir Bernard In fact, the matter so
preyed on her nerves that she became prostrate.
and DR.. Payne had to be called in. He was
handsome and popular young doctor who had
practiced in Hurseton.
"a complete rest is what you need" he said
to Miss Randolph. II think you should keep
to your bed as much as possible, and will give
vnu toni Matt fron he far-
rible circumstances of Sir Simons DEATH" He
thought a moment and then continued Cheerful
companions would do you good. Shall 1 ask
Miss Malleson to come over?"
Is she cheerful?" asked Lucy languidy. "I
fear not, doctor. She was engaged to my cousin,
and his death has made her sad"
Probably, but she bears up wonderfully. But
that she is in mourning one would hardly guess
she had sustained such loss"
Il shall write note to her to-day" said Lucy.
Tam very fond of her, and we get on very well
together. Poor Alice I wish Bernard had lived,
SO that he could have married her.
From what | read in the papers it is just as
well Mr. Gore did not live,' said Payne, rising
to take his leave. 'If he was guilty"
"Ah!'' said Lucy, raising herself with anima-
tion from the sofa upon which she was lying
"If he was guilty. There it is, doctor. do not
he could not always control it, and was kind
hearted boy. He is innocent l am sure"
"How are you sure, my dear Lucy% asked
third voice, and she looked up to see Julius
standing in the doorway. He came forward
Forgive me if | heard few words of your con
versation. But have just come in DR.. Payne,
l hope 1 see you we'll"
quite WE'LL" said the doctor, who did not like
Beryl, thinking him, in schoolboy phrase, "a
sneak" II just going, Mr.. Beryl."
Are you ill, Lucy?" asked Beryl, with affec-
tion
II have an attack of nerves." she replied pet
tishly. -''Poor Bernard's death has shaken me-"
"It is just as well he did die, though"
81 have been saying that" said Payne; "but
| must take my leave. / will come and see you
again, Miss Randolph and remember what l
told you. Rest and cheerful company-Miss
Maleson's for choice"
He departed smiling, and they heard him gal.
lop off. When the sound of the horses hoofs
died away, julius who was looking out of the
window, turned abruptly to Lucy. "Why do
YOU think Bernard is innocent:" he asked.
Because, if he is guilty, his action gives the
lie to his whole life, Julius" she replied, rails
ing herself on her elbow. Il can't believe he
killed my uncle"
"Are you sure he is dead?" asked Beryl warm.
ing his hands
Lucy sat up on the sofa and pushed the loose
hair back from her forehead why do you say
that?' she asked sharply
julius stared at the fire. Il can't understand
Durham's attitude" he said eyasively. "He
must know that Bernard is dead, seeing that the
coat and hat were found on the banks of the
river No man could have lived in the cold and
the fog. Yet if Durham was sure he would not
hold the estate against Bernard's coming"
''Ar. Durham requires proof Of the DEATH
rejoined Lucy, sharply; ''and until then, he is
bound to administer the estate according to the
will. As Bernards body has not been found,
there is always chance that he may have es-
capped"
Il sincerely trust not
"Ah You always hated Bernard"
''On the contrary, speak for his good. What's
the use of his coming to life when he must suf
fer for his crime?"
'I don't believe he committed it," said Lucy,
doggedly
You have no grounds for saying that" said
julius, pale with rage.
Il don't need grounds" retorted the genuine
woman Bernard always as kind-hearted
as YOU were-and are, the reverse"
~ am not hardhearted," snapped Beryl. q
always do GOO"
"When it is TO your own benefit"
"Not always. For instance, | am down here
TO get small boy post with Miss Plantagenei
''That is very good of you" said Lucy, scorn
fully.
boy is grandson of Lord Connlston's housekeep