Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1907-06-07
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
Edward Stafford did not leave Penr-
hyddyn on the morning after his inter-
view with Mr.. Wylie, as he had arranged
to do. Harassed by anxious doubts and
fears, he had lain awake until daybreak I;
then, worn out with mental fatigue, he
fell into deep slumber, from which he
did not awake until an hour after the
time of the train starting. Upon refec-
tion, he did not regret the circumstance.
His immediate presence in London could
effect nothing; he might be better en-
ployed In keeping an eye upon Mr.. Wy
lies motions.
Sir Launce was surprised to see the
guest whom he had taken leave of the
night before, and whom he thought was
by this time whirling along the iron road
to London, enter the library next morn
ing.
"Sir Launce," said Stafford, 81 am
about to trespass upon your hospitality
for another day or two"
"If you are at leisure for moment,
Mr.. Stafford, there is subject upon
which l would speak to you. Pray be
seated"
Stafford took chair, wondering what
was coming.
You are, no doubt, aware Of the pro-
posed alliance Between Arthur and Miss
Constance Grierson. Perhaps you know
the ladyT
Every WE'LL" answered the artist; II
painted her portrait, and gave her some
Instructions in water color painting"
"And Is the very high praise 1 haze
heard of her deserved?"
1T would be impossible, sir, to praise
her beyond her Deserts" answered Stat
ford, warmly. 4
ITO the young lady I can form no pos
sible objection. l would tnat could
say as much for her family-more partic-
ularly of that member who is at present
honoring me with visit. Have you ever
met him before?"
"Once or twice during my visits to
Harley street. The man is an unscrupu.
lous schemer; be on your guard against
him."
you have expressed my own opinion
Mr.. Stafford. am on my guard and be-
fore permit the matter to proceed any
| further, shall make a journey to Lon
don. am but half reconciled to ar
union that would ally me to such man.
Just then a servant entered with the
letter bag.
where Is Daniel this morning?" in.
quired Sir Launce.
"He had an attack Of rheumatic In the
night, and couldn't get out Of bed this
morning." answered the man.
Poor Daniel / must go to see him
Who went for the letters this morning.
His grandson, Jim Starkie, Sir
Launce," replied the man, hesitatingly.
"And why was that careless boy sent
upon such an errand? See here! There
allow of letter passing through" ex.
claimed Sir Launce, who had been empty
ing it of its contents; "and the letters
are crumpled and battered. Here Is one
for you, Mr.. Stafford. Send Jim Starkie
to me, Immediately"
| In few moments a shock-headed, mis-
chievous looking boy, dressed in fisher
mans blue guernsey, sidled into the room,
with q most guilty expression Of face.
| What haye you been doing with this
bag? 1t is cut and probably some Of the
letters lost" said Sir Launce. "You
have knocked it about In some way. Run
back all the way you came, and look
we'll over the ground. If letter has
been dropped, have no doubt you will
find it."
In the meantime, Stafford had read his
cpistle with the most delightful feeling OF
satisfaction. 1t was from Constance
and although it was the briefest, it was
the pleasantest he had yet received from
her. 1t ran thus
| "All is broken off between me and Ar
heart was already engaged; and in the
most noble manner he at once relinquish-
ed his suit.
| yours ever,
| CONSTANCE"
"God bless him for a noble, generous
fellow !" murmured Stafford; "and if ever
l can repay him by any sacrifice In the
world, will do It'll"
Mr.. Wylie had risen at sunrise that
morning. He walked down the narrow
footpath, beneath the foliage Of the dwarf
oak and beech, through which glanced
the red sunbeams. He passed into the
village, and thence down upon the rocky
coast. As he returned he thought that
he would wait for the arrival of the mail
before going back to breakfast. So he
called in at the postoffice.
Presently the mail cart drove up with
| Its epistolary burden. There were several
letters for him, among others were one
from his wife, and one from Fig, the con-
fidential clerk, which he attended to first.
Jim Starkie soon overlook Mr.. wylie,
and strobe along, whistling, and swinging
the letter bag from side to side. The pace
at which that gentleman was walking
kept little in the rear Of the boy the
whole way through the walk.
Master Jim indulged In various eccen-
| tricttiaa durinU his prooras~ srch a. t<,~,