Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1907-06-21

eyelids; but he spoke in the same tone Of
voice that he had used throughout the
conversation.
How should l know? I am not his
banker. A man of his estate cannot be
very poor. His lawyer, IL he would give
1t, would be the best person to 60 to for
such information"
She could endure this bantering sar-
casm no longer; and with flashing eyes,
and face all aglow, she sprang up like a
beautiful tigress, a. though she would
leap upon him and rend him with her
nails.
Mr.. Wylie drew back and turned
shade paler, for he feared this woman
when she was In these tigerish moods.
And she spoke in a low, Kissing tone,
more deadly than would have been
shrek of passion.
Cease this mocking, or I will clutch
you by the neck, and never loose my hold
until have strangled the miserable life
out of your body Don't let me think of
all the debt of hatred I owe you-don't
make me think of 1t, or there will be MUIR
der have served you in many schemes,
and do not try to cast me off the instant
l have become useless to you, or to play
me false, for II you do III have your nfe,
If you fly to the furthest extremity of the
world !"
Mr.. Wylie was more frightened than he
would have cared to admit, even to him
self. Ebullitions of passion were of fire.
quent occurrence; indeed, an interview
between these two seldom passed off with
out such; but he had never before wit
messed in her such appalling ferocity.
Well he said, trying to laugh of his
palpable uneasiness, perhaps we shall
be able to talk more reasonably. You are
like barrel of gunpowder. was only
jesting. You wish to know whether Sir
Launce Penrhyddyn Is a rich man; he is
not. But his son will inherit enough to
keep you like lady. What made you
suppose him to be poor?"
Because last night he kept harping
upon poverty; asked me If could love
him as much IL he were poor"
"A mere lovers ruse to try you, depend
upon it; and il you fall into the trap,
you have lost him. It Is true that the
estates of Penrhyddyn are heavily mort
gagged, and that the principal will be call
ed in within few weeks, but Sir Launce
will be able to meet the demand. / can
show you indisputable proof of the truth
Of my words" he cried, taking paper
out of the inner lining of his pocketbook.
Come here and read this"
She came to the table, and looking over
his shoulder, read these words:
ITO Arthur Penrhyddyn, Esq.,:
"Sir-Should all other means fail, your
father, Sir Launce, may obtain the sum
required by him on certain date, by
showing this letter to Messrs. Groom and
Fry, Solicitors, Bedford Row."
When Mrs. Castleton returned to her
carriage she Immediately drove away to
the Offices Of Messrs. Groom and Fry,
Bedford Row.
She requested to see one Of the princi-
pals, and was shown into private room
where Mr.. Fry received her. She had
come, she said, with her most fascinating
smile, to make inquiries respecting a GER
tain sum which she understood they were
instructed to pay over to Sir Launce
Penrhyddyn upon certain date. The
lawyer was very cautious in his reply. He
had received certain instructions, but he
was not at liberty to divulge them to any
person except Sir Launce Penrhydryn.
Mrs. Castleton having learned all that
she wished to know, made some trivial
excuse and took her leave.
1T Is all right, then," she thought {;
they have instructions, and of course
they must be those mentioned In the pa
per-"
On that same morning, as Arthur was
turning the corner Of Arundel street into
the Strand, he felt hand laid upon his
shoulder, and heard a familiar voice pro-
nounce his name. Upon looking round he
recognized Stafford.
when did you arrive In town." in
quired Arthur.
"Only the day before yesterday" an
swered the, artist.
And how did you leave my father?"
Very unwell. Had his health permit
ted, he would have been in London some
days back. There Is no danger. 1 have
to thank you very much for your intro
duction, old fellow; the kindness 1 met
at Penrhyddyn Castle was more than I
can describe. Your father is the truest,
noblest gentleman ever met"
Arthur pressed his friends hand CRATE
fully, mad added, How did he take the
news Of the break with the Griersons?"
Very philosophically; indeed, l may
say, with much satisfaction. Mr.. Wylie's
visit put him out of all conceit with the
connection. By-the-bye, I have secret
to tell you about Constance Grierson.
You remember that she spoke of prior
attachment to some one else? Well, 1
am that some one else."
"But why did you not tell me so when
I first spoke to you upon the subject?"
cried Arthur. Under such circumstances
should never have thought Of paying
my addresses to the lady"
At that moment their conversation was
interrupted by light pony carriage draw
ing up close to the pavement on which
thav ,x,ara IIrirr a~S H..