Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1907-12-05

Deon done during my uLetIme IMAM al
ter. Now I have at least hope that
the shameful story of my heir and sue
cessor may remain unrevealed. Had
the inquiry taken place after my death,
as it might have done-for [ had left
the fact on record that the fate of my
son by my first wife had never been
ascertained-the scandal would have
been a public one. Sir Mark Bretting-
ham might have been discovered in a
felon undergoing penal servitude. 1t
is better as it is, Janet, better as it
is
Lady Buckingham was sorry that
she had let her husband see the re-
sentiment she felt against the man
who had suddenly sprung into exist
ence to disinherit her son.
She had tried to conceal her dis
tress and modification, but she was
human and a mother, and the effort
had failed.
She did her best to comfort her hus-
band, to cheer him with the idea that
it would be many years before they
would have to face the loss of their
home.
But the sick man had a PRESENT.
ment that the evil day was at hand,
and his mind dwelt only on the gloomy
side of the future.
On the night before the day fixed
for the operation Sir Mark and his
son Harold sat together in the grand
old oak library.
1T may be many days, Harold, even
if | am spared, before | shall be able
to talk with you except in the pres
ence of strangers. | want you tonight
to promise me that whatever happens
you will carry out my wishes, not only
in the spirit but in the letter"
Il promise, father" exclaimed the
young man, his voice quivering lit
tie as he spoke, for the pathos of his
fathers situation appealed to him
deeply.
Wait, Harold-wait until you have
heard what l have to say to you. If
should die"
You will not die, father; you will
live and grow strong and we'll again,
and be with us for years
Il pray that it may be so, Harold;
but if it is not to be, it is you who
will have to take my place as the
guardian of your mothers peace, as
the custodian of the honor of her
name. You hear?"
Il accept the trust, father, and will
be faithful to it while I live
Il knew it, Harold. Thank heaven
you were given to me. Without you
[ should now have been a man without
hope Now listen to me and remem-
Der my words, for l may never have
the opportunity of repeating them.
Your half-brother, whom you saw
the other evening for the first time, is
my rightful heir He is my first-born
son. and, whatever his course of life
may have been in the past, his right
to succeed me as head of our house is
established beyond all cavil and dis
pute I have recognized him as my
heir, and you, when I am gone, must
do so, too
This is your wish, father?"
That ls my solemn command, my
son. If [ had the slightest doubt of
this mans identity | would bid you
challenge his claim and defend your
own to the last limit Of the law. But
[ have no doubt. l am certain that he
is my elder son, and | therefore desire
that there shall be no dispute as to
his claim when | am dead. Any ac
ton taken by you would have but one
result-to betray your brother to the
,hn him oI,d TO
let the world know the secret of the
shame that lies blot upon the honor
of our house forever. Promise me
that, no matter how bitterly this man
may by his conduct in the future make
you resent his succession to all that,
but for him, would have been yours,
you will not betray him, nor seek by
word or deed to injure him"
Harold Buckingham took his faith
er's hand in his and grasped it. Il
swear to you, father" he said, that
whatever happens | will not betray
my brother or seek to injure him"
Sir Mark rockingham heaved a lit
tie sigh of relief, and his eyes rested
long upon the face of his younger son.
The lad dropped on his knees by his
fathers side. Give me your blessing,
father" he cried; your blessing to
strengthen and sustain me in the days
to come
Sir Mark lifted his hand gently and
laid it upon the young mans head.
Il bless you my son." he said, sol
EMMY, land l pray that God in His
mercy NAV ono day right the WrOn0
that | have done you"