The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-16
CHAPTER XXI.

Late in the autumn, when the leaves had nearly all fallen from the trees, Laura vane was married to Sir VII liam Tankeriane.
 The marriage took place in a regis try office, and was carried out with all the secrecy which the law allows to such ceremonies. It was a mere for malfty. to be forgotten and thrust aside. until some too zealous historian should dig 1t out of the records of the past. They had both agreed that, as far as the world was concerned. the first marriage was to stand, and the boy was to be proclaimed as their law ful son and heir.
 The death of Sir Robert Tankerlane had something down one of the chief difficulties that might have stood Tn their path. It was easy now for Sir William to say that his father had ob- jected to the match, and that he had kept it a secret for fear of his fathers anger. The fact that the Tankerlane estates unlike most great properties. were not entailed on the heir male lent additional color to this faIsehood. The fear of disinheritance would seem a strosg reason for concealing the mar rfage.
 But there was no longer to be any concealment and even before the two were legally joined together, the romantic story of Sir William Tanker lanes alliance to the daughter of one of his tenants had reached Laverstone. Laura had written at last to her father, and had asked forgiveness, and had told him most of the truth. Only the one central lie of all remained. and that would have to remain for ever.
 Old Sam Vane received the news with sturdy equanimity. He thought less of the splendor of his daughters marriage than of the small postscript which said that she was well and hap py. And. above all. he rejoiced in the certainty of her return to Laverstone.
 I'm not saying as I ain't proud of the lass" he said, when old Mir. Win gate, the rector, expatiated on the glories of the position to which Laura had attained. T ain't saying that, sir. though I'm thankful I've had her turn ed out like lady as'll grace any gem tIeman's home But it's not that I'm thinking of. It's the coming back. and I thank God for it."
 Then the news came to Laverstone that Sir William would like reception on his return to Tankerlane Court. The request came from the mouth Of the agent, and was at once interpreted as a command. The tenants on the estate knew but little of their lord and master, and that little was not all to his credit. But most of them had a sincere regard for the daughter of old Sam Vane, and they resolved to give her what they called ''a bang up home@comin.' It Is even possible that little worldly wisdom entered into the kindliness of their thoughts. Even in this enlightened age they were ali the subjects of their over-lord, bound to him body and soul
 The arrangements were placed in the hands of committed, which included four clergymen, seven farmers, and the agent to the Tankerlane estates. As might be imagined, much time was pleasantly wasted in slow speech and controversy, and nothing would ever have been settled if 1t had not been for the polite but firm insistence of the agent. This worthy young gentle man. who was instructed to provide the funds for everything. was naturally listened to with respect, and when deadlock ensued, he put in his word with the skill of a trained diplomat, and everyone agreed with him.
 There was to be fete, of course, with unlimited food and beer. There was to be a cricket match, and sports with prizes worth the winning. There were to be swings. and all the fascina- tIons of a fair, which was to be im- ported wholesale for the occasion. There were to be fireworks--large ex- pensive fireworks. And then. of course, there were to be banners. triumphaI arches. a reception at the railway station, the presentation of a wedding present. and all of the outward show of homage and loyalty that is offered to q local sovereign.
 For three weeks the vast tract of country covered by the Tankerlane property talked of nothing else. And then at last the day came, and for miles round the inhabitants streamed to the railway station to do honor to their new master. The gentry came in their carriages. the farmers on hofseback, or in their gigs. the poorer folk on foot; and there were many on bicycles, from the well-to-do doctor on machine that glittered with plating and enamel, to the laborer on his rusty