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

As soon as Stafford had completed his
task, ne summoned one of the servants to
show him to Mr.. Wylie's apartment. He
was most eager to learn what his visit
boded. Mr.. Wylie was discussing an ex-
cellent cold collation.. The evening was
drawing In fast; but although the weather
was very warm, a bright fire blazed upon
the broad hearth.
"Ah, here you are, Mr.. Stafford p cried
Wylie. Surprised to see me here, no
doubt. Very seldom get away so far
from town; indeed, may say, that since
i entered my profession, l have never
been 80 far away before. Our business
Is SO very confning-so unlike yours.
Very delightful to be able to roam about
all the lovely spots of the earth, and to
combine profit with pleasure"
Here Stafford's impatience broke
through all bounds. Excuse my inter
rupting you, but you told me In the pic
ture gallery that you desired to speak
with me on very important matters. May
inquire what those matters are?" I'm
able to hold back the thought that lay
upon his lips, he blurted out DO you
know anything about that picture In the
gallery, Mr.. Wylie"
(which picturc% inquired Mr.. Wylie.
"The one of Circe."
'No; told you so before. But you
evidently know something of it, or want
to know something of it." Mr.. Wylie had
been asked the very question he had been
fishing for.
"Who, II" stammered Stafford, who
could have now bitten his tongue for CIV
ing utterance to his laundering impa-
tience. He knew sufficient of the family
affairs to be aware that Mr.. Wylie was
no friend to the Griersons; and he had,
by his indiscretion, aroused in him suspi-
cions of mystery which might hereafter
work mischief to Constance. II was only
thinking of the strange resemblance 1t
bore to Miss Grierson."
VERY strange, and so like that, one
might be almost tempted to suppose that
she sat for it," answered Mr.. Wylie, with
marked emphasis. "And now to busi-
ness for l can perceive that you are
growing very impatient. have come
down here to consult with Sir Launce
about his sons marriage with my ward
Now, Mr.. Stafford, l know that there
have been certain love passages between
you and that lady. Suppose, instead OF
her marrying Arthur Penrhyddyn, / could
so bring matters about that she should
marry Edward Stafford instead?"
II do not understand you," said Stat
ford, bewildered.
"The explanation is simple enough" an
swered Wylie, In the same sharp, decisive
tones. First, answer me honestly and
honorably, without disguise, is it Miss
Constance Grierson you are in love with
or the heiress"
-''I do not consider myself at liberty to
answer such question" replied Stafford
"Ah, then, it is the fortune, and not the
lady !" sneered Mr.. Wylie.
How dare you speak such words to
me?" cried Stafford, starting up, hot
with passion. Miss Grierson would be
the same to me were she penniless."
THAT is exactly what l want to get
at" cried Mr.. Wylie, rubbing his hands
at the success of his ruse. Then you
would be equally ready to mary her with
or without her fortune? We will take
that for granted. Now, as you are, doubt
less, aware, were Constance to become
your wife, she would forfeit her entire
fortune, with the exception of small an
nuity; but as you are Indifferent to the
money, and only want the girl, that would
not matter to you. Get her into the same
way of thinking, and / will assist you
to the utmost to forward the match, and
give you a couple Of thousands to start
housekeeping. AS to my motive in max
Ing this proposition, that Is not your con-
Germ. Do not answer now; think over
what have said, and give me your reply
In the morning"
But Stafford, who had sat motionless
during this last speech, now rose from
his chair, and gave way to the indignation
that was boiling within him; and in q
burst of passion that positively electri-
fed Mr.. Wylie, refused to be a party to
the bargain proposed.
"If cannot win her without fraud and
treachery-without assisting her enemies
to rob her of her fortune, let me never
look upon her face again and should you
ever again dare to hint such PROPOSE.
tlon to me, l will chastise you upon the
spotp
So saying he strode out Of the room,
slamming the door behind him.
Mr.. Wylie had encountered two aston
ishing phenomena that day-a servant
who refused bribe, and lover who re-
fused to marry for scruple Of conscience
In all his experience he had never en-
countered the like. He felt inclined to
exclaim with Hamlet, us doomsday
near?" He had committed two serious
errors-shown his cards to two persons
Who had refused to play his game. But
he trusted to the fertile resources Of his
scheming brain to quickly redeem these
mistakes.
"As to that idiot Stafford" he NUT.
tered to himself, "he may change his
mind by the morning. Still, am sorry
that he knows 80 much. What Is this
story about Elsonore de So,ssons? Some
silly legend, suppose; but they attach