Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-16
CHAPTER Xxx.
The End.

The End.
AS Gilbert Dorrison ran down in the
train the following day to take possession
of Broad,;tone there was only one con-
sideration which marred his complete sat.
isfaction. Ev1's fortune was not among
the good things coming to him.
AT the same time, his cousins death was
very welcome. There were many ways in
which he could turn the title to excellent
account. He lnew that Broadstone had
been heavily involved and had raised every
shilling he could on the property; but
there were certain portions of the estate
which could not be mortgaged. and there
would be fair mar gin for him.
He would pay all his debts at once, cut
down the expenditure everywhere, and set
to work to use his wits and influence to
make money and his title to win a
wealthy wife.
On the whole his reflections were very
comfortable and pleasing, and his sense
of self-importance very keen. Eva had
acted very discreetly in clearing out of the
Towers at once, and If she behaved her
self there was no reason why anything
more need be said about her not having
been legally married. Judiciously used.
indeed, that little secret might be rem
dered profitable.
He reached the house about an hour be-
loFe tHe time appointed, ana ut once De-
gan to assert his rights. He sent for the
steward and all the upper servants and
directed them to render full accounts OF
all branches of expenditure on the estate
and in the house, and outlined the changes
he intended to make.
1t was best in his opinion. to strike the
new note at the outset and make them
feel the hand of a real master. He was in
the midst Of this congenial task when
Sadie arrived and, without waiting for
tlpe ~ - = I,A
room where he was engaged with the
steward.
Miss Hutchinson" he exclaimed, In a
tone of surprise and annoyance.
L represent Lady Broadstone, she
said, s she sat down.
II should prefer any other representa-
tive" he answered, bluntly: and, turning
his back on her. he went on speaking to
the steward until the business being fin
ished. he sent him away.
Il consider your presence in the Towers
an impertinence, Mrs. Porlock--I suppose
am to give you that name now we are
alone. / am master here. and you will
understand you are very unwelcome
visitor"
II am here on business. Mr.. Dorrison."
Lord Broadstone. If you please" he in
terrupted somewhat pompously.
my business Is with MIR. Dorrison' ;
and she produced the roll Of his bills and
promissory notes. Mr.. Dorrison owes
me E17,54O.''
80 you represent the Jews and money
lenders as well as Lady Broadstone. Well.
you made a shrewd Investment. I shall
pay you within a week or tWo-as soon as
have had time to deal with certain mat
tiers connected with the estate
What estate?"
Presumably you think to insult me.
mean Broadstone. Of course
1T is about that am here You do not
seem to be aware that there is claimant
to the title and the estates
Il certainly am not he replied, with an
easy laugh.
WELL there is: and until the matter is
settled you will not, of course touch the
estate. How then will you pay these?"
He had always been rather afraid Of
Sadie. and her quiet firmness now inn
pressed him very Unpleasantly. He began
to scent trouble and to feel uneasy. What
do YOU mean about a claimant
1T was you who discovered the fact
of Lord Broadstones first marriage. and
tina, the first wife was alive. and you
told the fact to Eva with brutality
which you hoped would kill her.
Don't suppose for a moment that /
and charges of this kind he cried
angrily.
You are going to listen to the truth;
and. If l know you, 1t will hit you harder
than any lies. All your scheming has
failed. You have done one murder and
attempted two others-and yet have failed.
You are not Lord Broadstone and never
will be. You are just Mr.. Gilbert Dorri-
son. a bankrupt. and it rests with me
whether you shall not also be convict,
for the attempt on my life"
Leave my house at once he said,
rising and going to the bell.
'If you wish to court public exposure
You will ring that bell. 1t rests with
you said Sadie, calmly.
The exposure will be of you he an
swered. he rang.
LAS shall not leave without force you
had better have the police fetched.
shall need them, too. Understand, l shall
go through with this If you rouse me
and you do not know what is behind
What is IT you want?'
Sadie made no reply, and in the pause
the servant came.
Il will ring again" Dorrison told him
Sadie smiled. Il congratulate you on
your prudence"
What does all this mean: / am a
different man from my cousin. You
know that What is this fairy tale about
a claimant?'
There is a son Of that first marriage
blinded by your egotism you would have
seen"
II don't believe you
Probably not but my wealth is behind
him to make the claim good; and before
that is spent even you may be con-
vinced."
why do you NEEDLE in all this?" he
demanded fercely.
II am Lady Broadstone That is why
YOU
Sadie enjoyed his confusion and smiled
ut is not true! 1t can't be truer' he
declared. lit is a conspiracyr'
MIR. Redmond is in the dining room
and he will tell you that Lord Broad
stone acknowledged the fact before he
died With him are Gladys Llewellyn
and her brother brought here by me to
meet Mr.. Gardiner. You have played a
desperate game Mr.. Dorrison: but even
your vil!ainies have not helped you
I'VE will see about that" he cried "You
have made one mistake. l am in pos
session, and I'll turn the whole lot from
the house, and leave you to do what you
please"
You are mistaken there. also. Mr.
Redmond took possession yesterday by
my instructions and as representing my
son. 1t is we who can turn you out
There Ia not q weak link In the whole
legal chain I knew the kind of mar
was fighting too we'll to make a slip.