Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1908-02-21

its inevitable cessation too bitter for en-
durance?
If only that hidden letter could be
found!
He was getting plenty of remunerative
occupation, thanks to the Duke, and he
saw every hope of some day securing
well-paid post which would permit him
TO marry. If Honor Challis were still
only Woodworking governess might she
not perhaps be willing to become the
sunshine Of his homer Whereas a posi-
bic Viscountess
And at that point John stopped. He
was not willing to face anything beyond.
One day the Duke sent for him, saving
he had something to discuss. John was
now on very pleasant terms with the &C.
centric, generous nobleman, and went
gladly enough.
Look here, my boy" began his grace,
sit down and smoke; Eve a lot to say,
When | saw you first made some odd
remarks to you, do you rememberS"
Yes, Duke, very WELL" replied John,
"And you've asked me no questions
since; yet you must have wondered3"
Il did wonder" was the frank re-
sponse; 'but | came to the conclusion
that very likely a chance resemblance
misled you, or else that, seeing the cir
cumstances of my history, it was better
not to know any more than / know
now
Wise lad said the Duke. well,
listen. l can't tell you much; but | can,
| and, if you like, l will, tell you some
thing. ! knew your mother before You
were born, and had every reason to think
she would marry a man | also knew. /
have secretly made inquiries, and / ind
she died long ago; probably about the
date of your birth. Died abroad, and, so
far as is known, unmarried But, sup
posing she had married, there is no rea-
son why she should have announced it.
for she had no near relatives and was
penniless, though of the best blood. The
man she should have married was hot
headed, quarrelsome, cranky fellow, who
was expected by his family to choose an
heiress. They may well have parted and
she married some one else / cannot tell.
| can believe it possible. And yet at
times / fancy / see look in you--but
there, am not sure. Now, John, this is
my offer. Will you hear your mothers
name and the name of her afianced lover
| from me, with all the details | can give
you, and win you let me spare no ex-
pense in sitting the matter thoroughly
to find out your parentage, CHANGING the
revelations about the dead to which it
may lead, or will you put all that abso-
lutely behind you, and take this berth
which my friend Ormistoun empowers me
| to offer you-the entire management of
! his lands in Scotland, rather larger than
county, with a salary which is hand
some even for all that responsibility {?
Think it over, boy" he finished, then
added instantly with characteristic inn
patience, "How does ii strike your"
Give me a moment, sir" said John,
rising and pacing up and down the room,
as was his wont when perturbed.
| The Duke watched him intently, keep
! ing himself silent with difficulty. At
last the young man threw back his head
and came towards him. His grace
clapped his hands together in sudden
| excitement.
81 see it! / see it," he cried. Glow
could | have been so blind? The same
carriage of the head, and Just that tawny
fash in the eye. Yes, boy; / know your
father too. And he is dead" he added
| in lower tone.
| John looked at him long and intcnfly.
Then he smiled and made a gesture of
remuneration.
"If they are both dead" he said II
choose to remain as they left me. Their
reasons may nave been sufficient. | at
least have no right to inquire into them. y
The Duke patted his arm caressingly.
Good boy, good boy" he muttered
that's just what your mother would
have said, and your father too Well, I
believe you're right; though, mind you,
it is very possible that you may be re-
nouncing a splendid birthright."
Il know" John replied; Il have con
sidered that"
eyes, you're right. 1t is impossible to
understand why you are not aclznowl-
edged And of the dead
know no ILL., Oh, you're right, my boy,
though it tempts me sorely! But there.
we put all that aside, and you take this
offer of Ormistoun's?"
Most gratefully" said John earnest
| ". 81 won't thank you, sir; know YOU
are doing this for aud lang syne"
ooh, in part, in part!" said his grace.
But chiefly for a gallant young fellow
who has taken my fancy Your mother
would have none of me, John, and thus
it was that became a wanderer on the
face of the earth"
TO Be Continued.)
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