Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1908-03-17
CHAPTER xxi.

The interview has taken place, DIR.
Dundas has presented Lionel Leigh to the
old earl as his grandson, his sons letter
has been read to him, in the presence of
witnesses he has acknowledged Lionel as
his heir, new will has been made.
Arthur Calthorpe sits alone, and des-
To find himself superseded by another
heir was naturally bitter, but to know
himself cut off from love and happiness
was still more bitter.
Lionel Leigh Nlarlowe-that was the
family name of the Earls of Beryl-was
generous, noble-souled, and princely. He
wished to have liberal settlements made
on the young gentleman whose place and
prospects fate had compelled him to
usurp, and these settlements were drawn
up very quickly.
Lionel would fain have gone TO the
unhappy young man and have said to
him:
You love my sister, she loves you :;
marry her. and l shall be rejoiced.''
But Ellen Watson, with her ponies,
her fine toilets, her intangible but most
perpleXing claims, stood in the way.
Arthur sat in a small, dark study.
which looked into a secluded portion of
the grounds. The French window opened
upon a grass plot, surrounded with dark
evergreen shrubs. All at once he was
conscious of a figure obstructing the red
light of the setting sun, which Hooded the
lawn and the window at that moment.
Raising his head suddenly. he perceived
Miss Ellen Watson.
She wore a light riding habit, exquis-
itely made, which set off her slight form
admirably. Her fair plaits descended
from under a stylish riding hat Her face
was slightly flushed: there was a light,
defiant and almost triumphant light in the
blue eyes. Without q moments hesi.a-
ton the young woman entered the room
and stood by the side of Arthur
Have you come TO your sensesT' she
asked calmly.
II have never lost them he said. fold
Ing his arms and looking at her sternly.
We'll, so the news is that you are not
10 be Earl of Beryl. but will remain Mr..
Calthorpe, with about four thousand a
year. / am contented to be Mrs Cal
thorpe on those terms; or will you settle
on me half your income? and shall we
live separator"
Half my income 10 you, a stranger"
At that moment a dsrk shadow fitted
across the brightness Of the window. and
Ellen Watson felt a momentsry chill
presentiment-a something intangible
she knew not what Arthur Calthorpe
also saw the shadow. Looking across the
lawn to where the evergreens grew thick.
he was certain that he perceived the fig
ure OF a man moving stealthily among
them, but the fact made little impression
at the time.
l she'll 30 on with the lawsuit, then"
said the lady loftily. Il am sure the fact
Of your having called me Mrs. Claiborne
before witnesses. in Scotland, constitutes
you my husband; otherwise would con-
sent TO live as your wife, separate from
you but on an income Of two thousand per
anuum: that would suffice for my ex-
penses, or nearly 50"
And now. perhaps, IL you have said
all you have TO say, YOU will have the
Kindness to leave the house." said Arthur
Calthorpe.
With a light. rin-rc laugh, Miss Wat
son passed out az sas French window,
slashinx of with her riding whip the
head Of tall. golden lily which grew
close to the window.
II have left my pony az the little side
gate below the plantation" she said; SO
l wish you good evening, my atectionate
spouse"
Arthur Calthorpe ground his teeth with
rage. This woman, whose hand be had