The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-01


 sion," though Ormond joyfully and hur- ried to Castle Hermitage.
 Now, my boy" said the hearty and frank Sir Ulick after some desultory conversation on the death of King Cor ney and upon his own plans, what do you think 1t was that you were hear to your advantage?' Why. sir. I thought 1t might be my commission," replied Harry. T tell you honestly" returned the baronet, honestly, I tell you, that if 1t had been for your advantage would have purchased that commission for you long ago. But the peace is likely to continue-the army is out Of the question, yet everything is for the best. and I have come express from town to tell you some news that will surprise you beyond measure" You know best. sir" replied Harry. crest fallen. "yes, believe I do," said the baronet. "and the news I am to tell you possess, or will soon be possessed of, q fortune of 5000 pounds sterling! Harry gasped and stared.
 "Yes,' continued Sir Ulick, your fathers second wife-the Indian woman the governors mahogany-colored daugh- ter-had a prodigious fortune which your father before dying settled upon her and her Indian son. We'll, it has pleased heaven to take your mahogany -colored stepmother and your Indian brother out of the world within a few days of each other-beastly country for levers and such, that I1dia-and you inherit all. 1t seems the property was settled on you by your fathers will should they both die before you. I, as your guardian. received formal .notice from India yesterday. That's all" And thus it was that Harry Ormond became a man of fortune and took up his abode with Sir Ulick at Castle Hermitage with quite another standing than was his when he had been brought there poor, half-starved and neglected orphan.
 Harry had the best of everything now and could afford 1t; horses and carriages from London and fine clothes. He rode over much to see the Annalys, who had returned from England. and became more and more attached to Florence Annaly. She seemed to find satisfaction in his so- ciety. and the first thing Ormond knew his regard for the young lady had rip- ened into love-real love this time, love which grew and was not the feeting fancy of an hour or @ day.
 Sir Ulick's niece, Lady Norton, now presided over the establishment of Cas- tie Hermitage and much fine company was entertained there. Before Harry discovered that he was in love with Florence Annaly he several times fam cied himself in love with some of the fine ladies who were guests at the cas- tie, but he was not yet 21; and at such an age these transitory love affairs are common, 1t Is said. to young men in all ranks of society. Sir Ulick did not dis courage Harry's attentions to Florence Annaly. His son. Marcus. had proposed and been rejected by that young lady. so he could afford to be generous in the matter. Marcus said the bar onet. Marcus has not turned out as I could wish. He lives in London and I fear, keeps fast company. He has spent lot of money for mel" As to re- ported contract between young Abe marie, the generals son. and Florence that was merely gossip-Harry found that out. though young Albemarle had long been suitor. he and Florence had never been anianced--it was doubtful if they ever would be.
 MT. Marcus came back from London in deep trouble. There had been a scan dal, an dan injured husband had placed his injuries at the sum of ten thousand pounds, which the courts seemed likely to allow him. This was a most alarm ing prospect in view of the tangle into which Sir Ulick had got hls financial affairs, and his mind turned naturally to his wards ready money. Ormond had that sum in the per cents, which could readily be sold out. You are now of age" said Sir Ulick to Harry one day, and we must have an accounting--you will see that have been faithful steward for you. my boy" "Oh, no hur- ry," replied Harry, lin a few days we will attend to the natter" He was too busy thinking of Florence Annaly, to whom he had resolved to propose in form. to bother with business just then.
 ''G should advise yov ravel bit be- fore you settle dowp Si Ulck, "a trip to the contint eNi you good and Captain apa gf,s 'cofgal have written you very press eAyors to visit