The Kenilworth Advertiser. — 1898-11-19 (Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England)

CIIAPTER XXXI.  Upon hearini the servant's announcement that Robert Lethaby was dying, Harold stood still, irresolute. He longed to say a word of comfort to Pamela, to let her know how sorry he felt for her in her trouble. But she had vanished into the house, and as the door closed behind her, he knew he should see her no more that night—perhaps not for many, many nights to come. He felt saddened, depressed and miserable. A feeling of failure, absolute and certain, took possession of him. All his love, all his supplications, would not alter Pamela's determination. Till her father was cleared of this horrible charge of murder, cleared and proved innocent, she would never marry him. Of that he felt assured.  "And if Aunt Rate's proofs of his guilt are so strong what chance is there for Pamela. Her proofs of his innocence can be but few. 0! God! why is she his daughter? She so lovely, so good! She, with the face and bearing of a princess. Why is she the child of—a murderer? All her beauty, all her wealth avails her nothing. Sh• would be happier, infinitely happier, were she the daughter of the poorest labourer on my father's estate. Her very purity and innocence seem to be of little value in this unjust and cruel world." And, full of bitterness and anguish, he walked slowly home. . . .  As'he entered the hall at Whaddon he came suddenly face to face with his father. "Harold?" Sir Gerald started as he glanced at his son. He looked so changed, so old and haggard. that the father's heart bled for him. But he dared not chew his sympathy. Any softness on his part might have a bad effect, and lead the young man to suppose that he relented, whereas he was more determined than ever to oppose his marriage with Robert Lethaby's daughter. So, stifling his desire to say something kind, he remarked coldly:  .. "You are out late. May I ask where you have been ? "  "Certainly." with apparent calm. "I have been to Abbeylands."  "At this hour, and in morning dress? You are then received as a son of the house? Havel you explained to Robert Lethaby and his datightet that I refuse my consent to your marriage? " "No, it was not nec.esssry. Pamela has refused me again. Mr. Lethaby is dying." "You don't say so? Dying? Dear ins. This is very sudden; he was in London to-day. Had he met with an accident.?"  "I know nothing. I was on the terrace with Pamela." "Indeed ? " said Sir Gerald, with a shade of contempt in his voice. "Then the young lady is not above meeting you secretly, it would seem? Harold flushed hotly. 'We met—by chance, as far as she was concerned. I had hung about the place all day hoping to see Mr. Lethaby, to warn him of his danger, but he was in town ; so I watched and waited ;. ate a hasty dinner at the Spread F.agle, and then wont back to my toe. But, in s ttttt e way. I missed him. Then, on the terrace, I VIM Pamela in great trouble. I told her again that I loved her, implored her to marry me, And again she refused. But, she loves Inc. That much she has confessed, and I'll never rest till she promises to be my wife." "And that, I trust, she will never do."  "Thaler "Lbreinst. heavily have vco no -