Northern Weekly Gazette. — 1899-08-12 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

SYNOPSIS OF OPENING CHAPTERS.  The story opens with a vivid description of Craiglands, a picturesque old hall, the property of Arthur Methuen, who had left it to the care of his trusty servants whilst he was abroad. The building, uniquely situated amongst the halm of Yorkshire, and built of rough grey stone, was blessed with all the beauties witie'a Dame Nature Dan bestow. The site, being near the Dement, lidded to the charms of the " house on the hilleds." Neglect had, however, resulted in the hall being in a somewhat dilapidated condition. The owner had been away from home for thirteen years, ever striving to forget the bitter memories of the past—a past which reminded him that he had loved as a man loves but once in a lifetime; that he had called a beautiful, blue-eyed girl! " wife" for three shot t mouths; and that a darknets more dense than a starless night had fallen upon him, and almost destroyed Lute, hope, and intellect Lie derides to return front Fiance to Craiglanda, to the dear old Yorkshire, and de!patched a letter to the ageut at Couberton. Eleven years before the openin Ka the story Arthur Methuen had turned his back on his home, end a little girl was 'drought and left to the care of Lucy and her husband, George, the housekeeper. The parentage of the child was not known. Arthur rattling and is unceremoniously welcomed by Birdie, as the little stranger girl ii called. They become good friends. lie sees the photograph of his wife, and wonders if she is still alive. Ile contemplates suicide, and is stopped by Birdie. lie endeavours to trace the parentage of the stranger without success. He could only glean that a lady had driven up to the house, and Lpon the door being opened she walked straight into the house and gave the child into the charge of Lucy, and before the housekeeper could collect her scattered wits the mysterious lady had disappeared. Five years elapse, and Birdie was row quite a young lady, lovely as a poet's dream. She was concluding her education at York, and the day had arrived when she returned to Comberton. She receives a welcome from all sides. Birdie journeys to Mossysides, a neighbouring hall, but Buds it inhabited. Interview with Mrs Leslie. Birdie's encounter on the road home; she receives a fright. acquaintance with Roy St. John, who mecum her front a drunken man. Myra Teesdale, a young lady of prepossessing app,ar&nee, is engaged at Craiglands to be a companion to Birdie, and fella in love with Arthur Methuen. who does not return her affection. She has a secret hatred to Birdie. Myra informs Birdie of her true history, and Birdie runs away. Arthur is informed of Myra Teesdale's false awry to Birdie. The railway accident and supposed death of Birdie. The fVelle between Arthur and tyre Teesdale. Birdie reaches London and bas numerous exciting experiences. The plotting of: Myra Teesdale to capture Birdie, who is in a • London shop. Myra finds Birdie, who is going under an assumed name. Arthur meets Myra in Loudon, and she forces her love on him again. B.rdie is captitie I by Nlyra Teesdale. atitl taken to her bsilgqigs in a strange part of the town. Arthur hears news of his wife. Birdie escapes Irma Myra Teesdale.