Northern Weekly Gazette. — 1899-08-19 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CLIAPTERS.  The story open. 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, uuiquely situated amongst the hills of Yorkshire, and built of rough grey stone, was blessed with all the beauties which Dame Nature eau bestow. The site, being near the Derwent, added to the charms of the " house on the hillside." Neglect had, however, resulted in the hall being in a somewhat dilapidated condition. The! owner had been away from home for thirteen rears, ever striving to forget the letter memories of the past—a past which reminded him that he : had loved es a man loves but once in a lifetime; that he had called a beautiful, blue-eyed girl " wife " fur three short months; and that a darkness more dense than a starless night had fallen upon him, and almost destroyed life, hope, and intellect He decides to return from fiance to Cntiglancis, to the dear old Yorkshire, and de'watched a letter to his agent at Conherton. Eleven years before the openin gof the story Arthur Methuen had turned his back on his home, and a little gel was brought and left to the rare ot Lucy and her husband, George, the housekeeper. The parentage of the child was not known. Anhui letuii.s and is unceremoniously welcomed by Birdie, as the little stranger girl is called., Thee he dievood friends. he sees the photo.. graph 4 his wife, and wonders if she is still alive.. He contemplates suicide, and is stopped by Birdie. He endeavours to trace the parentage of the stranger w.thout success. He could only! glean that a lady had driven up to the house, and, upon the door being opened she walked straight. isluo 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 year. elapse, and Birdie was row quite a young lady, lovely as a poet's dream. She Will concluding her education at York, and the day had arrived when she returned to Comberton. t:ihe receives a welcome from alt sides. Bircl.t. Journeys to Mosqsides, a neighbouring hall, but finds it inhabited. Interview with Mrs Leslie. Birdie's encounter on the road home; she receives • fright. The acquaintance with Roy St. John, who rescues her from a drunken man. Myra Teesdale, a you.lg lady of prepossessing appearance. is engaged at Craiglands to be a companion lo Birdie, and falls in love with Arthur Methuen, who does nit return her affection. She Pis a secret hstred to Birdie. Myra informs birdie of her true history, and Birdie runs away. Arthur is informed of Myra Teesdale's false story to Birdie. The railway accident and supposed death of Birdie. The scene betwoen Arthur end Myra Ttetsdale Birdie reaches London and has numerous exciting experiences. The plotting of Myra Teasdale to capture Birdie, who is in a London shop. Myra nnds Birdie, who is going under an assumed name. Arthur meets Myra in Loudon, and she forces her love on him again. B.rclie is captiood by Myra Teesdsle, and taken 5.,. I er I,lginire in a rtranxe part of the town. Arthur hears news of his wife. Birdie escapee to 'in lv rs Texadolo. rdie finds her moti,,r. TLe reunion. Arthur finds his wife, Birdie • soother and father, who turns out to be no °Pier than Arthur Methuen. Roy and Birdie ars 'Parried. And all is bliss.