A WOMAN IN THE CASE

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 19, 24 January 1898, Page 6

A WOMAN IN THE CASE

i By MRS E. BURKE COLLINS

•Author of 'Married for Gold,' Bonnie Jean,' 'A Terrible Penalty,' etc., etc

CHAPTEE V,

JOHN ARDSLEY,

A red flush stained the man's cheek for an instant; he bowed deferentially as Lesley came slowly forward. 'Mr Ardsley'?' she'queried. 'Pardon me for intruding upon you r Miss Dinsmore,' he returned in a sweet low- voice which one rarely hears from masculine lips. 'My business is urgent: it is this. lam an applicant for the situation of steward on your estate, and I am anxious to know if there is any possibility of securing it, for, should your decision be adverse, I must find some other resource."

He paused, and Lesley bowed, not knowing what to say.

He went on quietly

'Of course. I am a stranger to you, Miss Dinsmore. but I come well recommended, and believe myself to be really fitted for the position. Be kind enough to glance over these papers, and if you will take the trouble to communicate with the gentlemen named therein, 1 think you will find all satisfactory.'

He laid some folded papers in her hand. Lesley glanced them over with genuine surprise. They were recommendations of the highest order, stating that John Ardsley was thoroughly educated and fitted for the position of trust which he sought: that circumstances having rendered it necessary for him to seek employment it would be* considered a personal favour to the gentlemen whose names were appended should Miss Dinsmore see tit to submit her estate to his management. And the signatures were those of some of the highest dignitaries in Washington and in the surrounding country.

Lesley folded the papers, when they •were read, and glanced reflectively at the applicant. Her heart beat with the same strange, wild thrill that she had experienced the night preceding when she had dreamed of this very man, and yet she had never met him before. He was graceful, refined, courteous, a gentleman born and educated, one could see that at a glance, and Lesley's grey eyes wandered involuntarily to the shapely whitehands, one of which rested on the carved back of a gold and crimson chair. The stranger's glance followed hers, and a slight smile crossed his beautifully curved lips.

'I understand, Miss Dinsmore,' he observed. 'You are wondering if 1 have ever worked before. I am ashamed to say that I have never done anything in the way of labour. Nevertheless, I am now reduced by unforeseen circumstances to earn my daily bread, and if I did not believe that I am fully capable of attending to your interests in this matter, rest assured I ■would not seek the situation.'

There was a tone in his voice, straightforward and manly, with a tinge of hauteur, which appeared to be demanding rather than seeking. It seemed to the girl as though shewanted to study him and know his nature, and gauge him morally and mentally. And there came home to Lesley Dinsmore's Jieart —standing in the pretty gold -and crimson room —that perfect springl morning" a conviction that shg stood face to face with her destiny.

'I will lay the matter before my lawyer, Mr Ardsley,' she said, at length, speaking witfc an effort, 'and if you will kindly call again to-mor-row evening, you shall know the re■ult.'

He boved gracrfulif and with a few chosen words «if thanks took his departure, leaving the testimonials in Lesley's hands.

She carried them straight to Lawyer Greyson, who examined them attentively. That "day telegrams went flying over the wires to the different gentlemen whose names were affixed to the documents; the answers,in every instance, corroborated the endorsements, and John Ardsley was appointed at once steward and general business manager of the great Chadrwicke estate.

Mrs Greyson had decided, to remain for an indefinite time as chaperon to -the young- heiress; but the old lawyer, -with Dr. Dudley, left Chadwicke Hall the next day, and returned to the scene of their professional labours.

During all this time Lurline had kept her own room; but when at last she learned, through her maid, of the departure of the gentlemen, she came down stairs and sent a curt message to Lesley that she wished to see her in the library. Lesley obeyed the summons, and fo\md Mrs Chadwicke, looking like a statue in her deep mourning robe, awaiting her.

'I am about to leave Chadwieke Hall,' she began, icily, 'my own house, my lawful inheritance. I have been robbed of my rights, insulted, and defied under my own roof. Listen to me, Lesley Dinsmore, I shall never cross the threshold of Chadwieke Hall again until I come back to my own, until I return its mistress! Ah .you smile, and think, I suppose, that I am consequently bidding it a long- farewell; but do not be too sure, Miss Dinsmore; you know not upon what a precipice you are standing; at any moment you may g-o over to everlasting destruction. I shall do all in my power to bring about that ruin, believe me!'

Lesley arose, with a dignified gesture. 'Your threats, madam,' she said, with quiet scorn, 'trouble me very little. Right is right, and will always prevail.'

'Humph! Then T am safe, for my cause is the right one, and you will find ultimately that it will prevail, 1 am Mrs Barton Chadwicke.*

She hesitated , for a low, sneering laugh fell on the silence. At her side was an open window, but no one was visible. She grew white to the very lips.

'I rim Mrs Barton Chadwicke,' she repeated, boldly, but the sweet, belllike, voice trembled in spite of her efforts to be calm, 'and this is my home. You are but an interloper, who, by sojne trick of the law, have secured possession; but it will not be for long. Believe me. Miss Dinsmore, it will not be for long-. I swear it.'

She g-lapeed as she spoke toward the open window. Her face grew ashen ■white, her eyes dilated wildly, and her breath came in quick, painful gasps.

'Who—is—that—man?' she faltered, brokenly. Lesley's eyes followed hers, and slis saw Mr Ardsley lounging upon a rustic seat, a. half-smoked cigar between his lips, and an unopened book in one

hand

'He is Mr Ardsley, the business manager of the estate,' explained Lesley, coldly. 'And now, madam, if you have said 'all that you came to say, permit me to bid you good morning. The carriage will convey you to the station as soon as you are ready to leave Chadwicke Hall.7

As Lesley turned toward the door to leave the room there came the sound of a heavy fall, and, turning, she saw that Lurline Chadwicke lay upon the floor white and unconscious.

John Ardsley had tossed his cigar away, and sprung to his feet, his eyes blazing, the book clutched fiercely in one strong white hand.

'Merciful Providence!" he muttered. hoarsely: 'face to face at last. And now, so help me. Heaven, she shall find that the day of reckoning is near.'

(To be Continued.)