THE BEAUTIFUL - - CLAIMANT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 70

THE BEAUTIFUL - - - CLAIMANT.

Bg ESTHER MILLER,

Author of "The Quicksands of Life," "What Wa* Her Sin?" "The Crime of Gloria Dare," "The Love Chase," etc., etc. [CopnuoHT.] SYNOPSIS OF PBEVIOTJS CHAPTEKS. [ CHAPTERS I, 11, Hl.— Miss Margaret Yu'e alights from an omnibus and wends her w«y to Groevenor Gate, where she seeks an interview with' Mr Aubrey Heseltine, iff.P. She arrived home from -the Continent ' only the day before. Mr Hesettine informs her that his aunt, Lady Dashwell, is in London. Margaret Yule tells him that she is on the verge of a law-suit; that she is related on Ber mother's side to the late Baroness Quonborough, one of the few titles which descend in the female line. She gives him an outline of her .family history. He gives her an introduction to his solicitors, Gerrish and. Gerrish. She is at present - staying at the Langham Hotel. Heseltine gives her his cordial good wishes. He tries to reserve his judgment as to her claim to the Quanborough baronetcy, but finds himself biassed in her favour. The next morning- he receives a note from her informing him -that Gerrish and Gerrish have given net hope. Aubrey Heseltine visits his solicitors, and sees that they already think the claim a genuine one. Then he calls on his aunt, Lady Dashwell, with the result that the two pay a visit to Margaret Yule at the Langham.- It is arranged that Margaret shall visit Lady Dashwell, and they leave her to pack and mak« her preparations. A stranger witnesses their departure, and then, turning to Margaret Yule, he announces himself as an officer from Scotland Yard, and arrests her for the murder of Mr Clement Heynell in November, 1902, at Rome. CHAPTERS HI (Continued), IV, V.— Margaret incredulously inquires whether the man is out of his mind, but he appears quite convinced of her identity, and as the nam* is the same Margaret is obliged to accompany him to Bow street. She nerves herself for the ordeal. At the police station she makes her explanation to the inspector, who is rather staggered by it. A photograph is brought* ' which proves that Margaret is not the woman ; wanted, and the detective profusely apolo- ! gises. Margaret asks some questions about i the murderess. The police assure her that the case will not get into the papers. Margaret decides not to say anything 1 about this horrible adventure. Lady Dashwell invites Margaret's confidence, and the two have * pleasant tete-a-tete. Lady Dashwell seems to, give a hint, ard Margaret spends due timer and care cm her toilet that evening, in honour eff Heseltine's coming. The two con-, verse, and later that evening Margaret is convinced that Aubrey is falling in love with her. Lady Dashwell introduces her protegee into their circle of society, where her beauty and presence create a sensation. But Lady Dashwell rather doubts her wisdom in taking Mar-, garet up. Suppose she were to loee her case? She confides to, Heseltine. If she were a mere impostor? | CHAPTERS V (Continued), VL VTL— Heeeltine argues that his aunt's fears axe groundless, and she tries to atone by being specially kind to Margaret. At the club to which Heseltine belongs the subject of tfca beautiful claimant is discussed, but Heseltine refuses to enlighten inquirers. Then the case appears' in the papers, and Heseltine converses with Margaret on it when they next meet. Margaret feels she can rely on Heseltine for support, if necessary. At dinner she meet* » Mrs Boxrington, niece of Lady Dashwell. This woman afterwards proves to be an enemy, and discuses Margaret with her sister, Lady Goole, very much to the disadvantage of Margaret. The same evening Margaret meets her rival, the present Lord Quanborough. She introduces herself to him, and he behaves very genially. They are second cousins, which relationship he does not own, though he is willing to call her Margaret. Heseltine comes along with » message that a Mrs Wynstanley is dying to see her again. CHAPTERS VII (Continued) and VHI. — Margaret says good-bye t» her cousin Ronald', and accompanies Heseltine. Then she is. overcome by her emotions, and Heeeltme takes' her apart. They converse. Heseltine teH» her how he loves her, and she promiss to be a faithful wife. He excuse* Margaret's presence to his aunt, saying that she is no* well. Blanche Barriagton affect* great surprise at Margaret's indisposition. She and' Heseltine have an animated altercation. .He informs her -that Mies YuSe has promised to' marry him, and she flies into a rage, and he does likewise. Margaret overhear* •fihie eon-

Versation, and suddenly appears. She defies Blanche Baxrington. Heseltine takes Margaret to his brougham, and they express their mutual trust in each other.