IZBA’S BID FOR FORTUNE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144085, 2 May 1913, Page 5

IZBA’S BID FOR FORTUNE.

By MRS. , HERRIOT GORDON, Author of “My Last Chance,” “Paying a Debt,” “Stephen Deloraere’s Crime,” etc.

CHAPTER XII. AN INVITATION., Barton read the, delicately-tinted and ocrfumed nut-a that had been handed to Inin, twice over, itlieu laid it down on the table before him, took it up again and road as follows; “4 Park Lane, “London, \V.

“Mrs. Dunsmore presents her compliments to Air. Barton, and regrets that he should have remained so long

a stranger to the lamily with wnora he is so closely related. Mr. Barton may not be aware that, through the death of her dear husband, the. late George Dunsmore, ho is now the nearest heir to the Dunsmoro estates. Mrs. Dmismore further requests the pleasure* of Mr. Barton’s company at her residence on Wednesday next at any time which may be convenient to him between tno hours of two and six.”

To say that Barton was surprised at the concents oi the Jotter would be to give but a very laint idea oi his feelings. .i here could be no doubt now, ho thought, but that, failing this George Dunsmore, lie; was the heir to tho property. and although he did not possess tlio proofs, he 'was apnarentlv acknowledged by tho family. It was therefore no chimera alter all, but a truth, that this wealth would come to hiln; all. that now stood between him and tho property was Lady Dunsmore, who was now verging on three score years and ton.

For a long time be sat with the letter in liis hand. He was thinking ol' the past, and what a difference this fortune would have math; had it come when his mother was alive. It might have changed the current of his father’s lilc, and would certainly have saved his sister and himself from some hardships and many troubles. He did not know whether Mrs. Dunsmore was old or young, and-never once thought of the motive which had. induced her to "write to him. A woman's actions are often difficult to understand, and her motives more so ; nor was Barton exactly the man to discover the reason which had influenced Izba. ; Ho determined, however, to accept the invitation and present hinisell at the residence of Mrs. DuiiMv.ore on the following Wednesday.

,0a the Friday, evening Gerald and Barton travelled to Wolvertou together. A carriage, from Done Hollow was at the station to meet Barton, but ns Gerald had not intimated his intended visit to Clifton House there was no conveyance to meet him. In no ■.vUy .abashed, Gerald announced tluiF he would accompany Barton to Dene Hollow and pay his respects to Mrs. Hesscle. -

, Do no Hollow was a rambling old house, and lay about midway between Wolverton and Shettlebury. ' It was beautifully situated cm the slope of a rising ground,, and was almost cove ml with ivy. The house lit longed to Mrs. Hessoie, who was a widow and'resided there tiio most part of the year, and here Lncy Barton had found a home. The latter fact.'.doubtless influenced Gerald in his, determination to visit ,l)eno Hollow. Dinner was over when the two young men arrived, but a hastily improvised meal was served to them in the dining-room; and afterwards they joined the ladies. - Mrs. Hesscle was a motherly old lady, who warmly welcomed Barton, also Gerald, whom she had known from his childhood. When Gerald entered the room a close observer might have seen a slight colour mount to the cheeks of Lucy, but otherwise, her greeting was formal in the extreme. ,

Lucy was looking very handsome, clad in a soft white dress, without ornament except for a bunch of dewy violets at her breast. After the usual greetings, Barton entered into aii earnest conversation with Mrs. Hcssele, while Gerald sat down besido Lucy and began talking with all his old freedom. “Dene Hollow does seem to agree with you.” lie remarked, “Oh, it’s a lovely place,” returned Lucy, coldly. "I am so happy hero; Mrs, Hesselo is so good and kind.”

‘-'The office is a perfect desert since yon left ,” went on Gerald, with -a smile and a keen look at his companion.

“X don’t quit? see how that can be,” she answered coldly. •‘No more can I, but it is the truth all tho same,” returned Gerald. A short silence followed, when Lucy said—

"I hope Fred thanked yon for getting him such an excellent position in your ollice.” ■‘l have no doubt he did., but I really do not remember. I would prefer that you thanked mo on his behalf; if would be so much nicer,” ho answered, smiling and leaning back in his chair. “No, Mr. Mcnstrie; 1 shan't,” she replied quickly. ■‘"Which is very ungrateful, and not like you at all,” said Gerald slowly and in a bantering tone.

Lucy did not reply, but taking up a novel lying near her began turning over the leaves.

“You prefer that stupid book to my society,” ho remarked lightly. Lucy smiled. ‘‘lt’s a delightful book, Mr. Menstrie,” she said.

‘‘Tell mo what it is .about,” he asked.

Lucy laughed,' and with a quick glance at Gerald said; — "The heroine falls in love with a very wicked man, who treats her shamefully-” “How unfortunate,” lie answered in his slow way. “Why didn’t she fall in love with the good chap? I suppose there is a good chap in the story ?’ ’

“How can a woman tell what a man is ” she replied quickly. “Nothing easier,” returned Gerald. “For instance, if you were to fall in love with mo it ” “I am certain, Mr. Menstrie, I will never do.that,” she interrupted, speaking with strong ' emphasis. “Why?” “Because—well, I simply won’t.” “Of course I aon neither good-looking nor clever,” answered Gerald in the same slow bantering tone. “That has nothing to do with it,” said Lucy. “Besides I do not think you quite ugly.” “Lucy, dear,” broke in the voice of Mrs. Hesselo, “will you take Gerald to the conservatory and show, him the

new orchids, which arc all in blossom. They are much liner than anything at Cl it tan House.”

Obediently Lucy led the way, and Gerald followed; Mrs. Hcssele’s collection of orchids was not largo, but contained some very rare plants, but Gerald did not appear to appreciate them lor he remarked “that orchids were not worth all the fuss made about them.” ‘‘They are just lovely." remarked Lucy. '‘‘What is your favourite flower. Mr. Monstrie?”

“Violets,” he answered, with a look at the hunch adorning her- white dress.

"But I say, Lucy, don’t you find it a hit slow down here!'” he added, with a whimsical .laugh. "Xp, Mr. Menstrips You see, X hare no ambition to be fast. I think we had better return to the , drawing-room. Mrs. .Hcsselc may .want me','.’ But Lucy found that to return to the room they had loft was not so easy, lor Gerald stood in the centre of the .narrow pa&>agu and shewed no inoinawdii to a.mw her to pass. ' .... ,

‘•Dii you know, L.tcy, 1 have serious thoughts ot gettingmarried,” lie said with great deliberation. ‘‘l thought.l would mention it, you know.” “Oh!” cxclaimeti Lucy, surprised beyond measure, the blood mounting' to her checks, .“How very interesting, sh?.-added,, \vith, ; u, catelfissness and conipesura that appeared to some extent assumed. ■„ Then drawing herself .up, looked very hard, at Gerald, and continned; “1 hope Miss Smcaton will be? happy,” for Lucy was well aware that the neighbourhood regarded Gerald as'.being as good as engaged to Bath. y '.'“Ruth’s a jolly girl, you know; she is ahvavs happv. I am very wind ol her.” * ,

“So I should think,” returned; Lucy, sharply. ' -■ >' ’ Gerald paid no heed ,to her words, but.said—

“1 must get an engagement ring. What kind of ring would you think best? , Women have strange fancies regarding rings.” : “Miss Smoaton would be the best person to consult,” she replied, promptly. - Gerald laughed. “Good idea. I will ask Ruth’s opinion to-morrow,” lie said.

As they turned toward the drawnigronm Gerald asked—- “ What sort--of a cold is the old lady suffering from at present?” It may bo mentioned that it was a weakness of Mrs. Hesselo’s to' suffer from chronic colds.

Lucy smiled, and answered—“ Mrs. Hcsseie’s chest is very bad.” During the absence of the ‘two. Barton had been explaining to Airs. Hcssele Iris position in regard to the Dunsmore estates, and the invitation he had received from Mrs.. George Duiismors. Mrs. Hessele had heard of the relationship, but had never believed that tiro Bartons had oven a remote chance of succeeding to the properly. Site did not know Mrs. Dunsmoro, for slut seldom' visited London, and on still more rare occasions went into Society. She, however, strongly urged upon, Barton the necessity of,taking all necessary .steps to prove his claim. As Gerald was about to take his departure be evinced considerable interest in the cold Mrs. Hc.ssslo. was suffering from, and assured her that with a view of relicVing his mother’s anxiety ho would drive over to Dene Mallow on the morrow.

,\frs. Hcsscle smiled, glanced at Lucy, and then said—'‘Drive- Ruth over to luncheon. I have not seen the dear girl for weeks, and I want , her to make the acquaintance of Lucy.”

To this Gerald:readily assented, and took his departure.

(To be continued.)