The- Grange Affair

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15894, 19 January 1924, Page 12 (Supplement)

The- Grange Affair

- By MAY WYNNE

f .THE STORYTELLER j!

[All Rights Reserved.]

(Aothor of “Henry of Navarre,” Maid of Brittany,” etc.)

CHAPT.BR XIV. (Continued). Peggie looked around her. A •ummef’s night is seldom wholly dark and the moon was shining now. The fcenery was as it had been during iho whole drive, romantic and wild with that beauty which thrills the hearts of the Scottish people when they think of their land, its purple moors, picturesque rivers ahd ..Splendid forests. To the left of the spot where the car had stopped was a good-sized farm, nert a desolate, deserted place like the one in Cumberland.. ' There was a smigiiess in the surrounding ricks and thatched roof which told of inhabitants. Late though it was a man of about sixty-eight stood at the gate. They, must have been expected. The gate, was opened and the man came to the side, of the car, . opening the door af ter.saluting Selworn resctfully. ■“’Cousin Peggie,” said the latter in hfs silkiest tones, "You are going to stay here for k few days till I can arrahgs for your retunTto ’Elsdaie. I am going straight .on at. orice with the car, so as to baffle your .enemies. If they are following at all it is the car, no "I must not lihger. Believe me, I shkil lead thorn k wild goose chase and shall take care not. to be caught in the end. When all is safe I will return. In the meantime you can trust to the care of good farmer Macktahy and his wife.” Peggie caught .her breath. “You are leaving me here?” she “Yes, it is kafer. In fact It is the only safe mji; _ >NO, don't talk. You are trusting met Goodbye.” He was very insistent and Peggie grasped that those"’, might come into ‘sight at any moment, and if they saw that she had left the car Selworn’s purpose would be frustrated. . She jumped down beside the farmer, who looked at her kindly. There seemed no reason to fear these nfew quarters. ‘il shall return,” said Selworn. •'Goodbye) little girl. You will welcome hie When I come?” “I shall want to thank you,” faltered Peggie; fcut she felt relieved when she saw the rickety car and its single occupant disappear round a corner of. the road. The farmer had been a silent spectator of the scene. Peggie fancied he seemed half amused, for he chuckled as he addressed her in Gaelic. Peggie tried desperately to understand, but it Was no Use. It might have been Turkish for all the sense she made of It. There Was a light in the farm kitchen, and a' wrinkled woman, hotneiy and pleasant, was waiting there. Peggie had flo idea of the time but a grandfather clock struck the hour, of midnight. These people must have been waiting up for her. Mr Selworn had arranged everything. How—.good, he w as - And now he had smiled on saying good-bye. Peggie did not like his smile any better thah his eyes, but she would not confess as much to herself. There was a m&al awaiting her,' and Mrs Macklahy tried by pantomime gestures to persuade her to eat. Peggie coUld hot eat; she was too tired, and fell asleep over her prayers, awaking hours later to see the-dawn creeping into a tiny, spotless room and to hear the shrill clarion of the., cock.| How inviting .;;the : ;;lij,tle white bed lay» the weary,siri,-prept into it and fell asleep once more. Peggie was hungry next morning, and oh I how delicious it was pot to wake in that musty, mouldy room, with its atmosphere of ghosts and crime. Nothing could be more cheerful than this little farm, Which one must admit was different from the majority in its oleanlihess, but then the whole place was fairly modern, with bedrooms upstairs in place Of stuffy eupbdard beds behind the panels of the sitting-rooms and the smell of the muck-yard drifting into the kitchen and parlour. Hiere were flowers beside kale in Farmer Macklany’s garden ahd red tiles to the dairy flooring. Peggie ate a good breakfast and thought nothing in the world half SO nice as home-made bread and heather honey. She was in better spirits, too, and faced the future with more fearless eyes. To-day she would help the farmer’s wife feed her poultry, and to-morrow might go hang. numb show carried on With smiles and’-good humour is almost as good as speech. Peggie iWds ' sotm throwing corn’to the hens,and'later cutting the cabbages and picking peias. She oould see she was a .puzzle to her hosts, who talked a great Meal to eaoh other about her, knitting.their brows, ntddiiig thoir heads and ./criticisms -t.he humble clothes she \YorC: Peggie was :n a "I core for nobody mood to-day for were not Guido Resanp and the Secret Society outwitted?” ■■ , , “And he is going .*6 .take me to Gnaffington Towers in a few days,' thought Peggie, referring to Selworn, That first day at the farm was almost cloudless, the girl simply would not allow' herself to dwell on her misfortunes She was gathering sweet' peas to fill an old-fashioned howl the second afternoon, of her stay at the farm when Selworn appeared. Peggie had not heard the approach of any car. but then the rows of sweet peas were at the bottom of the gaidon and she had been singing. Mr Sclworn hailed her like an old friend. “This is.the first time I have really seen you smile,” he said, “I hops it will not be the last.” She came back on to the path. “I want to say thank you,” she replied gaily, “first for taking me awuy from ‘prison’ and then for bringing mu here I don’t understand one word those delightful old folk say, but I love thorn already. It is quite an oasis. “There Is a big log down there, said Selworn, “bring your flowers and come along. 1 want to talk. Peggie Was quite ready to obey. She wished to please this benefactor, to whom she owed so much, and though she had nothing much to ray she was eager to hear if lie had anything to tell. “Did you see—’’she began, as they seated themselves on the fallen elm. He a hot>k his head. “They never, came uo to me. I think we can quite safely say we have pot them off the Peggie drew a breath of relief. “Gh how glad lam And nowi? “Ah,’” said Selworn significantly, “it is now-1 am thinking of. “Now—and the near future. Will you listen, little cousin, to wnat I have to suggest? ’ She heard the caressing accent in his voice and trembled. . At the very 1 ack of her rrjnd she began to guess what was coming. "Oh yes,” she replied bravely, l than be grateful for your suggestion.

I —l hope you will soy It is possible for me to go to Fits dale.” "Listen.” he said gravely, “I want you to go to Elsdale as much or far more than you can wish it. But I wish you to try to understand first what Is in your power to do. It would be a terrible shcclt to my uncle if you went to G ratling ton Towers, merely stating your story. The marriage with your mother, Desires Yonvet was not legal. Lord Mauidlotoii tannot claim .you or give you the privileges of a daughter. Can you not realise what pain, What shame it will give him to know this? Ho may iong for you to have the position which ought to have i cen yours. He is powerless to bestow it. He cannot claim what is not rightfully his, nor can you give it. His position in the County must forbid it. G raffing ton Towers could only be ycur home, your father can only welcome you as a daughter in one way.” “And that?” cried Peggie, “and that?” . Selwom looked at her keenly.' “By marrying me,” be replied. Peggy gave an exclamation of amaze. Had the suggestion been at the back of her mind? Impossible 1 “Oh. no," she cried. “I couldn’t I couldn’t.” Schvom smiled/. “You could,” He said gently, “and I think you will. ' When you have thought over it,'.when you have got vsed to the Idea,;you will agree.with Pip. It is ypun duty. Your duly to your dead mother,- your duty to a repentant father. > Yes, lam sure, you will agree, that you must marry me.” '/.<///T/t' /.. • Peggie turned 'pn him passionately. "Why are you l- suggesting such d thing?” she asked", “you do not love me.” './V/ . CHAPTER XV. “You are/qUlte'ibfstakeh,” said Selwom suavely;, p‘;r"d6/|cWe you. Ido not think I could have'made the suggestion .otherwise. 1 loved you the first day I saw you. ' I have proved the fact to you—-I hope.” Peggie did not reply. The suddenness' and unexpectedness of such a proposal amazed her, she simply could not understand what it meant. But Soiworn was a clover man, and he had prepared his way skilfully. Peggie could not help remembering what she bwKl him. He aline had,,.been at hand in her need and.poJ.iil, lie., alone offered help for tlic future. But—to marry him. After aU Peggie was little more than a child. Shi had no experience, for all her travel, no kndwilMgV' of the World. She could neither reason, nor argue, she only know how crUe.l life could be. It made her positively giddy to look back at dhe sudden crowding .of events since her first going "'..And the future? She lhpk;cd'/.up.ir.'ftt.. her companion. He was a rriah 'and - Strong. He was offering her protection, a refuge from too hard a struggle, a home-—a father as we.ll Ss husband. She felt very- much inclined to burst into tears. “You —ytm hive been so kind,” she .faltered! ‘but ; please give me time. I can’t decide in a minute. It is—my life, you know.” And even as she spoke Peggie;, was wondering whether she should have felt like that had Tony Grasleigh been in this man's place. Little Cousin Peggie." purred Selworn, “you "do not finite understand. You are alone,. ....What are you going to do? You cannot'-stay hero. I cannot Continue to/help you unless you give me the iright/to do so. There is only one thing, you can do. You must marry me.” j ' He did not speak passionately, he o'id not threaten, hut there was a significance in his toiie Which sounded like the warning that she Could not escape Pate. She could .not escape him. She must do ns he said. •/■■■ Peggie heard the significance and her. fears re-doubled. ' It seemed as though kdme inexorable hand was shutting the door on a. happiness, a dream Which had lingered at the back of her thoughts. . She was net ignorant of- what 1 love meant. Gasieigh had taught her. Always she saw him standing, looking up at her as she swayed in deadly peril at the head of the falls. lie had saved her from death—ar.d she loved him. Could she let this other man clofo that door? Or had Grasleigh himself already shut it? If only she could see Tony just for a moment. You must marry me, said Rowland Selwom. Could she say “I refuse?” “I will give you your answer next week,” she said desperately. “Let me havb till then. I—l have been through so much. I want to be able to think.” “Very well,” agreed Selwom. “I will not say any more’ to-day, only I am disappointed. I waited to do the best for your future, which would have been an immediate marriage. The future depends on the present in a way you do not understand. I am yonr best friend. I wish (o be your lover. You will never regret giving me your full trust.” "You have been so kind,” she murmured. He had been kind, and yet there was always the lingering distrust she did not name in the background. “Promise me one thing,” urged Srlwom, .“If you sav ‘Yes,’ as I feel you will do to my proposal, aril) you do ns I ask? Marry me immediately and let me take you homo?” Peggie gave a little gasp. It seemed that, in spite of his calm, tills man was hurrying, ray. forcing her on to some fate from which she shrank. Yet, a week lay between now and her choice. Something might happen to shew her the way more oleariy. “Yes.” she said. She* was afraid to refuse, for a new note had erept into his voice. She dreaded to anger Id in. “Then on Thursday,”'he replied, “I will come for your answer. I know what it will be. It can only be one answer. I shall make preparations for taking my bride home. That, will he o great day for my uncle:' " It is for his sake as well as our own that I am so thankful things have booh arranged. An revoir, little one. Next Thursday I shall come. We will be married at once. Then all your troubles will he over. I shall know how !o take care of the wife I have sived from one of the most relentless Societies in Europe. He had brought the bogey stalking out of its cupboard to scare her. She saw what threatened if she refused to accept nis offer. She would .accept, bectu'se his will dominated tier and she was so utterly at his mercy. ; Alone, penniless, friendless. Was it lo be wondered that she accepted any haven offered ? Peggie gathered no mere sweet peas nor did she sing as she paced to and fro, Lo and fro. if only shj could

"Then on Thursday,"'ho replied, "I will come for your 'answer. I know what, it will be. It can only he one answer. I shall make preparations for taking my bride home. That, will be 0 great day for my uncle:' It is for his sake as well as our own that I am so thankful things have bcori arranged. Au revoir, little one. Next Thursday 1 shall ccme. We will' be married at once. Then all your troubles will be over. I shall know how to take care of the wife I have stved-from one of the most relentless Societies in Europe. He had brought the bogey stalking out of its cupboard to scare he.-. She saw what threatened it she refused to necem nis offer. She would accept, because his will dominated tier and she was so utterly at his mercy. Alone, penniless, friendless. -.Was it lo he wondered thai she accepted any haven offered?

Peggie gathered no mere- sweet peas U'ir did she sing as she pse-ed lo and fro, to anu fro. Jf only shj could

find some second way. She wa.s able lo think more, clearly when Selworn htiid r ono, to remember the cruel tightness of his lips, the gleam in h!s halfclosed eyes. She was in his power. She oou'ld rwt csoaoe. Restless in her" dismay of mind Peggie left the garden and went wandering ever the valleys throush which turbulent streams dashed along their t-tony beds. Child-like, Peggie besran 1.0 forget her burden of care as she listened lo the thrilling sons of the lark, -and gathered her nosegay of flowers. It was good to be alive on such .a dsy.

On the. bop of a hillock f.he paused, h-e.r curls tossed by the breeze, her lips curved in a half smile. .Her mother's legacy had boon the gay French spirit which laughs to Ihe very brink of trigedy. She was so young, this nameless Peggie, and she had n passion for gaiety. To-morrow Was tomorrow, but tc-day wias her own. Tomorrow could be put aside. Down below, OO a lower slope, she spied the most ptaturesuc of old Castles, ivy clad, turreted, s'et in the midst of gardens and wojds. An ideal spot and an ideal home, with the sunbeams making a glory of mullioned panes. "I wonder who lives there," thought Pewrie as she retraced her steps. "What a beautiful old place, much prettier than Grafflngton Towers! I think that is like a prison." And she shuddered, connecting Graffington Towers with Rowland Selworn. There was a new arrival at the farm. A woman of about thirty-eight, rawboned, freckled, kindly, who stood leaning against the Wicket as Peggie approached. As the girl came into sight the woman straightened herself, shading her eyes with her hand whilst a cry broke from her; A cry which told'of seme alarm, some surprise which was as suddenly checked. Peggie ran forwarel. "You are Ml?" she asked, for the colour had drained from the other's "No," said the woman in low tones, "not ill. But ycu, who are you? What is your name? You are too young to be—" Peggie was perplexed. Diet you take me for s-imeone you knew?" She asked, "I am a stranger here. lam staying for —for a few days at the farm?" "And your name? Tlu blord iWShed to Peggie's oheeks. She had no name, yet how could she confess it? , „_ . "Lanyard " she faltered, Pegsie Lanyard." v . The woman shook her head ft was not the name she expected no, nor the voice This was an English girl, and shorter too than—that other. That other whose face was identical with this Pegige Lanyard's. "You're staying at the farm,' she said. "Come awa in then. Tea will lie ready I'm Jean Macklany, they re my father and mother who have been telling me of you." "But you speak English. Your parents— ■" "Ah, ave. They only have the Gaelic I've been out in service since I was a lass of fifteen, first at -the Castile, then in Edinburgh and London. I'm home for my holiidays in the sonsiest place the world holds.' All the time Jean Macklany spoke she was looking at Peggie, the girl seemed to fascinate her. Peggie was glad enough of someone to speak to, and from the first she lik3d this Jean Macklany, kind, middle-aged reliable Jean who was plainly worshipped by the old parents who sat one on pact side of her at table, pressing her to tat this and that, laiughdng, questioning, adoring all the while. Pessis. a little apart, felt the keen stab of jealousy. This Jean had what she most coveted, a mother —a —a home where she was most weltoTh'e old people, chattering in their quaint Gaelic, spoke of Peggie, told what they knew. Jean ate her tea and pondered. ~,.*„„ "It's strange," said the "and Mister Selworn belonging to the Castle too. And she knitted her brows, considering Perhaps she was not good at riddles for she scon Was smiling again talking to-Peggie. ~. "You'll have been in Scotland be* 'iforO" she ashed. Pegige shoolk her head. ... , _, "No never. It is beautiful Today I saw the loveliest aid castle not far from,here. Do . you know who lives there?" Again Jean darted her an enquiring "You d'idna ken? Didna Mr Selworn tell you it's Manis Castle the Scottish seat of Lord Maundleton."

,>.■:;•-:■!'; flushed. . ''Lord Maundleton!" she exclaimed, "but he lives at Gaffington Towers." "Oh aye, but Manis Gastle is bis too 'Not a family property, but Lousht when he was a young man. He's not been here though for many a long year. Yes, Mithor, I'll be coming out to s?e the poultry." Peggie had been given more food for thought. If Manis Cas,tle belonged to Lord Maundleton was Selworn staying there" . "Perhaps," said Jean later in the evening, having invited Peggie out into the garden to gather some rosej, "you wad 'like to go over Manis Caste one of these days? I'm friends with the housekeeper, Mrs McGregor and—there'd be no objeotic<n." -I'd love to," replied Peggie, will vou take me to-morrow?'' " Jean smiled. "Yes," she said, "we'll eo to-morrow. You've heard maybe 'of Lord Maundleton?" Peggie turned away to pluck a rosebud, a thorn ran sharply into her "Yes," she replied, "I —I have heard of him." , , , "And seen him. Hecks! he s a fine gentleman." "No, I have never seen him. Never. Jean pondered the problem to h.-r----eelf thai uight. Surely, surely, there could be no mistake, This lassie was as like as two peas in a pod to his lordship's young French bride who had sprat an ill-fated honeymoon at Manis CaMi' 1 eighteen years ago. Yet Jean had never heard that Lord Maundleton possessed a daughter, and none knew the whole truth of that mysterious marriage. The appearance of this young a-irl seemed to honest Jean like Ihe turning back of closed pages of life and ft new .chapter lo a half-for-gotten'secret. Perhaps she was as keen to go to Manis Castle as Peggie was to get, there. In spile of dull woathci and threatening of rain. Jean Macklany kept her promise the following afternoon. It was less than two miles to Manis Castmle and as Peggie again saw the picturesque mansion a new interest kindled in her. This was Lord Maundlelon's place. And she? Peggie thought of Howland Selworn. If she married the latter this might one day be her home. The suggestion was pleasing to tho child with her quick imprcsdons, but a second )ater she was telling herself she could never say yes tu Rowland Sclworn's offer. She could not forget -—but T'Ji.y belonged lo Ann! The housekeeper,—a very grand old lady In proverbial black silk —greeted Jean warmly. But, like Jean, she seemed etartltd and "put about" at sight, of Jean's companion. '"Miss Lanyard," she repeated, "Eh, but it's strange that a young leddy \vi' that face should come to Manis. Eh I I'd sooner have expected his laird-s-hip's self." "Can we go over the Castle?" asked .lean, with a Warning glance. "Miss Lanyard is anxious lo see i.lie place, , that's why I brought her."

Mrs McGregor hesitated. "And little hairm there'd be, - ' she repSted, "but you maim po carefully, for Mr Se.lworn's self is at the Cast-In the noo.'' s CHAPTER XVI. Ah ! that Was what Toggle had been wondering. So Se.lworn was here, awaiting her decision. Wby had he not told her of his purpose"? Why had tie refrained from a daily visit to the farm ? Peftgie wondered what toe would say if he knew she were here, and instantly decided to let him know the fact if she could do so without Jean being aware of it. Perhaps she ought not to have come, posing as Miss Lanyard when one d-ay the truth of her identity might be known. She was wondering whether J can Macklany and this Mrs McGregor had ever seen her mother. Jean's amazement yesterday, the housekeeper's perplexity to-day could not be coincidence. Rowland Selworn could perhaps explain. Besides, she would like to see him, she wanted to judge her feefflngs towards him, better, to make up her mind for the iinaH decision. At present she was like a straw in the wind, cne moment deciding for. another against this slrango marriage. Jean and Mrs McGregor had a great deal to talk about. Peggie was quite aware she was a trifle superfluous, but Jean was kind and she had come with a purpose. "You shall just have a blick o' the grand ball-room," said she, "but we'll go quiokly. It's the library over there with the antlers over the door and Mr Selworn busy within. You shall have a blick o' the ball-room though." And Peggie, having [located the library, tok her "blick" well contented. It was rather a cursory looking over cf the -castle. Mrs McGregor was obviously uneasy about at. Mr Selworn was the only visiter they ever had and the housekeeper told them ho was more particular than the Earl. "It's not as if he'd been born to it," declared the housekeeper. "And many of us have greeted to think that his lairds'hip has no heir. Mr Selworn kens how to rule, but he'll never ken how to win love." Words Which struck chill In. Peggie's heart. So she had boon right in guessing what those straight lips meant. And why was Rowland Selworn so anxious to marry her? feggie was sure hedid not love her. Yes, sure of it. And, hearing what these women sold

Words Which struck chill In. Peggie's heart. So she had boon right m guessing what those straight lips meant. And why was Rowland Selworn so anxious to marry her? feggie was sure hedid not love her. Yes, sure of it. And, hearing what these women sold of him, he seemed to Le the last man to perform a generous and disinterested action.

She, Peggie, must see him in his own home. Must take him unawares, With his mask off, and then decide as to the future.

"You must marry me," Selworn had insisled. But Peggie's high spirit rose in rebellion there. She would not be coerced even by Fate. Mrs McGregor, with an apology to the "young ltddy" had carried off Jean for "twa minutes" gossip, The housekeeper wanted to ask her friend who the mysterious Miss Lanyard was, and to discuss a likeness which both would agree could bo no chance resemblance. Peggie, left alone, slipped into the passage. She-was daring by nature, and mastered shyness in the desire to know' more of her own feelings. She must see Selworn and learn hew he would impress her hero in the home which ought to have been hers. This btautifuil home! Peggie had been oppressed by the grandeur of Graflington Towers, she was fascinated by the old-world charm of ManH Castle. Fascinated—had she known it—as Lord Maundleton had been when he bought it twenty years ago< Peggy was clever at finding her way about strange pieces. She threaded her way 'along a dozen passages,, hoping , devoutly that Jean's "twa minutes" would be elastio ones. She took the risk where many girls would have wavered aUd hesitated till the chance was lost.

The great hall, with Its stadned glass windows, armour and antlers, pictures ahd heavy furniture, awed her. H was like stepping back three hundred years into a past that did not belong to her. Had her mother, Desiree Youvet. ever stood here end felt as she did? The library door was closed. As Peggie softly turned the handle she was arrested by the sound of voices within. A man Was speaking, Peggie could hc;ar What he said though a heavy curtain luiag 'Over the door within. Evidently the speakers had not heard the handle turned. "I want to know—" said the deep voice,—ar.d Peggie recognised that of Nat Kelthorpe, the custodian of the Cumberland farm, tho poacher of Elsdale, "I want to know. I'm loyal, and I mean to be trusted. If you don't tell nil the truth, sir, I can't manage Madge. Anjone could buy Madge. It's the highest bidder with her. And she knows too much, just as I know too little." "You are a plain speaker, Nat," came the reply in Selvvorn's sneering voice. "A very plain speaker. Do you realise who I am?" - "Lord Maundleton's heir, I reckon," retorted the poacher with a husky laugh which told a talc of heavy drinking, "but that's neither here or there. I'll state my ccsc. You tell me you want me to spy on her and see she speaks to nG one. Then you tell me I and my sister are to come up to Cumberland and carry on the same game. Did I do It? Was I faithful? Then you come again. You want to carry toe girl off alone without letting her knew you've done it. She —and anyone who might be looking for her—are to be told that she is iu *he hands of a Secret Society. Annekists. We arc lo sleep zound. Did we sleep zound? I tell, you wj never blinked an eye-lash that night till you got off, motor par, girl and ail. Then what happens? I can see pretty clear how it must ha' been. Mr Selworn saves Missie from Anneklst enemies which probably never existed Mr Selworn rescues the lady from tho prison he's popped her into an' brings her along. Missie is grateful of course. Thinks she might have been murdered by tho Annekists that never was there. Afterwards well,'Mr Selworn, ?.ir., I want to know what slory I'm to tell Madge. I'm loyal—but—"

"You want to know? One can know too much, Nat, and then one ceases to be useful and begins to be—a nuisance. I have no use for the latter. When a wasp stings me I kill it. They are tiresome things—wasps." "Which means, zir?"

A low laugh from Selworn. "Oh, you need not be afraid. I am not going to murder you. nor am I going to confide secrets. I shell pay you for coming here. I was interested lo hear you had had visiters at a certain farm Yes, I pay you and I believe in your loyally. It occurs to me. Nat, that it would not. pay you lo be otherwise. The Craigley affair—.'

Kelthorne cursed in an undertone, the girl w.'io listened could not hear the words but she guessed he was afraid. Selworn had put his finger on a raw spot. As for Peggie herself she knowit was time lo be going. She had beard all there was to hear. At least the supposed so. That calmly discussed villainy, so glibly revealed by Kollhorpe, had horrified hor, and yet the was not aware of any over-mas-tering amaze. Never for an instant was she incredulous. Had she heard Selworn indignantly deny his treacherous double-dealing Ehe would jpaye

l known the. poacher spoke the truth. All [ that had been perplexing was plain now. Selworn, her supposed chain - . pinn. the disinterested friend, had been | deceiving her all the, lime. Tragedy had been the flimsiest comedy through whiich il shamed her not. to have seen. But this was no moment, to think ihings over. She v,as more afraid of Selworn at this instant than ever she had been, of Gui-c'o Kesano. He had deliberately tricked her. Yet wliy? Was it because he had lied about that secret marriage? Was she the lf»gal daughter and heiress of Lord Maundleton? That would be an explanation; there was no ether. (To be continued next Saturday.)