Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 March 1906 — “My boy, I have behaved badly." [ARTICLE]

“My boy, I have behaved badly."

“I can marry Dorothy now,” said Brendon, with a contented sigh. “If my intluenee can help you, yes.” Derrington paused and shook his head. “But there is a lioness in the path, George.” “Mrs. Ward?” “Exactly. She will move heaven and earth to prevent the marriage.” George looked puzzled. “I see no reason why she should oppose it if I am acknowledged as your heir.” “Nor do I. I thought myself that it was simply the money she wanted, and if you were the son-in-law she would not get her claws on the gold. But there is more in it than that. She seeks revenge.” “On me? I have never harmed her.” “it’s a vicarious revenge. I believe that woman loved your father, George, and that he slighted her. That is why she wants to visit his sin—as with a vindictive spirit she may regard it—on you.” “Did Mrs. Ward know my father, sir?” asked George quickly. “Yes. She met him at San Remo.” “Then she knew he was murdered?" “Of course. I saw Mrs. Ward the other day, George. She came here to force me to harm you and to consent to Walter marrying Dorothy.” “Oh! You never agreed to that.” “I have answered her challenge by asking you to dinner and will acknowledge you my heir. Mrs. Ward will then try to make mischief.” “Can she do so?” “Yes. She knows that I was in Mrs. Jersey’s house on that night” “And you were, sir?” Derrington made a most unexpected reply. “No, I was not” [TO BE CONTINUED.]