Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1908 — A CROWN OF FAITH [ARTICLE]

A CROWN OF FAITH

CHAPTER XYII. Mias Gregson spoke with such decision that Leila really bega n to question her* Self as to whether she had in truth met the colonel's'proud wife in the lane. She had been excited twice previously that evening—once by the attack of Ellen Watson, and next by the news of the old earl’s illness. Besides, she had seen And talked with Arthur Oalthorpe, and her brpin had been hot and hSk heart sore. Certainly, she could not be mistaken in regard to the footsteps which had gained on her, nor as to that fearful yell she had heard while in the bam. But, then, what possible connection could all that have with Mrs. Wycheriy? Mias Gregson’s theory of a traveling showman’s wife, who had quarreled with a savage husband, seemed far the most likely one; and thus it came to pass that, when Leila had partaken of the regulation bread and cheese supper which was the portion of the teachers at St. Martha’s, she lay down with her mind very much in a chaos of uncertainty, not at ail well able to decide that it was in truth Mrs. Colonel Wycheriy whom she had met In the lone. - She slept well, for bodily fatigne will Induce sleep, even when the mind is disturbed, and it is a long Walk from St. Martha’s College to Abbotshold and back again. When daylight broke, the twittering of the birds amid the branches of the thick tree* that cluster around St. Martha’s awoke Leila. She arose, dressed and sallied ont Into the fresh air of the morning before the sun bad waxed hot. She had no intention of straying beyond the precincts of St Martha’s. This was not permitted to the teachers, any more than to the pupils, without special leave. The lawn, and shrubbery, and side paths at St. Martha’s were Indeed pleasant and very extensive. The flowers in the borders were still asleep, their cups all dosed, and heavy with dew. A delightful breeae waa astir, which rustled all the leaves in tha shrubbery, and made pleasant music in the ears of the girL Leila entered the shrubbery which was bordered by the very high wall over which Mias Jenny, the heiress, bod climbed. Raising her eyes, she was amased to see a man's figure recumbent on. the broad summit, and the next moment a bouquet was hurled at her feet. She started, and looked up, half indignantly, at the bouquet thrower. ' “ It was no youthful Adonis who had given her this token of his admiration. It was a man, broad and burly, sandy bearded and middle-aged. It was Dr. Dundas, the Scotch surgeon, who resided at Wycheriy Hall. “Good morning, Mias Leigh,’* said the Scot gaily, and he added gallantly: "Tour cheeks rival my roses. Will you not accept them?” Leila had been brought up abroad, where politeness is taught from the cradle. She picked up the flowers, smiled very sweetly, and said that the flowers were charming. "And so are you,” cried the man of science. Leila colored faintly with surprise and perplexity. She had scarcely ever exchanged more than a passing greeting with Dr. Dundas, and the sadden marked attention of the Scot perplexed and astonished her; : ‘ “I do not wish to infringe the rales of this excellent establishment," said Dr. Dundas; “and I, suppose that I am Infringing them in climbing this wall and dinging you those flowers. I will confees, likewise, that I watched for yon here. A little bird told me that it waa your custom to walk In the grounds occasionally before the other ladies a roes, consequently I have watched for you several mornings, and now, behold! patience is rewarded." “And may I ask why?" asked Leila, flashing a glance upon the doctor which had not a gleam of coquetry in it. “I have something of Importance to say to you, Miss Leigh, which must not reach any other ears than yours. Unfortunately for me, I am not a fluent or correct French scholar, otherwise ! -might warn you from this elevation, and persona passing along the road would In all probability not understand me. But though I read and write Greek and Latin, I only apeak English. Thus I am about to transgress the rales. I am going to leap down upon this grass border. Do not fear;* I axq agile for my years." Another moment and Dr. Dnndas stood by Leila’s side in the shrubbery. “Now let ns walk down that path under the lime trees.” Leila obeyed, wondering. “Now, Miss Leigh, I am not here te make yon a foolish declaration at which you would laugh; lam here to warn yeff. I*o not compromise yourseM, do net even pledge yourself to many Arthur Caltharpe. If he shell eeeeeed In ridding himself of the claims of that.women WatSiS&s&SBS will be able to do; but even if ho In Aue’L marry him.’* "WhyT asked Leila, turning pels with “He Is not whet he soemsr “I will not believe ooe word agates* him,” said the young lady indignantly. 1 "Ala* I you ere In love with him, I leer, or ie K the prospective title and greet estate oeiy which excite yoer ad“l would not care If he war* penniless to-morrow, If he wen free of that woman: but a# R to, I mast hoop clear of Mr. Oalthorpe; bat l still belter* hfaa te be • th* eoul of honor." "To« lev* him," said the doctor. “Well, well, well. It can’t be helped. Meanwhile, Miss Leigh, allow me to tell you that I think Mr. Oalthorpe la a man of honor. I have nothing to say against him.” “Why wara ms thee?" "Became brighter chances will be laid at your feet. You are not what yon seam.” * Leila stopped in her walk. She looked at the doctor. Tha color mantled on her cheek, her heart beat violently. Suddenly the scene at Ohateeu Moreau-

villa enacted Itself before her again. Again her father, and the stranger in the mantle, stood close to her where she lay, and she beard her father say : “You will find the certificates of my marriage and the baptisms of my children in the silver casket.” : “Do you know anything of our father, Dr. Dundas?” asked Leila eagerly. “Who he -was? who " The doctor held up his hand and smiled. “I know everything; I have known your whereabouts ever since your birth. Th<? time is nearly come to make it public. Of course, it is possible that your claims might be contested; but I do not think so. Anyhow, they are so strong, and the proofs I hold so plain, that I do not dream they will be contested for a moment. lam sorry, in one sense, that you have given your heart to Arthur Galthorpe. Still, it can’t be helped. There is a scamp of a brother ; and the young gentleman himself has acted foolishly in playing such a prank in the Highlands. I tell you plainly that I believe this woman will get a sort of open verdict, and then she will go to a higher court. I should not wonder if there are not thfee or four trials, and the whole of the United Kingdom kept watching and wondering and amused. Why, I am afraid it will wear out your young, fresh life. I wish yon would give up all thoughts of him. Will you not try?” She shook her bead sadly. “No, Dr. Dnndas; because I believe in my heart that the whole of bis acquaintance with that woman consisted of a mere game of forfeits, snch as Is played every Christmas in most English bouses. He never spoke of love to her —he. never attempted to win here. She only wishes to be Lady Beryl.” “And that she never, never will," said Dr. Dundas, with a strange smile. “Then yon think ” began Leila. Again the doctor waved his hand. “I believe she will succeed in getting herself called Mrs. Caltborpe. I do not think you will ever foe his wife.” Leila gated at the doctor In amusement. “You contradict yourself, sir," she said. “No, Ido not,” he said; “although you find it difficult to understand me. She may be Mrs. Oalthorpe, but never Lady Beryl,” and be added, after a pause: “That honor is reserved for Miss Ella Wycheriy." “Oh! la that so, indeed?” asked Leila, drawing herself up proudly. “I never knew that Mr. Caltborpe wished to marry Miss Wycheriy. Still, It u a fitting match.” t “Arthur Oalthorpe will not marry Mias Wycheriy,” said the old doctor. “Nevertheless, she will be Oounteas of Beryl.” Leila could not understand this man. He laughed, then held ont his hand. “Trust me for a little while,” he said; “and try, my dear young lady, to think as little as possible of Arthur Caltborpe. Above all things, keep him at a distance until this trial is over. Before then many things will have happened. up your spirits; do not despair. Now, can you let me out by an easier method than I descended by?” Leila led the way to a little wicket gate, which opened inside and led from the grounds of St. Martha’s. Dr. Dundas raised his bat, and passed out Into the field*. ~ • . Leila stood at the gate, watching his burly figure until it was out of sight. The more she thought over this strange interview more perplexed grew her thoughts. Dreams of wealth and position for herself and her brother passed through her mind; but only vaguely—there was no enthusiasm in those dreams. 1 Arthur Caltborpe, somehow stripped of his wealth and expected title; Arthur Caltborpe separated from her, and given over into the power of Ellen Watson; or else Arthnr Caltborpe become Earl of Beryl, and Ella Wycheriy his counteas. Thee* were the pictures which her imagination conjured up. A rival—always s rival; the loss >of Arthur Oslthorpe’a love; and if so, what would all tha wealth of the world avail to her? She nrsut into the house more sorrowful than elated. Soon her pupils appeared in the classroom, and ahe had to take her French class before breakfast. It was some time before she had an opportunity of speaking alone to Miaa Gregson; It was while she was chagning her dress for the 6 o’clock tea. When Mias Gregson heard of the communications of Dr. Dundas, her light tyaa flashed; she grew pal* with excitement. “Leila,” she said, at length, "do you knew, I believe the magician in the long cloak who paced along tbe old hall at the chateau with your father was none ether than Dr. Dundas. Try to recall Ua figure and hla voice. Do they tally with those of this Scot?” Leila paused a moment. “Yea.” ahe said presently; “that man waa tall, and hie form was bread, am I remember it now seen wrapped *hi the folds of the cloak. Dr. Dundas is tall and broad. Then the vole* was ■ libra and sweat; ao la the deep voice of this Scotchman. Figure and vwtoe agree, MUaa; only, how can such things be? Tall me, Is Dr. Dnndas a wtaard, that he holds the keys of the secrete of three families not oonaaeted la any way? ll* know* the history of our father, of the Wycheriy*' secrets, and some mystery connected with Arthur Oalthorpe T ' »1 'S "Bemuse, my dear, yon wiU find all tIUPM AN iHtJIQAUij cooiifcted. I sure of It Sec, what does he say? Arthur Oalthorpe la not what he seems?” "Yea; he strove to set me against him said ha was no match for me meaning this dreadful Wateon affair, of course.” “Not only thati this Wateon woman will be set about her business shortly, If I am not mistaken. It U not only that—so, I do not believe that Arthur Oalthorpe Is In truth the heir of tb* Eerl of Beryl." ■ And hn* Miaa Otcgsoa held up her Hager Impressively. “I should not rare if he were belr to a cabbage patch and nothing else, so that he could throw that Watson woman off!” Leila spoke with passionate warmth.

Miss Gregson clasped her hands tightly.

“After all, you are happy if you never marry him; yon are happy, because you know that yon have his heart —that he will never love any other woman. You know that this Watson woman never excited in him any more admiration than—say, Miss Pritchard, of this establishment But to love, and for him you love to Ignore you—-to appear quite unconscious of your very existence! Ah I Leila Leigh, that is bitterness!” And Ell» Gregson burst into a passion of tears. > What could Leila say to cpmfort ,tbls poor heart? She knew where Lionel's heart was given; but she also knew that the romantic English governess had given her love unsought. (To oe continued.)