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The Herald, 1908-09-18, Page 7"Because we were!" said Sylvia, pita ously, "Why, he was a brother to me— what brother could, have done more? Think of it!" "Yes—yes!" assented Audrey. "But you aren't brother and sister now," she murmured, Sylvia's face grew hot, then pale. was such a mite," she said, hur- riedly. "And he was so big 1 Just now —just now—I thought I was up to his shoulder! Yes, I must have grown—al- tered." Audrey laughed softly, "Yes, and he thought so. He gazed as if he could not believe his eyes. He must have thought it was a vision," And she drew her head back in bird -like fash- ion, and looked at the lovely face ad- miringly. "Oh, how wonderful it all isi 'I1hank heaven he has found you! He won't go away again! He can't leave his—sister!" Sylvia's face grew scarlet, and she cov- ered it with her hands as she remem- bered how, on the terrace, she had flown. into his arms. Had she kissed him? She did not know. It was likely. Audrey put up her hand and stroked the soft wealth of dark hair lovingly. "Al, ho whappy you must be to -night, dear!" she whispered. "Yes—no—I don't know," faltered Syl- via. Then she rose with a start. "I must go and tell Mercy," she said. "Wait here for me, Audrey. I—I want to talk—I want you to tell me what I am to do. Oh, I don't know what to do!" And wit!- a little piteous sigh, that was like that of a heart trembling on the verge of a great happiness or a great disappointment she left the room. Mercy was awake and started up as Sylvia entered: "What is it?" she asked., almost in a tone of alarm. "It is news—great news — Mercy, dear!" said. Sylvia. "Jack—I mean— well, he is not—not dead- He has come back. Don't speak, dear! let me tell you in my own way." Mercy listened in silence, but holding both Sylvia's hands, her large, sad eyes fixed sympathetically on her face, until Sylvia came to the scene in the drawing - room. "And he is not `Jack' at all, but—oh, Mercy, his name is Neville Lynne, and he is Sir Jordan's brother!" Mercy dropped Sylvia's hands and ut- tered a faint cry. "His brother!" she breathed, with white lips and a startled, horrified ex- pression in 'her eyes. "Yes," said Sylvia. "He is Mr. Neville Lynne, of Lynne Court. No wonder you are surprised. It all came upon nie like a flash of lightning, I am dazed by it still. But how cold you are, dear!" she broke off, for Mercy's hand, which she had taken, was like ice. Mercy sank back on the pillow, and, turning her face aawy, was silent for so long that Sylvia bent over her anxious- ly"How thoughtless of me, dear!" she said. "I ought to have waited untill the morning, not come to you with all this excitement when you aro tired out with the journey l" "No --no!" said Mercy, in a slow voice. "You were right to tell me at once—at once! Sylvia, I must go back to London to -morrow. I must go by the first train." "Go back to London! Leave me, just now!" exclaimed Sylvia, aghast. "Yes—yes—I must! I must!" said Mercy, almost fierpely, . "Leave me now, dear. I am glad, glad at your happiness. You know that, but yet, I am tired. Go, now, Sylvia!" Her voice was so imploring that Syl- via kissed her and returned to Audrey. "Mercy is ill—very ill, I am afraid," she said, gravely. "I think she scarcely understood—oh, it was thoughtless of me to disturb her to -night! Audrey, I must send for a doctor to -morrow." "Certainly we will," asented Audrey. "Poor Mercy! We will both nurse her back to health. But you'll be, ill, too, my dear, if you don't go to bed and get some sleep. You are quite feverish. See, I have almost undressed—"she had put on her dressing -robe during Sylvia's ab- sence"—and you must let me help you But I will. How lovely this hair of yours is! I have never seen it down be- fore. And what a length!" Sylvia hung her head so that the hair covered her face. "It used to make him angry," she said, in a whisper. "He said that it got in Ins eyes, and into the puddings," and she laughed softly. Audrey laughed. , "That was like a -brother!" she said, archly. "I wonder whether it would make him angry now, or if he would complain even if it did get into his eyes!" "Don't!" breathed Sylvia, almost in- audibly. "Why, what have I said?" exclaimed Audrey, with mock innocence. "How pretty you look when you blush, and— why, what's this, Sylvia?" she broke off to inquire. She had been unfastening Sylvia's dress while she had been bantering her, and had caught sight of a faded ribbon attached to a small, flat package which nestled under Sylvia's bodice. Sylvia put her hand up to it. "I don't know!" she said, with sudden gravity. "Don't know?" echoed Audrey. Sylvia shook her head. "My father gave it to me the night he died," die said, "It is the story of my birth, Audrey." "And you de not know?" "No," said Sylvia. "I was not to open it for three years," and in a low voice she told Audrey kow the package had been given to her, and the injunction that accompanied it. Audrey listened open-eyed "And when do the three years expire?" she said, in almost awe-tricken tones. Sylvia thought for a second, then she started slightly. "To -morrow," she said, almost sol- emnly. CHAPTER XXXII'. Jordan followed Neville out. He was conscious that he carried off the' meet- ing well—very well; but with this con- sciousness was mingled no little appre- hension. •Neville had received his fra- ternal advances so coldly, to put it mild- ly, that Jordan knew he should have to be careful how he dealt with him; and he looked at the stalwart figure in front of him and shuddered as he swore under his breath. He knew Neville's temper of old, and that if he should be sudden- ly enraged he could turn and crush Jor- dan like a nut. "Curse him!" he muttered. "I thought he was dead. I wish to heaven he were!" Then aloud he said: "What a big fellow you have become, Neville! I am delight- ed to see you in such splendid health. Ah, you wanderers have the advantage of us stay-at-homes! Give me your arm, my dear fellow." But Neville strode on, ignoring the affectionate request, and Jordan had to walk quickly to keep up with him. "You have been gaining health and strength while some of us have been wasting ours sitting up past midnight in the House of Commons. How familiar the whole place must seem to you," he ran on, smoothly, and ignoring his bro- ther's silence. "We have often thought of you, Neville; I may say that you have seldom been out of our thoughts, and when I say 'our,' I especially allude to dear Audrey. Sae ,vill be your sister before long. I am sure that will be welcome news to you. And now tell me just this—I must hear the whole acoount of your life since we parted, when we get home—but tell me this; has Fortune smiled on you? Have you come back with your pockets full of gold? I hope so—I hope so," fervently. Neville forced himself to speak calmly. "No. My pockets are empty," he said. "Tut, tut, I am sorry!" murmured Jordan sympathetically, a smile of satis- faction playing for amoment on his thin lips; "I had hoped that you had re- turned with wealth as well as health. But I am glad to see you, rich or poor, my dear• Neville, and—and per• haps not so sorry for your ill -luck as I should be, for it will give ma the opportunity of proving my affe.• tion.' "Oh 1" said Neville, grimly. "Yes," wen on Jordan, blandly. "I am afraid from your manner, my boy, that your mind is recurring— going back—to our pparting. Prav do not allow it to do so. If there was any ill -will between us, time ani absence have softened and dispelled it; and in its place, I trust—for my part, I am sure—there is the best and truest of good will." Neville looked straight in front of him. "And so Fortune has proved un• kind?" continued Jordan "Very,'" curtly. "Well, wet. i can understand ,singer e•n a±'r iF .;,e ;h', 4 iiltt 4. ?.Yu.;Q+ � rR a,., 0,cu,8,ii'!,. ,t.sr., :yr :era aka Your Stomach Nappy with SH RE DE* `','HEAT and .4resh fruits, y n ideal !summer food, wholesome, nourishing and delicious, CONTAINS MORE REAL NUTRIMENT THAN MEAT OR EGGS. roil Sold by -All Grocers ,your disappointnlont. Balt i$ l AL given to all of u:a ;lots. o succeed; and on those of us whom, Fortune favors is bestowed the privilege of helping tilos° near and dear to us. You must let mehelp you." Neville stopped ..short and looked at him in the setnirdeekness. "You offer to help me?" he said. "Certainly, my bey; what more natural? Do you thank I am lost to all sense of kinship, that I fargee we ohe> "Ilare bralf , lirottilers? Tease," said Ne.: villa, grtnilyr.a "Just so, nd forget that our father did at -yes, I will say so candidly—o; wroPie You know that he—er—did not mention you in his will?" Neville's face flushed. Oh, why had he promised .Crab to keep quiet, and leave the working out of affairs to that astute inspector! Why could. n't he seize 'this smooth, oily gentle- man by the shoulder and shake him! "Yes," said Jordan sadly. "I did my best to induce : our father to be reconciled to you -to leave you, at any rate—a competency, but he was immovable. Ile would scarcely per mit me to mention your name. But we will not speak of that; it can only sadden both of us! Tell me your plans, Neville?" "My planar" growled the young man. "Yes," said Jordan, blandly, "D.) you intend to remain in England? Ah! I am afraid not. I have always noticed that when a man has taken to wandering he cannot settle down; once a globe-trotter, always a glob trotter, and I suppose you are al- ready thinking of starting off for somewhere?" Neville was silent, "Silence gives consent! I feared that it would be the ease! Well, well! After all, a roaming life has its charms. But you must let me hole you. I think I may say without im- modesty that I have some interest, you know—or perhaps you don't know that I am in the Cabinet?" For the life of him, he could not keep a tone, of proud superioriety out of his smooth voice. "Oh, yes," said Neville, grimly. " • know, I saw you one night coming, out of Audrey's house—or the Mar- lows'—to your carriage, and hear 1 the crowd shout for the great Sir Jordan Lynne." "In -deed. Really, now! And yo did not come forward and make your- self known! I am afraid you are proud! Beware of pride—" Neville stopped, restrained himself, and strode on. "Well, yes, I have some influence," resumed Jordan, little guessing ho,' narrow a squeak he had had of being shaken, "and I must use it. I must get something for you, some plica abroad. A consulate, or something of that kind. Anrl•--er—meanwhile you 'must come and live at the Court." "No?" Restless „id ',merlons to bo on the move army' s.1id Jordan, pleasantly. "Well, well 1.' am sorry. You must let me make you an allow- ance—no refusal! You mast indeed" —he stopped short and started. His quick ears had heard a foot- step behind them. He looking round and saw a inan's figure crouch- ing stealthily under the shadow of the hedge, and his heart leaped ae he recognized Jim Banks. They were in the avenue now; the lights of the village glimmered in the distance. He glanced over his shoulder stealthily, and was silent for a moment or two, then he went. on: "Yes, you must not allow yoar pride tp cone between us. You must not forget that I ani your brother." "Half brother," said Neville again, grimly. Jordan laughed softly. The balance of 1908 FREE to all new subscribers to the HAMILTON SEMIWEEKLY TIMES from now until the end of 1909 for $ 1.00 in Canada or the United Kin¢dom, This is a chance of a lifetime to secure Hamilton's Leading Newspaper Daily Times by mail $2.00 per annum. Address TIMES PRINTING COMPANY, HAMILTON Lavarick started. "Flim!" he said, hoarsely, "He's Ne- ville Lynne?" "Yes," said Jordan, bending down till his lips almost touched Lavarick's ears. "That is Neville Lynee." His breath eame fast and hot. "It's—it's a quarter of a mile to the village—a lonely road. I— I hope you won't do anything rash, Banks. But remember your poor daugh- ter!" With an oath Lavarick left him, and, still crouching close to the hedge, fol- lowed the unconscious Neville, eefirdan stood and watched, his face white, every limb trembling. Ile saw Neville striding along, and Jini Banks following like a shadow. He saw Banks gain on him, and crouch as if ready for a spring, something gleaming in his hand. "Kill him! Curse him! Kill him!" broke from Jordan's white lips; and at that moment, though he could not have heard the injunction, Lavarick rose as if to spring. But as he did so, Sir Jordan saw an- other figure emerge from the darkness and join Neville. It was Trale. Lavarick saw it, too, and he stopped, and slunk back into the hedge. Jordan waited. a moment, watching Neville and Trate walk off together, then with a bitter sense of disappointment he turned in at the lodge gate. "Son of the same father!" he said. "I cannot forget it, if you would. I shall esteem it a favor if you will accept"— he paused. "Shall we say two hundred a year?" Neville stopped again and looked at him. This man who had robbed him of five or six thousand a year, generously offered him two hundred! He laughed— actually laughed --a laugh that made Jordan shrink away from him. "Not enough, Neville? I was afraid of offering you more; yourpride, you see! Let us say four! And if you have made up your mind to leave England, we must say five; money does not go so far abroad as it does here. Yes, five! Come! I will get you a berth in some pleasant place in the colonies and allow you five hundred a year. I beg you will not wound me by refusing!" They had reached the' lane leading to the Court, and crossed over to the lodge. Neville stopped short. "You will come in --you will stay at the Court 7" said Jordan, with feigned eagerness. "No!" said Neville. "You say my fattier left me nothing?" Jordan shook his head. "I am sorry—very, very sorry, to say he did not," he replied. As he spoke be glaneed round; the dimly seen figure had crept closer. "And you offer me four—five hundred a year?" said Neville, restraining him- self with an effort. "And I hope, I earnestly hope, you will accept it!" said Jordan. Neville drew a long breath. "I'll tell you to -morrow," he said, grimly. "Good night," and he strode off. Jordan put his hand ou the lodge gate and as he did so he felt a hand on his arm. The shadow that lead been following them stood beside him. It Was Jim Banks. He wore a rough: ' workman's suit and a fur cap alntost entirely con- cealed his face. "Who—who was that's" he asked, hoarsely, looking after Neville, "That gentleman? said Jordan, quick- ly,his breath coining and going in sharp pants. "That is my ,brother, Neville Lvetneer CHAPTER 20,2IV. Neville tossed and rolled through the night, but, strange to say, it was not the thought of Jordan's villainy which kept him from the sleep which knits up the raveled sleeve of care. It was Sylvia. `Her brother!" he thought. "That's all I am to her. Just her brother, noth- ing snore! She wouldn't have flown to me, and made so much of me, if—if she'd cared for me in any other way. And why should she care for me in the way I want? A lovely, radiant creature like her—she Iooked like a young princess! —and. famous, too! No doubt there are dozens of men in love with her, belted earls and swells of that kind. And per- haps there's one she cares for!" At the thought he clutched his short hair and groaned, and called himself, for the twentieth time that night,- a fool ever to have lost sight of her. "I've lost her now!" he sighed. ".And serves me jolly well right, too!" Nor aid Lorrimore at the inn have a particularly good night, and as he lay awake thinking of Audrey, he • called himself a fool for staying on at the whispered suggestion of Neville. Perhaps of the three Joriitn slept best, though his dreams were disturbed by that spectre of fear which will haunt the guilty, be they nev; r so bold. In the morning Trale came round. to \Ifs. Pa.reons', and found. Neville pacing up and down restieesly in front of the cottage. "hie, Neville," he said, in an excited whipper, "I've found hint!" "Found him? What?" said Neville, starting. He was too i ueh engaged thinking of "her" to have any room for ane reflections about a "him." "Why, Jim Banks!" said Trate, look- ing round cautiously. Neville's eyes flashed, and his interest awoke. • "When—how?" "Last night," said Trale. "One of my men came upon him at an inn outside the village, where he was drinking heav- ily, and sent me word. He is keeping hki in sight. We'll give him just rope enough; we'll just see what he means to do." "And lose him!" said Neville, grimly. "Not this time, sir," responded Trale, confidently. "I've told my men to knock him on the head and handcuff him, if necessary. No, don't you be afraid, Mr. Neville; I've got him this time. If you can only manage to keep civil to Sir Jordan for a little while longer!" "It's a large order, but I'll try," said Neville, doubtfully. "Do, sir, do!" pressed Trale. "I'm hoping to catch 'ens both so tight that they -an't shuffle out of it. I'm off now, Mr. Neville. Don't be surprised to see nie. at any moment." Neville walked down to the inn to spend the time, but he was told that Lord .Lorrimore had gone out, and after hanging about still thinking of Sylvia, he made his way to the Grange. As he entered the avenue he saw Lord Lorri- more in front of him, and soon overtook him. Lorrimore looked grave and anxious. "Mr. Lynne," he said, almost at once, "las,t night when I stated my inten- tioe of leaving England immediately, yon said 'don't: Will you tell me your reason? Excuse the abruptness of the question, but—well, you see how it is with me." "Yes, I no," saki Neville, "and that's why I said 'don't,' Lord Lorrimore, I wane you to believe that I've good rea- sons for asking you to stay awhile, but that I caret give thein." "It is something in connection with— Miss Rope!" "P. is,' assented Neville, `Look here, Lord Lorrimore, any one can see that Audrey is not happy, that—that, in short, her engagement to my—to Jordan is• not making her happy, and .that— wall, don't you think it is possible that it inay be broken off?" Lorrimore's face lighted up with the hope that rose in his heart. "You think it may?" he said, "No, I don't think; I'm certain," said Neville, gravely. Lorrimore nodded. "I will not ask you another question, Mr. Lynne. I will wait. I will only say this—that if—if I thought Au—Miss Iiope would be happy with him, I would resign her without another effort. But —well, I don't like Sir Jordan, and I mistrust you. Now, if it were you to whom she was engaged " (To be continued,) PAI'sER-HANGING IN PANELS. Latest Method of Wall Decoration—. Handsome Imported Papers. The better sort of wall papers, import- ed to help to make the Anierica.n home beautiful, are hung in panels. 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For the nursery or playroom, as it is sometimes necessary to remove the wall decorations for the cleansing or renova- tion of the room, the panels had best be in the form of detachable frames. Kansas Lake of Burning ice. "Cold? Then we'll net fire to some foe and warm ourselves." The speaker made with the heel of hie skate a hole in the ice. He applieda match to the hole. The ice blazed up instantly with a hot, bright flame. "Oh, how good it feels ,said the young girl. She removed her gloves to warm her slim hands the better. "But isn't it rather odd," she said, "to warm one's hands at a fire of ice?" "You are a stranger to Atchison," said the young Kansan, "or you wouldn't find it odd. We .are used to it here. Al- ways when we skate on Lake Donaphan we set the ice afire if we are cold. She watched her own little fire. "What is the explanation of this mir- acle 7" she said. "A very simple one," said the young man. "This lake is full of natural gases. When it freezes over, gas in the form of bubbles impregnates the ice. You have only to burst open a bubble and put a match to it and up shoots a magical flame." --From the Minneapolis Journal. a The person who first advanced the theory that two can live as cheaply as one evidently never had, twine, Economy is the mother of. liberty. --- Johnson.