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( UopyngM. ) WASHED ASHORE:

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( UopyngM. ) WASHED ASHORE: A ROMANCE. BY HORACE LASHBROKE. Author of To the Rescue," An Unjofft Steward," "The Wreck of the Gold&n Fleece," Ainsworth's Folly," False Pit. tences," &c., &c. CHAPTER IX. PAPA ARRIVES. So you are the bearer of good tidings, papa?* It was Annie Fraser who put this question to Slei father as they walked from Pensarn Station to their lodgings. Mr. Fraser had just arrived from London, and his daughter had met hint. She had at once divined that he was not in the best of humours. Partly in the hope of changing his present state of mind, and partly out of curiosity, she had made the above reference to the conclud- ing words of his message. "Good tidings of what?" he answered, snap- pishly. > v "You said in your telegram there was 'a ray oi hope. "Did I And I concluded you referred to our future prospects." So I did." Then uncle has not behaved so badly after an ? Every bit as badly." "You were not referring to uncle, then ? No." They walked on in silence for a little way. Mr. Fraser was the first to break it. Your uncle behaved like an ungrateful scoundrel to me." u So you stated in your letter." "And it would be the rankest hypocrisy were I to say I regretted his decease." You attended the funeral ?" Of course I did. It would have been a breach of social decorum had I failed to do so." Of course." I had invariably done my duty by him when he was alive, and badly as he has treated me, I shall not forget my duty towards him now that he is dead." Everyone knows you never fail to fulfil your ,duty, be it what it may, papa." Mr. Fraser glanced quickly at his daughter on hearing this complimentary expression escape her lips. It was difficult to believe she spoke seriously. If," he said, after another brief pause, "there Is a ray of hope for our future prospects,we have not to thank your uncle for it. We have only to thank a merciful providence." There is, then,a ray of hope ? Yes, Annie but do not build upon it. We may be doomed to disappointment after all." Tell me what it is, papa dear." IW1 She put her arm through his and leant upon him affectionately. You are like all the women when they want to lataw anything," said Mr. Fraser. If you do not wish to tell me, papa, I will not be inquisitive." If I take you into my confidence, Annie, you will hold your peace ? You may trust me implicitly." You are already aware that your uncle al- ways led me to believe I was to inherit his wealth. You are also aware that at the eleventh hour he changed his mind and left everything to his niece Mary ?" l' Well, Mary is seriously ill." Indeed? So ill that there is small hope of her re- covery. Should she die I come into that which I was always led to believe would in any case be mine." What is she suffering from ? Consumption—an incurable complaint, let the medical wiseacres say what they will." And in that case, papa, it would be better for the poor creature were she to be speedily out of her misery." "I think so but still,it is our duty to do all in our power to prolong human life, however great the suffering that prolongation may entail. In this respect I have done my duty towards my niece I have sent her for a sea voyage." U For how long, papa ? That depends upon circumstances but, to tlpeak candidly, I do not think she will ever re- turn. I fully expect the poor creature will die on the voyage out. As ill as that, is she ?" Mr. Fraser nodded in the affirmative. Has she gone on a long voyage ?" asked his I daughter. No." And when do you expect to hear of her ?" "Daily." I Do you mind telling me where she has gone to ?" 1 She has gone for a short trip only where, ib matters not. If she survives she will return but I am convinced by the state of her health when she started that she never will return. Now I have told you all, and more than is necessary for you to know. Don't ask me any more ques- tions. I Very well, papa you know best." There was another brief silence. How is your mother ?" exclaimed Mr. Fraser at last. She imagines herself unwell." Has she consulted a medical man ?" She called in Dr. Winchester of Rhyl." Confo-und her, and Dr. Winchester too cried Mr. Fraser, passionately, his keen grey eyes flashing. Your mother is incorrigible. She doesn't mind what expense she puts me to. Had I mil the money her doctor's bills have ,amounted to in the last few years I should be comparatively wealthy." There is at least one consolation, papa dear- you are not that amount out of pocket You have never been compelled to pay the doctor's "bills." That is a very impertinent observation, -young lady. If I have been unfortunately unable to meet all my liabilities they will have to be met eventually as a matter of honour." I am sure I had no intention of being imper- tinent," answered his daughter "and so far as Dr. Winchester is concerned, I can assure you you need have no fear of his running up a long bill. He told mamma distinctly there was nothing really the matter with her, and that it was in- curring unnecessary expense to keep him in attendance. He was sent for in the first instance toaee me. You know how frightened poor mamma gets if there is the slightest thing the matter with any of us." "Pah she only wants half an excuse to get a medical man into the house. I won't have any more of it, I swear I won't You know very well, papa, I am not prone to "encouraging mamma in her craze for medical advice, but I really believe we have found a friend in Dr. Winchester. He seems most kindly disposed towards us, and I am quite sure he will regard a little music as ample repayment for his -professional attentions." He's a married man, I suppose," said Mr. Fraser, significantly. "No, he is not, papa. He is single, and the leading medical man in the district. He attends all the best families and moves in the best society. Indeed, I think he may be very useful to us. I am sure you will like him." 91, Has he money ? cc I believe so, and is making money rapidly." II Is he steady? Remarkably so. And he has taken a fancy to your voice ? < Yes." Then perhaps there may be a ray of hope for you, Annie, in more directions than one Mr. Fraser bestowed a very knowing look upon his daughter as he said this it was a look of inquiry too. She blushed and hung her head. We will cultivate Dr. Winchester by all means, my dear 1" said Mr. Fraser, patting bit, child playfully on the shoulder as yotl ciously observed not a moment since, he may w very useful to us-to you especially, my swoot one!" a A They had now reached the Terrace, and entotv their lodgings in silence. » On (he following day Dr. Winchester ctlloft ti ree Mrs.* Eraser, and was of course introduced to Papa." Many people are of opinion that first im- pressions invariably prove correct that is to way, if you take a liking to a person's face and manner on introduction, or the reverse, you will 1111<1 in the long run that you were justified in your primary conclusion. You may change your opinion after a brief acquaintanceship, but ultimately you will come back to your first in- stinctive impression. On being introduced to Mr. Fraser, Dr. Winchester was not favourably impressed. His keen grey eyes were too close together and too restless, and his manner too gushing. Delighted to make your acquaintance, lam sure," said Mr. Fraser. My daughter has told me of your great kindness to her and to her mother during my absence." I am not aware of having shewn any marked kindness to your daughter or Mrs. Fraser," an- swered the doctor. Miss Fraser generously over- estimates my professional services." He means me to understand he has no inten- tion of favouring us with his gratuitous services," thought Mr. Fraser to himself. But you have been very kind to them, my dear sir, of that I am convinced; my daughter is the last young lady in the woild to give praise where praise is not aue. You have been good enough to think highly of her small vocal ac- quirements, I understand. Your daughter has been good enough to de- light me with her singing she has an exception- ally beautiful voice.' "SheAas a fine voice, certainly. A few years ago a poor friend of mine wished me to assist her to an appearance on the operatic stage, but she did not seem particularly anxious to attempt it, and I was not willing for her to embrace the life of an operatic singer—a dangerous place for any young lady, the stage, Dr. Winchester." I was not aware that there was any great danger attached to the operatic stage,' replied Dr. Winchester "but I am no judge of Buch matters. I will own that that was not my only objec- tion," said Mr. Fraser. At that time my poor daughter, indeed all of us, that is to say my wife and myself included, had brilliant prospects. There was, therefore, no necessity to exercise one's gifts for pecuniary purposes. Suddenly, however, our golden prospects were darkened, and I had it in my mind to suggest to Annie the advisability of turning her abilities to advantage. I had it in my mind to pocket my prejudices and permit her to face the footlights." In spite of the dangers you apprehended ? said the doctor, with a touch of sarcasm. In spite of the dangers I had apprehended, Dr. Winchester. Selfish, no doubt, on my part, very selfish but when poverty comes in at the door not only love, but, alas, principle, too often flies out of the window. However, I never did make the suggestion to my daughter. I hesi- tated, and while hesitating Providence cast a ray of hope across my path ana caused me to abandon my more than half-formed resolve." Dr. Winchester remembered the wording of the telegram Miss Fraser had read to him. "There is a prospect, Dr. Winchester," re- sumed Mr. Fraser," of my inheriting the fortune 'ng of which for some time I believed I had been cruelly deprived." You are to be congratulated on the favour- able turn circumstances have taken," said Dr. Winchester. Personally," said Mr. Fraser, I care little which way the matter goes, but for the sake of my wife and daughter I am anxious. When a man has arrived at my time of life, doctor, he has become a money-worshipper or a moralist. I hope and believe I have become a moralist. I have no love of money save for my dear ones' sake." Mr. Fraser's eyes were quite moist as he concluded speaking, and Dr. Winchester's first impressions were shaken. Noting Mr. Eraser's emotion the doctor wisely and delicately held his Eeace, and Mr. Fraser turned away with his andkerchief to his face. At this juncture Annie entered the room. Mamma wishes to know if you will come this evening and have a little music, Dr. Winchester ? She is already getting up in compliance with your advice." I am very sorry, but I am engaged this even- ing; some other time." I hope you will make this open house, my dear doctor," said Mr. Fraser. "Pray don't stand upon ceremony; come in and out just as you please." You are very kind, I am sure. I hope I may have the pleasure of seeing you at Glan-y-don frequently;" and the doctor rose to take his leave. Did you ride over or come by train ? asked Mr. Fraser. I came over by tram with the intention of walking back. Not feeling quite up to the mark I thought a stretch would do me good." Do you object to my accompanying you ? I shall be delighted with your company." And the two men left the house together. CHAPTER X. IDENTIFIED. They went by the seashore. The morning was bright and calm. The surface of the wide blue waters was smooth as a mirror the tide was up. I Mr. Fraser was bent upon being confidential. He told Dr. Winchester how his prospects had been at least temporarily blighted by his late brother altering his will when on his death-bed how the fortune that should have been his had been left to the poor consumptive girl, who had never evinced any affection for her father; and how he (Mr. Fraser) had sent the said poor consumptive on a short sea voyage from a sense of duty, but without hope of her recovery. "And you have not yet received tidings of her ?" I am expecting them daily. I should have heard ere this, and can only attribute the silence to the heavy weather which immediately fol- lowed the sailing of the vessel in which she em- barked. You mean the great storm of last month ?" Yes." The vessel sailed from Liverpool, I think you said ?" "From Liverpool." Has it not been spoken ?" No. Where was it bound for ?" Belfast, and several other ports on the north coast of Ireland." Was it a large vessel ?" No, quite a small affair, owned and sailed by an honest fellow, whom I could depend upon t;) look well after my niece. His wife was on board, and I arranged that she was to look after the poor invalid." I do not wish to discourage you, Mr. Fraser, but is it not possible the vessel in which your niece sailed may have come to grief on the night of the great storm ?" My dear sir, the possibility you have men- tioned has already crossed my mind. Perhaps you are surprised it has not moved me deeply, but candidly, and speaking without the shadow of a selfish motive, I should not regret it if it were so. The poor young creature was past all hope of re- covery i the short span of life remaining to her under the most favourable circumstances could not have proved better than a living agony." A sea voyage in winter when in such a con- dition was not likely to alleviate your niece's sufferings," observed Dr. Winchester. I acted for the best, and on what I believed to be good advice," replied Mr. Fraser. •• I do not doubt you acted in the belief that you were doing the best, Mr. Fraser, but I venture to think you were ill-advised." "You doctors, you know, my dear sir, seldom agree," retorted Mr. Fraser, with the shadow of a sneer. Dr. Winchester glarced sharply at his com- panion. Was he going to indulge in the im- pertinence of which Annie Fraser had spoken as one of his characteristics? If so the exercise when applied to the doctor must be nipped in the bud. Mr. Fraser caught the expression in Dr. Winchester's eyes, and said apologetically, •' No offence, my dear sir, I hope; I had no inten- tion of being personal. am plfased to hear you say so." They wancea On in mence rnr same seconds, when Dr. Winchester said: "The late storm frat a very interesting and novel case in my lands. A young lady was washed ashore at the point we are approaching. 1 thought it "as all over with the poor creature to all appear- ance she was lifeless, but fortunately I managed to restore respiration and now she is Oil the road J to recovery." Quite out of danger ? Quite." Cases of that kind are few and far between, I suppose ?" "They are not very common." "The first that has come under your care, Dr. I Winchester, eh? and you are naturally proud < f having effected a cure." "I am rather proud of it, certainly; and if 1 could but restore the nile damaged faculty from which my Tatient suffers I should be pr.ude; still." "The one damaged, faculty 1 And what may that be ? Dr. Winchester described how his patiei4 was deprived of -ti! iiejiiory of the past. Strange, would it not be," lie said at last, "were the I young lady your niece 1" Mr. Fraser .Parted involuntarily. Good heavens I" he eveiainied, what could put such a notion in your head ? It is possible," replied Dr. Winchester. "She sailed from Liverpool, you say, on the night pre- ceding the great storm the vessel was bound for the north of Ireland, aud likely enough if wrecked it would be off this coast. You don't seem to appreciate the possibility I do not, sir. I hope the vessel in which my unfortunate niece sailed has weathered the storm. I understood you to say, a few moments ago, that you could not regret it had the vessel foun- dered," answered Dr. Winchester coolly. If I did say so I did not mean to imply the wish that my niece should be drowned. It does not do to put a literal interpretation on every word one hears expressed." "Granted; and if the interpretation I put upon your words, Mr. Fraser, be incorrect I apologise for having hurt your feelings." "You certainly have hurt my feelings, sir; but I accept your apology. When a man has acted from the highest motives he naturally resents the accusation of being inspired with the lowest. However, you disclaim any such inten- tion, so I am satisfied. But the extraordinary hypothesis you have advanced as to the pos- sibility of your patient being my niece utterly amazes me. How a man of your intelligence and abilities could imagine such a thing is beyond conception. Now I put it to you as a medical practitioner who knows what he is about, is it within the realms of possibility that a poor creature in the last stage of consumption could have survived the ordeal of prolonged submer- sion ?" "It is not probable, certainly, but are you positive your niece was in the last stage of con- sumption? My dear sir, have I not told you I acted under medical advice that she was declared to be in the last stage of consumption that she was sent for a sea voyage on that very account ?" "The very fact of her being sent for a sea voyage suggests the great improbability of your niece being the victim of consumption. I cannot imagine any medical man in his senses recom- mending such treatment were she in that condi- tion." You do not doubt my word. Dr. Win- chester ?" No but I very much doubt your medical adviser having told you what was really the matter with his patient. Perhaps he did not intentionally deceive you perhaps he spoke in deplorable ignorance." People are frequently sent for a sea voyage, Dr. Winchester, when they are suffering from consumption." True, but not when they have reached the last stage of the disease, and in winter, too. Well, no doubt you are acquainted with the proper course of treatment; but, as I observed before, you doctors seldom agree. I do not, however, think that any professional difference of opinion or any stretch of imagination can establish the remarkable hypothesis that your patient and my niece are one and the same person. The idea is absurd, sir, absolutely absurd. It would prove rather awkward for you were it not absurd and were my hypothesis to prove correct," replied Dr. Winchester with a smile. "In what respect awkward for me ques- tioned Mr. Fraser sharply. Your prospects, from a wordly point of view, would be blighted." A cry broke from Mr. Fraser's lips, a cry of horror, but not in response to Dr. Winchester's words. Lying amongst some wreckage newly washed ashore by the incoming tide, and lashed to a portion of the same, was the corpse of a woman. Dr. Winchester's eyes fell upon the ghastly eight. at the same moment. But no startled cry came from him he had looked upon death too often. In a moment he was on his knees at the side of the body. Mr. Fraser, who had shrunk back in horror, took courage and drew closer. Is she dead ?" he asked in a half whisper. Dead, poor creature yes, she has been dead a fortnight or three weeks," replied Dr. Win- chester. Mr. Fraser drew still nearer. The corpse was clad in a dark blue serge skirt and a body of the same material. The body was open at the neck, round which hung a silver chain and locket. See See exclaimed Mr. Fraser, ex- citedly. See what!" asked Dr. Winchester, looking up. That chain and locket! I recognise them! I recognise them They are the same that I gave to my poor niece a year ago. The locket should contain a portrait of myself. Open it I open it!" Dr. Winchester did as he was requested. The locket did contain a portrait of Mr. Fraser My niece my poor niece it is the body of Mary Wilde, my poor niece!" cried Mr. Fraser, covering his face with his hands. But the evidence of the locket was not all, for a portion of the wreckage amongst which the body had been washed ashore had painted upon it the name of the ill-fated vessel, and that name was The Stormy Petrel! When, too, the corpse was removed to the Lifeboat House and the clothes, which formed its temporary shroud, were examined, the nether garments were found marked with the name of Mary Wilde (To be continued.) At Birmingham Assizes on Saturday, before Mr. Justice Hawkins, Alfred Rutter, William Beard, and Agnes Cullis, who had been found guilty of the manslaughter of Alfred Hyde, stage manager, at the Canterbury Concert Hall, were broiight up for (sentence. The two tillst,named were sentenced tc seven years' penal servitude each, and the other pri- soner to five years'. It will be remembered that on April 2nd the prisoners attacked Hyde on his way to the hail because he refused to grant them free tickets of admission to the hall, and they i"fliotod injuries from which he died two day afterwards. A man named Bousquet, 38 years of age, formerly a process-server, has at Paris been condemned to death for the murder of his wife's sinter, Juliette Derouard, and of her master, M. Paquy, a barrister. Juliette Derouard, after having had three children by Bousquet, had separated from him and taken a situation as a aervant. He went to try and persuade her to return to him, and, on ner refusal, shot her, as also M. Paquy, who was seated at his desk in an adjoining room, the door of which stood half open. His only explanation of the second crime was that he fancied the girl's master was the cause of her re- fusal to return to him. He shewed no emotion when confessing his crime, but his wife was so overcome that her evidence was dispensed with.. Lord Salisbury's new chateau at Beauleau, on the road to Monte Carlo, will be ready for occupation at Christmas. It is a pretty white house, built on traditional French lines, equipped with English •om forts, and stands upon a hill oommanding a fine prospeot. Beauleau hitherto has been nothing of a place, but sinoe "milord the great English states- man has built a chateau there the place threatens to beoome fashionable. Lord Salisbury also, of course, hat a house near to Dieppe.

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