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THE FORGE" OF LIFE,

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[PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.] THE FORGE" OF LIFE, BY J. MONK FOSTER, Author of "A Pit-Brow Lassie," "The Cotton King," Slaves of Fate," The Watchm.au of Orsden Moss," In Red Snow Written, Judith Saxon," The Queen of the Factory," &c., &c. COPYRIGHT. "Thus at the flaming forge of life Our fortunes must he wrought, And on its sounding anvil shaped Each burning deed and thought. Longfellow. CHAPTES XLVI.—'To BE OR NOT T<OURNE Since her arrival at Braxholme Park MISS W11S had had a maid of her own. This arrang Q1. ;M. owing to no desire of Molly's, either EXPR'ORTB'S ( plied but was wholly due to Lady Russell- APPEARED kindness and sense of the fitness or |"OUNIE'S P0SI" so much more in keeping with Miss ASA HOUSE 'UL<- tion as the affianced bride of the son ot 11 jlester so it had come about that the PENTONMOOR Thompson, had been chosen for that POS1,, ^YERLtworth's It was the morning following Russe A>N gander- flying visit to Braxholme, and Molly WA,3 GJVE tract of ing somewhat aimlessly through the ex JON. Every park-like grounds surrounding the big nsion. -,v, waking hour since her plighted LOVEI^ 'OEEn taken up pearance on the previous afternoon HJ"1- Asked then, in the contemplation of the QUESTION -REN. and the answer she had half-reluctan V^.J,ELIIGB honour For many months she had drearne N0T only GIVE of Incoming- the wife of a man WHO C PUVchase, but her all those things which WEALTH ,F Russellj would give her the right to call N SUrely enough to Wentworth some day and that NLaid aglow with set the wits of any erstwhile F&C unbounded delight and SELF-GL017' JJA(] been one bittei But from the very beginning T MOment when she drop in her cup of joy. Even A ^.JIE other she had had cast one lover aside to AC G the lord of ler realised that the humbler VOOER LADY Russell- heart and the many ^'NCLNFOVATION of L>ER I111-0-1' Wentworth, the considerate s0n, could not tear, and the unswerving adoration O there. from her heart one INIAGE iy reproved herse on Often enough Molly HADIC FRANK E1IFJT F L account of her inability to A1 £ G^E wanted to forget out of her life and thoug^s. TBEY HAD been more hiiii—to remember no S„'S nature refused to than mere friends, and her o:ill. She loved him, lelt be dominated by her ANd at times she was con- that she must ever love hi MAN but two women one scions that she was not on ^CJJES and high places, the of whom was hungering S;RED peace, love, and simple other one who merely wjfe. contentment as a loved MAN » AND knowledge Then had come the Frank. She had HEARD bora of that last MEETNG^I flight; had read or lus of his arrest on the; very ASSIZES had learned with trial and his co I and a, iration that he had a kind of wondering a7slf of the abominable charge practically convicted HI* ABSOlutely refusing to say of which he was *HE thunderous reports of .i i the mop* midnisrht air. wuere ne >VHS ^RFH on .1 1 TT- I R the explosions RANG FO^" HE was silent. His love for Too well she knew ^J^THER than incriminate her her had sealed HIS HPS- NAI servitude M hat a won- ho was prepared to g° £ £ US{, be to malce lnm act so. drous thing a MAN BAD but to utter half A dozen He loved her Ul uČd be banished from Braxholme in words, and she uld be free. Yet even to spite and disgrace, and HO WOUL WOUld not betray her. overthrow his OWN "jj thig rankled in her soul like The realisation 01 A REIIENDED how vile a thing she vonnm Then sil" c FTLL was this she had discarded. was and hovv NOBFE 8WG THE MOst utter cruelty and foot all his highest and contempt, had TRAUfhis only retaliation was to treat her holiest feeling3' AN<LEL, WILLING to endure all shame and IF SHE were AN »»= KE » scoff of her name. Wnres rather TIJAN, G„ Hester Thompson, had put her Even the SER""» E. bhe HAD urged Molly to tell MNN(, MISTRESS TO- R 0]d lover from prison; had the truth FD T80FL tell Lady Russell-Wentworth where BE—ed of L>ER ;°HFLd been that night-had urged her RI.R.NT ELLES"10'UNIME and make a clean breast of the fven to QUIT AUthorities at home. business to T,JE Refused to do either had implored her But Molly BFT.D :0IAte the secret she possessed had •I keep IN „NN her all sorts of rewards in return. P-OMISEDTO BEAP JPAD BEG„ swayed to her mistress's d so FOR *• 'rrim haunting fear that ever lurked in W^HES YET AJ Gfhat some day, any day, the maid II.E BACKGROUND OMi8e, divulge the truth, and shatter •1*. BREAK HER/' JREams to pieces. TJTH-P'C ANIB^J0 when Frank Ellesmere had MTOYSP5T!RFIT, would plunge her into a very gulf NL.NSEN TO OUld only do so at the risk of losing of trout'13- >»SA 0* Eussell-Wentworths—FII.tlipr. all for WH'LT C,, ;N]C of THE woman who had met an old mother, ^T^IDNIGHT within the very precincts of her «weethearfc a, d's home Nay, more, was she even affianced L'U^NING Frank buck after her treachery to certain OT him? „ BEr evidence A, UTIE very outset it would By ^F' ^EASY FFLFTTTCT to have proved an alibi on the have H?E ,.N'Q BEB«IF- own woj-D AN(} tluit OF ^FI^S accused U1A Su,tttcient j=° stay proceed- TBOIUP5^ T HINJ- I X? speak now after such a long- INCRS be TO SET the whole of Pentonmoor ablaze absence ~*0,1L She and Hester would be forced into •11. CUR'°S -UAT: would have to stand a close cross- the WITNE39 all the incidents of that evening and O-™MINION to be set forth in detail; the notes niffht WOULD JJERSEL £ and Frank would have to be passed HETFT'EE-JJESTER the midnight meeting also and IM-M-N T0 !J* ENPERS, scorn, and prurient laughter of all then WITH TBE JN BER ears, Russell-Wentworth would who KNEWTHE woman whose love and fidelity he had re PUDI&TE SUSPect „ everf NR*1 AS tbese were passing* througu Molly Such T^0,UPACTIVE brain as she strolled slowly along Aslibo»RnE VElled avenues, under the bourgeoning the BROAD £ ^,I10]RJE park. And above all other thoughts trees OF GTOOD out insistently. She was within one TBOUG11^ £ "JIER G0AL at last. At that moment her touch ALMF" WAA in London, seeking a special licence "S III ate their speedy union. ill order to BOur, she might hear from him now. Any D.'I.VI :INY W'I)EN the summons came P Would ^WHAT niust s 1 TO have this trying ordeal overp she be gR'*UI 01, VEN then. She feared to take that She COULD NO^ would bind her to Russell-Went- irrevocable s-ep jn(jer 0f her days, and yet she hesi- worth for TFTE HER re-appearance in Penton- tated to FACE t GJJE WENT BACK as the saviour of moor would cr Frank. fears, hopes, desires, she knew Torn BY CONN thing alone did she seem not what to AO.^ grievously in coming away certain, ONE N was not a honest man's love from home, BFIS;DESP A marriage for the sake worth all the wo NLjght have bfien forgivcm— of worldly consid ,E EVEN_HAd her heart been might have been SOUL, her life, were in the FREC>- BOT onfshe had hasely deserted and allowed to keeping ot one SUE OF KEEPMG her good name go to prison tor tnt. untarnished. her—A woman's voice raised to A ^F HPV^TTENT^ON—CAUSED Molly to turn suddenly, attract nei atte.IU speeding towards her, Then she saw H^tei Thojiipso o„e arm "P11/ WENt back towards her maid, S JSLET-RE face to face, the mistress outwardly quite calm now. What is it, Hester, Ashbourne. IT came to ™ —jou .ladrou .lid so, the cover with trembling fingers, and read the message. "'FROM Russell-Wentworth, Langliam Hotel, London to Mary Ashbourne, Braxholme Park, SUSSEX; ITLL Make necessary excuses and ]0"I N^1(,NTH vour maid as soon as possible. All AR^U»E made for special licence. Marriage can t. 1 few da vs. Have engaged rooms foi YOU servant. You need not wire back. Come at once. Am waiting. Russell-Wentworth.' ■on ;TP F,ced and agitated Molly turned to her com- At last she felt glad that she was called upon panion. ,LT ONCE, in some way. She thrust the to act deh HFTND AND bade her read. message mean^ Migs Ashbourne? the maid S]IE glanced over the telegram. asked as stie: {, ARE to go to London at once, Xt LLLT N 9 where I «-M J young master came yesterday, \THAT3 me to say nothing of his visit?' and YOW ■ JJolly mumured, her eyes filling with te"I™y»« ir»i»s-"Dd Pl'mk E"esmwc in pl'i5°"P' the^n^ID demanded. HAT TO do the agitated woman '1 D° I I IT L promised, and he is waiting OH cried.. PHOW I wish I had never left Frank Hester HES* AND THE thought of Frank is nearlj I Am nusei able MUGT} (LO ? KILLING me. ^NTONMOOR At once the sensible maid 'Go back TO Pen .f yQu are ^^m-able cried firmly- A^ordg which will help to prove ^„re and speak you ought to have opened A^know^g JSt^udo; but, thank ^IR/LEVVVHTRFNOW'L\eave for ever, Hester Molly CR^HAT of that? Therejs yet his heart in pnso GHOULD DO J kno w what I hesitate as to Y DFED HONEST wenches would would do, ^|FO JEHA £ ONDON if YOU will, but I am going do, TOO- M00r! So there, Molly Ashbouine hack.to PE too—we will GO together this %ery 1 HESNTE V fo rive M for my selfish weakness but I day. GF*01*17ON4. I DO not care for R^ssell- WILL hesitate WIH NOT MArry him. I wnl save Wentwoitb, < ;F ,IE TLIROws me off, too I can go FRAV^ the mill. God bless you, Hester tor those back to the LATE for us to save him yet words. JL THE WOMAN's TBUE HEART. CHAPTER A LONDON to the North had just The EXPRESS ^ATION AT Pentonmoor, and the plat- thundered intc. tl USUFTL SCENE OF bustling activity, form WA*HWE alighting to the number ot a dozen or PAStwentvorthirtytoavellers were looking after seats, and stationmaster, porters, men, women and children waiting FOR other trains, completed the picture. ''AMONG the few others who had left the express were Molly Ashbourne and Hester Thompson. Both were quietly dressed, were neat-looking and composed, and those who knew them seemed to think that the pair of handsome lasses HAD simply come back to their native TOWN after a holiday in the south. It was between three nnd four in the afternoon, and on leaving the station Molly and her companion set their feet towards the centre of the thriving town. The thoroughfare was busy enough, for the day was fine, and the vast majority of the ironworkers were still un- eiiiployed and as the girls went along not a few curious eyes followed the handsomer one. You are still resolved not to go home first, Molly, before you see the Chief Constable R' Miss Thompson queried, as they turned into the street leading to the Police Court. Quite determined on that point, Hester,' the other replied emphatically. I dare not face my mother before I have said what I have come to say. If she knew I was here, and what purpose had brought me. she would trv to prevent me speaking at all costs. But afterwards I shall tell my dear father everything and throw myself upon his mercy. He loves iiie he never liked the idea of my throwing Frank up, even to marry young Russell- Wentworth and I'] sure of his forgiveness and bless- I ing tor uomg this act of common justice.' Come along then I'm afraid of nobody. Even if I lose my place there's plenty of others. But see. Molly there's Frank's father on the other side. Why not spo,tk to Iiiii-i, So I will. Be quick before we miss him.' Instantly the lasses quickened their steps soon they were at Simon Ellesmere's heels, presently they were by his side, and Molly was uttering his name. He turned quickly, recognised Frank's old sweetheart immediately and at once a look of the blackest and bitterest aversion shadowed his dark face. ( What do you want with me ? he cried, scowlingly. J. should ha\ e thought shame would have kept you away now! < need not speak so bitterly,' she answered, lowly. 011 BAVE reason to despise me, I kiiow; but I have come to save Frank at Save him How ? Do that and I will forgive you all. ° J ^E?1 with us. We are going to see the Chief constable, Captain Walters. It was through me that -C rank came to be suspected, but Hester here and I can prove where he was that night the outrages were com- mitted.. I I F and a flash of inspiration lit up his uark features. He was with you then ? I ought to have guessed that! And the poor, fond, lionest-souled young tool was prepared to martyr himself for the sake > of a woman who had cast him off to marry a puppet who was merely rich Spare me that, Mr Ellesmere she pleaded with aowncast eyes as they walked along. I am not quite so black and base as you think. Hester, dear, tell him, please, how I happen to be here.' RNF!11!?" ^1,NIE'1 TO THE other girl sharply, but with a _OIE kmdly expression of countenance. He scanned Hester s comely face closely for a moment, and she encountered his eyes without flinching. N- ^NOW your lace well enough, but not your name,' W«FSATI''4 ULVES?ED ^U several times at Moor- .NN R, F I I ME LL0W Y°N AND MISS Ashbourne HAPPEN to be here, since she wishes me to know.' SI"CE Miss Ashbourne went to Braxholme Park I NFFLF EEN MAID, Mr. Ellesmere and yesterday afternoon we chanced to be walking through the 'U" 1- .1 us M Y°R1DG Russell-WTentworih joined AS^ quite unexpectedly, for we thought he was here at Pentonmoor. I fell behind, of course, and left Miss Ashbourne and the young master together. But I after- wards learned that he had come in haste to urge an im- niecuate carriage upon my mistress.' ° Without his p:rents' knowledge or consent?' Simon ask(!(1. Of course for he never visited the house at all, and urged :Miss Ashbourne to keep his visit secret. Then K. rushed away to London, and this telegram reached laxhoime only this morning between eleven and twelve.' The maid placed Russel I-Went-vortla's telegram in Simon a hands, and he read it with a curious smile playing- round the corners of his eyes and mouth. When he glanced nt Molly again a newly-awakened interest was vsi ;:1 his manner. 'Awl may I ask, Miss ASHBOURNE, what caused you to rush back to Pentonmoor when your affianced" lover desired you to join him in London? I can understand Mr Russell-Wentworth's haste, but I cannot under- stand your reluctance to consummate the marriage which you and your mother have schemed for so long/ I had become utterly ashamed of and disgusted with myself, sir,' Molly answered, almost in tears 'At the last moment I found that life with that man would be intolerable, and so I came back to speak the words I 'I ought to have spoken long ago. I know how despicable I am M your eyes, and I deserve it all but so lon-R as I save Frank I do not cnre what becomes of inyseif., HE FFBMCED at the girl's pale face and his own softened M N wonderful way. And at that moment there flashed across his memory some bitter words he had spoken to I'ANK many months before. Unvoiced, they yet roiled over his silent tongueJ MEU WMLMMEEH-.OWIER IF SHE IS A good woman she wiu come luck to you, rich or poor if S]IE is worthless A^EJ DNFT.M IIER OW» fashion to the Bottomless Pit1 A tew minutes later they were all STANDING in tlie Ktr111 f Wain HE W & V'ub'f--] f (!f'1 ab S1 eyiS r,e?te(1 fi moment on her W-'TL' 1 :H} V''fmdpTpd -arky -I, 1,.J business wn3te of w>fat"da e,t time Ellesmdre proceeded to Captain "Walters,* he beean curtly, these ladies «ave come to speak to you on a matter of great moment to us all. They have just come from Sir Russell- Wentworth's place in Sussex I chanced to meet them in the street. and they desired me to accompany them. Miss Ashbourne you know, I believe and this other lady is Miss Thompson, until lately a servant at Moor- hurst. Their business I leave them to explain.' Why do you wish to see me, Miss Ashbourne?' the chief began suavely, his appreciative glance again fixed on his visitor's face. 1 wish to tell you the truth respecting Frank Elles- mere's doings on the night when the Pentonmoor Iron- works were blown up,' Molly said firmly. All along I have known, and Miss Thompson has known also, that the accused man is innocent. I know that I ought to have offered my evidence before this, but the position in which I was placed closed my mouth and Miss Thompson was silent as well because I urged her to say nothing.' What do you know of the ease; Miss Ashbourne ? If you are prepared to prove that Frank Ellesmere is guiltless I shall be delighted to hear your evidence.' I can prove that he was with me at Moorhurst when the explosions were heard. I had met him secretly, and Miss Thompson was present then. She it was who brought me Frank's note begging me to see him a few minutes before he went away, perhaps for ever, and she also took my answer to him arranging the appoint- ment. This is the note he sent me. I kept it, never dreaming that I should dare to show it to anyone.' The Chief took the note Molly had drawn from her pocket, and read it carefully. When he had persued it he handed it back, saying At what time did you receive that note ?' Shortly after dusk at Moorhurst from Miss Thompson.' And when did you, Miss Thompson, receive it from Frank Ellesmere?' the chief went on. Ten minutes or so before I delivered it,' the girl answered. He was loitering near the entrance to the Moorhurst grounds, and he was there still when I returned with the answer from Miss Ashbourne.' But how was it that neither of you ofTered evidence at the trial ? The evidence you offer now would have saved him at once.' It was all my Molly cried. I was engaged g-t c to Russell-Wentworth. and I could not tell the truth without putting myself to shame. If the world had known that I was meeting my old lover clandestinely at the very moment when the outrages were ringing out what would have been thought of me ? So I held my tongue and allowed him to take his chance. If he wouldn't speak, why should I ?' I understand now why Ellesmere would not speak. That lad must be the very soul of honour!' the Chief Constable exclaimed. And may I ask if you are pre- pared to swear to all this at the forthcoming ASSIZES i" I am That is why I am here. I will tell the truth now no matter what the world thinks of me was Molly's instant response. And yon, Hester, will do the same?' Willingly. As you know, ivliss Ashbourne, I was readv to do so all along,' the maid said, readily. Captain Walters was about to make some observa- tion when a low tapping was heard on the closed door. Instantly the chief called out Come in,' and when the door swuii0, back one of the inspectors ot police entered. 'Wlmt is it, Kaddick?' Walters demanded of his SN1TGTENTLEMAN to see you-Mr Bardesley the vicar of St Mark's the inspector replied. I told him that you were engaged, but he said that his business was of the utmost importance. He says that he must see you for a few moments, as he has just come from tno hospital where the iniured man, Carl Hermann, is lying.' Sou must excuse me for a few minutes,' a-Lid the chief, as he rose. But do not go before I return. I will be hack as soon as possible.' Chief Constable and officer disappeared, and as the door swung- to behind them Simon Ellesmere turned io Molly Ashbourne, remarking in A kindlier manner than that he had hitherto used I MIL glad, Miss Ashbourne, that you have proved yourself a true woman even at this late hour. It would have been better, perhaps, had you seen justice done earlier, but, thank God, it is not yet too late. But your reticence has had the effect of precipitating one thing which will astonish the town some uay and "\ciy I know, Mr Ellesmere.' Molly answered, almost in tears, that I have shown myself very heartless and selfish in my dealings with your son. But it is some consolation to know that in trying to save Frank I have saved myself as well from a much worse fate. And after all I shall be the greatest sufferer, for I shall never dare to look your son in the face again. My God what must he think of me now ?' She dropped her face in her hands and cried a little in silence. When she was calmer and looked into Simon Ellesmere's face he was smiling that old inscru- table smile, only it was one of perfect content now. My son he said softly, with his eyes on her appeal- ing face. Frank Ellesmere is not my son, Mary Ash- bourne. I have tried to be a father to him, he has been to me more than a son, but there is no tie of kin- ship between us.' "Mr. Ellesmere!' she burst out in amaze, Frank not your son? Who 'Hush!' he said, with an uplifted hand, Captain Walters is returning. Who Frank Ellesmere is I win tell you Ider-perhaps to-/by.' The next moment the Chief Constable re-entered the room, and with him his reve-end visitor, the vicar of the leading church in the town. The Rov. Charles I-N IS'EY T?-S NR:R'-V seventy now, but halo and hearty still; his white hair hung oh his coat collar and a snowy s.ieat of beard swept his breast. The reader may re'- member him as the clergyman who had snubbed yonno- Kussell-W entworth so mercilessly, and praised Frank Ellesmere quite as warmly, that evening on the bank of the river when the latter saved the little bather from drowning. Mr Ellesmere How glad I am to meet you and the old gentleman crossed the room and shook Simon most heartily by the hand. I congratulate you, Sir, with all my heart on your son's indisputable innocence. I know him, sir! I know him and I never could bring myself to believe that he was in any way connected with such an atrocious outrage.' And agani the reverend servant of God shook Simon's hand warmly. I thank you very much, Mr Bardesley, for your kind words.' Ellesmere s::id lowly, more stirred now than anyone there had ever seen him before. I sup- pose Captain Walters has told you that these young ladies can prove his innocence ? ° ( These ladies prove his innocence the cleric cried I know nothing of that. sir. But I dojenow; that he is ciear or all stain in this matter. I HAFTE just come from the bedside of a dying man who with his last words declared that he and others were guilty, but your son was innocent.' The German Carl Hermann ?' Simon demanded. That is so. I have placed his dying confession, witnessed by myself and others, in the chief's hands' That is why I came here. Will you let Mr Ellesmere read it. Captain Walters ? The Chief Constable handed Simon a folded sheet of paper, and, after a pause to clear his voice. Ellesmere proceeded to read the following- brief declaration The Royal Hospital, Pentonmoor. April —. 18- 'I, Carl Hermann, being of sane mind and knowing I shall soon be called upon to face my Maker, hereby declare, in the presence of the witnesses whose names are appended, that I and Tone Rafferty, Mike Fyàns, and others whom I refuse to name, were solely responsible for the dynamite outrages at the Penton- ,roiiw moor Ironworks. And I further declare, and call 's God to witness the truth of my dying statement that the young man Frank Ellesmere now under arrest is absolutely innocent of the crime with which he stands charged. He had neither knowledge of the con- spiracy nor hand in its execution. This I declare before God to be the whole truth. Signed,— Carl Hermann. Witnesses,— Charles Bardesley, D.D. Geo. B. Whatniough, M.D. T RXRI „ Janet Gough, Nurse. ank heaven for that Simon Ellesmere cried huskily, as he handed the document back to Captain Walters. 'Now tllat the suspicion is cleared away I am content. Turning to the chief he added, I mav wnte to Frank at once. I suppose, to tell him of this ?' T -R, V .A Y-. Y°'I wish, sir the other cried amiably. Hut why write at all ? Telegraph the glad tidings to HIM as soon as possible. To-morrow he will be free.' A few minutes later Simon and Afollv were walking homeward together. Hester Thompson had hurried away to her own relatives to spread the great news. As they neared the post office, where Simon was to I despatch the telegram to Frank, Molly queried, almost timidlv 'And Frank—Mr Ellesmere? You say he is no relation of yours. May I know who he is ?' I will tell you. He is the half-brother of the man who is waiting for you in London—or looking for you by this at Braxholme Park. He is the elder son of Sir Russsell-Wentworth. by his first wife. That is the truth, so help me God And all the world will know it in a few days' time. For the present I must ask you to keep it to yourself.' She gasped audibly, and her face turned deathly pale. When he looked at her she was drawing her veil to hide the falling tears. £ Take courage, little woman,' he whispered warmly. After all, you came through the ordeal well.' [To BE CONCLUDED.] FIRST INSTALMENT NEXT WEEK. The title of our New Storv is The Crown- in; of Estber." This story won I;he First Prizo of £ 100 in an Open Competition instituted by the proprietors of the Newcastle Chronicle for the best serial submitted, and experts consider it to be a remarkable work, exhibiting rare dramatic instinct and power cf construction in its author, together with unusual itiaight into character and a sympa- thetic imagination.

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