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"Yes!" she panted, “you are in sonâ€"his!" and she looked at Jake. with a. shudder. Scymour's face turned white, and! his lips trembled; then he laughed. "Of all the grossly improbable lies]. that ever were uttered this in the worst!” he said. "I your son! I not the Earl of Landon!" He laugh-l ed. “It, is the clumsiest lie that ever‘ was concocted. And you sit there and listen to it!" He turned upon I the countess savagely. i ,wuv wvv- y .. ......._.°_,‘,, She raised her eyes to his; all the? pride had left her face, left it look-y ing like a stone mask. I “It is true." she said at last. I Seymour glared at her. “You say that! You help this W0- man in her villainy! Do you knowi what you are saying. what you are| admitting? I don't believe a Word; of itâ€"no one would believe it! Get: out of my sight. all of you! Dare to} breathe a word of this outside and I Will send the lot of you to jailâ€"‘ yes, all of youl" and he glared at the countess. "There is only one “fly to deal with a conspiracy of this kind, and byâ€"" he uttered an awful oath, "I’ll do it; yes, though you are my own mother! Do you hear? Leave the room, all of you, and repeat your lies elsewhere at your peril! What! I this woman‘s son!” and he laughed again. The countess looked at him for a. moment in silence; then she raised her hand and pointed to the mirror that hung on the wall in front of him. "Look at her and at that," she said solemnly. Seymour glanced at Martha. Hooper and then at. the glass. Her face, white and drawn, the pale eyes. the thin lipsâ€"the whole expression and every feature seemed reflected from his face in the glass. It came upon him with the force of a thunder-boll. He uttered a. cry and clutched at the table, still glar- ing at her faceâ€"his ownâ€"that stared back at him. "You’re right, my lady, he takes after the old woman rather than me. Bad taste on his part, I call it." The harsh vulgar voice roused Soy- mour from his stupor. He shuddercd and sank into the chair, passing his hand over his trembling lips. Martha crept up to him slowly, her face working, and timidly laid her hand on his shoulder. "1â€"1 am sorry,” she murmured brokenly. 1 Seymour 'drew away from her with a look of horror. 1 “Don’tâ€"don't dare to touch me!" he said. "I don't believe a word.‘ Iâ€"-â€"â€"" he turned to the countess. 1 "I know why you have concocted this fraud!" he said hoarsely; "you want to put that beast Royce in my place. You have always hated me! You know it! I have known it! It is for Royce you have hatched this plot! But, you‘ll find yourself dis- appointed!" He drew himself up. “I am the Earl of Landon! Take Your vile story into a. court of law, and even though you may get a. dozen sensible men to believe youâ€" which is impossibleâ€"you convict yourself of a crime for which there is a heavy punishment." "No punishment can be heavier than that which I have borne since the Iii-st hour of my deception," said the countess calmly. Seymour was silent a moment,’ then his face brightened. “If you don’t consider yourself and your own reputation you'll think of} Royce,” he said triumphantly; “you; must care that he should know that! his mother was nothing better than} an imposter and a thief! Though"; and he laughed scornfully, “Seoingf how he has sunk, perhaps it won't" matter. Iis wife's relations would not think much of such a trifle. as‘ this which you say you have (limefl Bah!" he laughed defiantly. “What can you do? Suppose this cockâ€"and- bull story were true, what can you do? You can't, for shame's sakeâ€"- for your dear Royce's sakeâ€"make it known to the World! So you see. my dear mother"â€"â€"he stopped and bit his lip, and glanced under his brows at Martha Hooperâ€"“it will come to nothing. I don't think I shall have to defend my title and estates in a court of law." They were all silent and after 8. moment of enjoyment he went on: “Royce will never be the earl, my dear madam; I shall marry without, delayâ€"I shall nml‘ry Irene! Stop!"- for the countess had opened her lips, “I know what you are going to say -â€"that you will tell her this stupid story. Do so at your peril! The moment any of you open his or her lips I prosecute for conspiracy!”= 'I‘hnv Were silent for a moment as lThey _Wcrc silent for a moment as his laugh of defiance rang through the room; then Jake’s voice broke in harshly: "Bravo! Very well done in’deed! But. you forget me, your own father, my dear boy! You forgot your poor old father”â€"no words can describe the cunning mockery in the toneâ€" “and poor's the word, too! I'm so poor that, I shall have to go to the workhouse, I’m nfraid.’ ” “You may go to the devil for what I care, you rufiian,” said Seymour 11' CHAPTER XXXVI- silen t, a moment, ilike yourself, my buyâ€"and wncn 1 m gtreated like one I act on the square, .by choice. These two ladies can setâ€" tlo which is the mother between 'em; I shan't interfere. I can hold my tongue till doomsday, but I want 'Something for doing it. Now, look ghere,” he came forward, and seated ,himself on the morrocco-lincd table. :close to Seymour, who, with a. look !of loathing and hatred, edged his Icha‘ir away. "You make me an alâ€" llowanceâ€"a good 'un. Oh, I’m as ‘fond of a flutter at the green table ‘Ias you are, and a paltry hundred or jitwo wouldn‘t be any good to me; but [give me, say a thousand 0. your, and ,ll'll keep as mum as a. cast-iron insolently; “but wait a. bit. 1. gu w the workhouse, but, they don't give relief while you’ve got an able- bodied son who can support, you, and that’s what I've got. You can't have me punished for conspiracy for owning my belongings, my lord!" he chuckled. “You haVen‘t got more 7 _._L.‘..- 1' have me punished for conspiracy ior owning my belongings, my lord!" he chuckled. “You haVun't got more brains than your father, anyhow." he continued; “1)ut,”â€"â€"mid his tone al- teredâ€""there's no occasion to go to extremities. I'm a gentlemanâ€"- like yourself, my boyâ€"and when I'm treated like one I act on the square, by choice. These two ladies can setâ€" tlo which is the mother between 'em; I shan't interfere. I can hold my tongue till doomsday, but I Want something for doing it. Now, look Lmâ€" H Li an fnrxvnr‘rli and seated as you are. and a two wouldn‘t be a give me, say a th‘ I'll keep as mum dag.” "You ixnpudent scoundre claimed Seymour. "1 will 1 you with a penny,” and h the table. Jake bent down and looked straight into his eyes. "That's not the way to talk to‘ your father!” he said. “What! you'd strike me, would you!" He caught Seymour's raised arm, and with a deft movement stripped the shirtâ€"sleeve upward. “Ha!” ha ex- claimed; “look at that!” and he pointed to a long cicatrice, which shone on the upper part of his arm. “‘Don’t struggle, my boy, I’m twice as strong as you are, old as I am! :See that? That was done when you gwere a kid; one night your mother land I were amusing ourselves by 3throwing the cutlery about. There's $witness as saw it done. They said ‘it would mark you for life. and"â€"â€"he u. VVU\AA\A nu...»â€" J v _ _ _ , sworeâ€"“so it has! Now. then, what will the jury say when they see you standing before them, looking the'p image of the old woman here, and.f6 the countess tells her story, and 1‘“ tell mine, with the scar to prove it?!" i n \V' Seymom gazed up at him with :Iningled disgust and fear. Here Was ‘a. cunning which more than equalled ihis own; and an audacity to which ihe could not attain. , He looked from one to the other alike a fox caught in a trap; his lips Epurted as if he still intended to speak 1words of defiance, when the door opened and Irene stood before them. 1 “Madame,” she said, “what is the I can bring witnesses if they can‘t. My boy, I’m sorry to say you'll lose the day; sorry, because Iâ€"blcss your heartYâ€"don't want you to lose your ‘lordshipl' Nor 1! Where would be the good of that to me? Where would be my thousand a year? Seeâ€" thcro!" he dropped Scymour's be- numbed arm. 'moux' wth a lorceu smile lu'dh urauu lhis haggard face grotesque. “1â€"1 am tl‘anSaCLing a little business with â€"with these good people, my dear llrene.” Then as Irene drew back he 'lookcd round. "Not a word toâ€"to her, orâ€"ox' I wil' not make any 'terms with you. Leave the house, both of you!" He turned to Jake. "Come here to-nightâ€"after dark, and I will see you. 1 make no promise. 11 do not believe a word of what. I :have heard; butâ€"but to prevent l Seandalâ€"â€"-” matte! “Of course y( line to take. ] and I shall he look in to-night by the window old lady,” and Thank you. my The countess rose and went into the hall. Irene had sent the ser- vants away, and stood as if waiting for further calamity. “of course you don't! That's the line to take. Keep it up like that and I shall be proud of you. I'll look in to-night; you can let me in by the window here. Come along, old lady,” and he nodded to Martha. She shrank back as he approached then Opened the window and flew out. The countess lboked at her and sighed. “Where is the earl?” she said. “Bring him to me." “The earl!" exclaimed Irene, going to her and taking her arm. “Why, dear, you mean Seymour? You have just left him in the library," and her heart beat fearfully, for the expres- sion on the countess’ face filled her with alarm. “No!” said her ladyship in a brok- en voice; “he is not, the earl. My son, Royce, is the Earl of Landon. Bring him to me, please!" Noâ€"nothin m- with a 1x gg‘al'd face grote msacting a little 1) those good peoplc ' Then as Irene d1 forced face 3 story 01 my Wicked- Ircnc; you will shrink scoundrel ! " OX- "1 will not bribe ” and he stI'UCk ‘iaijbit. 1 go to they don't give got an able" stammered Sey-' (I smile that made grotesque. “Iâ€"I little business With{ ) a supreme effortfluwre- fraud. I have robâ€" “NO title and estates. I'can't l b him of his happi-‘to her do so no longer, 1ct=thatâ€" t it may. You will she h( story 01 my wicked-knot u mlined table, with a look , edged his (0 me an alâ€" for she shook murmure word the countess uttered went to in- crease the conviction that she had lost her senses. “You think I am mad," said the countess as they went up the stairs. "I could almost wish I were, or dead! I am speaking the truth. Royca is my sonâ€"my only son; he is the call Bring him to me, and dead! I am speaking the truth. Royce is my sonâ€"my only son; he is the earl Bring him to me, and bring the countessâ€"" “The countess!” “Yes. Madge!" said the elder wo- man. “I want, to ask her forgive- ness. For have I not. robbed her 0.1- so? I who, eaten up by my wicked pride, dared to look down on her with scorn and contempt, I know now that. she is a. better woman, a nobler woman than I could ever hope to be! Sheâ€"she a gypsyâ€"stepped in had with scorn and contempt. I know now that. she is u. better woman, a nobler woman than I could ever hope to be! Sheâ€"she a gypsyâ€"stepped in between me and that man last. night. No one saw it. But I saw it! She strove to save meâ€"me who had tor- tured her with my pride and insol- ence! I will go to her, and pray for her forgiveness on my knees. And she will forgive me, for she is goodâ€" and brave! Take me to her, Irene. I will leave this place. I have not ‘spent one happy, restful hour in it. SShe shall reign here!" fl I‘E There was a. moment's pause, then she turned her aching eyes on Irene. "And you, too! I have sinned against you in my pride and greed of power. A week ago, and I would have stood silent and let himâ€"him!" she shudderedâ€"“marry you! Ah, you think I am mad! Where is Madge?" The tears were running down Irene’s cheeks. "Madge!" she said, "Madge is gone “Gone!” echoed the countessl She sank on to the bed in her room and gazed up at Irene. “Yes. I might have known it. And it is I Who have driven her awayâ€"I!" She laughed a, bitter laugh of selfâ€"reâ€" proaCh and remorse. “And Royceâ€"- my sonâ€"has he gone too? Have I driven him away too? Why do you not go? Don’t come near me! I am not fit that you should touch meâ€"a. criminal." ’J‘ll'll‘e‘r-Imfier arms dropped to her side and she fainted. If he could only reach the camp be fore Madge had told her sad story, and take her away, all might yet be Well. He would never go back to Monk Towers. They would leave England, and make 8. home someâ€" where beyond the seas. Then the thought of Irene, and the 'pain at his heart increased, and his face darkened. Would she be able to lresist Seymour's cunning? Would she Imarry him? The mere idea of such a. sacrifice made him shudder, and a groan broke from his lips. Irene, the sweet lily-maid, Seyâ€" Meanwhile Royce was riding furâ€" iously. The idea Irene had planted in his mind grow into a settled con- viction; for whither should Madge fly for refuge, save to her own peoâ€" ple? And that they were in the neighborhood, Jake's presence at the Towers seemed to .prove. He reached the town, and pulled up the steaming horse at the inn. The landlord came out with obse- quious haste. “Lawks save us, Master Royce, is 1aught the matter?" he exclaimed. “Get down, sir, add let, the ostler take the horseâ€"â€"” "No, no,” said Royce. “Are there lany g‘ypsies near here? Have you 15001) any caravans?” “Yes, plague take ’em, they was in Melbury Wood all last, week, and anay be there now." Irene, the sweet: lily-maid, Eeyâ€" mour's wife! “Oh, God, help and save her! Save her from that!” Royce nodded and started again. Meibury Wood was nearly three miles distant, but the horse was a) good one, and with the instinct of his kind seemed to know that an effort was expected of him. Royce had no need to touch him with the whip, and before many minutes had reachâ€" ed the woods. He rode straight into the midst of :the camp, » ' Round the fire was the familiar group. Mother Katie looked round lfrom her pot and uttered a cry of iastonishment. The men 1050, and lthe children ran with cries of deâ€" 1light to welcome “Master Jack!" i They gathered round the panting, steaming horse in silent amaZemen‘L. ‘ Mother Katie came forward with ihex' iron soup ladle in her hand. ' “Mr. Jack!” she exclaimed; you there!" Then she looked from the lhorso to Royce's White, worn face. "‘Madge! Something's happened." A murmur rose from the men. One of themâ€"it was Steveâ€"uttered an math. A faint line of smoke rose from the leafless trees, and the sight awaken- ed a gleam of hope in his breast. Madge must be there. 1y. “I want; her! She is here, 1 know." The group exchanged glances. “Madge is not here." said Mother Katie, her ruddy {ac-c paling. "Why should she be?" Vir'r‘Don't. lie to me!" cried poor Royce. “You shall not hide her from me. I tell you she is here, I know it!" Mother with a In alarm. “Madge she said can Ll) Kat She h( explain t1 is here," said Royce, hoarse- want her! She is here, 1 1t Katie 1 3 full of 1 low up at ‘owcx‘s‘? not ht, into the midst of looked up at him {apprehension and 111 ‘Isn’t 1nd T ack ! place the asking questions. I can’t to! Go and tell herâ€"â€"-" Steve pushed his way to the close up to the horse. "You can‘t tell, ch?" he said needn’t try. We can guess enough. Why should she leave you and yours hadn't illâ€"u'cab I knew it 'ud come to that or later. I knew she'd be g1 come back to us. She ain‘ :yet, and if she was you sh have her, curse you! Yes, cur What, have you been doing 1 Beating her, I shouldn‘t won “I'll (ind her for myself. Stand back, Steve! ‘ Don't lot any one touch me!" and he glared round, his teeth set hard. "Stand back! You mean well, but you don't know, don’t understandâ€"” “Oh. we understand well enough," said Steve, “and I say that. if she was here you shouldn't, have her." Royce pushed him aside, but Steve sprang on him, and in an instant the two men were locked together. If he had lived in the good- om, highâ€"handed days Seymour would not have hesitated in putting the three persons out of the way, by poison or otherwise: but that mode of getting out. of the difficulty was, unfortunately, not open to him; mo- dern society having a. prejudice against murderers and carrying it to the extent of hanging them. But though he could no more have screw- ed up his courage to commit a. murâ€" der than he could walk the tight- rope, Seymour felt very much like a. murderer as he cowered lower and lower in the chair, and grew more and more desperate. The servants knew he was there; but though no one came to luncheon, lrene being with the countess and the doctor, they did not dare for some time to go to him‘ . At last the butler ventured to the . library with a cup of tea. Seymour unlocked the door and glowered at him. “Tea? No!" he said huskily. care, “U a property. I toâ€"morrow, ‘ ’ You’d l: ficantly. ‘ 'I heap. I'll t hundred; be all .' ' “Very Vi wearily; “3. Jake glan He had not tim so reat after all, u do than can “Right!” cheerfulness Good-night, other glass cigar if you Seymour across the and lit it a the rest in “Goodmh take my a toâ€"night”â€" this t of mi 16C tle WP 'Bring me Then he 5 11d drank main to h It the With tim )HA PTER XX XV II .\' ir 1d lived in the good- old, ell (lays Seymour would hesitated in putting the rsons out of the way, by - otherwise: but that mode 1d lave been but in cc cnhol loses i! n the truuk ’ he said 1 me champaigne! k into the Chair he chumpaig‘ne “’lll can’t tell you! \ intoxicated by certain conditions 05 some of its câ€"fâ€" to the front, self. Stand &t any one -d round, his 111 wonder xid. “You css well we you if :ated her? t sooner glad to 3 here mldn’t her? )u ore We; on, 1nd for the and ily. iain 11:: “Right!” he said with affected cheerfulm-ss. “I'll drop in at, twelve. Goodâ€"night, my lord. I’ll take an- other glass of wine, though, and a. cigar if you’ve got it." Seymour pushed '8. box of cigars across the table, and Jake took one and lit it at the candie, and emptied the rest into his pockets. “Goodmig‘ht,” he said. “If you'll take my advice you’ll cut. that for to-night”â€"he nodded at the bottleâ€" “and get to bed early. You want, to dim-p your head cool, you know." Suvmour took no notice, and with ed Jake that. ar got to ( you're a It was son, but ‘grotesql. annoy me‘ "A man who gets a, thousand a. year isn't such a fool as to risk losing it. I shan’t trouble you. I shall leave England, and swell it somewhere on the Continent. Burâ€" ring a receipt for the coin every halfâ€"year, you won't hear from your afl‘ectlonate father, my lord." Seymour affected to ponder for a. minute or two, then he slghed: “It is a. large sum of money, and to give you any goes against my conscience." Jake put his finger to his check and grinned. "But I will assent to your terms." "Right!" exclaimed Jake extending his dirty paw. “Give us your hand on it. And I'll take the first half- year in advance, my lord." Seymour took a. check-book form the drawer. His ious‘ “I don't like checks," he said sul- lenly, “they're too easily traced.” “Do you think I keep five hun- dred pounds lying loose in my pock- ets?” said Seymour. Jake. “I want those sparklers IMadge gave me. Like a. fool I left ’em on the table this morning. But I was flurried by the women. I'll take ’em now, my lord, please." Seymour remembered sweeping the diamonds into a. dl‘aWcl‘ after he had been left alone. “That is unfortunate," he said. “The countess took them away with Jake gnawed at his lip and scowlâ€" ed at him. “I'd go about with my pockets crammed with gold if I was in your place, my son," he said. “I haven’t a. sovereign," he said quietly. “If you object to a check I will get the money from the bank, and send it to you in the morning!" “No,” said Jake after a moment. "I'll come for it. I’m not afraid of you running away,” and he grinned. Seymour leaned back and looked straight before him. "Very well. I have no more to “Very well,” assented Seymour wearily; “at twelve Loâ€"morrow." Jake glanced at him suspici0usly. He had not, expected to find his Vic- tim so ready and acquiescent. But after all, what also could Seymour Ldo than cave in? care,” no property. I V toâ€"morrow, if "You’d better," said Jake signi- ficantly. "I reckon they’re worth a. heap. I'll take ‘em with the five hundred; both together or none at all." him Jake's face darkened and he swore.â€" “They're mine!" he said. "Madge ave ’em to me, and I mean to have cymounfihrugged his shqpldcrs You may have them for all 0," he said; “they are not merty. I will get them for ifirormptness made Jake suspic- m have just one thing,” .s‘aid th 1n at his lip and scowl- an a thousand )ntinued‘) his check V" l] 0\V ZITLCI‘ my V011