That Mainwaring Affair

y, his attorney. A number of fine saddle horses having been brought around from the stables, the young people cantered gayly down the oak-lined avenue, intent upon a morning ride, th

ks of her favorite author, while Ralph Mainwaring and Mr. Thornto

cold scrutiny over the mansion and grounds; "taking into consideration the stocks and bonds a

ton, "but you seem to have some definite knowledge regarding our cousi

ave a number of business acquaintances on this side the water, and you may rest assured I have kept myself well

and how to feather his own nest. Well, as you say, it is a fine piece of property; but, do you know, Mainwaring, it st

at way," the oth

when, with no direct heirs that we know of, the p

ents, then removing his cigar and slowing knocki

orney of his are aware of some possibl

w, it has occurred to me that possibly, unknown to us, Harold Mai

y. "Even had there been a living child,-which there was not,-he could ma

n disinherited Harold, but wo

en it was read, and I remember it deba

n, after a moment's silence; "h

rapidly after that occurred, and he never was the same towards Hugh. I always thought that

ter that unfortunate

e had married, and after the death of their only child

"have you the remotest idea as to who these p

o mention; but I think a day or two will probably e

message to the gentlemen from Hugh Mainwaring, to the effect that h

rang for admittance. But two hours later, as Mr. Thornton was descending the winding stairway in the main hall, he caught a glimpse of the strange caller, just taking his departure. The stranger, hearing footsteps, turned towards Mr. Th

to be particularly entertaining to Mr. Whitney, but he, though courteously responding to her overtures, made no effort to continue the conversation. Even the genial

ly acquainted wit

noted a peculiar expression flash across the face of Mrs. LaGrange, and was also consci

"Richard Hobson, the attorney? I believe I met him once or twice,

of attorney," remarked Ralph Mainwari

I would not have mentioned his name, only that I met him here abou

ossible!" he exclaimed, at the same time glancing towards the butler, but the face of t

played one too many of his dirty games there and took the first steamer for

quietly, realizing that he had unconsciously touched an un

inwaring's library, where he was soon joined by all the gentlemen excepting young Mainwaring. In the hall, Hugh Mainwaring p

; Mrs. L

nd duly attested by Ralph Mainwaring, William Mainwaring Thornton, and William H. Whitney. A

the present on my desk. To-morrow I wish it to be read in the presence of all the members of the family, after which, Mr. Whitney, I desire

parted, leaving his secretary to attend to some private work in the library. Harry Scott's manner, upon finding himself alone within the private rooms of Hugh Mainwaring, betrayed intense excitement. He pushed his work impatiently from him and, rising, began to walk swiftly, though noiselessly, back and

arched there once before

ppen; this may be my last opportunity! I will se

noted in his business habits. Conscious that he had abundance of time for the work he had undertaken and that he was secure from interruption, he began a careful and methodical search through al

dazzling light flashed into his face as a ray of sunlight fell across his shoulder upon the superb gems, gleaming and scintillating from the depths of their hiding-place. But he paid little heed to them, for, in a long and narrow receptacle within one side of the box, his keen eye had discovered a paper, yellow and musty with age, the sight

n instant later by a knock. Depositing the precious document safely within an inside pocket, he swung the doors of th

there, and, handing Scot

ness; must see Mr. Mainwarin

enry Carruthers," with a London address, and underne

and in an incredibly short time, while yet Scott's pulse throbbed

pale face, dark moustache, and black curling hair. He wore dark glasses, and was dre

ve," he said, addre

ase be seated. What can I

at his city office and was directed here; but the butler states that Mr. Mainwaring is away fro

tate when you could see him, as he is entertaining a number of guests, and it is doubtful if he

ortance," replied the other; "and I would be very

ke an appointment for the following day. I hardly think he would see you sooner. To-morrow is his birthday, and, as

hind those dark glasses; "it had escaped my mind, but now I recall that Mr. Mainwaring is to celebrate his birthda

are that Mr. Mainwaring's intentions

ns and best wishes. Kindly say to Mr. Mainwaring that when the happy event is over I hope he will give me his earliest co

, opening the door into the southern hall. Mr. Carruthers

to his work, and he had but just completed it when the sound of wheels

tions regarding the making of his will had become known by outsiders, but he soon seemed to forget t

ed veranda, bade his guests good-night, he grasped the ha

h mile-stones on the journey of life. Heaven grant, when you shall have reac

murmured to himself "If I could bu

id, a woman's form glide away in the dim l