CHAPTER IX. THE OFFERED COMPROMISE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 309, 20 October 1888, Page 4

CHAPTER IX. THE OFFERED COMPROMISE.

Fou an hour or more the two guardians of the Lady Nora KiUlare, in conjunction with Sir Hus&el'e. lawyer, Mr Wedburn, studied closely the vaiious documents submitted by Redmond Kildare in support of his claims to the Kildaie title and estates. The Lady Nora looked on in silence. The t.ady Kathleen Connor kept her seat by the window, and busied herself with he,, needle. Redmond Kildare watched the gentlemen and the Lady Nora furtively, and with cqnal impartiality, and with the calmness of assured vietoi y in hi? manner. At last, with a gesture o( utter weariness and sonow, Mr Michael Kildare, Che Dublin attorney, wilhdiew himself from his associates and their discussion, anrJ approached his younjj kinswoman. ' You look tued and anxious, Nora,' he said, in his soft, gentle, feeble voice. "This is a wearisome business, bufc I hope it will soon be settled. I telegraphed to Sir Rub^ei the other day, and he came on to Dublin with his lawyer sooner than I expected, v) that we have arrived here not much bohind Redmond himself ; and by tonight, I hope, all our suspense will be oiidcd, and we shall have settled upon a course of action.' '1 hope so,' said the young Lady iNora, vvoaiily. ' My poor child '' said Mr Kildaie, in a tone of sympathy and tenderness, ' this is a lertibie trial ior you. I wish I could tell yon to hope, but I dare not. You must be prepared for the worst. \Ye may mourn and grieve, but justice must take her comsc ; and I known you are too honourable, proud and just to desire wealth and honours at the expense of another. ' The young Lady Nora's lips quivered. ' The — the case will be decided against me, then v ' <4io asked. The Dublin lawyer replied only by a significant silence. Betorr Nora could command herself to .spc.ik again, the London lawyer, Mr Wedburn, dashed down upon the table the last of the documents submitted to his examination, and exclaimed : ' These documents seem to be perfectly genuine ; and, if genuine, of course put the most serious aspect upon this business. Oblige us, Mr Kildare, by telling us, at this point, all that you know concerning fclus new claimant to Kildare : that will give us the additional light we want, and enable us to sco our way more clearly. ' 'Certainly, certainly, sir,' said Mr Michael Kildare, a little nervously. ' 1 will tel! you all I know concerning Redmond Kildnre's claim*-. Unfortunately, I know moro on tho subject than I wish T did !' He glided back to his seat, and, with a grave face, began his narrative : ' You all know,' he said, ' that the fifteenth Earl of Kildare, the Lady Nora's grandfather, had two sons, Redmond and Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald was the father of our young Lady Nora. "Redmond was suppo ed to have died a bachelor, some four-and-twenty yoars ago. He suffered his last illness at Point Kildare, and died here. At that time I was living in Dublin, as now, and was, in the early practice of my pro fession. It may be as well for me to state here that I belong to a remote branch of the family, and out of the line of succession, but that I was always a favourite with the Kildares of the Castle. ' ' We know all that,' said Sir Russel, with a slight impatience. 4 Pray come to the point, Kildare !' Michael Kildare bowed depreoatingly, his meek, pale face flushing slightly. ' I bee: your pardon, 3 lie said, rather timidly. 'To rome to the point. Some four-aud-Lwcnty years ago Redmond ICil dare lay ill lu-re" at the castle, and was given over to die. It was th'en he sent a special messenger to me at Dublin with a letter, bidding me come to him posthasto, as 'he had something to say to me before he died. I set out at once, reaching the castle two days before his death. And the day before he died he I

tnado to me a secret communication of the ' utmost importance.' j ' He acknowledged a marriage with an actress ?' demanded Sir Russel. 'He did. He told me that he had been mad enough to marry an actress belonging to a London theatre, and named Madeline Bonham. This woman was very beautiful, gay and dashing, and in an evil moment he mado her his wife. One child — a son — was the offspring of that marri »ge. While this son was a mere infant in arms Lord Redmond Kildare tired of his wife. His disenchantment was brought to a crisis by the discovery that before her marriage she had not been a woman of pure life. To introduce her as his wife, with hor past record, to his pi*oud, .stern, honourable father, to his noble younger brother, and to the pure and honourable wife of his brother, required more coinage and audacity than he could command. Therefore he abandoned her. He asked ma if he had grounds tor a divorce, but it was too late for such a step, had it been feasible. He had previously asked my opinion secretly, while on a visit to me in Dublin, on the feasibility of obtaining divorces, but it is only his death-bed revelation I de°ire to submit to you. The other was of less importance, and divested of the solemnity which gavo the last one weigh! ! 'He abandoned his wife?' asked Mr Wed burn. 'He did, and told her he should dhorce himself from her, and repudiate his child. The woman, bad as she might have Ivcn, loved him, and went mad at hisdeseition She was sent to a mad-house. The child was put to nurse in the country. Lord Redmond Kildare acknowledged that child to me as his own, but declared that he could nob permit the son of hi-, mad marriage, the son of his actress wife, to inherit Kildare to the detriment of Lord Fitzgerald. He said the boy hart bad blood, and would be a blot upon the noble and ancient line of Kildares — ' 'My father was decidedly liatteiing,' observed B,edmond Kildare, with a dark scowl. 'I am but repeating what he said to me,' said Mr Michael, in a feeble, deprecating way. 'You cannot blame me, suiely, for his sentiments. Lord Redmond desired that his son should, therefore, be brought, up to a profession and in total ignorance of Ids birth and rights. He said it the boy ever discovered the truth, and demanded of me my knowledge in the matter, I could speak, but otherwise I must keep silent. -He bound me to beciecy. And then he made me promise to look aftei his son, to have him educated, and put into a position to earn his own suppoit. I have kept that promise faithfully. I have never breathed Lord Redmond'^ secret all these years. I dared not, if I had been free to do so, tell it to the stern and p-oud old earl, I dared not cell it to the late carl, the Lady Nora's father, for he was my best and truest friend. And I would have died, if I had been permitted, without telling it to poor Lady Noia, uhoiv. I love as it she were my daughtei i would have spared her this trial at the expense of my life. ' He removed his spectacloo, wiping them with his handkerchief, and then rubbed his wet forehead. ' You know, then, that Lord Redmond Kildare left a legitimate son ?' questioned Sir Ruspe' Ryan. ' I know it.' 'You know this .young man to be that son ?' 'I do. I have kept trace of him all my lite long. For several years he remained with the humble family near London in whose care he had been placed. He supp sed ' himself their '•on. But when he was old enough to be sent to school I went to his foster-parents, paid them a sufficient sum of money for Ihe lad's expen.se", and ordered him to be sent to a good free school. At my desire his foster-parents informed the boy that his real name was Redmond, and that his father was dead and his mothei in an asylum for the insane. At school the boy was known a« John Redmond. He used at times lo visit his mother, but I never showed myself to him, fearing to excite his curiosity or suspicions of the truth. I continued to pay his expenses and supply him with money out of my own pocket. I kept up my communications with him through his ioster- parents, Mr and Mrs Dox. At last he chose a profession and began his stud}'. He was still engaged in study for the law, when, a month ago, his mother i-ecovered her reason. She was sent to him. She told him her story. He set to work to gain his pi'oofs of his mother's marriage and his own identity, and finally came to me. And then I dared conceal the truth no longer. The seciet was known to him, and all I could do was to seek to avoid a scandal. I telegraphed for Sir Russell ; I wrote to Nora. You know the rest !' He concluded with considerable apparent nervousness and anxiety, and drew a long breath of -elief, as if his task had been disagieeable to him. ' The case looks clear enough, Wedburn 1' said Sir Russel, after a pause. ' What is to be done ?' ' We must examine the registers trom I which these certificates weie cop cd,' said Wedburn, slowly, ' and see Mr and Mrs Dox, and the l>idy who claims to be Lord Redmond Kildare's widow !' 1 And then ?' ' And then, Sir Russel, we shall have to decide whether we shall go to law or not !' • That can be decided now,' said the Lady Nora, in her clear, high voice. 'If my guardians and you, Mr Wedburn, are persuaded of the justice of this young man's claims, why should we waste money in resisting his demands? Why should we ai'ouse the scandal Mr Michael desires to avoid ? Besides, what is right is right. I want no one's property but my own. Make what investigation you will, and inform me of the result. But don't forget that if the evidence is strong enough to convince those who desire my triumph, it cannot fail to convince strangers.' ' She is ris-ht !' said Sir Russel. 'We will see these people, and if we are convinced, we may know a jury would be.' ' You will be convinced,' declared Mr Michael, sorrowfully. 'And after the investigation we shall be back where we are now. Lord Redmond has a better heart than one could have expected from his maternity. In fact, he seems to display some of the noble qualities of his father's family. He has expressed deep sorrow at the unfortunate position of my poor little Nora, and --' 'Permit me to speak for myself, Mr Kildare,' said Redmond, arising, and waving his hand in a graceful gesture. ' I comprehend the anguish it will cost Lady Nora to yield to another the place &he has always believed her own. No one can lose a heritage like this without a deadly grief. I wish, therefore, to offer a compromise.' ' A compromise !' said Sir Russel, in surprise. ' A compromise !' echoed Mr Wedburn, with a look of interest in his keen eves. c Ah !' ' Yes,' said Redmond Kildare, not without some embarrassment. *Of course, I haven't any wild idea of splitting the estate. That would be impossible. But I can offer the Lady Nora, a share in its revenues. lam aware that what lam about to say will appear altogether strange •and unprecedented, but I am a plain man, j

without socieoy advantages, therefore all the delicate usages of polite society cannot be expected of me. Possibly I ought to reserve this communication for the private hearing of the Lady Nora; but, as I sband alone among her friends, myself friendless, I cannot be too' frank and outspoken. Lady Nora !' He turned to her as he spoke her name. She looked up at him in wondering surprise. 4 Lady Nora,' he repeated, approaching a step nearer to her, ' I have made good my claim to the Kildare title and estates. A few formalities, and the place must become mine. You and I are the last representatives of a noble and ancient family, lo goes to my heart to hurl you from your wealth into poverty. Our acquaintance has been sshort, yet it has been long enough to show me you are as good and noble and spirited as you are beautiful. I have never loved — till now. Lady Nora, T ask you Lo be my wife !' There was a profound sensation. The eyes of all turned upon the young Lady Nora, those of the Lady Kathleen in a roiL of terror, and tho&e of the gentlemen in eager inquiry. ! 'He has the generous Kildare nature, after all,' murmured Michael Kildare, audibly. The proud young lace of the Lady of Kildaro flushed, then grew deadly pale, as she slowly arose from her chair and steadied her flight, tremulous figure by leaning upon il*< back. There was a faint quiver aboufa hei lips, too, but a clear, undaunted look beamed from her shining brown eyes —a look that told of a prompt and unswerving repolution. ' Mr Redmond Kildare,' she said, 'I thank you for the honour you have done me, but I must decline your offer. If I were capable of marrying for a home, still I could not be your wife !' ' Lady Nora !' exclaimed Sir Russel Ryan, half sternly. ' What is it?' she asked. 'Do you wan* me to marry this man, of whose existence I did not know till yesterday V ' Do not decide too hastily either way,' said Sir Russel. ' Lord Redmond is of your blood and your name. He has shown himself capable of generosity and thoughtfulness ior others. It sterns to me that he will make out his case You would do well to take his proposal into consideration, my child.' ' A marriage between the rival claimants would settle the affair handsomely,' remarked Mr Wedburn, who looked upon maniage from a business point of view. ' I have been too abrupt, perhaps,' said Redmond Kildare, softly. 'Take time for consideration, dear Lady Nora.' 'I need no time, ' cried Nora, impetuously. ' My answer a year hence would be the same as now.' Michael Kildare arose and again approached his ward. His mild, gentle face wore a distressful look. A fatherly anxiety beamed from his eyes. ' My dear Nora.' he said, taking her little quivering hand, ' listen to mo who love you, and who have your good at heart. Yoa do not realise all that is involved in your refusal of Lord Kildare -for this young man is Earl of Kildare. He offers to make you his wife, the honoured mistie^s of Kildare Castle. Your position here will know no change. The revenues of the estate will still be at your command. The little island school which you have established for the children of your tenantry will still be under your supervision. Your orphanage down at the coast village will still be under your di-ection. Your various humble friends and dependents will still be under your kindly care. You will continue to be the instrument of noble charities and great good. I, who know you so well, know how dear all these objects are to you. Now look at the reverse of the picture.' He hesitated, as if it pained him to continue. His voice trembled, as he finally re sumed : ' On the other hand is a life of bare and pinching poverty — absolute poverty and dependence, Nora. Your poor father, had he foreseen this contingencj 7 , could have provided against it and left you an heiress ; but he did not. Everything will revert to the heir at law. You will have to leave Kildare, your schools, your tenantry. Your poor people will pine for you. Your old peasant women at your Invalid's Home will be turned out to beggary and despair. Men. haven't the taste for charities. And worsb of all, Nora, will bs your own downfall and destitution. My heart bleeds for you. Be wise, Nora, and reconsider your decision.' 'I cannot, Michael, 1 the girl said, lowly. ' But. this i& sheer obstinacy,' cried Sir R,ussel Ryan, upon whom the two pictures drawn by Michael Kildare had had their effect. ' You must not throw away a fortune for a mere caprice. This young man offers you your own name, a magnificent home, a grand fortune. A penniless girl has few chances like this.' The Lady Nora made no response. ' If you refuse him,' continued the old baronet, intending to be kind and decided in the expression of his views, rather than harsh, ' what are you going to do ? Where will you go ? Of course, my house will be open to you, but lam not rich, and my family is expensive. I cannot offer you any grand suite of rooms, any special attendants, any of the luxuries to which you arc accustomed.' ' I have no claims upon you,' said Nora, spiritedly ; • and I shall not become a dependent upon you. I can make my own way in the world. lam young, strong and healthy. I will earn my own living.' ' Not while I live !' cried the Lady Kathleen Connor, arising and coming forward. ' 1 have an estate and a fortune of my own. Nora shall share these with me, rather than rush into an unloving marriage. ' She put her arm around her young stepsister's waist, gently and tenderly supporting the girl. ' I cannot permit my young kinswoman to become a dependent upon one not of her name and blood,' said Michael Kildare, hastily. 'I am one of Nora's guardians, and though the lesser one of the fcwo in point of power and authority, 1 am sure Sir Russel will give my young cousin into my charge, should she deliberately put herself out of house and home.' 4 Your claims come before mine, Mr Kildare,' said Sir Russel. < Were T a richer man, however, I would answer you differently.' 1 Is it decided that I am rejected ?' asked Redmond Kildare. « Will not Lady Nora take time to consider ?' 'You have my answer already,' said Nora, coldly and proudly. ' You "have little of the Kildare pride, to persist in your proposals after such positive refusals.' ' It must be, then,' said Redmond Kildare, gently^ yet with glittering eyes, 'that your heart is already given to another. You visited Glen O'Neil this morning. Can the fellow they call Wild Larry be your lover ?' ' And if he is, what then ?' Michael Kildare uttered a shocked exclamation. ' ' Nora, you haven't been to Glen O'Neil ?* he asked — ' to Castle Ruin ?' The girl answered in the affirmative. 'But— but— this is terrible!' said the Dub'in lawyer, looking appealingly afc Sir Russel. «My dear Nora, you have don© what the world -would call a very bold and' I indelicate act !'

• Very !' said Sir Russel, taking the alarm. ' How have I been bold or indelicate in visiting Lord O'Neil?' demanded Nora. ' I used bo do so often with papa. I took my housekeeper and old Shane with me. We are simple people up here, Sir Russel, and care little for the false etiquette of Dublin and London. Laurence O'Neil was papa's iriond, and is mine. I see no harm in visiting Castle Ruin, atbended as I was, and I refuse to believe that ' the world ' would think ill of me for it !' ' But it was very improper !' insisted Sir Russel, who had a reverence for conventionalities and etiquette. ' Very impropei , indeed. I wonder what your late father 1 could have been thinking of when he insisted upon you spending the years of your minority at Kildare Castle ! The Lady J Kabhlee'n Connor is too young, as it burns \ out, to serve as your chaperon and duenna, i Your governess has been dismissed. Your chaplain and his wife think you so nearly perfect that they would not dare to interfere with you. And the upshot is thab you will be left to follow your own impulses. Wild Larry ! The very sobriquet of Lord O'Neil shows how improper an associate he is for you !' The Lady Nora lifted her small head proudly. ' Be careful how you speak of the O'Neil to me. Sir Russel !' bhe said. 'Heis my promised husband !' Redmond Kildare uttered an ejaculation. The Dublin lawyer burned pale. ' You are engaged to thab beggar !' cried Michael Kildare. ' Oh, Nora, Nora 1' The girl's features quivered. She loved her odd old relative, and was pained ac his grief. ' This interview has srone far enough,' she said, controlling herself by a hard struggle. ' All I demand is to be lefb in possession of Kildare Casble until Sir Paissel and Mr Wedburn have made their investigations. Give me two weeks to myself. Then come to me with the result of your investigations. If they confirm your present opinions, I will leave the castle with my personal effects.' 'The Lady Nora's demands are just,' said Redmond Kildare. ' I will leave the castle to-day, and return ju-t a fortnight hence, when I hope you, gentlemen, will be here to settle the final details of this bu&iness.' The guardians and the lawyer assented, and the Lady Nora, accompanied by her step-sister, withdrew. Redmond Kildare presently went outaiso, going to the stables to order his horse to be made ready for departure. ' A fine young fellow !' said Sir Russel Ryan, watching him as he crossed the lawn. ' Yes,' said Michael Kildare, ' he's a true Kildare, after all. If only Nora will be wise enousrb to accept him !' ' She will accept him — she must accept him !' cried Sir Russel. ' She must not be allowed to throw away her whole future for a mere caprice. Why, Lord O'Neil is over head and ears in debt. He can't marry for years. Nora must many her cousin.' ' Yes. she must marry her cousin, repeated Michael Kildare, softly. ' She must marry him !' (To be Continw,d.)