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diff --git a/15259-h/15259-h.htm b/15259-h/15259-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3124de5 --- /dev/null +++ b/15259-h/15259-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10315 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta name="generator" content= + "HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st August 2004), see www.w3.org" /> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Pearl Of Pearl Island, by + John Oxenham.</title> +<style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px; font-size: smaller; font-size: smaller;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left; font-size: smaller;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ +</style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Pearl of Pearl Island, by John Oxenham + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Pearl of Pearl Island + +Author: John Oxenham + +Release Date: March 4, 2005 [EBook #15259] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PEARL OF PEARL ISLAND *** + + + + +Produced by Steven Gibbs and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1>PEARL OF PEARL ISLAND</h1> + + <h2>BY JOHN OXENHAM</h2> + + <h5>WITH SIXTEEN ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN SPECIALLY + FOR THIS BOOK</h5> + + <h5>HODDER AND STOUGHTON<br /> + PUBLISHERS LONDON<br /> + <br /> + 1908</h5> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h4>TO MY WIFE</h4> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="frontispiece" id="frontispiece"></a> <img src= + "images/frontispiece.jpg" width="296" height="427" alt= + "Frontispiece (untitled)" title="Frontispiece (untitled)" /> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS</h2> + <!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> + + <p><a href="#ILLUSTRATIONS"><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></a><br /> + <a href="#PEARL_OF_THE_PEARL_OF_THE_SILVER_SEA"><b>PEARL OF THE + PEARL OF THE SILVER SEA!</b></a><br /> + <a href="#PART_THE_FIRST"><b>PART THE + FIRST</b></a>—PEARL<br /> + <a href="#PART_THE_SECOND"><b>PART THE SECOND</b></a>—LOST + PEARL<br /> + <a href="#PART_THE_THIRD"><b>PART THE THIRD</b></a>—PEARL + ISLAND<br /> + <a href="#PART_THE_FOURTH"><b>PART THE FOURTH</b></a>—PEARL + OF PEARL ISLAND<br /> + <a href="#PART_THE_FIFTH"><b>PART THE FIFTH</b></a>—PEARL + IN A RING<br /> + <a href="#PART_THE_SIXTH"><b>PART THE SIXTH</b></a>—SMALLER + PEARLS<br /> + <a href="#WORKS_BY_THE_SAME_AUTHOR"><b>WORKS BY THE SAME + AUTHOR</b></a><br /></p><!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="ILLUSTRATIONS" id= + "ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + <p><b><a href="#frontispiece">Frontispiece + (untitled)</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp001">THE CONVANCHE CAVERN</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp055">HAVRE GOSSELIN LADDERS</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp076">IN LITTLE SARK</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp101">THE GAP IN THE HEDGE</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp112">IN THE FRESHNESS OF THE MORNING</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp129">THE SOUFFLEUR</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp147">IN DERRIBLE BAY</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp149">THE ROCK BEHIND TINTAGEU</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp151">IN THE WINDOW-SEAT</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp177">SARK CLIFFS, FROM BELÊME</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp187">THE SEIGNEURIE GARDEN</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp197">IN GRANDE GRÈVE</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp221">THE HARBOUR</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp239">IN THE GLOAMING</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp285">ROUND THE ISLAND</a></b><br /> + <b><a href="#fp289">UNDER THE AUTELETS</a></b><br /></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PEARL_OF_THE_PEARL_OF_THE_SILVER_SEA" id= + "PEARL_OF_THE_PEARL_OF_THE_SILVER_SEA"></a>PEARL OF THE PEARL OF + THE SILVER SEA!</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>PEARL Iridescent! Pearl of the sea!<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Shimmering, glimmering Pearl of the sea!<br /></span> + <span class="i2">White in the sun-flecked silver + sea,<br /></span> <span class="i2">White in the moon-decked + silver sea,<br /></span> <span class="i2">White in the wrath + of the silver sea,—<br /></span> <span>Pearl of the + Silver Sea!<br /></span> <span class="i2">Lapped in the smile + of the Silver Sea,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Ringed in + the foam of the Silver Sea,<br /></span> <span class= + "i2">Glamoured in mists of the Silver + Sea,—<br /></span> <span>Pearl of the Silver + Sea!<br /></span> <span class="i2">Glancing and glimmering + under the sun,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Jewel and casket + all in one,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Joy supreme of the + sun's day-dream,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Soft in the + gleam of the golden beam,—<br /></span> <span>Pearl of + the Silver Sea!<br /></span> <span class="i2">Splendour of + Hope in the rising sun,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Glory + of Love in the noonday sun,<br /></span> <span class= + "i2">Wonder of Faith in the setting sun,—<br /></span> + <span>Pearl of the Silver Sea!<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">Gaunt and grim to the outer + world,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Jewel and casket all + impearled<br /></span> <span class="i2">With the kiss of the + Silver Sea!—<br /></span> <span class="i2">With the + flying kiss of the Silver Sea,<br /></span> <span class= + "i2">With the long sweet kiss of the Silver Sea,<br /></span> + <span class="i2">With the rainbow kiss of the Silver + Sea,—<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Pearl of the Silver Sea!<br /></span> <span class= + "i2">And oh the sight,—the wonderful + sight,<br /></span> <span class="i2">When calm and white, in + the mystic light,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Of her + quivering pathway, broad and bright,<br /></span> + <span class="i2">The Queen of the Night, in silver + dight,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Sails over the Silver + Sea!<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Wherever I go, and wherever I be,<br /></span> + <span>The joy and the longing are there with + me,—<br /></span> <span>The gleam And the glamour come + back to me,—<br /></span> <span>In a mystical rapture + there comes to me,<br /></span> <span>The call of the Silver + Sea!<br /></span> <span>As needle to pole is my heart to + thee,<br /></span> <span>Pearl of the Silver + Sea!<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Pearl of the Pearl of the Silver Sea!<br /></span> + <span>To some you are Margaret, but to me,<br /></span> + <span>Always and ever, wherever I be,<br /></span> <span>You + are Pearl of the Pearl of the Silver Sea!<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>J.C.G.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp001" id="fp001"></a> <img src="images/fp001.jpg" + width="327" height="559" alt="THE CONVANCHE CAVERN" title= + "THE CONVANCHE CAVERN" /> <h5>THE CONVANCHE CAVERN</h5> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PART_THE_FIRST" id="PART_THE_FIRST"></a>PART THE + FIRST</h2> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>NOTE.—<i>It would be impossible to depict the Sark of + to-day without using the names native to the Island. All such + names here employed, however, are used without any reference + whatever to any actual persons who may happen to bear similar + names in Sark. The characters are to be taken as types. The + incidents are in many cases fact.</i></p> + </div> + + <p>If you want murders, mysteries, or mud—pass on! This is + a simple, straightforward love-story.</p> + + <p>"Jock, my lad," said Lady Elspeth softly, nodding her head + very many times, in that very knowing way of hers which made her + look like a Lord Chief Justice and a Fairy Godmother all in one, + "I've found you out."</p> + + <p>And when the shrewd old soul of her looked him gently through + and through in that fashion, he knew very much better than to + attempt any evasion.</p> + + <p>"Ah!" he said meekly, "I was afraid someone would, sooner or + later. I've been living in constant dread of it. But it's + happened before, you know, between you and me. What is it this + time, dear Lady Elspeth?"</p> + + <p>"Here have I been imputing grace to you for your kindly + attentions to a poor old woman whose race is nearly run, and + setting you up above the rest of them therefor, and lo, my + idol——"</p> + + <p>"Ah!" he said again, with a reproving wag of the head, for he + knew now what was coming,—"idols are perverse, camstairy + things at best, you know, and a bit out of date too. And, + besides,"—with a touch of remonstrance—"at your age + and with your bringing-up——"</p> + + <p>"Ay, ay, ye may be as insulting as ye choose, my laddie, and + fling my age and my upbringing in my face like a very + man——"</p> + + <p>"There isn't a face like it in all England, and as + to——"</p> + + <p>"I prefer ye to say Britain, as I've told ye before. Your bit + England is only a portion of the kingdom, and in very many + respects the poorest portion, notably in brains and manners and + beauty. But ye cannot draw me off like that, my laddie, whether + it's meant for a compliment or no. I was just about telling you + you were a fraud——"</p> + + <p>"You hadn't got quite that length, you know, + but——"</p> + + <p>"Will I prove it to you? Haven't you been coming here as + regular as the milkman for a month past——"</p> + + <p>"Oh, come now!—Only once a day. I've an idea milkie + comes twice, and besides——"</p> + + <p>"And what did ye come for, my lad?" with an emphatic nod and a + menacing shake of the frail white hand, pricelessly jewelled + above, comfortably black-silk-mittened below. "Tell me that now! + What did ye come for?"</p> + + <p>"To see the dearest old lady in England—Britain, I mean. + And—"</p> + + <p>"Yes?—And?—" and she watched him, with her head a + little on one side and her eyes shining brightly, like an + expectant motherly robin hopping on treasure trove.</p> + + <p>He smiled back at her and said nothing. He knew she knew + without his telling.</p> + + <p>"And so I was only second fiddle—" she began, with an + assumption of scornful irascibility which became her less than + her very oldest cap.</p> + + <p>"Oh, dear me, no! Leader of the orchestra!—Proprietor of + the house!—Sole director and manager and—"</p> + + <p>"Tuts! It was Margaret Brandt you came to see," and the + twinkling brown eyes held the merry gray ones with a steady + challenge.</p> + + <p>"Partly,—and I was just about to say so when you + interrupted me—"</p> + + <p>"Ay! Were you now? Ye can out with things quick enough at + times, my laddie!"</p> + + <p>"Well, you see, there are some things one does not speak about + until one feels one has an absolute right to."</p> + + <p>"You'd have told your mother, Jock."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps, I'm not sure,—not yet—not, at all + events, until—"</p> + + <p>"And wasn't I to take her place when she left you all + alone?"</p> + + <p>"And so you have. You're just the dearest and sweetest + old—"</p> + + <p>"Second fiddle! Come away and we'll talk of Margaret, since + that's all you come for."</p> + + <p>"And isn't she worth coming for? Did you ever in all your life + see anything more wonderful than Margaret Brandt?"</p> + + <p>And she looked at him for half a minute with a twinkle in the + shrewd old eyes, which had surely seen many strange and wonderful + things since the first wonders passed and gave place to the + common things of life. Beautiful eyes they were still,—of a + very tender brown, and shining always with kindly feeling and + deepest interest in the person she was talking to.</p> + + <p>I do not know how it may be with you, but, personally, I + detest people whose eyes and thoughts go wandering away over your + left shoulder while you are talking with them. It may be, of + course, that you are not much of a talker and are simply boring + them, but, all the same, mental squinters are not to my + liking.</p> + + <p>But Lady Elspeth was never bored—visibly, at all events, + and while you talked with her you were the one person in the + world in whom she was interested.</p> + + <p>Margaret's eyes had something of the same in them, but they + were very deep blue, and there was in them just that touch of + maidenly reserve which best becomes a maiden's eyes, until, to + one at all events, she may lay it aside and let her heart shine + through.</p> + + <p>Lady Elspeth looked at him, then, for half a minute, with a + starry twinkle, and then said, with a finality of conviction that + made her dearer to him than ever—</p> + + <p>"Never!" and he kissed her hand with fervour,—and not + ungracefully, since the action, though foreign to him, was + absolutely spontaneous.</p> + + <p>"But—!" she said firmly. And he sat up.</p> + + <p>"But me no buts," he said. "And why?"</p> + + <p>"Well, you see, Margaret is by way of being an + heiress—and you are not."</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry. But, you see, I couldn't very well be if I tried. + Still I'm not absolutely penniless, and—"</p> + + <p>"Tuts, boy! What you have is just about enough to pay Jeremiah + Pixley's servants' wages."</p> + + <p>"D-hang Jeremiah Pixley!"</p> + + <p>"D-hang is not a nice expression to use before a lady, let me + tell you. What you have, as, I was saying, is just enough to make + or mar you—"</p> + + <p>"It's going to make me. I can live on it till things begin to + come my way."</p> + + <p>"Everyone writes nowadays," she said, with a dubious shake of + the head. "Who reads all the books passes my comprehension. I + suppose you have all just to buy one another's to make a bit of a + living out of it."</p> + + <p>"Like those washing people! But it's not quite as bad as all + that. There are still some intelligent people who buy + books—good books, of course, I mean."</p> + + <p>"Not many, I'm afraid. They read reviews and chatter as though + they'd read the books. And if they really want to read them they + get them out of a library. You don't see bought books lying on + the tables, as you used to do when I was a girl, and they were + scarcer and dearer. How is this last one going?"</p> + + <p>"I have reason to believe my publishers are not absolutely + broken-hearted over it, which leads me to think that they have + probably done pretty well out of it. They are not what you might + call a gushing race, you know, but they have given me a kind of + cautious half-hint that they might not refuse to look at my next + if I offered it to them on my bended knees. But let us get back + to our—to Miss Brandt. I had no idea she was an heiress. I + have really never thought of money in the matter, except as to + how I could earn enough to offer it to her."</p> + + <p>"She has a fair portion—about two thousand a year, I + believe. Her father was Danish Consul in Glasgow, and had a + shipping business there. I should not be surprised if Mr. Pixley + had views of his own concerning Margaret's portion and his + son—and of course Margaret herself."</p> + + <p>"Will you permit me to say, 'Hang Mr. Pixley!' dear Lady + Elspeth? It would be such a relief—if you're sure you don't + mind."</p> + + <p>"You may say 'Hang Mr. Pixley!' though it is not an expression + I am in the habit of using myself. But please don't begin it with + a D."</p> + + <p>"Hang Mr. Pixley, and Mr. Pixley's son, and all his + intentions!" he said fervently and with visible relish.</p> + + <p>"Yes," she nodded slowly, as though savouring it; and then + added, with a delicious twinkle of the soft brown eyes, "There is + something in that that appeals to me. Jeremiah Pixley is almost + too good for this world. At least—"</p> + + <p>"He is absolutely unwholesomely good. My own private opinion + is that he's a disreputable old blackg—I mean whited + sepulchre."</p> + + <p>"Unwholesomely good!" She nodded again. "Yes,—that, I + think, very fairly expresses him. 'Unco' guid,' we would say up + north. But, all the same, he is Margaret's uncle and guardian and + trustee. He is also the kind of man whom nothing can turn from a + line he has once adopted."</p> + + <p>"I know. Pigheaded as a War-Office-mule," he side-tracked + hastily.</p> + + <p>For she had looked at him with a momentary bristle of enquiry + in the gentle brown eyes, and he remembered, just in time, that + her husband had once held the reins in Pall Mall for half a year, + when, feeling atrophy creeping on, he resigned office and died + three months later.</p> + + <p>He hastened to add,—"The ordinary Army-mule, you know, + is specially constructed with a cast-iron mouth, and a neck of + granite, and a disposition like—like Mr. Pixley's. I + imagine Mr. Pixley can be excessively unpleasant when he tries. + To me he is excessively unpleasant even to think of, and without + any exertion whatever on his part."</p> + + <p>"Yes. Mrs. Pixley would rather convey that impression. She is + always depressed and apprehensive-looking. But she is very fond + of Margaret, and that no doubt is why—But I suppose she + really has no choice in the matter, until she comes of + age—"</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Pixley?"</p> + + <p>"Until Margaret comes into her own she is no doubt obliged to + submit to her guardian's views. It is difficult to imagine anyone + not a Pixley living in the Pixley atmosphere of their own free + will. What is the son like? I have only seen him once or twice. + Does he take after his father?"</p> + + <p>"He's about twice as tall, and several times as wide in some + respects, I should say,—certainly in the matter of the + enjoyment of life. He's not bad-looking—in a kind of a way, + you know,—that is, for those who like that kind of + looks,—a trifle fleshy perhaps. But he's a fair dancer, and + sings a song well, and can talk about nothing as nicely as any + man I ever met. It's an accomplishment I often envy."</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't trouble about it, if I were you. There are things + more worth doing in the world. And that reminds me. We were + talking of your books. I've been wanting to tell you that your + love-scenes are not altogether to my liking. They are just a + little—well, not quite—"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know," he said sadly. "You see, I lack experience in + such things. Now, if Margaret—"</p> + + <p>"Don't tell me you want to use her simply as a model," she + began, with another incipient gentle bristle.</p> + + <p>"I want her as a model and a great many other things besides, + dear Lady Elspeth. I love Margaret Brandt with every atom of good + that is in me."</p> + + <p>"And she?" with a nod and a sparkle.</p> + + <p>"Ah! There now—that's what I don't know. She's not one + to wear her heart on her sleeve. At times I have dared to hope. + Then again I have feared—"</p> + + <p>"That is quite right. That is quite as it should be. Anything + more, so early as this, would imply unmaidenliness on her + part."</p> + + <p>"Truly? You mean it? You are, without exception, the most + charming old lady in the world! You relieve my mind immensely. + You see, she is always so sweet and charming. But then she could + not be anything else, and it may really mean nothing. Do you + really think I may hope?"</p> + + <p>"'White-handed Hope, thou hovering angel, girt with golden + wings,'" she quoted, with a smile.</p> + + <p>"That's Margaret," he murmured rapturously.</p> + + <p>"It's a poor kind of man that gives up hope until he lies in + his coffin, and even then—" and she nodded thoughtfully, as + though tempted to a descent into metaphysics.</p> + + <p>"Let us talk of bridal wreaths. They are very much nicer to + think of than coffins when one is discussing Margaret + Brandt."</p> + + <p>"She is very sweet and very beautiful—"</p> + + <p>"There never was anyone like her in this world—unless it + was my mother and yourself."</p> + + <p>"Let Margaret be first with you, my boy. That also is as it + should be. Neither your dear mother nor I stand in need of empty + compliments. Margaret Brandt is worthy any good man's whole + heart, and perhaps I can be of some help to you. But, all the + same, remember what I've said. You may be too late in the + field."</p> + + <p>"You are just the splendidest old lady in the world," he said + exuberantly; and added, with a touch of gloom, "She was talking + of going off to the Riviera."</p> + + <p>"Ah, then, I suppose I shall be in eclipse also, until she + returns."</p> + + <p>"Oh no, you won't. We can talk of her, you know," at which + Lady Elspeth's eyes twinkled merrily.</p> + + <p>"What would you say to convoying a troublesome old lady to the + Riviera, yourself, Jock?"</p> + + <p>"You?" and he jumped up delightedly,—and just at that + point old Hamish opened the door of the cosy room, and + announced—</p> + + <p>"Miss Brandt, mem!"</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <p>"Miss Brandt, mem!" announced old Hamish, in as dry and + matter-of-fact a voice as though it were only, "Here's the + doctor, mem!" or "Dinner's ready, mem!" and Margaret herself came + in, rosy-faced and bright-eyed from the kiss of the wind + outside.</p> + + <p>Lady Elspeth laughed enjoyably at the sight of her, and + touched the bell for tea.</p> + + <p>"You are always like a breath from the heather to me, my dear, + or a glimpse of Schiehallion," said she, as they kissed, and + Graeme stood reverently looking on, as at a holy rite.</p> + + <p>"Oh, surely I'm not as rugged and wrinkled as all that!" + laughed Margaret. "And I certainly am not bald. How do you do, + Mr. Graeme?"</p> + + <p>"There is no need to ask you that question, at any rate," he + said, with visible appreciation.</p> + + <p>"I have loved Schiehallion all my life," said Lady Elspeth. + "To me there is no mountain in the world to compare with it. You + see how one's judgment is biassed by one's affections. And how is + Mrs. Pixley to-day, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"She is much as usual, dear Lady Elspeth. She is never very + lively, you know. If anything, I think she is, perhaps, a trifle + less lively than usual just now."</p> + + <p>"And Mr. Pixley is as busied in good works as ever, I + suppose."</p> + + <p>"As busy as ever—outside,"—at which gentle thrust + the others smiled.</p> + + <p>"It's all very well to laugh," remonstrated Margaret, "but + truly, you know, philanthropy, like charity, would be none the + less commendable to its relations if it sometimes remembered that + it had a home. I sometimes think that if ever there was a + deserving case it is poor Aunt Susan."</p> + + <p>"And young Mr. Pixley? Doesn't he liven you up?" asked Lady + Elspeth. "He is very good company, I am told."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Charles is excellent company. If we didn't see him now + and again the house would be like a tomb. But he's not there all + the time, and we have relapses. He has his own rooms elsewhere, + you know. And I'm really not surprised. It taxes even him to + lighten the deadly dulness of Melgrave Square."</p> + + <p>"It must be a great comfort to Mrs. Pixley to have you with + her, my dear."</p> + + <p>"I can't make up for all she lacks in other directions," said + Margaret, with a shake of the head. "I get quite angry with Uncle + Jeremiah sometimes. He is so—so absorbed in benefiting + other people that he—Well, you can understand how + delightful it is to be able to run in here and find the sun + always shining."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, my dear," said Lady Elspeth, with a twinkle in the + brown eyes. "Some people carry their own sunshine with them + wherever they go."</p> + + <p>"And some people decidedly don't," said Margaret, who was + evidently suffering from some unusual exhibition of + Pixleyism.</p> + + <p>"It is generally possible to find a ray or so somewhere about, + if you know where to look for it," suggested Graeme.</p> + + <p>"I was just accusing Jock of coming here as regularly as the + milkman," twinkled Lady Elspeth.</p> + + <p>"We have a community of tastes, you see," he said, looking + across at Margaret. "I also have a craving for sunshine, and I + naturally come where I know it is to be found," and Lady + Elspeth's eyes twinkled knowingly again.</p> + + <p>"It's a good conceit of myself I'll be getting, if you two go + on like this."</p> + + <p>"I'm quite sure you will never think half as well of yourself + as your friends do," said Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Besides, you might even pass some of the credit on to us for + the excellent taste we display."</p> + + <p>"Ay, ay! Well, it's good to be young," said Lady Elspeth.</p> + + <p>"And it's very good to have delightful old sunbeams for + friends."</p> + + <p>"To say nothing of the young ones," laughed the old lady.</p> + + <p>"They speak for themselves."</p> + + <p>"We are becoming quite a mutual admiration society," said + Margaret. "Have you been dining with your fellow Friars lately, + Mr. Graeme?"</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry to say I've been neglecting my privileges in that + respect. I haven't been there for an age—not since that + last Ladies' Dinner, in fact. You see, I'm an infant there yet, + and I scarcely know anybody, and I've been very busy—"</p> + + <p>"Chasing sunbeams," suggested Lady Elspeth.</p> + + <p>"And other things."</p> + + <p>"You are busy on another book?" asked Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Just getting one under way. It takes a little time to get + things into proper shape, but once it is going, the work is very + absorbing and sheer delight. You were talking of going abroad + again. Are you still thinking of it?"</p> + + <p>"I was hoping to get away. I wanted Aunt Susan to come with me + to the Riviera, but she flatly refuses to leave home at present, + so I'm afraid that's off."</p> + + <p>"Well, now, that's curious. I've been feeling something of an + inclination that way myself," said Lady Elspeth. "I wonder if + you'd feel like coming with me, Margaret. I don't believe we + would quarrel."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I would be delighted, dear Lady Elspeth, and I'll promise + not to quarrel whatever you do to me."</p> + + <p>"Who ever heard of sunbeams quarrelling?" said Graeme gaily, + with Lady Elspeth's earlier suggestion to himself dancing in his + brain. "But think of London left utterly sunless."</p> + + <p>"London will never miss us," said Margaret. "It still has + bridge, and we are neither of us players."</p> + + <p>And then, having an appointment from which he could not + escape, and knowing that they always enjoyed a little personal + chat, he reluctantly took his leave, and left them to the + discussion of their new plans.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <p>He had met Margaret Brandt for the first time at a Ladies' + Banquet of the Whitefriars Club.</p> + + <p>Providence,—I insist upon this. No mere chance set them + next to one another at that hospitable board,—Providence, + forecasting the future, placed them side by side, and he was + introduced to her by his good friend Adam Black, who had the + privilege of her acquaintance and sat opposite enjoying them + greatly.</p> + + <p>For they were both eminently good to look + upon;—Margaret, tall and slender, and of a most gracious + figure and bearing, with thoughtful, dark-blue eyes, a very + charming face accentuated by the characteristics of her northern + descent, and a wealth of shining brown hair coiled about her + shapely head;—Graeme, tall, clean-built, of an outdoor + complexion, with nothing of the student about him save his deep, + reflective eyes, and the little lines in the corners which + wrinkled up so readily at the overflowing humours of life.</p> + + <p>It was Charles Pixley—Charles Svendt Pixley, to accord + him fullest justice, which I am most anxious to do—who + brought her, and to that extent we are his debtors.</p> + + <p>Though why Pixley should be a Whitefriar passes one's + comprehension. His pretensions to literature were, I should say, + bounded by his Stock Exchange notebook and his betting-book. He + had not even read Graeme's latest, though it was genuinely in its + second—somewhat limited—edition, and he did not even + smile affably when Adam Black introduced them. Graeme, however, + had no fault to find with him for that. There were others in like + dismal case.</p> + + <p>Pixley nodded cursorily at the introduction, with a + "How-d'ye-do-who-the-deuce-are-you?" expression on his face. He + struck Graeme as not bad-looking, in a somewhat over-fed and + self-indulgent fashion, and inclined to superciliousness and + self-complacency, if not to actual superiority and condescension. + It occurred to him afterwards that this might arise from his + absorption in his companion, for he turned again at once to Miss + Brandt and began chattering like a lively and intelligent + parrot.</p> + + <p>Graeme was one of the silent and observant ones, and he could + not but think how beneficent Nature is in casting us in many + moulds. If we were all built alike, he thought, and all dribbled + smart inanities, and nothing but inanities, with the glibness of + a Charles Pixley, what a world it would be!</p> + + <p>However, it was Charles Pixley who brought Margaret Brandt to + that dinner, and Graeme sat on the other side of her there. And + so, Charles Svendt—blessings on thee, unworthy friar though + thou be!</p> + + <p>And presently, Miss Brandt, wearying no doubt of <i>perdrix, + perdrix, toujours perdrix</i>,—that is to say of Charles's + sprightly chatter, of which she doubtless got more than enough at + home,—essayed conversation with the silent one at her other + side, and, one may suppose, found it more to her taste, or more + of a novelty, than the Pixley outflow.</p> + + <p>For, once started, she and Graeme talked together most of the + evening—breaking off reluctantly to drink various toasts to + people in whom they had, at the moment, no remotest interest + whatever, and recovering the thread of their conversation before + they resumed their seats.</p> + + <p>Only one toast really interested Graeme, and that was "The + Ladies—the Guests of the Evening"; and that he drank right + heartily, with his eyes on Miss Brandt's sparkling face, and if + it had been left to himself he would have converted it from + plural to singular and drunk to her alone.</p> + + <p>Adam Black, excellent fellow, and gifted beyond most with + wisdom and insight, and the condensed milk of human kindness, + took upon himself the burden of Pixley, and engaged that eminent + financier so deeply in talk concerning matters of import, that + Miss Brandt and Graeme found themselves at liberty to enjoy one + another to their hearts' content.</p> + + <p>They talked on many subjects—tentatively, and as + sounding novel depths—in a way that occasioned one of them, + at all events, very great surprise. Indeed, it seemed to him + afterwards that, for a silent and observant man, he had been led + into quite unwonted, but none the less very enjoyable, ways. He + went home that night feeling very much as Columbus must have done + when his New World swam before his eyes in misted glory. He too + had sighted a new world. He had discovered Margaret Brandt.</p> + + <p>She had travelled widely over Europe, he learned, and was + looking forward with eagerness to another tour in the near + future. They discovered a common liking for many of the places + she had visited.</p> + + <p>She was a wide and intelligent reader. To him it was a rare + pleasure to meet one.</p> + + <p>"New places, and new books, and new people are always a joy to + me," she said, in a glow of naïve enthusiasm. And then she + blushed slightly lest he should discover a personal application + in the last-named, or even in the last two.</p> + + <p>But Graeme was thinking of her, and was formulating her + character from the delicious little bits of self-revelation which + slipped out every now and again.</p> + + <p>"Yes," he said, "new things are very enjoyable, and in these + times there is no lack of them. The tendency, I should say, is + towards superfluity. But new places——! There are + surely not many left except the North Pole and the South. + Everybody goes everywhere nowadays, and you tumble over friends + in Damascus and find your tailor picnicking on the slopes of + Lebanon."</p> + + <p>Now, as it chanced,—if you admit such a thing as chance + in so tangled a coil as this complex world of ours,—Adam + Black had just tucked Charles Pixley into a close little + argumentative corner, and given him food for contemplation, and + catching Graeme's last remark, he smiled across the table, and in + a word of four letters dropped a seed into several lives which + bore odd fruit and blossom.</p> + + <p>"Ever been to Sark, Graeme?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Sark? No. Let me see——"</p> + + <p>"Channel Islands. You go across from Guernsey. If ever you + want relief from your fellows—to finish a book, or to start + one, or just to grizzle and find yourself—try Sark. It's + the most wonderful little place, and it's amazing how few people + know it."</p> + + <p>Then Charles Pixley bethought him of a fresh line of argument, + and engaged Black, and was promptly shown the error of his ways; + and Margaret Brandt and Graeme resumed their discussion of places + and books and people. And before that evening ended, with such + affinity of tastes, their feet were fairly set in the rosy path + of friendship.</p> + + <p>Now that is how it all began, and that explains what happened + afterwards when the right time came.</p> + + <p>Chance, forsooth! We know better.</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <p>Not long after that dinner, Lady Elspeth Gordon came up to + town for the first time after her husband's death.</p> + + <p>She had been John Graeme's mother's closest friend, and when + he was left alone in the world, the dear old lady, before she had + fully recovered from her own sore loss, took upon herself a + friendly supervision of him and his small affairs, and their + intercourse was very delightful.</p> + + <p>For Lady Elspeth knew everybody worth knowing, and all that + was to be known about the rest; and those gentle brown eyes of + hers had missed little of what had gone on around her since she + first came to London, fifty years before. She had known + Wellington, and Palmerston, and John Russell, and Disraeli, and + Gladstone, and Louis Napoleon, and Garibaldi, and many more. She + was a veritable golden link with the past, and a storehouse of + reminiscence and delightful insight into human nature.</p> + + <p>And—since she knew everyone worth knowing, Graeme very + soon discovered that she knew Margaret Brandt, and Miss Brandt's + very frequent visits to Phillimore Gardens proved that she was an + acceptable visitor there.</p> + + <p>Upon that, his own visits to Lady Elspeth naturally became + still more frequent than before,—approximating even, as she + had said, the record of the milkman,—and, though his dear + old friend might rate him gently as to the motives for his + coming, he had every reason to believe that her sympathies were + with him, and that she would do what she could to further his + hopes.</p> + + <p>He had never, however, openly discussed Margaret with her + until that afternoon of which I have already spoken.</p> + + <p>Miss Brandt, you see, was always most graciously kind and + charming whenever they met. But that was just her natural self. + She was charming and gracious to everyone—even to Charles + Pixley, the while he swamped her with inane tittle-tattle, and + higher proof of grace than that it would be difficult to + imagine.</p> + + <p>And, since she was charming to all, Graeme felt that he could + base no solid hopes on her gracious treatment of himself, though + the quiet recollection of every smallest detail of it would set + him all aglow with hope for days after each chance meeting. And + so he had never ventured to discuss the matter with Lady Elspeth, + and would not have done so that afternoon had she not herself + opened it.</p> + + <p>The dear old lady's encouragement, however, deepened and + strengthened his hopes, in spite of her insidious hints + concerning Mr. Pixley's possible intentions. For she was a + shrewd, shrewd woman, and those soft brown eyes of hers saw far + and deep. And, since she bade him hope, hope he would, though + every brick in London town became a Pixley set on thwarting + him.</p> + + <p>The fact of Margaret's means being, for the present at all + events, so much larger than his own, he would not allow to + trouble him. It was Margaret herself he wanted, and had wanted + long before he heard she had money. The troublesome accident of + her possessions should not come between them if he could help it. + He did not for one moment believe she would ever think so ill of + him as to believe that he wanted her for anything but herself. + And in any case, if kind Providence bestowed her upon him, he + would insist on her money being all settled on herself absolutely + and irrevocably.</p> + + <p>Since that never-to-be-forgotten dinner, they had come across + one another at Lady Elspeth's with sufficient frequency to open + the eyes of that astute old lady to the heart-state of one of + them at all events. Possibly she knew more of the heart and mind + of the other than she cared to say in plain words; but, as a + woman, she would naturally abide by the rules of the game. In the + smaller games of life it is woman's privilege, indeed, to stretch + and twist all rules to suit her own convenience, but in this + great game of love, woman stands by woman and the womanly rules + of the game—unless, indeed, she craves the stakes for + herself, in which case——</p> + + <p>And so—although Lady Elspeth favoured him, that + afternoon, only with vague generalities as to the pleasures of + hope, and afforded him no solid standing-ground for the sole of + his hopeful foot, but left him to discover that for himself, as + was only right and proper—his heart stood high, and he + looked forward with joyous anticipation to the future.</p> + + <p>The radiant sun of all his rosy heavens was Margaret Brandt, + and he would not for one moment admit the possibility of its + clouding by anything of the name of Pixley.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <p>Graeme had not the entrée of the Pixley mansion.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley he knew, by repute only, as the head of Pixley's, + the great law-firm, in Lincoln's Inn. Mrs. Pixley he had never + met.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley was a bright and shining light—yea, a + veritable light-house—of respectability and benevolence, + and bushel coverings were relegated to their proper place outside + his scheme of life. His charities were large, wide-spread, + religiously advertised in the donation columns of the daily + papers, and doubtless palliated the effects of multitudes of + other people's sins.</p> + + <p>He was a church-warden, president and honorary treasurer of + numerous philanthropical societies—in a word, at once a + pillar and corner-stone of his profession, his church, and his + country.</p> + + <p>He was also a smug little man with a fresh, well-fed face, + bordered by a touch of old-fashioned, gray side-whisker, rather + outstanding blue eyes, and he carried, and sometimes used as it + was intended to be used, a heavy gold pince-nez, which more + frequently, however, acted as a kind of lightning-conductor for + the expression of his feelings. A pince-nez of many + parts:—now it was a scalping-knife, slaughtering the hopes + of some harried victim of the law; and again, it was a + bâton beating time to a hymn or the National Anthem; + possibly it was, in moments of relaxation, a jester's wand poking + fun at ancient cronies, though indeed a somewhat full-blooded + imagination is required for that. I have heard that once when, in + the fervour of a speech, Mr. Pixley dropped his pince-nez among + the reporters below, he was utterly unable to continue until the + fetish was recovered and handed back to him. It is an undoubted + fact that though you might forget the exact lines of Mr. Pixley's + face and even his words, you never forgot the fascinating + evolutions of his heavy gold pince-nez. Like a Frenchman's hands, + it told even more than his face or his words.</p> + + <p>He had a good voice, and a deportment which had, without + doubt, been specially created for the chairmanship of public + meetings. And he was Margaret Brandt's uncle by marriage, her + guardian and trustee, and the father of Charles Svendt, on whose + account Lady Elspeth had thought well to throw out warning hints + of possible paternal intentions respecting Margaret and her + fortune.</p> + + <p>From every point of view Graeme detested Mr. Pixley, though he + had never passed a word with him. He was too perfect, too + immaculate. His "unco' guidness," as Lady Elspeth would have + said, bordered on ostentation. The sight and sound of him aroused + in some people a wild inclination towards unaccustomed profanity + and wallowing in the mire. He was so undisguisedly and + self-satisfiedly better than his fellows that one felt his long + and flawless life almost in the nature of a rebuke if not an + affront. He was too obtrusively good for this world. One could + not but feel that if he had been cut off in his youth, and buried + under a very white marble slab and an appropriate inscription, + both he and the world would have been far more comfortably + circumstanced. And John Graeme devoutly wished he had been so + favoured, for, in that case, he could neither have been + Margaret's uncle, trustee, nor guardian, and it is possible that + there would also have been no Charles Svendt Pixley to trouble + the course of his own true love.</p> + + <p>But of Charles Svendt I have no harsh word to say. He could + not help being his father's son, and one must not blame him for + the unavoidable. And, in most respects, he was as unlike his + worthy parent as circumstances permitted.</p> + + <p>He was on the Stock Exchange and doing well there. He had very + comfortable rooms near St. James's Square, and enjoyed life in + his own way and at his own not inconsiderable expense. When + Margaret Brandt was at home, however, he was much at his father's + house in Melgrave Square.</p> + + <p>He made no pretence to unco' guidness whatever. He subscribed + to nothing outside the House, with two exceptions—the Dogs' + Home at Battersea, and the Home of Rest for Aged Horses at + Acton—signs of grace both these offerings, I take it!</p> + + <p>To all other demands he invariably replied,—"Can't burn + the candle at both ends, my dear sir. The governor charitables + for the whole family. He'll give you something if you'll let him + head the list and keep it standing."</p> + + <p>No, we have no fault to find with Charles Svendt. Time came + when he was weighed and not found wanting.</p> + + <p>Graeme and he had run across one another occasionally—at + the Travellers' Club and elsewhere—but their acquaintance + had never ripened to the point of introduction till that night at + the Whitefriars' dinner. After that they were on nodding terms, + but not much more, until—well, until later.</p> + + <p>So, though there was hope in his heart, born of Lady Elspeth's + approval and quiet suggestings, John Graeme was still somewhat + doubtful as to Margaret Brandt's feelings towards him, and quite + at a loss how to arrive at a more exact knowledge of them.</p> + + <p>Too precipitate an advance might end in utter rout. And + opportunities of approach were all too infrequent for his + wishes.</p> + + <p>Their chance meetings were rare and exquisite + pleasures,—to be looked forward to with an eagerness that + held within it the strange possibility of pain through sheer + excess of longing;—to be enjoyed like the glory of a + fleeting dream;—to be looked back upon with touches of + regret at opportunities missed;—to be dwelt upon for days + and nights with alternate hope and misgiving, with the rapturous + recalling of every tone of the sweet voice, of every word it had + uttered, of every gracious gesture, and every most minute and + subtle change in the sweetest face and the frankest and most + charming eyes in the world.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <p>Their acquaintance had blossomed thus far, when a dire + disaster happened and justified all his fears.</p> + + <p>He ran gaily up the steps of Lady Elspeth's house one + afternoon, brimming with hope that kindly fortune might bring + Margaret that way that day, and was hurled into deepest depths of + despair by old Hamish as soon as he opened the door.</p> + + <p>"Ech, Mr. Graeme!" said the old man, with his grizzled old + face tuned to befitting concern. "Her leddyship's awa' to + Inverstrife at a moment's notice. She had a tailegram late last + night saying the little leddy—the Countess, ye + ken—was very bad, and would she go at once. And she and + Jannet were off by the first train this morning. They aye send + for us, ye ken, when anything by-ordinar's to the fore. It's the + little leddy's first, ye understand, and ye'll mind that her own + mother died two years ago."</p> + + <p>"Well, well! I'm sorry you've had such an upsetting, Hamish. + And there's no knowing when Lady Elspeth will return, I + suppose?"</p> + + <p>"It a' depends on the little leddy, Mr. Graeme. Her leddyship + will stay till everything's all right, ye may depend upon that. + She told me to give you her kindest regairds and beg you to + excuse her not writing. They were all on their heads, so to + speak, as ye can understand."</p> + + <p>"Yes, of course. Well, we must just hope the little lady will + pull through all right. If I don't hear from Lady Elspeth I will + call now and again for your latest news."</p> + + <p>"Surely, sir. Jannet'll be letting me know, if her leddyship's + too busy. Miss Brandt was here about hauf an hour ago," he added, + with unmoved face;—to think of any man, even so ancient a + man as old Hamish, being able to state a fact so great as that + with unmoved face! And there was actually no sign of reminiscent + and lingering after-glow perceptible in him!—but Graeme was + not at all sure that there was not a veiled twinkle away down in + the depths of his little blue-gray eyes.</p> + + <p>"Ah! Miss Brandt has been here! She would be surprised + too——"</p> + + <p>"She was that, sir,—and a bit disappointed, it seemed to + me——"</p> + + <p>Yes, there <i>was</i> a twinkle in the old fellow's eyes! Oh, + he knew, he knew without a doubt. Trust old Hamish for not + missing much that was to the fore. He and his old wife, Jannet + Gordon, had been in Lady Elspeth's service for over forty years, + ever since her leddyship married into the family, and Lady + Elspeth trusted them both implicitly and discussed most matters + very freely with them. The dilatations of those three shrewd old + people, concerning things in general, and the men and women of + their acquaintance in particular, would have been rare, rare + hearing.</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll call again in a day or two, Hamish," and he went + away along the gloomy streets, which were all ablaze with soft + April sunshine, and yet to him had suddenly become darkened. For + he saw at a glance all that this was like to do for him.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PART_THE_SECOND" id="PART_THE_SECOND"></a>PART THE + SECOND</h2> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <p>The rare delight of his meetings with Margaret was at an end. + Bluff Fortune had slammed the door in his face, and White-handed + Hope had folded her golden wings and sat moping with melancholy + mien.</p> + + <p>He wandered into Kensington Gardens, but the daffodils swung + their heads despondently, and the gorgeous masses of hyacinths + made him think of funeral plumes on horses' heads.</p> + + <p>He went on into the Park. She might be driving there, and he + might catch glimpse of her. But she was not, and all the rest + were less than nothing to him.</p> + + <p>He found himself at Hyde Park Corner and back again at + Kensington Gate. But the door was still closed in his face, and + he longed for the sight of somebody else's as he had never longed + before.</p> + + <p>The post was of course open to him, but, at this stage at all + events, he felt that the written word would be eminently + inadequate and unsatisfying.</p> + + <p>He wanted, when he approached that mighty question, to look + into her eyes and see her answer in their pure depths before it + reached her lips,—to watch the fluttering heart-signals in + her sweet face and learn from them more than all the words in the + world could tell. Letters were, at best, to actual speech but as + actual speech would be to all that his heart-quickened eyes would + discover if he could but ask her face to face.</p> + + <p>And besides—he would have wished to make his footing + somewhat surer before putting everything to the test.</p> + + <p>But, since matters had gone thus far, it was quite out of the + question to let them stop there unresolved. Either the precious + cargo must be brought safely into port or the derelict must be + sunk and the fairway cleared. The question was—how to + proceed?</p> + + <p>The unwritten laws of social usage would hardly permit him to + carry the Pixley mansion by assault and insist on seeing Miss + Brandt. Besides, that might expose her to annoyance, and that he + would not upon any consideration.</p> + + <p>And so, before he reached his rooms, his mind was groping + clumsily after written phrases which should in some sort express + that which was in him without saying too much too + soon,—which should delicately hint his regrets at this + sudden curtailment of their acquaintance, and leave it for her to + say whether or no she regarded the matter in the same light.</p> + + <p>Lady Elspeth's sudden summons to the north furnished an + acceptable text. Margaret was not to know that he knew of her + call at Phillimore Gardens. It was surely but a friendly act on + his part to inform her of a matter so nearly concerning one who + was dear to them both.</p> + + <p>It took a considerable time, however, and the expenditure of + much thought and ink and paper, before he succeeded in producing + a letter in any degree to his liking. And even when it was + written many perusals only served to deepen his doubts.</p> + + <p>In any case, it was the best he could do under the + circumstances, and since he could not see her answer in her eyes + or in her face, the words she would send him in reply would + surely afford his quickened perceptions some indication of her + feeling, though nothing to what her presence would have told + him.</p> + + <p>So he wrote—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"Dear Miss Brandt,—When I called at Lady Elspeth + Gordon's this afternoon, I learned, to my very great regret, in + which I dare to hope you may participate, that our dear old + friend had been summoned to Inverstrife at almost a moment's + notice, by the sudden illness of her niece, the Countess of + Assynt.</p> + + <p>"I trust her visit may not need to be a very extended one, + but Lady Elspeth is such a tower of strength to all who seek + her help that she is not likely to return so long as she can be + of any possible assistance to her friends.</p> + + <p>"For reasons which, perhaps, I need not particularise, her + sudden departure is to me a loss beyond its apparent magnitude. + The hours I have spent at her house have been among the + brightest of my life. You also have enjoyed her friendship. I + venture to hope that you also will miss her.</p> + + <p>"Should I not have the pleasure of seeing you for some + little time, I would beg of you to bear me in your kindly + remembrance.—Sincerely yours,</p> + + <p>"JOHN C. GRAEME."</p> + </div> + + <p>Did it say too much? Would she look upon it as an overstepping + of the limits their acquaintance had reached?</p> + + <p>Did it say enough? Could she possibly overlook the things he + would so dearly have liked to say but had left unsaid?</p> + + <p>Did it say too little? Could she possibly deem it an + unnecessary liberty, and cold at that? He did not think she could + by any possibility look at it in that light.</p> + + <p>But after it was at last surely lodged in the pillar-box, all + these doubts came back upon him with tenfold force, and his sleep + that night would have been short-commons for a nightingale.</p> + + <p>She would get his letter by the first post in the morning. + Would she answer it at once? Or would she wait half a day + considering it?</p> + + <p>Either course held hopeful possibilities. A prompt answer + would surely suggest a concurrence of feeling. An answer delayed + would without doubt mean that she was pondering his words and + reading between the lines. So he possessed his soul in patience, + of a somewhat attenuated texture, and waited in hope.</p> + + <p>But the whole day passed, and the night, and the next + morning's post still brought him nothing,—nothing but an + intimation from a publisher of excellent standing that he would + not decline to look over the manuscript of his next book if he + was open to an offer. And this important document he tossed on + one side as lightly as if it were a begging letter or a tailor's + advertisement.</p> + + <p>What were any other letters, or all the letters in the world, + to him when the one letter he desired was not there?</p> + + <p>All that bright April day he waited indoors, in order to get + Margaret's letter the moment it arrived. For how should he wander + abroad, in gloomy-blazing streets or desolate-teeming parks with + that anxiously-expected letter possibly awaiting him at home?</p> + + <p>The callous passage of the last post, after knocking + cheerfully at every door but his own, left him wondering and + desperate.</p> + + <p>Could he by any possibility have addressed his letter wrongly? + It was not easy to make a mistake in No. 1 Melgrave Square.</p> + + <p>Could it have gone astray? The Post Office was abominably + careless at times. One was constantly hearing of letters slipping + down behind desks and monstrously delivered twenty years after + date. What earthly good would that letter be delivered when he + was forty-seven and Margaret Brandt somewhere in the + neighbourhood of forty? Truly, it was monstrous, it was + abominable that such carelessness should be permitted in the + public departments!</p> + + <p>Could Margaret have taken umbrage at anything he had said? He + conned his rough draft with solicitous care. It seemed new and + strange and crude to him. He feared at each word to come upon the + one that might have offended her. But no word, no phrase, nothing + even of all that he had left unsaid sprang up before his + horrified eyes to choke him with a sense of inadequacy, or + inadvertency, or trespass.</p> + + <p>No sleep got he that night for cudgelling his tired brains for + reasons why no answer had come from Margaret.</p> + + <p>Could she be ill? She was well enough, two days before, to + call at Lady Elspeth's house. But, of course, even in a day one + may take a chill and be prostrated.</p> + + <p>The possibility of that was brought home to him next morning + by his landlady's surprised stare and exclamation at sight of his + face.</p> + + <p>"Law, Mr. John!"—she had been handmaid to his mother for + many years and he was still always Mr. John to her,—"Have + you got the influenza too? Everyone seems to have it + nowadays."</p> + + <p>He reassured her on the point. But every friend he met that + day credited him with it, and suggested remedies and precautions + sufficient to have made an end of any ordinary man.</p> + + <p>He was vexed to think his face so clear an index of his + feelings, but, truly, his spirits were none of the best and the + weather was enervatingly warm.</p> + + <p>It was quite inconceivable to him that Margaret Brandt should, + of knowledge and intention, drop their pleasant acquaintance in + this fashion. He believed he knew her well enough to know that, + even if she had any fault to find with his letter, she would + still have replied to it, and would have delicately conveyed her + feeling in her answer.</p> + + <p>Then, either she had never received it, or, for some good + reason or other, she was unable to reply.</p> + + <p>He went down to Melgrave Square to make sure that No. 1 was + still there. Possibly he might come across Margaret in the + neighbourhood. If he did he would know at a glance if she had + received his letter.</p> + + <p>But No. 1 offered him no explanations. It stood as usual, + large and prim and precise, the very acme of solid, sober wealth + and assertive moral rectitude. He was strongly tempted to call + and ask for Miss Brandt, but it was only ten o'clock in the + morning, and the house looked so truly an embodiment in stucco of + Mrs. Grundy and Jeremiah Pixley, that he forbore and went on his + melancholy way.</p> + + <p>First, to his rooms again, to see if by chance the letter had + come in his absence. Then, as it had not, to Lady Elspeth + Gordon's for old Hamish's latest news, which, in a letter from + his wife, was satisfactory as far as it went, but pointed to a + protracted stay. And then, with stern resolution, up to Baker + Street and away by train to Chesham, for a long day's tramp + through the Buckingham hills and dales, by Chenies to Chorley + Wood and Rickmansworth, so to weary the body that the wearier + brain should get some rest that night.</p> + + <p>The sweet soft air and sunshine, the leisurely life of the + villages, and the cheerful unfoldings of the spring, in wood and + field and hedgerow, brought him to a more hopeful frame of mind. + Every sparrow twittered hope. The thrushes and young blackbirds + fluted it melodiously. It was impossible to remain unhopeful in + such goodly company. Something unexpected, accidental, untoward, + had prevented Margaret replying to his letter. Time would clear + it up and set him wondering at his lapse from fullest faith.</p> + + <p>Also—he would risk even further rebuff. He would write + again, and this time he would trust no precarious and + problematical post-office. He would drop his letter into the + Pixley letter-box himself, and so be sure that it got there.</p> + + <p>If then no answer,—to the winds with Mrs. Grundy and all + her coils and conventions! He would call and see Margaret + himself, and learn from her own eyes and face and lips how + matters stood, and Mrs. Grundy might dance and scream on the step + outside until she grew tired of the exercise.</p> + + <p>There was joy and hope in action once more. Patient waiting on + slowly-dying Hope is surely the direst moral and mental torture + to which poor humanity can be subjected. That is where woman + pre-eminently overpasses man. Woman can wait unmurmuringly on + dying Hope till the last breath is gone, then silently take up + her burden and go on her way—or, if the strain has been too + great, fold quiet hands on quiet heart and follow her dead hopes + into the living hope beyond. Man must aye be doing—and as + often as not, such natural judgment as he possesses being warped + and jangled by the strain of waiting, he succeeds only in making + matters worse and a more complete fool of himself.</p> + + <p>To be writing to Margaret again was to be living in hope once + more.</p> + + <p>If nothing came of this, he would call at the Pixley + house.</p> + + <p>If nothing came of that—he grew valiant in his new + access of life—he would beard Jeremiah Pixley in his den in + Lincoln's Inn, state clearly how matters stood, and request + permission to approach his ward.</p> + + <p>After all, this is a free country, and all men are equal under + the law, though he had his own doubts as to whether he would find + himself quite equal to that gleaming pillar of light, Mr. + Jeremiah Pixley.</p> + + <p>So he wrote—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"DEAR MISS BRANDT,—I wrote to you a few days ago, + giving you the information of our dear friend Lady Elspeth's + sudden summons to Inverstrife, to attend her niece, the + Countess of Assynt.</p> + + <p>"I hope you will not consider it presumption on my part to + express the fear that my letter has somehow + miscarried—probably through some oversight of my own, or + carelessness on the part of the postal authorities.</p> + + <p>"You will, I know, be glad to hear that Lady Elspeth + accomplished her journey in safety and without undue + discomfort. But Lady Assynt's condition makes it probable that + her stay may be somewhat prolonged.</p> + + <p>"I venture to hope that you may regret this as much as I do. + All who enjoyed Lady Elspeth's friendship and hospitality + cannot but miss her sorely.</p> + + <p>"I hope, however, that I may still have the pleasure of + meeting you occasionally elsewhere. When one has not the habit + of readily making new friendships one clings the more firmly to + those already made.—Sincerely yours,</p> + + <p>"JOHN C. GRAEME."</p> + </div> + + <p>That letter he dropped into the Pixley letterbox himself that + night, and so was assured of its delivery. But two days passed in + waning hope, and the afternoon of the third found him on the + doorstep of No. 1 Melgrave Square.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <p>"Miss Brandt?"</p> + + <p>The solemn-faced man-servant eyed him suspiciously as a + stranger. He looked, to Graeme, like a superannuated official of + the Court of Chancery.</p> + + <p>"Miss Brandt is not at home, sir."</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Pixley?"</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Pixley is not at home, sir."</p> + + <p>Was he right or wrong, he wondered, in thinking he detected a + gleam of satisfied anticipation, of gratified understanding, in + the solemn one's otherwise rigid eye—as of one who had been + told to expect this and was lugubriously contented that it had + duly come to pass?</p> + + <p>However, there was nothing more to be done there at the + moment. The polite conventions, to say nothing of the law, + forbade him the pleasure of hurling the outcast of Chancery into + the kennel and forcing his way in. Instead, he hailed a hansom + and drove straight to Lincoln's Inn, boldly demanded audience of + Mr. Pixley on pressing private business, and presently found + himself in the presence.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley stood on the hearthrug with his back to the fire, + and handled his gold pince-nez defensively.</p> + + <p>Here also Graeme had an intuition that he was expected, which + was somewhat odd, you know, unless his letters had been handed to + Mr. Pixley for perusal, which did not seem likely.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley bowed formally and he responded—the salute + before the click of the foils.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley stood expectant, but by no means inviting of + confidences such as his visitor was about to tender him. Rather + he seemed fully armed for the defence, especially in the matter + of the heavy gold pince-nez, which he held threateningly, after + the manner of the headsman of old towards the victim on whom he + was about to operate.</p> + + <p>"I have taken the liberty of calling, Mr. Pixley," said + Graeme,—and Mr. Pixley's manner in subtle fashion conveyed + his full recognition of the fact that liberty it undoubtedly was, + and that he had no smallest shadow of a right to be + there,—"to inquire after Miss Brandt."</p> + + <p>"Miss Brandt?" said Mr. Pixley vaguely, as though the name + were new and strange to him. Or perhaps it was an endeavour on + his part to express the impassable gulf which lay between his + visitor and his ward, and the profound amazement he felt at any + attempt on his visitor's part to abridge it. He also made a + little involuntary preliminary cut at him with the pince-nez, as + much as to say, "If this my weapon were of a size commensurate + with my wishes and your colossal impudence, your head would lie + upon the ground, young man."</p> + + <p>"I have had the pleasure of meeting Miss Brandt at Lady + Elspeth Gordon's and elsewhere. I think I may claim that we were + on terms of friendship. Lady Elspeth has been called from home + very suddenly to the bedside of her niece, Lady Assynt, and I + have written twice to Miss Brandt and have had no reply. It + struck me that she might be ill and I have called to + inquire."</p> + + <p>This was all lame enough no doubt, and so he felt it, but it + was only in the nature of preliminary feinting. They were not yet + at grips.</p> + + <p>"Ah!" with ponderous deliberation, "you have called to inquire + if Miss Brandt is ill. I have pleasure in informing you that she + is not."</p> + + <p>"I am glad to hear that, at all events. Might I ask if you are + aware of any reason why she should not have received my + letters—or replied to them?"</p> + + <p>"Two questions," said Mr. Pixley, cutting them in slices with + his pince-nez, as though they were to be charged up to his + visitor at so much per pound. "There is no reason whatever why + Miss Brandt should not have received your letters. There may be + the best possible reasons why she should not reply to them."</p> + + <p>"So far as I have been able to form an opinion of Miss Brandt + it is quite unlike her not to have, at all events, acknowledged + them."</p> + + <p>"Ah! Your opportunities have probably been limited, + Mr.—er—"—with a glance at the + card—"Graeme, and you may possibly be—from your + calling upon me I judge you undoubtedly are—ignorant of the + facts of the case," and the gold pince-nez hammered that into the + stolid young man's head.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you would be so good as to enlighten me."</p> + + <p>"It would perhaps be as well to do so. To be perfectly frank + with you, Mr. Graeme, my ward had the very best of reasons for + handing your letters to me and not replying to them herself."</p> + + <p>"Really! I would esteem it a favour, Mr. Pixley, if you would + enlighten me further."</p> + + <p>"Certainly!" with an airy wave of the pince-nez. "I intend to + do so. The simple fact of my ward's engagement to my son, and + that they are looking forward to the celebration of their + marriage in something less than three months, will probably + suffice to explain Miss Brandt's disinclination to enter into + correspondence with a comparative stranger,"—and the + pince-nez shredded Graeme's hopes into little pieces and + scattered them about the floor.</p> + + <p>"Miss Brandt is engaged to your son?" he jerked, feeling not a + little foolish, and decidedly downhearted.</p> + + <p>"As I have informed you. It is a union to which we have been + looking hopefully forward for some time past—a most + excellent conjunction of hearts and fortunes. My ward possesses + some means, as you are doubtless aware,"—with an insolent + thrust of the pince-nez at the would-be suitor's + honour,—"and my son is also well provided for in that + respect."</p> + + <p>"Then—I am afraid my visit is something in the nature of + an intrusion." Mr. Pixley bowed his fullest acquiescence in this + very proper estimate of his position, and the pince-nez intimated + that the way out lay just behind him and that the sooner he took + advantage of it the better.</p> + + <p>"I can only say, by way of apology," added Graeme, "that I was + wholly unaware of what you have just told me. I will wish you + good-day, Mr. Pixley."</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley and the pince-nez wafted him towards the door, and + the lumpy cobbles of the courtyard outside seemed to him, for the + moment, absolutely typical of life.</p> + + <p>He went back home numbed and sore at heart. It was hard to + believe this of Margaret Brandt.</p> + + <p>And yet—he said to himself—it was wholly he who + was to blame. He had deceived himself. He had wished to believe + what he had so earnestly desired should be. Possibly he had + closed his eyes to facts and indications which might have + enlightened him if he had been on the look-out for them. + Possibly—well, there!—he had played the fool + unconsciously, and he was not the first. It only remained for him + now to play the man.</p> + + <p>He felt sore, and bruised, and run down, and for the moment + somewhat at odds with life. He would get away from it all to some + remote corner, to rest for a time and recover tone, and then to + work. For work, after all, is the mighty healer and tonic, and + when it is to one's taste there are few wounds it cannot + salve.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PART_THE_THIRD" id="PART_THE_THIRD"></a>PART THE + THIRD</h2> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <p>Six o'clock next morning found Graeme on the deck of the + <i>Ibex</i> as she threaded her way swiftly among the bristling + black rocks that guard the coast of Guernsey.</p> + + <p>Herm and Jethou lay sleeping in the eye of the sun. Beyond + them lay a filmy blue whaleback of an island which he was told + was Sark, and it was to Sark he was bound.</p> + + <p>And wherefore Sark, when, within reasonable limits, all the + wide world lay open to him?</p> + + <p>Truly, it might not be easy to say. But this I + know,—having so far learned the lesson of life, though + missing much else—that at times, perhaps at all times, when + we think our choice of ways our very own,—when we stand in + doubt at the crossroads of life, and then decide on this path or + that, and pride ourselves on the exercise of our high prerogative + as free agents,—the result, when we look back, bears in + upon our hearts the mighty fact that a higher mind than our own + has been quietly at work, shaping our ends and moulding and + rounding our lives. We may doubt it at times. We may take all the + credit to ourselves for dangers passed and tiny victories won, + but in due time the eyes of our understanding are + opened—and we know.</p> + + <p>Possibly it was the rapt eulogiums of his friend + Black—who had spent the previous summer in Sark, and had + ever since been seeking words strong enough in which to paint its + charms—that forced its name to the front when he stood + facing the wide world, that lacked, for him at all events, a + Margaret Brandt, and was therefore void and desolate.</p> + + <p>"If ever you seek perfect peace, relief from your fellows, and + the simple life, try Sark—and see that you live in a + cottage!" he remembered Adam Black murmuring softly, as they sat + smoking at the Travellers' one night, shortly after that + memorable dinner of the Whitefriars'. And then he had heaved a + sigh of regret at thought of being where he was when he might + have been in Sark.</p> + + <p>Graeme knew nothing whatever of Sark save what his friend had + let fall at times. "Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark," + recalled his short-jacket and broad-collar days, and the last of + the quartette had always somehow conjured up in his mind the + image of a bleak, inaccessible rock set in a stormy sea, where no + one lived if he could possibly find shelter elsewhere,—an + Ultima Thule, difficult of access and still more difficult of + exit, a weather-bound little spot into which you scrambled + precariously by means of boats and ladders, and out of which you + might not be able to get for weeks on end.</p> + + <p>But Sark was to hold a very different place in his mind + henceforth. The name of Calais burnt itself into the heart of + Queen Mary by reason of loss. Surely on John Graeme's heart the + name of Sark may hope to find itself in living letters, for in + Sark he was to find more than he had lost—new grace and + charm in life, new hopes, new life itself.</p> + + <p>He had gone straight home from Lincoln's Inn, and packed his + portmanteau, knowing only that he was going away somewhere out of + things, caring little where, so long as it was remote and + lonely.</p> + + <p>Fellow-man—and especially woman—was distasteful to + him at the moment. He craved only Solitude the Soother, and + Nature the Healer.</p> + + <p>He packed all he thought he might need for a couple of months' + stay, and among other things the manuscript he had been at work + upon until more pressing matters intervened. He felt, indeed, no + slightest inclination towards it, or anything else, at present. + But that might come, for Work and he were tried friends.</p> + + <p>He wrote briefly to Lady Elspeth telling her how things were + with him, and that he was going away for a time. He did not tell + her where, for the simple reason that at the moment of writing he + did not know himself. Sark came into his mind later.</p> + + <p>He told his landlady that he was going away for a change, and + she remarked in motherly fashion that she was glad to hear it, + and it was high time too. He told her to keep all his letters + till he sent for them. He had no importunate correspondents, his + next book was as good as placed, and all he desired at the moment + was to cut the painter, and drift into some quiet backwater where + he could lie up till life should wear a more cheerful face.</p> + + <p>And so no single soul knew where he had gone, and he said to + himself, somewhat bitterly, and quite untruthfully, that no + single soul cared.</p> + + <p>He had paced the deck all night. The swift smooth motion of + the boat, with a slight slow roll in it, was very soothing; and + the first tremulous hints of the dawn, and the wonder of its slow + unfolding, and the coming of the sun were things to be + remembered.</p> + + <p>The cold gaunt aloofness, and weltering loneliness of the + Casquets appealed to him strongly. Just the kind of place, he + said to himself, for a heart-sick traveller to crawl into and + grizzle until he found himself again.</p> + + <p>As they turned and swung in straight between the little + lighthouse on White Rock and Castle Cornet, the bright early + sunshine was bathing all the rising terraces of St. Peter Port in + a golden haze. Such a quaint medley of gray weathered walls and + mellowed red roofs, from which the thin blue smoke of early fires + crept lazily up to mingle with the haze above! Such restful banks + of greenery! Such a startling blaze of windows flashing back + unconscious greetings to the sun! This too was a sight worth + remembering. For a wounded soul he was somewhat surprised at the + enjoyment these things afforded him.</p> + + <p>A further surprise was the pleasure he found in the reduction + of a hearty appetite at an hotel on the front. Come! He was not + as hard hit as he had thought! There was life in the young dog + yet.</p> + + <p>But these encouraging symptoms were doubtless due to the + temporary exhilaration of the journey. The workaday bustle of the + quays renewed his desire for the solitary places, and he set out + to find means of transport to the little whalebacked island out + there in the golden shimmer of the sun.</p> + + <p>There was no steamer till the following day, he learned, and + delay was not to his mind. So presently he came to an arrangement + with an elderly party in blue, with a red-weathered face and + grizzled hair, to put him and his two portmanteaux across to Sark + for the sum of five shillings English.</p> + + <p>"To Havver Gosslin," said the aged mariner, with much + emphasis, and a canny look which conveyed to Graeme nothing more + than a simple and praiseworthy desire on his part to avoid any + possibility of mistake.</p> + + <p>"To Sark," said Graeme, with equal emphasis.</p> + + <p>"Ay, ay!" said the other; and so it came that the new-comer's + initial experience of the little island went far towards the + confirmation of the vague ideas of his childhood as to its + inaccessibility.</p> + + <p>The ancient called to a younger man, and they strolled away + along the harbour wall to get the baggage.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <p>"Ee see," said the old gentleman, as soon as they had pulled + out past Castle Cornet, and had hoisted the masts and two rather + dirty sprit sails, and had run out the bowsprit and a new clean + jib with a view to putting the best possible face on matters, and + were beginning to catch occasional puffs of a soft westerly + breeze and to wallow slowly along,—"Ee see, time's o' + consekens to me and my son. We got to arn our livin'. An' Havver + Gosslin's this side the island an' th' Creux's t'other side, an' + th' currents round them points is the very divvle."</p> + + <p>"That's all right, as long as you land me in Sark."</p> + + <p>"The very divvle," and the grizzled head wagged reminiscently. + "I seen 'em go right up to Casquets and haf-way to Jarsey trying + to get across to Sark. An' when time's o' consekens an' you got + to arn your livin', you don' want to be playin' 'bout Casquets + an' Jarsey 'stid of gittin' 'cross to Sark an' done wi' it."</p> + + <p>"Not a bit of it. You're quite right. Try some of + this,"—as he began fumbling meaningly with a black stump of + a pipe.</p> + + <p>He filled up, and passed on the pouch to his son, who was + lying on the thwarts forward, and he also filled up and passed it + back with a nod.</p> + + <p>"What's this?" asked Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Jetto. Mr. Lee—Sir Austin 'e is now—brother o' + Passon Lee o' the Port," with a backward jerk of the head, "'e + rents it."</p> + + <p>"Live there?"</p> + + <p>"Naw—rabbits."</p> + + <p>"And the bigger island yonder?"</p> + + <p>"'At's Harm. 'T's a Garman man has that—Prince Bloocher, + they calls him. Keeps kangyroos there an' orstrichers an' things. + Don't let annybody ashore there now 'cept just to Shell Beach, + which he can't help."</p> + + <p>They struck straight across to the long high-ridged island in + front, and Graeme's untutored eyes found no special beauty in + it.</p> + + <p>There was about it, however, a vague gray aloofness which + chimed with his spirit, a sober austerity as of a stricken + whale,—a mother-whale surely, for was not her young one + there at her nose,—fled here to heal her wound perchance, + and desirous only of solitude.</p> + + <p>But, as they drew nearer, the vague blue-gray bloom of the + whaleback resolved itself into a mantle of velvet green, which + ran down every rib and spine until it broke off sharp at varying + heights and let the bare bones through; and all below the break + was clean naked rock—black, cream-yellow, gray, red, + brown,—with everywhere a tawny fringe of seaweed, since the + tide was at its lowest. Below the fringe the rocks were scoured + almost white, and whiter still at their feet, like a tangled + drapery of ragged lace, was the foam of the long slow seas.</p> + + <p>And the solid silhouette of the island broke suddenly into + bosky valleys soft with trees and bracken, and cliff-ringed bays, + with wide-spread arms of tumbled rock whose outer ends were tiny + islets and hungry reefs.</p> + + <p>"Brecqhou," said the ancient mariner, as they swung past a + long green island with beetling cliffs, and yawning caverns, and + comet-like rushes of white foam among the chaos of rocks + below.</p> + + <p>Then they swirled through a tumbling race, where the waters + came up writhing and boiling from strife with hidden rocks + below,—past the dark chasm between Brecqhou and the + mainland of Sark, through which the race roared with the voice of + many waters—and so into a quiet haven where hard-worked + boats lay resting from their labours.</p> + + <p>There was a beach of tumbled rocks and seaweed at the head of + the bay, and there the grim cliffs fell back into a steep green + gully which suggested possibility of ascent. But instead of + running in there, the sails were furled and the boat nosed slowly + towards the overhanging side of the cliff, where a broad iron + ladder fell precariously into the water with its top projecting + out beyond its base, so that to climb it one had to lie on one's + back, so to speak.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp055" id="fp055"></a> <img src="images/fp055.jpg" + width="336" height="558" alt="HAVRE GOSSELIN LADDERS" title= + "HAVRE GOSSELIN LADDERS" /> <h5>HAVRE GOSSELIN LADDERS</h5> + </div> + + <p>The ancient one eyed his passenger whimsically as the boat + stole up to the rungs, so Graeme permitted himself no more than a + careless glance at the forbidding ladder and asked, "How about + the baggage?"</p> + + <p>"We'll see to et," grinned the ancient, and stood, hands on + hips and face twisted into a grim smile, while the stranger laid + hold of the rusty iron and started upwards, with no slightest + idea where the end of the venture might land him.</p> + + <p>With the after-assistance of a neighbour of somewhat more + genial construction,—inasmuch as it at all events stood + upright, and did not lean over the opposite way of ladders in + general,—the top rung landed him on a little platform, + whence a rope and some foot-holes in the rock, and finally a + zigzag path, invited further ascent still.</p> + + <p>The portmanteaux were hauled up by a rope and shouldered by + his guardian angels, and they toiled slowly up the steep.</p> + + <p>Each step developed new beauties behind and on either side. At + the top he would fain have rested to drink it all in, but his + guides went stolidly on,—towards drink of a more palpable + description, he doubted not; and he remembered that time was of + consekens, and tore himself away from that most wonderful view + and panted after them.</p> + + <p>The zigzag path led round clumps of flaming gorse to a gap in + a rough stone wall, and so to a tall granite pillar which crowned + the cliff and commemorated a disaster. It was erected, he saw, to + the memory of a Mr. Jeremiah Pilcher who had been drowned just + below in attempting the passage to Guernsey. He had but one + regret at the moment—that it was not instead to the memory + of Mr. Jeremiah Pixley.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <p>Down verdant lanes—past thatched cottages, past a + windmill, past houses of more substantial mien, with a glimpse + down a rolling green valley——</p> + + <p>"Hotel?" asked the ancient abruptly, from beneath his + load.</p> + + <p>"No, I want rooms in some cottage. Can you——"</p> + + <p>"John Philip," said the ancient one didactically, and trudged + on, and finally dumped his share of the burden at the door of + what looked like a house but was a shop, in fact the shop.</p> + + <p>He went inside and Graeme followed him. A genial-faced elderly + man, with gray hair and long gray beard and gray shirt-sleeves, + leaned over the counter, talking in an unknown tongue to a + blue-guernseyed fisherman, and a quiet-faced old lady in a black + velvet hair-net stood listening.</p> + + <p>They all looked up and saluted the ancient one with + ejaculations of surprise in the unknown tongue, and Graeme stared + hard at the gray-bearded man, while they all discussed him to his + face.</p> + + <p>"Mr. De Carteret," said the ancient at last, with a jerk of + the head towards Gray-Beard. "He tell you where to find + rooms."</p> + + <p>"Thanks! Do you speak any English, Mr. De Carteret?"</p> + + <p>The pleasant old face broke into a smile. "I am En-glish," he + said, with a quaint soft intonation, and as one who speaks a + foreign tongue, and beamed genially on his young compatriot.</p> + + <p>"That's all right then. Do you know you're very like Count + Tolstoi?"</p> + + <p>"I haf been told so, but I do not know him. What is it you + would like, if you please to tell me?"</p> + + <p>"I want a sitting-room and a bedroom for a month or so, + perhaps more,—not at an hotel. I want to be quiet and all + to myself."</p> + + <p>"Ah—you don' want an hotel. You want to be quiet," and + he nodded understandingly. "But the hotels is quiet joost + now—"</p> + + <p>"I'd sooner have rooms in a cottage if I can get them."</p> + + <p>Count Tolstoi turned to the fisherman to whom he had been + speaking, and discussed the matter at length with him in the + patois.</p> + + <p>Then, to Graeme, "If you please to go with him. His wife has + roomss to let. You will be quite comfortable there."</p> + + <p>Graeme thanked him, and as soon as he had settled + satisfactorily with his boatmen, his new keeper picked up both + his bags, and led him along a stony way past the post-office, to + a creeper-covered cottage, which turned a cold shoulder to the + road and looked coyly into a little courtyard paved with + cobble-stones and secluded from the outer world by a granite wall + three feet high.</p> + + <p>And as they went, the young man asked his silent guide + somewhat doubtfully, "And do you speak English?"</p> + + <p>"Oh yes. We all speak English," he said, with a quiet smile, + "except a few of the older folks, maybe, and they mostly + understand it though they're slow to talk."</p> + + <p>"And your name?"</p> + + <p>"John Carré,"—which he pronounced Caury.</p> + + <p>"Now that's very odd," laughed Graeme, and stood to enjoy it. + "My name is Corrie too, and John Corrie at that."</p> + + <p>"So!" said the other quietly, with a glance from under his + brows which might mean surprise or only gentle doubt as to the + stranger's veracity. And, so odd was the coincidence, that the + newcomer saw no necessity to spoil it by telling him that his + forebears had left him also the family name of Graeme.</p> + + <p>A large brown dog, smooth of hair and of a fine and thoughtful + countenance, got up from the doorstep and gave them courteous + greeting, and a small, white, rough-coated terrier hurried out of + the kitchen and twisted himself into kinks of delight at sound of + their voices. And that decided it before ever Graeme looked at + the rooms. For if there was one thing he liked when he wanted to + be alone, it was the friendly companionship of a couple of + cheerful dogs.</p> + + <p>And that is how he came,—without any special intent that + way, but through, as one might say, a purely accidental + combination of circumstances—to be living in that cottage + in the Rue Lucas in the little isle of Sark, and under a name + that was indeed his own but not the whole of his own. And herein + the future was looking after itself and preparing the way for + that which was to be.</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <p>The cottage was apparently empty. His guide and namesake + looked into the kitchen, and called up a stair which led out of + it, but got no answer.</p> + + <p>"She will be up at the house," he said, and turned and went + off up the garden behind, while the dogs raced on in front to + show the way.</p> + + <p>Through a cleft in the high green bank topped by a thick hedge + of hawthorn, they came out into a garden of less utilitarian + aspect. Here were shrubs and flowers, palms and conifers and pale + eucalyptus trees, clumps of purple iris and clove pinks, roses + just coming to the bud, and beyond, a very charming bungalow, + built solidly of gray granite and red tiles, with a wide verandah + all round. A pleasant-faced woman in a large black sunbonnet came + out of the open front door as they went up the path.</p> + + <p>"My wife," murmured Carré, and proceeded quietly to + explain matters in an undertone of patois.</p> + + <p>"I hope you speak English also, Mrs. Carré," said + Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Oh yess," with a quick smile. "We are all English here."</p> + + <p>"Surely you are Welsh," he said, for he had met just that same + cheerful type of face in Wales.</p> + + <p>"Noh, I am Sark," she smiled again. "I can gif you a + sitting-room and a bet-room"—and they proceeded to + business, and then the dogs escorted them back to the cottage, to + see the stranger fairly inducted to his new abode, and to let him + understand that they rejoiced at his coming and would visit him + often.</p> + + <p>He thought he would be very comfortable there, but why the + sitting-room was not the bedroom he never could understand. For + it was only a quarter the size of the other, and its single + window looked into a field, and a rough granite wall clothed with + tiny rock-weeds hid all view of the road and its infrequent + traffic. While the bedroom was a room of size, and its two + windows gave on to the covered well and the cobbled forecourt, + and offered passers-by, if so inclined, oblique views of its + occupant in the act of dressing if he forgot to pull down the + blind.</p> + + <p>The windows of both rooms were set low in the massive granite + walls, and being always wide open, they offered, and indeed + invited, easy access to—say, a grave-faced gentlemanly + brown dog and a spasmodic rough-coated terrier without a tail, + whenever the spirit moved them to incursion, which it invariably + did at meal-times and frequently in between.</p> + + <p>These two new friends of his—for they were never mere + acquaintances, but adopted him into fullest brotherhood at + sight—proved no small factors in Graeme's extrication from + the depths.</p> + + <p>Human companionship, even of the loftiest, most philosophic, + most gracious, would, for the time being, have jarred and ruffled + his naturally equable spirit. Two only exceptions might have been + conceivably possible—some humble, large-souled friend, + anxious only to anticipate his slightest wish, desirous only of + his company, and—dumb, and so unable to fret him with inane + talk; or—Margaret Brandt.</p> + + <p>The first he could have endured. The latter—ah, God! How + he would have rejoiced in her! The spirit groaned within him at + times in agonised longing for her; and the glories of the sweet + spring days, in a land where spring is joyous and radiant beyond + most, turned gray and cheerless in the shadow of his loss. What + Might Have Been stabbed What Was to the heart and let its + life-blood run.</p> + + <p>But, since neither of these was available, a benignant + Providence provided him with friends entirely to his taste. For + the great brown hound, Punch, was surely, despite the name men + had given him, a nobleman by birth and breeding. Powerful and + beautifully made, the sight of his long lithe bounds, as he + quartered the cliff-sides in silent chase of fowl and fur, was a + thing to rejoice in; so exquisite in its tireless grace, so + perfect in its unconscious exhibition of power and restraint. For + the brown dog never gave tongue, and he never killed. He chased + for the keen enjoyment of the chase, and no man had ever heard + him speak.</p> + + <p>He was the first dumb dog Graeme had ever come across, and the + pathetic yearning in his solemn brown eyes was full of infinite + appeal to one who suffered also from an unforgettable loss. He + answered to his name with a dignified appreciation of its + incongruity, and the tail-less white terrier, more appropriately, + to that of Scamp.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <p>They were on the very best of terms, these two friends of his, + possibly because of their absolute unlikeness,—Punch, + large, solemn, imperturbable, with a beautifully-curved + slow-waving tail and no voice; Scamp, a bundle of wriggling + nerves moved by electricity, with a sharp excited bark and not + even the stump of a tail. When he needed to wag he wagged the + whole of his body behind his front legs.</p> + + <p>These two were sitting watching him expectantly as Mrs. + Carré brought in his dinner that first day, and she + instantly ordered them out.</p> + + <p>Punch rose at once, cast one look of grave appeal at Graeme, + as who would say—"Sorry to leave you, but this is the kind + of thing I have to put up with,"—and walked slowly away. + Scamp grovelled flat and crawled to the door like a long hairy + caterpillar.</p> + + <p>"Oh, let them stop," said Graeme. "I like them by me," and the + culprits turned hopefully with pricked ears and anxious + faces.</p> + + <p>"Mais non! They are troublesome beasts. Allez, Ponch! Allez, + Scamp! A couche!"—and their heads and ears drooped and they + slunk away.</p> + + <p>But, presently, there came a rustling at the wide-open window + which gave on to the field at the back, and Graeme laughed + out—and he had not smiled for days—at sight of two + deprecatingly anxious faces looking in upon him,—a solemn + brown one with black spots above the eloquent grave eyes, and a + roguish white one with pink blemishes on a twisting black nose. + And while the large brown face loomed steadily above two powerful + front paws, the small white face only appeared at intervals as + the nervous little body below flung it up to the sill in a series + of spasmodic leaps.</p> + + <p>"We would esteem it a very great favour, if you are quite sure + it would not inconvenience you," said Punch, as plain as + speech.</p> + + <p>"Do, do, do, do, do give us leave!" signalled Scamp, with + every twist of his quivering nose, and every gleam of his + glancing eyes, and every hair on end.</p> + + <p>A click of the tongue, a noiseless graceful bound, and Punch + was at his side. A wild scrambling rush, a wriggle on the sill, a + patter over the window-seat, and Scamp was twisting himself into + white figure-eights all over the room, with tremendous energy but + not a sound save the soft pad of his tiny dancing feet.</p> + + <p>Then, as he ate, the great brown head pillowed itself softly + on his knee, and the eloquent brown eyes looked up into his in a + way that a stone image could hardly have resisted. The while + Scamp, on his hind legs, beat the air frantically with his front + paws to attract attention to his needs and danced noiselessly all + over the floor.</p> + + <p>He gauged their characters with interest. When he gave them + morsels turn about, Punch awaited his with gentlemanly patience, + and even when purposely passed by in order to see what he would + do, obtruded his claims by nothing more than a gentle movement of + the head on his friend's knee; while Scamp, in like case, twisted + himself into knots of anxiety and came perilously near to + utterance.</p> + + <p>The difference between them when, through lack of intimate + knowledge of their likes and dislikes, they got something not + entirely to their taste, was also very typical. Punch would + retire quietly into obscurity, and having disposed of the + objectionable morsel somehow—either by a strenuous swallow + or in some corner—would quietly reappear, lay his head on + Graeme's knee again, and work it up to his lap with a series of + propitiatory little jerks that never failed of their object. + Scamp, on the other hand, would hold it in his mouth for a moment + till he had savoured it, then place it meekly on the floor, bow + his head to the ground, and grovel flat with deprecatory + white-eyed up-glances, and as clearly as dog could say, would + murmur,—"Oh, Man, Lord of all that go on four legs, forgive + thy humble little servant in that he is unable with enjoyment to + eat that thou hast of thy bounty tendered him! The fault is + wholly his. Yet, of thy great clemency, punish him not beyond his + capacity, for his very small body is merely a bundle of nerves, + and they lie so very close to the skin that even a harsh word + from thee will set them quivering for an hour." But, at a + comforting word, he was up in a flash dancing and sparring away + as gaily as ever.</p> + + <p>Then, when Mrs. Carré brought in the next course, they + both retired discreetly below the tent of the tablecloth. But + she, knowing them of old perhaps, found them out at once and + cried, "Ah you! I see you there! You are just troublesome + beasts!" But, seeing that her guest was in the conspiracy, she + permitted them for that once; and in time, seeing that he really + desired their company, she allowed them to remain as a matter of + course and without any preliminary harrying.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <p>One other acquaintance he made during these dark + days,—perhaps one ought to say an acquaintance and a half, + if indeed the half in this case was not greater than the whole, a + matter which Graeme never fully decided in his own mind,—a + small person of grim and gloomy tendencies, whose sombre humours + chimed at times with his own,—and that small person's + familiar.</p> + + <p>His name was Johnnie Vautrin, and, as far as Graeme could make + out, he was about eight years old in actual years, but aged + beyond belief in black arts which made him a terror to his kind. + And his familiar, in the person of an enormous black cat, which + came and went, was named Marielihou.</p> + + <p>Johnnie, and presumably Marielihou, lived with an ancient dame + who was held by some to be their great-grandmother, and by some + to be Marielihou herself. This was a moot and much-discussed + point among the neighbours. What was beyond dispute was that + Johnnie was said to be grievously maltreated by her at times, and + to lead her a deuce of a life, and she him. The family came + originally from Guernsey and had married into Sark, and, for this + and other reasons, was still looked askance at by the + neighbours.</p> + + <p>Both Johnnie and his ancient relative were popularly—or + unpopularly—credited with powers of mischief which secured + them immunities and privileges beyond the common and not a little + prudently concealed dislike.</p> + + <p>Old Mrs. Vautrin could put the evil eye on her neighbours' + cows and stop their milk, on their churns and stop their butter, + on their kettles and stop their boiling.</p> + + <p>Johnnie claimed equal powers, but excelled in forecasts of bad + weather and ill luck and evil generally, and, since there was no + end to his prognostications, they occasionally came true, and + when they did he exulted greatly and let no one forget it.</p> + + <p>He had a long, humorously snaky, little face, a deep + sepulchral voice, which broke into squeaks in moments of + excitement, and curious black eyes with apparently no + pupils—little glittering black wells of ill intent, with + which he cowed dogs and set small children screaming and grown + ones swearing. His little body was as malformed as his twisted + little soul, and he generally sat in the hedge taking his + pleasure off the passers-by, much to their discomfort.</p> + + <p>Johnnie also saw ghosts, or said he did, which came to much + the same thing since none could prove to the contrary. He had + even slept one night in an outhouse up at the Seigneurie, and had + carefully locked the door, and so the little old lady in white, + who only appears to those who lock their doors of a night, came + to him, and, according to Johnnie, they carried on a long and + edifying conversation to their mutual satisfaction.</p> + + <p>He had also a cheerful habit of visiting sick folks and + telling them he had seen their spirits in the lanes at night, and + so they might just as well give up all hopes of getting better. + On payment of a small fee, however, he was at times, according to + his humour, willing to admit that it might have been somebody + else's ghost he had seen, but in either case his visitations + tended to cheerfulness in none but himself. He was great on the + meanings—dismal ones mostly—of flights of birds and + falling stars and fallen twigs. And he had been known to throw a + branch of hawthorn into a house which had incurred his + displeasure.</p> + + <p>The men scoffed at him openly, and occasionally gave him + surreptitious pennies. The women and children feared him; and the + dogs, to the last one, detested him but gave him wide berth.</p> + + <p>Graeme had very soon run across the little misanthrope and, in + his own black humour, found him amusing. They rarely met without + a trial of wit, or parted without a transfer of coppers from the + large pocket to the small. Wherefore Johnnie made a special nest + in the hedge opposite the cottage, and waylaid his copper-mine + systematically and greatly to his own satisfaction and emolument. + But, like the dogs, though on a lower level, he too was not + without his effect on Graeme's spirits, and if he did not lift + him up he certainly at times helped him out of himself and his + gloomy thoughts.</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <p>"You're just an unmitigated little humbug, Johnnie," said + Graeme, as he leaned over the wall smoking, to the small boy + whose acquaintance he had made the previous day, and who had + promptly foretold a storm which had not come.</p> + + <p>"Unmitigumbug! Guyablle! Qu'es' ce que c'es' que ça?" + echoed the small boy, with very wide eyes.</p> + + <p>"You, my son. Your black magic's all humbug. It lacks the + essential attribute of fulfilment. It doesn't work. Black magic + that doesn't work is humbug."</p> + + <p>"Black-mack-chick! My Good! You do talk!"</p> + + <p>"What about that storm?"</p> + + <p>"Ah ouaie! Well, you wait. It come."</p> + + <p>"So will Christmas, and the summer after next, if we wait long + enough. On the same terms I foretell thunders and lightnings, + rain, hail, snow, and fiery vapours, followed by lunar rainbows + and waterspouts."</p> + + <p>"Go'zamin!" said Johnnie, with a touch of reluctant admiration + at such an outflow of eloquence; and then, by way of set-off, "I + sec six black crows, 's mawn'n."</p> + + <p>"Ah—really? And what do you gather from such a + procession as that now?"</p> + + <p>"Some un's gwain' to die," in a tone of vast satisfaction.</p> + + <p>"Of course, of course—if we wait long enough. It's + perhaps you. You'll die yourself sometime, you know."</p> + + <p>"Noh, I wun't. No 'n'll ivver see me die. I'll just turn into + sun'th'n—a gull maybe," as one floated by on moveless wing, + the very poetry of motion; and the fathomless black eyes followed + it with pathetic longing.</p> + + <p>"Cormorant more likely, I should say."</p> + + <p>"Noh, I wun't. I don' like corm'rants. They stink. Mebbe I'll + be a hawk,"—as his eye fell on one, like a brown leaf + nailed against the blue sky. "Did ee hear White Horse last + night?"</p> + + <p>"I did hear a horse in the night, Johnnie, but I couldn't + swear that he was a white one."</p> + + <p>"Didn' git up an' look out?" disappointedly.</p> + + <p>"No, I didn't. Why should I get up to look out at a horse? I + can see horses any day without getting out of bed in the middle + of the night."</p> + + <p>"'Twus the White Horse of the Coupée,"—in a weird + whisper.—"I heerd him start in Little Sark, and come across + Coupée, an' up by Colinette, an' past this house. An' if + you'd ha' looked out an' seen him, you'd ha' died."</p> + + <p>"Good old White Horse! I'm glad I stopped in bed. Did you see + him yourself now?"</p> + + <p>"I've rid him! Yes!—an' told him where to go," with a + ghoulish nod.</p> + + <p>"Quite friendly with ghosts and things, eh?"</p> + + <p>"I don' mind 'em. I seen the ole lady up at the big house. + Yes, an' talked to her too."</p> + + <p>"Clever boy! Put the evil eye on her?"</p> + + <p>"Noh, ee cann't."</p> + + <p>"Can't? Why, I thought you were a past master in all little + matters of that kind."</p> + + <p>"Ee cann't put evil eye on a ghost," with infinite scorn.</p> + + <p>"Oh, she's a ghost, is she? And what did you talk about?"</p> + + <p>"You coul'n't understan'," grunted Johnnie, to whom his + meeting with the White Lady was a treasured memory if a somewhat + tender subject.</p> + + <h4>VIII</h4> + + <p>And Marielihou? Ah, Marielihou was a black mystery. Sometimes + she was there, and sometimes she wasn't, and if at such times you + asked Johnnie where she was, he would reply mysteriously, "Aw, + she's busy."</p> + + <p>And busy Marielihou was, always and at all times. If Graeme + found her in the hedge with Johnnie, she was busy licking her + lips with vicious enjoyment as though she had just finished + eating something that had screamed as it died. Or she was licking + them snarlishly and surreptitiously, and sharpening her claws, as + though just about starting out after something to + eat—something which he knew would certainly scream as it + died. For Marielihou was a mighty hunter, and her long black body + could be seen about the cliffs at any time of night or day, + creeping and worming along, then, of a sudden, pointing and + stiffening, and flashing on to her prey like the black death she + was.</p> + + <p>Six full-grown rabbits had Marielihou been known to bring home + in a single day, to say nothing of all the others that had gone + to the satisfaction of her own inappeasable lust for rabbit-flesh + and slaughter.</p> + + <p>As to the strange tales the neighbours whispered about her, + Graeme could make neither head nor tail of them. But when old Tom + Hamon put it to him direct, he had to confess that he never had + seen old Mother Vautrin and Marielihou together, nor both at the + same time.</p> + + <p>"B'en!" said old Tom, as if that ended the matter. "An' I tell + you, if I had a silver bullet I'd soon try what that Marrlyou's + made of."</p> + + <p>"And why a silver bullet?" asked Graeme.</p> + + <p>"'Cause—Lead bullets an't no good 'gainst the likes o' + Marrlyou. Many's the wan I've sent after her, ay, an' through + her, and she none the worse. Guyablle!" and old Tom spat + viciously.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you missed her," suggested Graeme, not unreasonably + as he thought.</p> + + <p>"Missed her!" with immense scorn. "I tell ee bullets goes + clean through her, in one side an' out t'other, an' she never a + bit the worse. I've foun' 'em myself spatted on rock just where + she sat."</p> + + <p>"Well, why don't you get a silver bullet and try again?"</p> + + <p>"Ah! Teks some getting does silver bullets."</p> + + <p>"How much?"</p> + + <p>"A shill'n would mek a little wan," and Graeme gave him a + shilling to try his luck, because Marielihou's unsportsmanlike + behaviour did not commend itself to him.</p> + + <p>But it took many shillings to obtain anything definite in the + way of results, and Graeme had his own humorous suspicions as to + the billets some of them found, and gently chaffed old Tom on the + subject whenever they met.</p> + + <p>"You wait," said Tom, with mysterious nods.</p> + + <h4>IX</h4> + + <p>Graeme's sober intention had been to put Margaret Brandt, and + the agonising regrets that clung to every thought of her, + strenuously out of his mind. But that he found more possible in + the intention than in the accomplishment.</p> + + <p>The first shock of loss numbs one's mental susceptibilities, + of course, much as a blow on the head affects the nervous system. + The bands are off the wheels, the machinery is out of order, and + the friction seems reduced. It is when the machine tries to work + again that the full effects of the jar are felt.</p> + + <p>And so he found it now. As mind and body recovered tone in the + whole vitalising atmosphere of the wondrous little + isle,—the air, the sea, the sense of remoteness, the placid + life of the place, the abounding beauties of cliff and crag and + cave,—his heart awoke also to the aching sense of its + loss.</p> + + <p>All outward things—all save Johnny Vautrin, and + Marielihou, and old Tom Hamon, and several others—sang + abundantly of the peace and fulness and joy of life, but his + heart was still so sore from its bruising that at times these + outward beauties seemed only to mock him with their + brightness.</p> + + <p>In the first shock of his downcasting, wounded pride said, "I + will show no sign. I will forget her. I will salve the bruise + with work. Margaret Brandt is not the only woman in the world. In + time some other shall take her place;"—and he tried his + hardest to believe it.</p> + + <p>But body is one thing and mind another. The body you may + compel to any mortal thing, but the mind is of a different order, + and strongest will cannot whip it to heel at times. Forbid it + thought of thing or person and the forbidden is just that which + will persist in obtruding itself to the exclusion of all + else.</p> + + <p>And so, in spite of him, the dull ache in his heart at every + thought of Margaret murmured without ceasing, "There is none like + her—none!" And crush and compel it as he might, the truth + would out, and out the more the more he tried to crush it.</p> + + <p>And so at times, in spite of his surroundings, his spirits + dragged in lowest deeps.</p> + + <p>Work he could not as yet, for the work of the writer demands + absolute concentration and most complete surrender, and all his + faculties were centred, in spite of himself, on Margaret Brandt + and his own great loss in her.</p> + + <p>He rambled all over the island with his dog friends, risked + skin and bones in precarious descents into apparently impossible + depths, scrambled laboriously among the ragged bastions of the + Coupée and Little Sark, explored endless caverns, loitered + by day in bosky lanes, and roamed restlessly by night under the + brightest stars he had ever seen.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp076" id="fp076"></a> <img src="images/fp076.jpg" + width="327" height="556" alt="IN LITTLE SARK" title= + "IN LITTLE SARK" /> <h5>IN LITTLE SARK</h5> + </div> + + <p>But, wherever he went—down underground in the Boutiques + or the Gouliots; or lying on the Eperquerie among the flaming + gorse and cloudlike stretches of primroses; or standing on Longue + Pointe while the sun sank in unearthly splendours behind Herm and + Guernsey; or watching from the windmill the throbbing life-lights + all round the wide horizon;—wherever he was, and whatever + he was doing, there with him always was the poignant remembrance + of Margaret Brandt and his loss in her.</p> + + <p>His heart ached so, at thought of the emptiness and desolation + of the years that lay before him, that at times his body ached + also, and the spirit within him groaned in sympathy.</p> + + <p>Life without Margaret! What was it worth?</p> + + <p>Though it brought him riches and honours overpassing his + hopes—and he doubted now at times if that were possible, + lacking the inspiration of Margaret—what was it worth?</p> + + <p>Riches and honours, won at the true sword's point of earnest + work, were good and worth the winning. But yet, without Margaret, + they were as nothing to him. His whole heart cried aloud for + Margaret. Without her all the full rich hues of life faded into + dull gray ashes.</p> + + <p>With Margaret to strive for, he had felt himself capable of + mighty things. Without her—!</p> + + <p>And that she should throw herself away on a Charles + Pixley!—Charles the smiling, the imperturbable, the fount + of irrepressible chatter and everlasting inanities! How could + such a one as Charles Pixley possibly satisfy her nobler nature? + Out of the question! Impossible! But then it is just possible + that he was not exactly in the best state of mind for forming an + unbiassed opinion on so large a question as that.</p> + + <p>Anyway he was out of it, and Margaret Brandt was henceforth + nothing to him. If he said it once he said it hundreds of times, + as if the simple reiteration of so obvious a truth would make it + one whit the truer, when his whole heart was clamouring that + Margaret was all the worlds to him and the only thing in the + world that he wanted.</p> + + <p>With an eye, perhaps, to his obvious lack of cheerfulness, his + namesake and host suggested various diversions,—fishing for + congers and rock-fish, a voyage round the island, a trip across + to Herm, a day among the rabbits on. Brecqhou. But he wanted none + of them. His life was flapping on a broken wing and all he wanted + was to be left alone.</p> + + <p>In time the wound would heal, and he would take up his work + again and find his solace in it. But wounds such as this are not + healed in a day. It was raw and sore yet, the new skin had not + had time to form.</p> + + <p>He recalled Lady Elspeth's dissatisfaction with his + love-scenes, and thought, grimly, that now he could at all events + enter fully into the feelings of the man who had lost the prize, + and would be able to depict them to the life. If the choice had + been left to him he would gladly have dispensed with all such + knowledge to its profoundest depths, if only the prize had + remained to him. But the choice had been Margaret's, and the + prize was Charles Pixley's.</p> + + <p>If there was one thing he could have imagined without actual + experience, it was how a man may feel when he loses. What he + could not at present by any possibility conceive was—how it + might feel to be the accepted lover of such a girl as Margaret + Brandt.</p> + + <p>Confound her money! If it were not for that, Pixley would + probably never have wanted to marry her. Money was answerable for + half the ills of life, and the contrariness of woman for the + other half. Confound money! Confound—Well, truly, his state + of mind was not a happy one.</p> + + <h4>X</h4> + + <p>But there was something in the crisp Sark air that, by degrees + and all unconsciously, braced both mind and body;—something + broadening and uplifting in the wide free outlook from every + headland; something restorative of the grip of life in the rush + and roar of the mighty waves and the silent endurance of the + rocks; something so large and aloof and restful in the wide sweep + of sea and sky; something so hopeful and regenerative in the + glorious exuberance of the spring—the flaming gorse, the + mystic stretches of bluebells, the sunny sweeps of primroses, the + soft uncurlings of the bracken, the bursting life of the + hedgerows, the joyous songs of the larks—that presently, + and in due season, earthly worries began to fall back into their + proper places below the horizon, and a new Graeme—a Graeme + born of Sark and Trouble—looked out of the old Graeme eyes + and began to contemplate life from new points of view.</p> + + <p>It took time, however. Love is a plant of most capricious and + surprising growth. It may take years to root and blossom. It may + spring up in a day, yet strike its roots right through the heart + and hold it as firmly as the growth of the years. And, once the + heart is enmeshed in the golden filaments, it is a most dolorous + work to disentangle it.</p> + + <p>For the first two weeks his mind ran constantly on his loss. + Momentarily it might be diverted by outward things, but always it + came back with a sharp shock, and a bitter sense of deprivation, + to the fact that Margaret Brandt had passed out of his life and + left behind her an aching void.</p> + + <p>Did he sit precariously among the ragged scarps and pinnacles + of Little Sark, while the western seas raged furiously at his + feet and the Souffleur shot its rockets of snowy spray high into + the gray sky—through the passing film of the spray, and the + marbled coils of the tumbling waves, the face of Margaret Brandt + looked out at him.</p> + + <p>Did he stride among the dew-drenched, gold-spangled gorse + bushes on the Eperquerie, while the sun came up with ever fresh + glories behind the distant hills of France—Margaret's face + was there in the sunrise.</p> + + <p>Did he stand above Havre Gosselin in the gloaming, while the + sun sank behind Herm and Guernsey in splendours such as he had + never dreamed of—just so, he said to himself, Margaret had + gone out of his life and left it gray and cheerless as the night + side of Brecqhou.</p> + + <p>Wherever he was and whatever he did, it was always Margaret, + Margaret,—and Margaret lost to him.</p> + + <p>By the end of the third week, however, the tonic effects of + the strong sea air and water began to work inwards. Healthy body + would no longer suffer sick heart. He had taken his morning + plunge hitherto as a matter of course, now he began to enjoy it + and to look forward to it—certain index of all-round + recovery.</p> + + <p>His appetite grew till he felt it needed an apology, at which + Mrs. Carré laughed enjoyably. He began to take more + interest in his surroundings for their own sakes. His thoughts of + Margaret, with their after-glow of tender memory, were like the + soft sad haze which falls on Guernsey when the sun has sunk and + left behind it, in the upper sky, its slowly dying fires of dull + red amber and gold.</p> + + <p>Towards the end of the fourth week he tentatively fished out + his manuscript and began to read it—with pauses. He grew + interested in it. He saw new possibilities in the + story.—His life was getting back on to the rails again.</p> + + <h4>XI</h4> + + <p>Greater bodily peace and comfort than he found in that + thick-set, creeper-covered, little cottage in the Rue Lucas, man + might scarcely hope for. Anything more would have tended to + luxury and made for restraint.</p> + + <p>He was free as the wind to come and go as he listed, to roam + the lonely lanes all night and watch the coming of the + dawn—which he did; or to lie abed all day—which he + did not; to do any mortal thing that pleased him, so long only as + he gave his hostess full and fair warning of the state of his + appetite and the times when it must be satisfied.</p> + + <p>His quarters were not perhaps palatial, but what man, king of + himself alone, would live in a palace?</p> + + <p>He bumped his head with the utmost regularity against the + lintel of the front door each time he entered, and only learned + at last to bob by instinct. And the beams in the ceilings were so + low that they claimed recognition somewhat after the manner of a + boisterous acquaintance.</p> + + <p>But doors and windows were always open, night and day, and his + good friends the dogs came in to greet him by way of the windows + quite as often as by the doors.</p> + + <p>All through the black times those two were his close + companions, and no better could he have had. They asked nothing + of him—or almost nothing, and they gave him all they had. + They were grateful from the bottom of their large hearts for any + slightest sign of recognition. And they were proud of his + company, which to others would have proved somewhat of a wet + blanket. Without a doubt they assisted mightily in his cure, + though neither he nor they knew it.</p> + + <p>Every morning when he jumped up to see the weather, the first + things that met him when he reached the open window, were four + eager eyes full of welcome, and a grave intelligent brown face + and hopeful swinging tail, and a dancing white face and little + wriggling body.</p> + + <p>Then he would pull up the blinds and they would enter with an + easy bound and a scramble, and while he hastily flung on his + things they would prowl about, now pushing investigating noses + into an open drawer, and again taking a passing drink out of his + water-jug by way of first breakfast.</p> + + <p>Then, away through the gaps in the jewelled hedges, with the + larks at their matins overhead, and the tethered cows nuzzling + out the dainty morning grasses, and watching the intruders + speculatively till they passed out of sight into the next + field.</p> + + <p>"Which way? Which way? Which way?" shrieked Scamp, as he tore + to and fro down every possible road to show that all were + absolutely alike to him. While Punch bounded lightly to the first + dividing of the ways and waited there with slow-swinging tail to + see which road Man would choose.</p> + + <p>The Harbour—or Les Lâches—which? Every + morning Scamp raced hopefully towards the sweet-smelling tunnel + of hawthorn trees that led down to the other tunnel in the rock + and the tiny harbour, because, for a very small dog, the granite + slip was much easier to compass than the steep ledges of Les + Lâches. And every morning Punch waited quietly at Colinette + to see how Man would go.</p> + + <p>And when the tide was low and the harbour empty, Punch knew it + was Les Lâches almost before Man's face had turned that + way, and off he went at a gallop, and Scamp came tearing back + with expostulatory yelps, and got in Punch's way and was rolled + head over heels, but always came right side up at the fourth turn + and rushed on without even a remonstrance, for that was a very + small price to pay for the exalted companionship of Punch and + Man.</p> + + <p>So, past La Peignerie and La Forge, with the thin blue smoke + of gorse fires floating down from every dumpy chimney and adding + a flavour to the sweetest air in the world,—with a morning + greeting from everyone they met—over the heights and down + the zigzag path to the sloping ledges, and in they went, all + three, into the clearest and crispest water in the world, water + that tingled and sparkled, full charged with life and energy.</p> + + <p>Then shivers and shakes, and hasty play with a towel, and they + were racing back across the heights to breakfast and the passing + of another day, of which the greatest charm had passed already + with that plunge into the life-giving sea.</p> + + <p>If you are inclined to think that I enlarge too much on these + two friends of his, let me remind you that a man is known by the + company he keeps, and these two were Graeme's sole companions for + many a day—those first dark days in the sunny little isle, + when all human companionship would have been abhorrent to + him.</p> + + <p>In their company he found himself again. Their friendship + weaned him by degrees from the jaundiced view of life which + Margaret's dereliction had induced. They drew him, in time, from + his brooding melancholy, and through the upbuilding of the body + restored him to a quieter mind.</p> + + <p>Let no man despise the help of a dog, for there are times when + the friendship of a dog is more sufferable, and of more avail, + and far more comforting, than that of any ordinary human + being.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PART_THE_FOURTH" id="PART_THE_FOURTH"></a>PART THE + FOURTH</h2> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <p>It was just two days before the end of Graeme's fourth week in + Sark. His spirits were rising to the requirements of his work, + and he was looking forward with quite novel enjoyment to a steady + spell of writing, when his hostess startled him, as she cleared + away his breakfast, by saying—</p> + + <p>"It iss the day after to-morrow you will be going?"</p> + + <p>"Eh? What? Going? No, I'm not going, Mrs. Carré. What + made you think I was going? Why, I've only just come."</p> + + <p>His landlady put down the dishes on the table again as a + concrete expression of surprise, put her hands on her hips by way + of taking grip of herself, and stared at him.</p> + + <p>"You are not going? Noh? But it wass just for the month I + thought you kem."</p> + + <p>"Not at all. I may stop two months, three months,—all my + life perhaps. Won't you let me live and die here if I want + to?"</p> + + <p>"Ach, then! It iss not to die we woult want you. But I thought + my man said it wass just for the month you kem, and—my + Good!—I haf let your roomss for the day after to-morrow," + and her face had lost its usual smile and was full of distress + and bewilderment.</p> + + <p>"You've let my rooms? Oh, come now!—But now I think of + it, I believe I did say something about a month or so, when I + spoke to John Philip. Well now, what will you do? Put me out into + the road? Or can you find me somewhere else?—though I'm + quite sure you'll not be able to find me any place as comfortable + as this."</p> + + <p>"Whatt will we do?" she said, much disturbed, and gazed at him + thoughtfully. Then, with sudden inspiration, "There iss the big + house up the garden?" and looked at him hopefully.</p> + + <p>"But it's empty."</p> + + <p>"Everything iss there, and all ready for them to come any time + they want to. It woult only mean making up a bed and you coult + come here for your meals."</p> + + <p>"That would do first-rate if you can arrange it."</p> + + <p>"I will write to Mrs. Lee to-day and ask her to tell me by the + telegraph. It will be all right."</p> + + <p>"That's all right then. Who's the wretched person who is + turning me out of here?"</p> + + <p>"It is two leddies. They wrote to the Vicar, and he asked John + Philip and he told my man."</p> + + <p>"Two ladies! Then I can't possibly have my meals in here. + You'd better let me join you in the kitchen,"—a + consummation he had been striving after for some time past, in + fact ever since his literary instincts had shaken off the thrall + and got their heads above the mists,—with a view, of + course, of turning a more intimate knowledge of his surroundings + to profitable account.</p> + + <p>But his hostess was jealous of her kitchen and would not hear + of it.</p> + + <p>"There iss no need. I will arrange it, and you will tek your + meals in here just as usual. Which room woult you like in the big + house?"</p> + + <p>"I'll go up and have a look round. Does it make any difference + to you which I choose? I'd like one with a balcony if it's all + the same to you."</p> + + <p>"It iss all the sem, and I will get it ready for you as soon + ass I hear from Mrs. Lee. You will not be afraid, all alone by + yourself up there?"</p> + + <p>"Afraid? No. What is there to be afraid of?"</p> + + <p>"Och, I do not know. Only—all alone—sometimes one + iss afraid—"</p> + + <p>"There aren't any ghosts about, are there?"</p> + + <p>"Ghosts? Noh!"—with a ghost of a laugh. "I do not + believe in ghosts or any such things, though some people does. + There are some people"—very scornfully—"will not go + by the churchyard at night, and"—lest so sceptical a mind + should provoke reprisal—"I do not know that I woult myself. + And down by the Coupée—But the house there iss too + new to have anything like that." "Well, if I see any I'll try and + catch one and bring it down to breakfast."</p> + + <p>And so it was arranged that, if the permission of the owner of + the Red House could be obtained, he should sleep there and come + down to the cottage for his meals, Mrs. Carré undertaking + that no inconvenience should thereby be caused to any of those + concerned.</p> + + <p>He strolled up the garden, with the dogs racing in front, to + choose his bedroom, and came across his host unwillingly busy + with hoe and spade in the potato patch. His whole aspect + betokened such undisguised sufferance that Graeme could not + repress a smile.</p> + + <p>"Like it?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Noh!"</p> + + <p>"Sooner be at the fishing?"</p> + + <p>A nod and a brief smile, and Graeme left him to his unwelcome + labours, and passed through the gap in the tall hedge to his new + abode.</p> + + <p>It was a well-built house, gray granite below and red tiles up + above, with a wide verandah round the lower storey and white + balconies to the upper one; the inside was all polished pitch + pine, and the rooms were large and airy and suitably furnished + for summer occupancy. It was left in Mrs. Carré's charge, + and she and the sun and wind kept it always sweet and clean, and + ready for use at an hour's notice.</p> + + <p>With the assistance of his two friends, who displayed an + active and intelligent interest in the matter, he chose the room + with the largest balcony, and said to himself that the coming of + the ladies was, after all, a blessing in disguise. He believed he + would be even more comfortable there than he had been at the + cottage. He would have been quite willing to move in at once if + that had been possible.</p> + + <p>Next morning, however, the permission duly arrived, and in + many trips he gaily carried all his belongings up the garden and + installed himself in the balcony room.</p> + + <p>It was a very delightful room, with fine wide + outlook—over towards the church in its dark embowerment of + evergreen oaks, which some of the folk would not pass by night; + over the long sweep of the land towards Little Sark; then, over + to the left, a glimpse of the sea and a dark blue film on the + horizon which he knew was Jersey.</p> + + <p>This room and the balcony outside should be his workshop, he + decided, and he looked forward, with an eagerness to which he had + been stranger for weeks past, to burying himself in his work and + finding in it solace and new strength.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <p>Graeme possessed a lively imagination, else surely he had + never taken to writing. But a lively imagination, sole occupant + of a ten-roomed house in a strange land whose inhabitants + believed firmly in ghosts and spirits and things that walked by + night, and that house but a stone's-throw from the black + churchyard where such discomforting things might naturally be + supposed to congregate, was not nearly so enjoyable a possession + at midnight as in the full light of day.</p> + + <p>He lay awake for hours, hearing what seemed to him uncanny + sounds about the house, inside and out. The night wind sighed + through the heavy pale leaves of the eucalyptus trees, and set + the roses and honeysuckle on the verandah posts whispering and + tapping. In the stark silence, sounds came out of the other nine + empty rooms as though they chose that quiet time for passing + confidences. The stairs creaked as though invisible feet passed + up and down. And once he could have sworn to stealthy footsteps + along the verandah below his window.</p> + + <p>He laughed at his own foolishness. Ghosts, he vowed, he did + not believe in, and the Sark men were notably honest. All the + same it was close on daylight before he slept.</p> + + <p>When he pushed through the dewy hedge and went down to the + cottage for breakfast, his hostess's eyes twinkled as she asked, + "You did not see any ghosts—Noh?"</p> + + <p>"Not a ghost, but all the same it did feel a bit lonesome. + What would you say to my taking Punch with me to-night, just for + company?"</p> + + <p>"Yess indeed, tek him. He iss quiet. The other iss too + lively."</p> + + <p>"And when do your ladies arrive?"</p> + + <p>"With the boat. When will you be pleased to have your + dinner?"</p> + + <p>"I'm off to Little Sark for the day. How would seven o'clock + suit you and them?"</p> + + <p>"I will mek it suit. They will haf dinner before or after. It + will be quite all right."</p> + + <p>He spent the day with the dogs, scrambling among the rugged + bastions at the south end of the island, investigated the old + silver mines, bathed, all three, in the great basin of Venus in + the hollow under the southern cliffs, and came home after sunset, + tired and ravenous.</p> + + <p>"Well, have your ladies come?" he asked, as he sat down to his + dinner.</p> + + <p>"Oh yess, they are come. They are gone for a walk. One of them + is Miss Hen and the other iss Miss Chum."</p> + + <p>"Good Lord, what names! Two old maids, I presume,—curls + and spectacles and that kind of thing!"</p> + + <p>"They are not old, noh. And they are ferry nice to look at, + especially Miss Chum."</p> + + <p>"Well, well, so she ought to be to make up for her name."</p> + + <p>"They were quite put out to think of having turned you out of + your roomss—"</p> + + <p>"Not half as much as I was, but you can assure them that I am + delighted they came. It's as nice a house as one could wish for, + and if you can arrange the meals all right I'll not trouble them + in the least. How long are they going to stay?"</p> + + <p>"They are like you. They do not know. It may be a month, it + may be more."</p> + + <p>"Oh well, I'll keep out of their way as much as possible. + People who come to Sark come to be quiet, I expect. Don't trouble + about coffee tonight, Mrs. Carré. I shall just have a + smoke and then turn in. I'm tired but and I want a good night's + rest."</p> + + <p>"Ah yess. Well, you will tek Punch to-night, and then you will + hear no ghosts."</p> + + <p>The sky was still softly suffused with the clear rose and + amber of the sunset when he leaned over the wall, as he filled + his pipe, and looked out into the darkening road.</p> + + <p>"Har-Héri! Qué-hou-hou!" croaked a hoarse little + voice in the hedge opposite.</p> + + <p>"Hello, Johnnie-boy! That you?"</p> + + <p>"Where you bin te-day?"</p> + + <p>"Where have I been? Down in Little Sark, prowling about the + mines, stealing lumps of silver——"</p> + + <p>"Godzamin! They an't any silver now."</p> + + <p>"No? All right, my son. Then I'm telling you fibs."</p> + + <p>"Show me."</p> + + <p>"Ah, I don't carry it about with me."</p> + + <p>"An't got any." And presently, as Graeme lit up, without + deigning any answer,—"I seen a ghost las' night."</p> + + <p>"Clever boy! What did you make out of it?"</p> + + <p>"'Twas the ghost of old Tom Hamon's father. Was all white and + dead-like."</p> + + <p>"You're too previous, Johnnie. He's getting better."</p> + + <p>"He's a-goin' to die."</p> + + <p>"So are you sometime."</p> + + <p>"No, I a'n't. Show me 'at silver."</p> + + <p>"Sometime, perhaps, if you ask nicely. I'm going to bed now. + Come along, Punch! Goodnight, Johnnie! Keep your eyes skinned for + ghosts. Capital night for them, I should say," and he went off up + the garden, with Punch stalking solemnly alongside.</p> + + <p>And Johnnie Vautrin erected himself on his hands and haunches + to see where he was going, while the vivacious Scamp, shut up in + the wood-house and bereft of his bedfellow, and doubtless fearful + of ghosts in every nerve of his quivering little body, rent the + still night with his expostulations, as he heard them go + past.</p> + + <p>The scent of the pipe was lingering still in the forecourt + when the ladies turned in out of the road, and they just caught a + glimpse of the smoker disappearing through the gap in the + hedge.</p> + + <p>"Ah-ha! There goes the Bogey-Man!" said Miss Hen. "Does this + dear little dog carry on this way all through the night, Mrs. + Carré?"</p> + + <p>"It iss becos the gentleman hass tekken Punch up to the house + to kip away the ghosts," smiled Mrs. Carré.</p> + + <p>"I should say this one would have been of more use."</p> + + <p>"He will be quiet soon. Scamp, bad beast, be qui-et! A + couche!"</p> + + <p>"To keep away ghosts! What a muff he must be!" said Miss Hen. + "Chum, what do you say to putting on white sheets and giving him + a scare? If we did a skirly-whirly à la Loie Fuller, below + his window, he'd probably have blue fits. Ghosts, indeed!"</p> + + <p>"If that big brown Punch got out at you it's you would have + the blue fits," said Miss Chum. "The Sark air is getting into + your head, Hennie."</p> + + <p>"Of course it is. That's what we came for, isn't it? You'll + feel it yourself before you're two days older, my child. You're + looking better than I've seen you for a month past."</p> + + <p>"It's so delightful to feel free," said Miss Chum.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <p>Thoroughly tired out, and with a guardian angel on the mat at + his bedside, in the shape of a long brown body which sought fresh + ease in an occasional sprawl, and flopped a responsive tail each + time he dropped a friendly pat on to its head in the + dark—Graeme looked confidently for a sound night's + rest.</p> + + <p>He fell asleep indeed at once, but woke with a start sometime + in the night, with the impression of a sound in his ears. Had he + really heard something? Or was it only the tail-end of a dream? + Wood-lined houses talk in the night. Was it only the pitch pine + whispering of the old free days in the scented woods? He could + not be sure, so he lay still and listened.</p> + + <p>And as he waited, it came again—a low, wailing cry, + long-drawn and somewhat curdling to the blood.</p> + + <p>Outside or inside? He could not be sure.</p> + + <p>Cats? Cats can do wonders in the way of uncanny noises, but + somehow this did not sound like cats. There was something human, + or inhuman, in it, and his door suddenly shook as though + something tried to get in.</p> + + <p>He bethought him to feel for Punch. But his hand fell on + space, and as he struck a match to see the time and what had + become of his companion, the church bell tolled one dismal + stroke, and he saw Punch standing like a bronze statue at the + door, with his nose down at the crack, his tail on the droop, and + every hair apparently on the bristle.</p> + + <p>At the glow of the match the drooping tail gave one slow + swing, but he did not look round.</p> + + <p>Graeme struck another match, and lit his candle, and jumped + into his shoes.</p> + + <p>"What is it, old fellow?" And Punch scraped furiously at the + door again, and so explained that part of the matter.</p> + + <p>There came a sudden scuffling fall against the door. Punch + rasped at it with his front feet in strenuous silence. If he had + been able to give voice it would have been a relief to both of + them. His mute anxiety added to the weirdness of the proceedings, + and Graeme experienced a novel creeping about the nape of the + neck.</p> + + <p>Ghosts or no ghosts, however, it had to be looked into. He + picked up a heavy boot, turned the key, and flung open the door. + Punch went down the stairs in two long bounds, and a rush of cold + air put out the candle. He laid it down and followed cautiously, + ready to launch the boot at the first sign of uncanniness.</p> + + <p>The rush of night air came through a small pantry opening off + the hall. The window in it was wide open, and there was no sign + of Punch. He and the ghost had evidently gone through that way. + Graeme and the boot followed.</p> + + <p>It was a dark night between moons. The velvet-black vault was + brilliant with stars, but the earth was full of shadows. The + fleshy leaves of the eucalyptus trees showed pale against the + darkness. The night wind set them rustling eerily. From somewhere + beyond them, past the dark hedge, there came a sound of subdued + strife. Graeme clutched his boot and sped towards it, drenched + with dew from every disturbed branch.</p> + + <p>The sounds led him into the potato patch in the lower garden, + and in the dimness he became aware that Punch was standing on + something that struggled to get up and was held down by the great + brown paws and body.</p> + + <p>No ghost, evidently. Graeme dropped his boot and stooped and + laid hold of the struggler, and knew in a moment, in spite of his + own disturbance of mind, that this ghost at all events had + materialised into the bodily form of Master Johnnie Vautrin, and + he wondered how many more might have done the same if they had + been followed up as closely.</p> + + <p>He lifted the squirming small boy who had not spoken a + word.</p> + + <p>"So this is what Sark ghosts are made of, is it, Master + Johnnie?" he asked, giving him a shake. "You little scamp! For + once you shall have what you jolly well deserve," and he carried + him, kicking and wriggling, back to the house, shoved him through + the window, and held him with one hand while he got through + himself. Punch followed with an easy bound, and they all went + upstairs. Graeme found his candle, and lit it and looked at his + prisoner.</p> + + <p>Johnnie was covered with mould from the potato patch, but his + black eyes gleamed through it as brightly as ever, and, as far as + Graeme could distinguish through its masking, his face showed no + sign of confusion.</p> + + <p>"Do you know what we do with naughty little ghosts in England, + Johnnie?"</p> + + <p>Johnnie's eyes glittered like a snake's.</p> + + <p>"We spank 'em, Johnnie. I'm going to spank + you—hard."</p> + + <p>Then Johnnie spoke.</p> + + <p>"I'll put tha evil eye on you."</p> + + <p>"Two if you like, my son,—or twenty if you've got 'em + handy. Evil eyes rather tickle me. We'll see which makes most + impression—my hand or your eye," and he laid the + black-magic man across his knee, and gave him such a genuine + motherly quilting as he had never experienced in his life before. + Hot blows he was accustomed to, but this cool, relentless, + tingling flagellation, all on the one spot, and continued till + every particle of blood in his body seemed to leap to meet each + stroke, was new to him, and it made a great and lasting + impression.</p> + + <p>He did not cry, but tried to bite and scratch the operator, + and Punch stood looking on with a grave smile on his face and a + slowly swinging tail expressive of the greatest satisfaction.</p> + + <p>Discipline over, Graeme handed him out through the pantry + window, bade him to go home to bed, and fastened the window + behind him. The night passed without further disturbance, and + Graeme awoke as the dawn glimmered golden on his wide-open + window.</p> + + <p>In ten minutes he was racing bareheaded past Colinette and La + Forge towards Les Lâches, a towel round his neck and Punch + bounding silently by his side. They had stolen out the back way + through the top of the post-office fields, and had left Scamp + still prisoner in the woodhouse, lest the hysterical joy of his + release should disturb the ladies.</p> + + <p>And presently they were racing back home, all aglow with the + tingling kisses of the waves, and rough of hair with the salt and + the wind.</p> + + <p>The sun was up but not yet stripped for the long day's race to + the west. The eastern skies still gleamed through a faery haze + with the soft iridescence of a young ormer shell, the tender + pinks and greens and golds of the new day's birth-chamber + mellowing upwards into the glorious blue of a day of days.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The year's at the spring,<br /></span> <span>The day's + at the morn;<br /></span> <span>Morning's at + seven;<br /></span> <span>The hillside's + dew-pearled:<br /></span> <span>The lark's on the + wing;<br /></span> <span>The snail's on the + thorn;<br /></span> <span>God's in his + heaven—<br /></span> <span>All's right with the + world!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The lilt of the joyous words had often been with him as he + sped through the sleeping fields to his morning plunge.</p> + + <p>This day of days, as though his soul forecasted what was + coming, they sang in his heart and on his lips. His cure was + surely near completion. The salt was regaining its savour. Life + was worth living again.</p> + + <p>And it was then, when he had come through the valley and was + ready to climb again, that the glory came to him.</p> + + <p>As the two friends sprang lightly over the turf wall into the + garden of the Red House, they saw a sight which one of them will + not forget as long as he lives.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp101" id="fp101"></a> <img src="images/fp101.jpg" + width="562" height="338" alt= + "The Red House. The gap in the hedge. The cottage." title= + "The Red House. The gap in the hedge. The cottage." /> <h5>The + Red House. The gap in the hedge. The cottage.</h5> + </div> + + <p>In the gap of the tall hedge, where the path led down to the + cottage,—ringed in its darkness like a lovely picture in a + sombre frame, with a pale eucalyptus rising stately on either + side; and behind it all, and gleaming softly through and round it + all, the tender glories of the new day,—stood a girl in a + dove-coloured dress, bareheaded, holding the dew-pearled branches + apart with her two hands, and gazing at him with wide eyes, and + parted lips, and startled face.</p> + + <p>And the girl was Margaret Brandt.</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <p>Graeme's first thought was that he was dreaming. He blinked + his eyes to make sure they were not playing him false.</p> + + <p>If she had disappeared at that moment, he would have sworn to + hallucinations and the visibility of spirits to the day of his + death.</p> + + <p>But she did not disappear, and Punch proved her no spirit by + stalking gravely up to give her welcome. Without taking her + startled eyes off Graeme, she dropped one white hand on to the + great brown head and the diamonds sprinkled her dove-coloured + dress.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Graeme!" she said, in a voice which very fully expressed + her own doubts as to his reality also.</p> + + <p>"Mar—Miss Brandt? ... Is it possible?"</p> + + <p>They had both drawn nearer, he along the broad gravel walk, + she along the narrow path between the eucalyptus trees.</p> + + <p>"Are you quite sure you are real?" he asked breathlessly, and + for answer she laughed and stretched a friendly hand towards + him.</p> + + <p>He took it with shining eyes, and then bent suddenly and + kissed it gently, and his eyes were shining still more brightly + as she drew it hastily away.</p> + + <p>"But whatever brings you here?" she asked abruptly.</p> + + <p>"We're just out of the sea,"—and the joy of the sea and + the morning, and this greatest thing of all, was in his face.</p> + + <p>"But <i>why</i> are you here? What are you doing here?"</p> + + <p>"Doing? We're living here."</p> + + <p>"Did you know I was here? How——?" she began, with + a puzzled wrinkle of the fair white brow, and stopped.</p> + + <p>"I did not know. I wish I had."</p> + + <p>"If you did not know, how—why——?"</p> + + <p>"If I had known perhaps I should not have dared to follow you. + On the whole I'm glad I did not know."</p> + + <p>"I don't understand.... How long have you been here?"</p> + + <p>"Just four weeks," he said, with a smile at thought of the + blackness of those four weeks now that he stood in the + sunshine.</p> + + <p>"Four weeks! Then you mean—you mean that I—that + we—followed——"</p> + + <p>"In the mere matter of time, yes!—and of place too," he + laughed." For you turned me out of my rooms."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to say you are the Bogey-Man?"</p> + + <p>"Well,—no one ever called me so to my face before, but + I'm bound to say I've felt uncommonly like one for the past four + or five weeks."</p> + + <p>"Come with me," she said hastily. "I must put this right at + once, or Hennie——" and she turned and went through + the gap in the hedge.</p> + + <p>"Put what right?" he asked, as he followed.</p> + + <p>"Oh—you," she said hastily.</p> + + <p>"I'm all right—now. And who is Hennie?"</p> + + <p>"My friend Miss Penny—"</p> + + <p>"I beg your pardon. I thought you said Hennie."</p> + + <p>"Henrietta Penny. She was at school with me. We are taking + care of one another."</p> + + <p>They had come to the forecourt of the cottage.</p> + + <p>"Hen!" cried Margaret. The window was wide open, but the blind + was discreetly down.</p> + + <p>"Hello, Chum!" came back in muffled tones. "What's up now? + Been and got yourself lost again?"</p> + + <p>"Come out, dear. I want you."</p> + + <p>"Half a jiff, old girl. Give a fellow a chance with his back + hair. You had first tub this morning, remember." At which + Graeme's eyes twinkled in unison with Margaret's.</p> + + <p>"There's a gentleman waiting to see you, dear," said Margaret, + to prevent any further revelations.</p> + + <p>"A <i>what</i>?"—and there followed a clatter of falling + implements as though a sudden start had sent them flying. + "Wretch!—to upset one like that! It's that big brown dog, I + suppose. I know you, my child!"</p> + + <p>Then the blind whirled up and a merry face, in a cloud of + dishevelled hair, looked out, a pair of horrified eyes rested + momentarily on Graeme, and the blind rattled down again with + something that sounded like a muffled feminine objurgation.</p> + + <p>And presently the inner door opened and Miss Penny came forth + demurely, and bowed distantly in the direction of Margaret and + Graeme.</p> + + <p>She was of average height but inclined to plumpness, and so + looked smaller than Margaret; and she had no great pretensions to + beauty, Graeme thought—but then he was biassed for life and + incapable of free and impartial judgment—save such as might + be found in a very frank face given to much laughter, a rather + wide mouth and nice white teeth, abundant dark hair and a pair of + challenging brown eyes which now, getting over their first + confusion—and finding herself at all events fully dressed, + wherein she had the advantage of him—rested with much + appreciation on the young man in front of her.</p> + + <p>The salt water was still in his hair, and the discrepancies in + his hasty attire were but partly hidden by the damp towel round + his neck. Nevertheless he was very good to look upon. His + moustache showed crisp against the healthy brown of his face; his + hair, short as it was, had a natural ripple which sea-water could + not reduce; and his eyes were brimming with the new joy of life + and repressed laughter. Miss Penny liked the looks of him.</p> + + <p>"Margaret Brandt, I will never forgive you as long as I live," + said she emphatically.</p> + + <p>"All right, dear! This is Mr. Bogey-man whose rooms we have + appropriated. He wished to be introduced to the other malefactor. + Miss Henrietta Penny—Mr. John Graeme! Mr. Graeme and I have + met before."</p> + + <p>If Mr. John Graeme had had more experience of women, the flash + that shot across from the brown eyes to the dark blue ones might + have told him stories—for instance, that his name and + would-have-been standing towards her friend were not entirely + unknown to Miss Penny; that, for a brief half second, she + wondered—doubted—and instantly chid herself for such + a thought in connection with Margaret Brandt.</p> + + <p>But Margaret herself, being a woman, caught the momentary + challenge and repelled it steadily.</p> + + <p>"I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Penny—in such a + place, and in such company. I have heard of you from Miss + Brandt," said Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Never till five minutes ago," laughed Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Yes, if you will pardon me—once before, at Lady Elspeth + Gordon's. Unless I am mistaken, Miss Penny had just been across + to Dublin to take a degree which Cambridge ungallantly declined + to confer upon her."</p> + + <p>"Quite right!" said Miss Penny. "M.A. They're misogynists at + Cambridge."</p> + + <p>"Will you oblige me by informing Miss Penny, Mr. Graeme, that + this meeting is purely accidental? I caught a spark in her eye + and I know what it means. Had you the very slightest idea that we + were coming to Sark?"</p> + + <p>"Not the remotest. When I saw you standing in the hedge there, + with the morning glories all about you, I first doubted my eyes, + then I thought you a vision—"</p> + + <p>"And do you think it possible that I knew of you being + here?"</p> + + <p>"I am certain you did not. Nobody knows. I left no address, + and I told no one where I was going. I have not had a letter + since I left London. I have been buried alive in this heavenly + little place."</p> + + <p>"There now, Mademoiselle," said Margaret, with a bow. "Are you + satisfied now?"</p> + + <p>"I was satisfied before you opened your mouth, my dear. The + possibility inevitably suggested itself, but it was stillborn. + Has not our friendship passed its seventh birthday?"</p> + + <p>"Thank you, dear. But the coincidence of our coming to bury + ourselves in Sark, and Mr. Graeme's coming to bury himself in + Sark, was almost unbelievable."</p> + + <p>"Not at all," said Miss Penny. "If you could both trace back + you would probably find the same original spring of + action—a chance word from some common friend, or some + article you have both read. Then, when circumstances loosed the + spring, you both shot in the same direction. What was it loosed + your spring, Mr. Graeme?"</p> + + <p>"Well,—I wanted to get away out of things. I'm busy on a + book, you see, and I'd heard of Sark—"</p> + + <p>"Same here!" said Miss Penny—"less the book. We wanted + to get away out of things—and people, and we'd heard of + Sark, and here we are. Was it you suggested Sark, or I, Meg?"</p> + + <p>"I'm sure I don't know, dear. You, I should think."</p> + + <p>"I will take all the credit of it."</p> + + <p>Just then Mrs. Carré, who had been down to John + Philip's for bread, turned in out of the road with a loaf under + each arm. At sight of all her guests fraternising, her face lit + up with a broad smile, and Scamp, who had whirled in after her, + twisted himself into hieroglyphics of delight and rent the air + with his expression of it, and then launched himself at Punch and + taxed him with perfidy in going off to bathe without him.</p> + + <p>"Ah, you have med friends with the leddies," she said to + Graeme. "Scamp! Bad beast, be qui-et! A couche!"</p> + + <p>"I'm doing my best, Mrs. Carré."</p> + + <p>"That iss very nice."</p> + + <p>"Very nice, indeed!" And Miss Penny asserted afterwards that + he was looking at Margaret all the time.</p> + + <p>"I told them you were a nice quiet gentleman and wouldn't + disturb them at all," said Mrs. Carré.</p> + + <p>"I'll do my very best not to. So far the disturbance has been + all on their side, but I'm standing it very well, you see. You'll + let me show you the sights, won't you?" he said to Miss Brandt. + "I've been here a month, you see, and I know it all like a book. + I've done nothing but moon about since I came—"</p> + + <p>"I thought you were busy on a book," said Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"Er—well, you see, you have to do a lot of thinking + before you start writing. I've been thinking," and perhaps more + than one of them had a fairly shrewd suspicion as to the line his + thoughts had taken.</p> + + <p>"Now, if I don't cut away and dress, and get my breakfast and + clear out, I shall be in the way of the ladies, and Mrs. + Carré will never forgive me," he said. "I do hope you will + include me in your plans for the day."</p> + + <p>His bow included them both, and he sped off up the path + through the high hedge, with the two dogs racing alongside.</p> + + <p>"Meg, my child, we will go for a little walk," said Miss + Penny.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <p>The salt Sark air is uplifting at all times. The sea-water has + a crisp effervescence of its own which tones and braces mind and + body alike. Add to these the wonder of Margaret's unexpected + presence there and, if the gift of large imagination be yours, + you may possibly arrive—within a hundred miles or + so—of the state of John Graeme's feelings as he raced up + that path and bounded up the stairs of the Red House four at a + time.</p> + + <p>He looked out of the wide-open window across the fields, while + the dogs, as usual, took the opportunity of appeasing their + thirst at his water-jug,—for water lies at the bottom of + deep cool wells in Sark, and sensible dogs take their chances + when they offer.</p> + + <p>Was this the room he had left an hour ago in the fresh of the + dawn—a man whose gray future was just beginning to lift its + bruised head out of the shadows?</p> + + <p>Were those gleaming emerald fields the dim wastes he had sped + across with his dumb companion, feeling as friendly towards him + as towards anything on earth?</p> + + <p>Were those trees over there, with the glow of spring-gold in + their tender green leaves, the gloomy guardians of the churchyard + where ghosts walked of a night?</p> + + <p>Was that streak of blue away beyond the uplands, with the + purple film along its rim, only the sea and a hint of Jersey, or + was it a glimpse of heaven?</p> + + <p>Was he, in very truth, that John Graeme who, for thirty days + past, had been striving with all his might to root the thought of + Margaret Brandt out of his life—and succeeding not at + all?</p> + + <p>It was the face of a stranger—a stranger with new joy of + life in his sparkling eyes—that looked back at him out of + the glass, as he plied his brushes, and tied his neck-tie with a + careful assiduity to which the John Graeme of the past thirty + days had been a stranger indeed.</p> + + <p>It was amazing. It was almost past belief. Yet this was + himself, and there was the gap in the dark hedge—never dark + again to him so long as one twig of it lived—the gap where + he had come upon her standing like a goddess of the morning with + the glories of the dawn all about her. And somewhere not far + away, under this same heavenly blue sky, was Margaret. And there + was no sign or hint of Jeremiah Pixley in her + atmosphere—nor of Charles Svendt.</p> + + <p>What could it possibly all mean?</p> + + <p>Miss Penny—Hennie Penny! What a delightfully ludicrous + name! And what a delightful creature she was!—Miss Penny, + unless he had been dreaming, had said they had come to get away + from things—and people! Now what did she mean by + that—if she really had said it and he had not been + dreaming?</p> + + <p>Was it possible Margaret had come to get away from Jeremiah + Pixley and Charles Svendt? On the face of it, it seemed not + impossible, for Graeme's only wonder was that she could ever have + borne with them so long.</p> + + <p>His brain was in a whirl. The eyes of his understanding were + as the eyes of one immured for thirty days in a dark cell and + then dragged suddenly into the full blaze of the sun. If he had + just drunk a magnum of champagne he could not have felt more + elevated, and he would certainly have felt very different. For + his eye was clear as a jewel, and his hand was steady as a rock, + though his heart had not yet settled to its beat and the red + blood danced in his veins like fire.</p> + + <p>"Jock, my lad," he said to himself, as he got the knot of his + tie to his liking at last,—"keep a grip of yourself and go + steady. Such a thing is enough to throw any man a bit off the + rails. Ca' canny, my lad, ca' canny!"</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <p>"Meg, I rather like young men with rippled hair," said Miss + Hennie Penny, as they passed the Carrefour and strolled between + the dewy hedges towards La Tour, with larks by the dozen bursting + their hearts in the freshness of the morning above them.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp112" id="fp112"></a> <img src="images/fp112.jpg" + width="557" height="331" alt= + ""In the freshness of the morning"—" title= + ""In the freshness of the morning"—" /> <h5>"In + the freshness of the morning"—</h5> + </div> + + <p>"Do you, dear? I thought you scorned young men?"</p> + + <p>"As a class, yes!—Especially the Cambridge variety. But + not in particular. I make an exception in this case."</p> + + <p>"So good of you!" murmured Margaret in her best company + manner.</p> + + <p>"Why did you never tell me how nice he was?"</p> + + <p>"Tell you how nice he was? I don't remember ever discussing + him with you in any shape or form whatever."</p> + + <p>"Not to say discussed exactly, but you can't deny that you've + mentioned him occasionally."</p> + + <p>"So I have William Shakespeare and Alfred Tennyson—"</p> + + <p>"And Charles Pixley!"</p> + + <p>"That's quite different—"</p> + + <p>"You're right, my dear. This is a horse of quite another + colour. An awfully decent colour too. I'm glad you appreciate it. + He's as brown as a gipsy and not an ounce of flab about him. + Charles Pixley is mostly flab—"</p> + + <p>"Don't be rude, Hen. You don't know Charles. And do drop your + school slang—"</p> + + <p>"Can't, my child. It's part of my holiday, so none of your + pi-jaw! If you want me to enjoy myself you must let me have my + head. You can't imagine how awfully good it tastes when you've + been doing your best to choke girls off it for a year or two. + It's one of the outward and visible signs of emancipation. This + is another!" and she sprang up the high turf bank of the orchard + of La Tour and danced a breakdown on it, and then jumped back + into the road with ballooning skirts, to the intense amazement of + old Mrs. Hamon of Le Fort, who had just come round the corner to + draw sweet water from the La Tour well.</p> + + <p>"People will think you're crazy," remonstrated Margaret.</p> + + <p>"So I am, and you're my keeper, though it's supposed to be the + other way about. The air of Sark has got into my head. What a + quaint bonnet that old lady has! I wonder what colour it was in + its infancy. Good-morning, ma'am! Isn't this a glorious day?" And + old Madame Hamon murmured a word and passed hastily on lest worse + should befall.</p> + + <p>"Hennie, be sensible for a minute or two. I want you to + consider something seriously."</p> + + <p>"Sensible, if you like, Chummie, for 'tis my nature to. + Serious?—Never! How could one, with those larks bursting + themselves in a sky like that? And did you ever see hedges like + these in all your life? What's it all + about?—Ripply-Hair?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Don't you see how awkward the whole matter + is—"</p> + + <p>"Awkward for Charles Pixley maybe. I don't see that anybody + else need worry themselves thin about it."</p> + + <p>"I'm not thinking of Mr. Pixley. It's—"</p> + + <p>"Ripply-Hair? Well, that's all right! Jolly sight nicer to + think about him. I like his eyes too. There's something in them + that seems to invite one's confidence. Perhaps you haven't + noticed it? If I had a father-confessor—which, thank's-be, + I haven't, and a jolly good thing for him!—I should + stipulate for him having eyes just like that. Ripply hair too, I + think. Yes. I should insist on his having hair just like Mr. + Graeme's."</p> + + <p>They had strolled along past Le Fort till the road lost itself + in a field above Banquette, and there they came to an involuntary + stand and stood gazing.</p> + + <p>Before them, the long, broken slopes of the Eperquerie swept + down from the heights to the sea, one vast blaze of flaming + gorse—a tumultuous torrent of solid sunshine stayed + suddenly in its course. And, in below the sunshine of the gorse, + where rough Mother Earth should have been, there lay instead a + soft sunset cloud, the tender cream-yellow and green of myriads + of primroses and the just uncurling fronds of the + bracken—primroses in such unbroken sheets and masses as to + give a weird effect of remoteness and impalpability to that which + was solid and close at hand.</p> + + <p>"Wonderful!" murmured Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Glorious!" murmured Miss Penny. "Is it really old Mother + Earth we're looking at?"</p> + + <p>"No, dear! It's a bit of the sky fallen down there and the sun + has rolled over it into the sea. See the bits of him in the + wavelets! And did you ever in your life see a green like that + water below the rocks?"</p> + + <p>"Sky and sun above, sun and sky below!—with trimmings of + liquid emerald and sapphire, shot with white and gold. Meg, my + child, this is a long way from No. 1 Melgrave Square."</p> + + <p>"A long, long way!" assented Margaret thoughtfully. And then, + to take advantage of her companion's comparative soberness + through the stirring of her feelings,—"Hennie, do you think + we ought to stop?"</p> + + <p>"Stop?" and Miss Penny fronted her squarely. "Stop? Why, we've + only just come. What's disgruntling you, Chummie?"</p> + + <p>"Can't you see how awkward it is?"</p> + + <p>"Well,—that depends—"</p> + + <p>"No one would believe it was all pure accident."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps it isn't," said Miss Penny oracularly.</p> + + <p>"Why, what do you mean?" said Margaret, bristling in her + turn.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'm imputing no guile, my child. I'm miles away up past + that kind of thing. What I mean is this—perhaps it was + meant to be, and you couldn't help yourselves. Now if that should + be the case, it would be flying in the face of Providence to go + and upset it all. What are your feelings towards him?"</p> + + <p>"Feelings? I have no feelings—"</p> + + <p>"Oh yes, you have, my child. You're not made of marble, though + you can look it when you try. Why, I have myself. I like + him—the little I've seen of him—and in spite of the + fact that he caught me doing my hair, which is enough to turn + anyone against anyone. I shall probably like him still more the + better I get to know him. What have you against him?"</p> + + <p>"I've nothing whatever against him. I—"</p> + + <p>"Then, my dear, we'll sit tight. If anyone should go it's he, + since he's been here a month, and we've only been one day. But if + he goes it will only be because you make him. You've no ill-will + towards him?"</p> + + <p>"I've no feeling at all about him, except that it's awkward + his being here."</p> + + <p>"Then we'll just put the blame on Providence, and sit tight, + as I said before. I'll see you come to no harm, my child. I could + make that young man, or any young man, fly to the other end of + the island by simply looking at him."</p> + + <p>"Think so, dear?" and Margaret, the issue being decided for + her, came back to equanimity.</p> + + <p>"Sure!" said Miss Penny.</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <p>He was sitting on the low stone wall that shut off the + cobble-paved forecourt from the road, with his back towards them, + when they sauntered through the open door after breakfast. He was + smoking the choice after-breakfast pipe of peace, legs dangling, + back bent, hands loosely clasped between his knees. He was very + beautifully dressed as regards tie and collar—for the rest, + light tweeds and cap of the same, and shoes which struck Miss + Penny as flat. But these things she only noticed later. At + present all she saw was a square light-tweed back, and a curl of + fragrant smoke rising over its left shoulder.</p> + + <p>Below him in the dust were his two friends,—Punch, + gravely observant of his every movement, and occasionally + following the smoke with an interested eye; Scamp, no less + watchful, but panting like a motor-car, and apparently exhausted + with unrewarded scoutings up and down every possible route for + the day's programme.</p> + + <p>In the hedge, on the opposite side of the road, sat a very + small boy bunched up into an odd little heap, out of which looked + a long sharp little face and a pair of black eyes as sharp as + gimlets and as bright as a rat's, and beside him sat a big black + cat busy on its toilet, which it interrupted in order to eye the + ladies keenly when they appeared.</p> + + <p>"Now, see you here, my son," they heard from the other side of + the broad tweed back, "if you don't make it fine for the next + thirty days you and I will have words together. If you want it to + rain, let it rain in the night. Not a drop after four A.M., you + understand. If you turn it on after four in the morning there'll + be another rupture of diplomatic relations between you and me, + same as there was last night."</p> + + <p>The small boy's beady eyes twinkled, and he squeaked a few + words in Sarkese.</p> + + <p>"You have the advantage of me, Johnnie. And I've told you + before it's not polite to address a gentleman in a language he's + not familiar with, when you're perfectly acquainted with his own. + The only word I caught was 'Guyablle!' and that's not a word for + young people like you and me, though it may suit Marielihou. I'm + very much afraid I'll have to speak to the schoolmaster about + you, after all, and to the Vicar too, maybe. What? A Wesleyan, + are you? Very well then, it's Monsieur Bisson I must speak + to."</p> + + <p>Here the small boy, with his face crumpled up into a grin, + pointed a thin grimy finger past the young man, and he turned and + saw the ladies. He doffed his cap and jumped down and tapped out + his pipe, and the dogs sprang up expectant;—Punch, grave as + ever but light on his feet for instant start; Scamp twisting + himself into figure-eights, and rending the air with such yelps + of delight that not a word could they pass.</p> + + <p>"Johnnie! Stop him!" shouted Graeme. The small boy in the + hedge flung out his arm with a sudden threatening gesture, and + the circling Scamp fled through the gateway and up the garden + with a shriek of dismay, and remained there yelping as if he had + been struck.</p> + + <p>"Odd that, isn't it?" said Graeme. "Johnnie's the only person + that can stop that small dog talking; and, what's more, he can do + it a hundred yards away. If the dog can see him that's enough, + and yet they're good enough friends as a rule. Look at + Punch!"</p> + + <p>The big brown fellow was standing eyeing the small boy with an + odd expression, intent, expectant, doubtful, with just a touch of + apprehension in it, and perhaps of latent anger.</p> + + <p>"Can you do it with Punch?" asked Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>The small boy shook his head. "Godzamin, he'd eat me if I + tried," he said, and lifted his eyes from the dog's, and the dog + walked quietly up to Margaret and pushed his great head under her + hand.</p> + + <p>"He's a fine fellow," she said, caressing him.</p> + + <p>"A most gentlemanly dog," said Miss Penny. "His eyes are + absolutely poetical,—charged with thoughts too deep for + words."</p> + + <p>"Yes, he's dumb," said Graeme, stooping to pull a long brown + ear.</p> + + <p>"Really?" asked Margaret, looking into his face to make sure + he was not joking.</p> + + <p>"We've been close friends for a month now, and I've never + heard his voice even in a whisper, nor has anyone else. I've an + idea Johnnie here has put a spell on him."</p> + + <p>"Poor old fellow!" said Margaret, fondling the big brown + head.</p> + + <p>"Oh, he's quite happy—bold as a lion and graceful as a + panther, and Scamp talks more than enough for the two of + them."</p> + + <p>"And what a fine big cat you have, Johnnie!" said Miss Penny, + and stretched a friendly hand towards Marielihou. "What do you + call it?"</p> + + <p>"Marrlyou," growled Johnnie; and Marielihou bristled and spat + at the advancing white hand, which retired rapidly.</p> + + <p>"The nasty beast!" said Miss Penny, and Marielihou glared at + her with eyes of scorching green fire.</p> + + <p>"Marielihou is not good company for anyone but herself," said + Graeme. "Now, where would you like to go?"</p> + + <p>"We were up that way before breakfast," said Miss Penny, + nodding due north.</p> + + <p>"Been to the Coupée yet?"</p> + + <p>"No, we've been nowhere except just along here. We were afraid + of getting lost or tumbling over the edges."</p> + + <p>"Then you must see the Coupée at once. And we'll call + at John Philip's as we pass, to get you some shoes."</p> + + <p>"Shoes?" and each stuck out a dainty brown boot and examined + it critically for inadequacies, and then looked up at him + enquiringly.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know. They're delicious, but in Sark you must wear + Sark shoes—this kind of thing"—sticking up his + own—"or you may come to a sudden end. And, seeing that + you're in my charge—"</p> + + <p>"Oh?" said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Come along to John Philip's," said Miss Penny. And as they + turned down the road with Punch, the hedge opened and Scamp came + wriggling through, with white-eyed glances for Johnnie Vautrin + and Marielihou sitting in the bushes farther up.</p> + + <h4>VIII</h4> + + <p>Miss Penny and Graeme did most of the talking. Margaret was + unusually silent, pondering, perhaps, her friend's utterances of + the early morning, and still wondering at the strange turn of + events that had so unexpectedly thrown herself and John Graeme + into such close companionship that he could actually claim to be + in charge of her, and had proved it beyond question by making her + buy a pair of shoes which she considered anything but + shapely.</p> + + <p>Graeme understood and kept to his looking-glass promise.</p> + + <p>His heart was dancing within him. It was impossible to keep + the lilt of it entirely out of his eyes. They were radiant with + this unlooked-for happiness.</p> + + <p>It was Margaret's shadow that mingled with his own on the + sunny road—when it wasn't Miss Penny's. It was Margaret's + pleated blue skirt that swung beside him to a tune that set his + pulses leaping. Miss Penny's skirt was there too, indeed, but a + thousand of it flapping in a gale would not have quickened his + pulse by half a beat.</p> + + <p>And Miss Penny probably understood—some things, or parts + of things—or thought she did, and was extremely happy in + that which was vouchsafed to her. Oh, she knew, did Miss Penny! + She had not, indeed, had much—if put into a corner and made + to confess to bare and literal truth, not any—experience, + that is personal and practical experience, of such + matters,—if, indeed, such matters are capable of being + brought to the test of such a word as practical. But she had read + much about them—in search of truth, and right and fitting + books to be admitted to the school library—and she knew all + about it. And here, unless she, Henrietta Penny, was very much + mistaken, was a veritable live love-affair budding and + blossoming—at least she hoped it would blossom—before + her very eyes. Budding it undoubtedly was, on one side at all + events, and blossom it certainly should if she could help it on; + for he had ripply hair, and deep attractive eyes, and a frank + open face, and she liked him.</p> + + <p>They were suddenly in the shade, threading a narrow cutting + between high gorse-topped banks of crumbly yellow rock. Then, + without any warning, the rock-walls fell away. They were out into + the sunshine again, and in front stretched a wavering rock path, + the narrow crown of a ridge whose sides sank sharply out of + sight. From somewhere far away below came the surge and rush of + many waters.</p> + + <p>"This is the Coupée," said Graeme, as the dogs raced + across. "Over there is Little Sark."</p> + + <p>"It is grand!" said Margaret, gazing at the huge rock + buttresses whose loins came up through the white foam three + hundred feet below.</p> + + <p>"It's awful!" said Miss Penny. "You're never going across, Mr. + Graeme?" as he strolled on along the narrow ridge.</p> + + <p>"Surely! Why not? It's perfectly safe. There was a wooden + railing at this side, but it fell over about a fortnight ago, and + at present the good folks of Little Sark and Big Sark are + discussing who ought to put up a new one. I happened to be + sitting over there when it fell. A party of visitors came down + the cutting here, and one was just going to lean on the railing, + to look down into the gulf there, when he had the sense to try it + first with his foot and it went with a crash, and they got a + scare and went back to the hotel to eat lobsters. It was really + useless as protection, but it made one feel safer to have it + there."</p> + + <p>"It's horrible," said Miss Penny emphatically.</p> + + <p>"Safe as London Bridge, if you'll only believe it. It's a good + four feet wide. The school children used to trot over when it was + not more than two and a half."</p> + + <p>"And none of them fell over?"</p> + + <p>"Never a one. Why should they?"</p> + + <p>"Meg, my dear," said Miss Penny, with a sudden flash of + incongruity," this is truly a <i>very</i> great change from + Melgrave Square."</p> + + <p>"It is," laughed Margaret. "Are you coming, Hennie?"</p> + + <p>"I'll—I'll risk it if Mr. Graeme will personally conduct + me. He's in charge of us, you know."</p> + + <p>"Certainly!" and he held out his hand to her, and then looked + at Margaret. "Will you please wait here till I come back for + you?" And catching, as he thought, a sign of mutiny in her + face,—"Although it's perfectly safe it's perhaps just as + well to have company the first time you cross."</p> + + <p>"Very well," she said, and Miss Penny clung convulsively to + the strong unwavering hand while she gingerly trod the narrow + way, and the dogs raced half-way to meet them.</p> + + <p>"Go <i>away</i>!" she shrieked, and the dogs turned on their + pivots and sped back.</p> + + <p>"Now, you see!" he said, when she stood safe on the rounded + shoulder of Little Sark. "Where was the trouble?"</p> + + <p>"It's perfectly easy, Meg," cried Miss Penny, uplifted with + her accomplishment.</p> + + <p>He wondered whether she would vouchsafe him her hand or + attempt the passage alone. But she put her hand into his without + hesitation, and thenceforth and for ever the Coupée held + for him a touch of sacred glamour. For the soft hand throbbed in + his, and every throb thrilled right up into his heart and set it + dancing to some such tune as that which sang in David when he + danced before the Ark. But his hand was firm, and his head was + steady, for that which he held in charge was the dearest thing in + life to him.</p> + + <p>Three hundred blessed feet was the span of the Coupée. + How fervently he wished them three thousand—ay, three + million! For every step accorded him a throb, and heart-throbs + such as these are among the precious things of life.</p> + + <p>Neither of them spoke one word. Common-places were very much + out of place, and the things that were in his heart he might not + speak—yet.</p> + + <p>"Didn't I say so?" cried Miss Penny, as they stepped ashore on + Little Sark. "It's as easy as winking."</p> + + <p>"I never said it wasn't," said Margaret, with a deep breath. + "But I doubt if you'd have come across alone, my child."</p> + + <p>"It was certainly pleasanter to have something to hold on to," + said Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>And Graeme thought so too.</p> + + <h4>IX</h4> + + <p>Little Sark provides ample opportunity for the adventurous + scrambler, and Graeme, having tested the novel sensation of those + delicious heart-thrills, was eager for more.</p> + + <p>They prowled round the old silver mines, and sat on the great + rocks at Port Gorey which had in those olden times served for a + jetty, while he told them how Peter Le Pelley had mortgaged the + island to further his quest after the silver, and how a whole + ship-load of it sank within a stone's throw of the place where + they sat, and with it the Seigneur's hopes and fortunes.</p> + + <p>They peered into the old houses and down the disused shafts, + lined now with matted growth of ivy and clinging ferns,—the + bottomless pits into which the Le Pelley heritage had + disappeared. Then he took them for mild refection to Mrs. + Mollet's cottage; and after a rest,—and with their gracious + permission, a pipe,—he led them across to the wild south + walls of the island, with their great chasms and fissures and + tumbled strata, their massive pinnacles, and deep narrow inlets + and tunnels where the waves champed and roared in everlasting + darkness.</p> + + <p>The dogs harried the rabbits untiringly, Punch in long lithe + bounds that were a joy to behold; Scamp in panting hysterics + which gave over-ample warning of his coming and precluded all + possibilities of capture.</p> + + <p>Graeme led them down the face of the cliff fronting L'Etac, + the great rock island that was once a part of Little Sark + itself.</p> + + <p>"Once upon a time there was a Coupée across here," he + said. "Some time our Coupée will disappear and Little Sark + will be an island also."</p> + + <p>"Not before we get back, I hope," said Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"Not before we get back, <i>I</i> hope," said Graeme, for + would he not hold Margaret's hand again on the homeward + journey?</p> + + <p>Down the cliff, along white saw-teeth of upturned veins of + quartz, with Margaret's hand in his, then back for Miss Penny, + till they sat looking down into a deep dark basin, almost + circular: lined with the most lovely pink and heliotrope + corallines: studded with anemones, brown and red and green: every + point and ledge decked with delicately-fronded sea-ferns and + mosses: and the whole overhung with threatening masses of + rock.</p> + + <p>"Venus's Bath," he told them. "Those round stones at the + bottom have churned about in there for hundreds of years, I + suppose. The tide fills it each time, as you will see presently, + but the stones cannot get out and they've helped to make their + own prison-house,—wherein I perceive a moral. It's a + delicious plunge from that rock."</p> + + <p>"You bathe here?" asked Margaret.</p> + + <p>"I and the dogs bathe here at times. There's one other thing + you must see, and I think you may see it to-day. The tide is + right, and the wind is right, and there's a good sea on."</p> + + <p>They waited till the long waves came swirling up over the + rocks and filled the basin and set the great round stones at the + bottom grinding angrily. Then off again along the splintered face + of the cliff, one by one, that is two by two over the difficult + bits, till he had them seated among some ragged boulders with the + waves foaming white below them, and swooking and plunking in + hidden hollow places.</p> + + <p>The wind was rising, and the crash of the seas on the rocks + made speech impossible. He pointed suddenly along the cliff face, + and not twenty yards away, with a hiss and a roar, a furious + spout of water shot up into the air a rocket of white foam, a + hundred feet high, and fell with a crash over the rocks and into + the sea.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp129" id="fp129"></a> <img src="images/fp129.jpg" + width="329" height="558" alt="THE SOUFFLEUR IN LITTLE SARK" + title="THE SOUFFLEUR IN LITTLE SARK" /> <h5>THE SOUFFLEUR IN + LITTLE SARK</h5> + </div> + + <p>Twenty times they watched it roar up into the sky, and then + they crawled back up the face of the cliff, wind-whipped and + rosy-faced, and with the taste of salt in their mouths.</p> + + <p>"That is a fine sight," said Margaret, with sparkling eyes and + diamond drops in her wind-blown hair. He thought he had never + seen her so absolutely lovely before. He had certainly never seen + anyone to compare with her.</p> + + <p>"That's the Souffleur—the blow-hole. There's a bigger + one still in Saignie Bay, we'll look it up if the wind gets round + to the north-west. I'm glad you've seen this one. It was just a + chance."</p> + + <p>"I'm blow-holed all to rags, and, Meg, your hair is absolutely + disgraceful," said Miss Penny. So differently may different eyes + regard the same object, especially when the heart has a say in + it. He would have given all he was worth for an offered lock of + that wind-blown hair.</p> + + <p>As Margaret turned she caught his eye, perhaps caught + something of what was in it.</p> + + <p>"Am I as bad as all that?" she laughed in rosy confusion.</p> + + <p>"You're"—he began impetuously, but caught himself in + time.—"You're all right. When you go to see the Souffleur + you must expect to get a bit blown."</p> + + <p>"It's worth it," she said. "And I'm sure we're much obliged to + you for taking us. We could never have got there alone."</p> + + <p>"We'd never have got to Little Sark, to say nothing of the + Souffleur," said Miss Penny very emphatically.</p> + + <p>"And now perhaps you'll forgive me for making you buy those + shoes."</p> + + <p>"My, yes! They're great," said Miss Penny, looking critically + at her feet. "But decidedly they're not beautiful."</p> + + <h4>X</h4> + + <p>They loitered homewards, chatting discursively of many things, + in a way that made for intimacy. Miss Penny and Graeme, indeed, + still did most of the actual speaking, as he remembered + afterwards, but Margaret was in no way outside their talk, and if + she did not say much it is probable that she listened and thought + none the less.</p> + + <p>The Coupée afforded Graeme another all-too-short span + of delight, while Margaret's hand throbbed in his and she + entrusted herself to his protection.</p> + + <p>He took them home by the Windmill, and through the fields and + hedge-gaps into the grounds of the Red House, and in his heart's + eye saw Margaret standing once more in the opening of the tall + hedge with the morning glory all about her—just as he would + remember her all his life.</p> + + <p>"Time?" demanded Miss Penny, as they passed along the + verandah.</p> + + <p>"Half-past seven."</p> + + <p>"Then you are half an hour late for your dinner. I propose + that we ask Mrs. Carré to serve us all together to-night," + said Miss Penny, "or we may all fare the worse."</p> + + <p>"I shall be delighted," began Graeme exuberantly, + "unless—" and he snapped a glance at Miss Brandt.</p> + + <p>"We shall be glad if you will join us," she said quickly.</p> + + <p>"I will be there in two minutes," he said, and sped up the Red + House stairs to make ready.</p> + + <p>"I hope to goodness he won't," said Miss Penny, as they passed + through the hedge. "Now don't you say a word to me, Margaret + Brandt. It was you invited him"</p> + + <p>"Oh!"</p> + + <p>"'We shall be glad if you will join us.' If that isn't an + invitation I'd like to know what it is. And I heard you say it + with my own two ears,—moi qui vous parle, as we say + here."</p> + + <p>"You know perfectly well that I could not possibly do anything + else, Hennie. I believe you just did it on purpose. I don't know + what's come over you."</p> + + <p>"John Graeme. I like him. And after all he'd done for + us—that Coupée, and Venus's Bath, and the Souffleur, + and he like to lose his dinner over it all! What could a kind + motherly person like me do but suggest—simply suggest, in + the vaguest manner possible—"</p> + + <p>"Yes?—" as she stopped in a challenging way.</p> + + <p>"I merely threw out the suggestion, I say, in the vaguest + possible way, that as we were nearly dying of hunger he should + allow us to ask Mrs. Carré to let us have our dinner half + an hour earlier than usual—"</p> + + <p>"Oh!"</p> + + <p>"And then you struck in, in your usual lordly fashion, and + begged him to join us. And I'm bound to say he took it very well, + not to say jumped at it."</p> + + <p>"Hennie, you're a—"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know. And if I live I'll be a be-a, and perhaps more + besides,"—with a cryptic nod.</p> + + <p>"Now, what do you mean by that?"</p> + + <p>"Wait patiently, my child, and you'll see."</p> + + <p>"I believe the Sark air is affecting your—whatever + you've got inside that giddy head of yours."</p> + + <p>"Of course it is. That's what I came for, and to keep you out + of mischief, you infantile law-breaker."</p> + + <h4>XI</h4> + + <p>Graeme's two minutes were each set with considerably more than + the regulation sixty seconds—diamond seconds of glowing + anticipation, every one of them. And, to his credit, be it + recorded that he allotted several of them to the invocation of + most fervent blessings on Miss Penny, who, at the moment, was + vigorously disclaiming any pretension thereto.</p> + + <p>But, quite soon enough for his hosts, as he considered + them,—his guests, according to Miss Penny,—he + appeared at the cottage, bodily and mentally prepared for the + feast, and showing both in manner and attire due sense of the + honour conferred upon him.</p> + + <p>It was a festive, and for one of them at all events, a + never-to-be-forgotten meal. The strong Sark air had got into all + their heads, and whatever prudish notions might have been working + in Margaret, she had bidden them to heel and took her pleasure as + it came.</p> + + <p>Her mood, however, for the moment was receptive rather than + expressive. Miss Penny and Graeme still did most of the talking, + and Margaret sat and listened and laughed, not a little + astonished at finding herself in that galley.</p> + + <p>"What is the penalty for aiding and abetting a criminal in an + evasion of the law, Mr. Graeme?" chirped Miss Penny one time, and + took Margaret's energetic below-table expostulation without a + wince.</p> + + <p>"It would depend, I should say, on the particular dye of + criminal. What has your friend been up to, Miss Penny? Is he a + particularly black specimen?"</p> + + <p>"In the first place he's a she, and in the next place her + complexion has a decided tendency towards blonde. As to + dye—I am in a position to state on oath that she does + not."</p> + + <p>For a moment he was mystified, then his eye fell on Margaret's + face, full of glorious confusion at this base betrayal by her + bosom friend.</p> + + <p>"The Sark air does get into people's heads like that at + times," he said diplomatically. "It's just in the first few days. + But you soon get used to it. I felt just the same + myself—losing faith in things and thinking ill of my + friends, and so on. You'll be quite all right in a day or two, + Miss Penny,"—with a touch of sympathetic commiseration in + his voice.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'm quite all right now," said Miss Penny enjoyably. "I + thought it only right and proper to let you know where you stand. + At the present moment you are as likely as not aiding and + abetting a breaker of the British laws and her accomplice. You + may become involved in serious complications, you see."</p> + + <p>"If that means that I can be of any service in the matter I + shall be only too delighted,—if you will not look upon me + as an intruder." He spoke to Miss Penny but looked at + Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Ah-ha! Qualms of conscience——"</p> + + <p>"Hennie is a little raised, Mr. Graeme," broke in Margaret. + "Please excuse her. A good night's rest will make her all + right."</p> + + <p>"Never felt better in my life," sparkled Miss Penny. "But + seriously, Mr. Graeme, it is only right you should understand, + for we don't quite know where we are ourselves, and I'm going to + tell you even though Margaret kicks all the skin off my leg in + the process. In a word,—we've bolted."</p> + + <p>"Bolted?" he echoed, all aglow with hopeful interest.</p> + + <p>"Yes—from Mr. Pixley and all his works. And as he had + been threatening to make us a Ward of Court, you see—well, + there you are, don't you know."</p> + + <p>"I see," he said, and there was a new light in his eyes as he + looked at Margaret, and his soul danced within him again as + David's before the Ark.</p> + + <p>"For reasons which seemed adequate to myself, Mr. + Graeme,"—began Margaret, in more sober explanation.</p> + + <p>"They were, they were. I am sure of it," sang his heart. And + his brain asked eagerly, "Had Charles Svendt anything to do with + it, I wonder?"</p> + + <p>"—I thought it well to remove myself from the care of my + guardian Mr. Pixley——"</p> + + <p>"Splendid girl! Splendid girl!" sang his heart.</p> + + <p>"—And as I have still some of my time to + serve——"</p> + + <p>"How long, O Lord, how long?" chaunted his heart, with no + sense of impropriety, for it was sounding pæans of joyful + hope.</p> + + <p>"—You see——" said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"I see."</p> + + <p>"Do you think they could make me go back to him?" she asked + anxiously.</p> + + <p>"To Mr. Pixley? Certainly not—that is if your reasons + for leaving him seemed adequate to the Court, as I am sure they + would."</p> + + <p>She offered no explanation on this point. All that she left + unsaid, and that he would have given much to hear, seemed dancing + just inside Miss Penny's sparkling eyes, and as like as not to + come dancing out at any moment.</p> + + <p>"You see," said Graeme, "I happen to have been making some + enquiries from a legal friend on that very + point——"</p> + + <p>"Oh!" said Margaret, and Miss Penny's eyes danced + carmagnoles.</p> + + <p>"In connection with a story, you know. One likes to get one's + legal points all right. In any case, as I was just about to tell + Miss Penny for the benefit of her criminal friend, there would be + lots of red tape to unwind before they could do anything, and + this little isle of Sark is the quaintest place in the world in + the matter of its own old observances and their integrity, and + the rejection of new ideas. Mr. Pixley does not know you are + here, of course?"</p> + + <p>"Not much, or he'd have been over by special boat long since," + said Miss Penny. "We managed it splendidly."</p> + + <p>"And how long?" began Graeme, in pursuance of his train of + thought, but stopped short at sound of the words, since they bore + distant resemblance to a curiosity which seemed to himself + impertinent.</p> + + <p>But Miss Penny knew no such compunctions. She did not want to + miss one jot or tittle of her enjoyment of the situation.</p> + + <p>"About six months," said she quickly.</p> + + <p>"Well, I should think we"—how delightful to him that + "we," and how Miss Penny rejoiced in it!—"could hold them + at bay for that length of time. The machinery of the law is slow + and cumbersome at best, and in this case, I imagine, it would not + be difficult to put a few additional spokes in its wheels."</p> + + <p>If his face was anything to go by there were many more + questions he would have liked to put—judicial questions, + you understand, for a fuller comprehension of the case. But he + would not venture them yet. He had got ample food for reflection + for the moment, and his hopes stood high.</p> + + <p>Never for him had there been a dinner equal to that one. + Better ones he had partaken of in plenty. But the full board and + the quality of the faring are not the only things, nor by any + means the chief things, that go to the making of a feast.</p> + + <p>The nearest approach to it had been that dinner with the + Whitefriars, at which he first met Margaret Brandt, and that did + not come within measurable distance of this one.</p> + + <h4>XII</h4> + + <p>"Will you be pleased to tek your dinner with the leddies again + to-night?" asked Mrs. Carré, as she gave Graeme his + breakfast next morning.</p> + + <p>"I would be delighted," he said doubtfully. "But are you quite + sure they would wish it, Mrs. Carré."</p> + + <p>"But you did get on all right with them," she said, eyeing him + wonderingly. "They are very nice leddies, I am sure."</p> + + <p>"Oh, we got on first rate. We didn't quarrel over the food or + fall out in any way. But——"</p> + + <p>"Well then?"</p> + + <p>"Will it be any easier for you?" he asked thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>"Well, of course, it will be once setting instead of twice, + and that iss easier——"</p> + + <p>"Then suppose you put it to them on that ground, Mrs. + Carré, solely on that ground, you understand. And if they + are agreeable, I—well, I shall not raise any + objections."</p> + + <p>And so, presently, Mrs. Carré said to the ladies, "You + did get on all right with the gentleman last night, yes?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, quite, Mrs. Carré," sparkled Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"I wass wondering if it would please you to dine all at once + together again each night. You see, it would save me the trouble + of setting twice. I did ask him and he said he didn't mind if you + didn't. He iss a very nice quiet gentleman, I am sure."</p> + + <p>"I'm sure it's very good of him," said Miss Penny. "By all + means serve us all at once together, Mrs. Carré. I guess + we can stand it if he can."</p> + + <p>"That iss all right then," said Mrs. Carré, and the + common evening meal became an institution—to Graeme's vast + enjoyment.</p> + + <h4>XIII</h4> + + <p>When the girls went into their room after breakfast to put on + their hats and scrambling shoes, they saw Graeme sitting on the + low stone wall, as usual, smoking his after-breakfast pipe, and + they caught a part of the conversation in progress between him + and Johnny Vautrin.</p> + + <p>"I see five crows 's mawnin'," they heard in Johnnie's + sepulchral voice.</p> + + <p>"Really, now! Catch any?"</p> + + <p>"There wuss five crows."</p> + + <p>"Ah—five? That's an odd number! And what special + ill-luck do you infer from five crows, Johnnie?"</p> + + <p>"Someone's goan to be sick," said Johnnie, with joyous + anticipation.</p> + + <p>"Dear me! That's what five crows mean, is it?"</p> + + <p>"Ouaie!"</p> + + <p>"They didn't go into particulars, I suppose,—as to who + it is likely to be, for instance, and the exact nature of the + seizure?"</p> + + <p>"They flew over to church there and settled in black + trees."</p> + + <p>"Vicar, maybe, since they went that way."</p> + + <p>"Mebbe!"—hopefully.</p> + + <p>"Well, well! Perhaps if we gave him a hint he might take some + precautions."</p> + + <p>"Couldn' tek nauthen 'd be any use 'gainst crows. Go'zamin, + they knows!"</p> + + <p>"You're just a confirmed old croaker, Johnnie."</p> + + <p>"A'n't!" said Johnnie.</p> + + <p>"Where's our old friend Marielihou?"</p> + + <p>"She's a-busy," said Johnnie, wriggling uncomfortably.</p> + + <p>"Ah,—killing something, I presume. Is it going to keep + fine for the next three or four weeks?"</p> + + <p>"I don' think."</p> + + <p>"You don't, you little rascal?"</p> + + <p>"You might do your best for us, Johnnie," said Miss Penny, as + they came through the gap in the wall. "And if it keeps fine all + the time I'll give you—let me see, I'll give you a shilling + when we go away."</p> + + <p>Johnnie's avidious little claw reached out eagerly.</p> + + <p>"Godzamin!" said he. "Gimme it now, an' I'll do my best."</p> + + <p>"Earn it, my child," said Miss Penny, and they went on up the + road, leaving Johnnie scowling in the hedge.</p> + + <p>"Well, where would you like to go to-day?" asked Graeme. "Will + you leave yourselves in my hands again?"</p> + + <p>"I'm sure we can't do better," said Miss Penny heartily. + "Yesterday was a day of days. What do you say, Meg?"</p> + + <p>"It looks as though we were going to occupy a great deal of + Mr. Graeme's time," said Meg non-committally.</p> + + <p>"It could not possibly be better occupied," he said + exuberantly.</p> + + <p>"And how about your story, Mr. Graeme? Is it at a standstill?" + asked Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"Not at all. It's getting on capitally."</p> + + <p>"Why, when do you work at it?"</p> + + <p>"Oh,—between times, and when the spirit moves me and + I've got nothing better to do."</p> + + <p>"Is that how one writes books?"</p> + + <p>"Sometimes. How do you feel about caves?"</p> + + <p>"Ripping! If there's one thing we revel in it's caves, + principally because we know nothing about them."</p> + + <p>"Then we'll break you in on Grève de la Ville. They're + comparatively easy, and another day we'll do the Boutiques and + the Gouliots. Then we can get a whole day full of caves by going + round the island in a boat—red caves and green caves and + black caves and barking-dog caves—all sorts and conditions + of caves—caves studded all round with anemones, and caves + bristling with tiny jewelled sponges. Sark is just a honeycomb of + caves."</p> + + <p>"Spiffing!" said Miss Penny. "If Mr. Pixley gets on our track + we'll play hide-and-seek in them with him."</p> + + <p>"Then we ought to spend a day on Brecqhou—"</p> + + <p>"A day on Brecqhou without a doubt!"</p> + + <p>"And if we can get the boat from Guernsey to call for us at + the Eperquerie, and can get a boat there to put us aboard, we + might manage Alderney."</p> + + <p>"Sounds a bit if-fy, but tempting thereby. Margaret, my dear, + our work is cut out for us."</p> + + <p>"And Mr. Graeme's cut out from him, I'm afraid."</p> + + <p>"Oh, not at all, I assure you. It's going ahead like steam," + and they began to descend into Grève de la Ville, the dogs + as usual ranging the cliff-sides after rabbits, disappearing + altogether at times and then flashing suddenly into view half a + mile away among the gorse and bracken.</p> + + <p>Sark scrambling requires caution and constant asistance from + the practised to the unpractised hand, and Graeme omitted none of + the necessary precautions. Whereby Margaret's throbbing hand was + much in his,—so, indeed, was Miss Penny's, but that was + quite another matter,—and every convulsive grip of the + little hand, though it was caused by nothing more than the + uncertainties of the way, set his heart dancing and riveted the + golden chains still more firmly round it.</p> + + <p>There are difficult bits in those caves in the Grève de + la Ville,—steep ascents, and black drops in sheer faith + into unknown depths, and tight squeezes past sloping shelves + which seem on the point of closing and cracking one like a nut; + and when they crawled out at last into a boulder-strewn plateau, + open to the sea on one side only, they sighed gratefully at the + ample height and breadth of things, and sank down on the shingle + to breathe the free air and sunshine.</p> + + <p>He amused them by telling them how, the last time he was + there, he found an elderly gentleman sitting with his head in his + hands, on that exact spot. And how, at sight of the new-comer, he + had come running to him and fallen sobbing on his neck. He had + been there for over an hour seeking the way out, and not being + able to find it, had got into a panic.</p> + + <p>"I wonder if you could find the place we came in, now?" said + Graeme. "Scamp, lie down, sir, and don't give me away!"</p> + + <p>"Why, certainly, it's just there," said Miss Penny, jumping up + energetically and marching across, while the dogs grinned + open-mouthed at her lack of perception. For it wasn't there at + all, and she searched without avail, and at last sat down again + saying, "Well, I sympathise with your old gentleman, Mr. Graeme. + If I was all alone here, and unable to find that hole, I should + go into hysterics, though it's not a thing I'm given to. I + suppose we did get in somehow."</p> + + <p>"Obviously! And that's where the advantage of a guide comes + in, you see."</p> + + <p>"I, for one, appreciate him highly, I can assure you. Where is + that wretched hole?"</p> + + <p>"Here it is, you see. It's a tricky place. I shall never + forget the look of relief on that old fellow's face at sight of + me. I believe he thinks to this day that I saved his life. He + stuck to me like a leech all the way through the further caves + and till we got back to the entrance."</p> + + <p>"We're not through them yet then?"</p> + + <p>"Through? Bless me no, we're only just starting, but there's + no use hurrying. Tide's right, and we have plenty of time."</p> + + <p>"I feel as if I'd been lost and found again," said Miss Penny. + "If Mr. Pixley comes along we'll induce him in here and leave him + to find his way out."</p> + + <p>"It would take more than you to get Mr. Pixley in here, + Hennie," said Margaret quietly. "He'd never venture off the + roads, even if he risked his life in reaching Sark. He's much too + careful of himself."</p> + + <p>"He thinks a good deal more of himself than I do," said Miss + Penny. "With all deference to you, Meg, since he's a relative, I + consider him a jolly old humbug."</p> + + <h4>XIV</h4> + + <p>The days were packed with enjoyment for Graeme; not less for + Miss Penny; nor—illuminated and titillated with a conposed + expectancy as to whither all this might be leading her—for + Margaret herself.</p> + + <p>Graeme took the joyful burden of their proper entertainment + entirely on his own shoulders. He reaped in full now the harvest + of his lonely wanderings, and compared those former gloomy days + with these golden ones with a heart so jubilant that the light of + it shone in his eyes and in his face, and made him fairly + radiant.</p> + + <p>"That young man grows handsomer every day," was Miss Penny's + appreciative comment, in the privacy of hair-brushing.</p> + + <p>Margaret expressed no opinion.</p> + + <p>"I thought him uncommonly good-looking as soon as I set eyes + on him, but he's growing upon me. I do hope, for his sake, that I + shan't fall in love with him."</p> + + <p>And at that a tiny gleam of a smile hovered for a moment in + the curves of Margaret's lips, behind the silken screen of her + hair.</p> + + <p>No trouble was too great for him if it added to their + pleasure. He provisioned their expeditions with lavish + discrimination. He forgot nothing,—not even the salt. He + carried burdens and kindled fires for the boiling of kettles, and + saw to their comfort and more, in every possible way. He assisted + them up and down steep places, and Margaret's hand grew + accustomed to the steady strength of his. She came to look for + the helping hand whenever the ways grew difficult. At times + she—yes, actually, she caught herself grudging Hennie-Penny + what seemed to her too long an appropriation of it.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp147" id="fp147"></a> <img src="images/fp147.jpg" + width="329" height="558" alt="IN DERRIBLE BAY" title= + "IN DERRIBLE BAY" /> <h5>IN DERRIBLE BAY</h5> + </div> + + <p>Never surely were the beauties of Sark seen under happier + auspices, or through eyes attuned to more lively appreciation. + For love-lit eyes see all things lovely, and no more perfect + loveliness of sea and rock and flower and sky may be found than + such as go to the making of this little isle of Sark.</p> + + <p>He guided their more active energies through the + anemone-studded and sponge-fringed caves under the Gouliots; + through the long rough-polished, sea-scoured passages of the + Boutiques; down the seamed cliffs at Les Fontaines and Grande + Grève; along the precarious tracks and iron rings into + Derrible; with the assistance of a rope, into Le Pot. And for + rest-times they spent long delightful afternoons sitting among + the blazing gorse cushions of the Eperquerie, and on that great + rock that elbows Tintageu into the waves, and looks down on the + one side on Port du Moulin and the Autelets, and on the other + into Pegane Bay and Port á la Jument.</p> + + <p>This high perch had a peculiar fascination for Margaret. She + could have sat there day after day with perfect enjoyment. She + never tired of it all—the crisp green waters below, with + their dazzling fringe of foam round every gray rock and headland; + the gold-tipped pinnacles of the Autelets, with their fluttering + halos of gulls and sea-pies and cormorants, and their ridi-fringe + of tawny seaweed and foamy lace; the rounded slopes of the + Eperquerie; the bold cliffs behind, with their sprawling gray + feet in the emerald sea, and their green and gold shoulders + humping up into the blue sky; beyond them the black Gouliot rocks + and foaming Race, and the long soft bulk of Brecqhou with its + seamy sides and black-mouthed caves.</p> + + <p>And here one day they had a novel experience, and Margaret + learned something—got fullest proof, at all events, of + something her heart had already told her.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp149" id="fp149"></a> <img src="images/fp149.jpg" + width="544" height="323" alt="THE GREAT ROCK BEHIND TINTAGEU" + title="THE GREAT ROCK BEHIND TINTAGEU" /> <h5>THE GREAT ROCK + BEHIND TINTAGEU</h5> + </div> + + <p>They were sitting in the sea-ward cleft of this great rock + behind Tintageu, one afternoon, and Graeme had just succeeded in + getting the kettle to boil by means of an armful of old gorse + bushes, when, straightening up for a rest, he said + suddenly,—"Hello! Look at that now!" and pointed out + towards Guernsey.</p> + + <p>And there they saw a low white cloud, lying on the sea as + though it had just dropped solidly out of the sky. Sea and sky + were vivid vital blue, the sun shone brilliantly, Guernsey, + Jethou, and Herm gleamed like jewels, and the white cloud lay + between the upper and the nether blue like the white ghost of a + new-born island not yet invested with the attributes of + earth.</p> + + <p>And, as they watched, it crept quickly along the + blue-enamelled plain. It swallowed up the southern cliffs of + Guernsey. Its creeping nose was level with the tall Doyle column. + It crept on and on, till Castle Cornet disappeared and Peter Port + was lost to sight. On and on—Jethou was gone, and bit by + bit the long green and gold slopes of Herm were conquered, and + its long white spear of sand ran out of the low white cloud. And + still on, till all the outlying rocks and islands vanished, and + where had been the glow and colour of life was nothing now but + that strange pall-like cloud.</p> + + <p>The blue of the sea in front had whitened, and suddenly the + sentinel rocks at the tail of Brecqhou disappeared, and the white + cloud came sweeping towards the watchers on the rock by + Tintageu.</p> + + <p>"We're in for it too," said Graeme, hastily emptying his + kettle and packing up the tea-things. "Seems to me we'd better + get ashore."</p> + + <p>But the cloud was on them, soft films of gauzy mist with the + sun still bright overhead. Then quickly-rolling folds of dense + white cloud blotted out everything but the path on which they + stood. The gorse and blue-bells and sea-pinks at their feet + drooped suddenly wan and colourless, as though stricken with + mortal sickness, and wept sad tears. They stood bewildered, while + the pallid folds grew thicker and thicker, lit from above with a + strange spectral glare, and coiling about them like the trailing + garments of an army of ghosts. From the unseen abysses all round + came the growl and wash of wave on rock and shingle, from the + cliff above Pegane came the frightened bleat of a lamb, and an + invisible gull went squawking over their heads on his way + inland.</p> + + <p>With an instinct for safer quarters, Miss Penny had started + off towards the path which led precariously across the narrow + neck to the mainland. The neck itself, with white clouds of mist + billowing on either side, and streaming raggedly across the path, + looked fearsome enough. She gave a startled cry and stood + still.</p> + + <p>"Stay here!" said Graeme to Margaret. "Don't move an inch!" + and he felt his way, foot by foot, towards the causeway.</p> + + <p>And Margaret, who had been regarding it all simply as a + curious experience, felt suddenly very lonely and not very + safe.</p> + + <p>She heard him speak to Miss Penny, but she could not see two + feet in front of her.</p> + + <p>Then, after what seemed a long time, she heard above + her—</p> + + <p>"Miss Brandt? Margaret? Oh, good God!"—and there was in + his voice a note that was new to her. Sharp and strident with + keenest anxiety, it set a sudden fire in her heart, for it was + for her.</p> + + <p>"I am here, Mr. Graeme," she cried, and he came plunging down + to her through the dripping gorse and bracken.</p> + + <p>"Thank God!" he said fervently. "Why ever did you move?"</p> + + <p>"I have not stirred."</p> + + <p>"I must have got wrong. It is blinding. It will be safest to + wait here, I think. Will you hold on to my arm?"</p> + + <p>And as she slipped her hand through it she felt it + trembling—the arm that had always been so strong and + steadfast in her service—and she knew that this too was for + her.</p> + + <p>"Where is Hennie?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"She's all right. I made her sit down among the bushes and + told her she'd surely get smashed if she moved."</p> + + <p>It was a good half-hour before the cloud drew off and they saw + Guernsey, Herm, and Jethou sparkling in the sun once more.</p> + + <p>Then they crossed the narrow path over the neck, and Margaret + was glad they had not attempted it in the fog.</p> + + <p>They picked up Miss Penny, damp but cheerful, and went home. + For everything was dripping, and the pleasures of camping out + were over for that day, but there were fires about that all the + fogs that ever had been could not begin to extinguish.</p> + + <h4>XV</h4> + + <p>As the girls sat basking in the window-seat for a few minutes + after breakfast one morning, they surprised a private + conversation between their cavalier and Master Johnnie Vautrin. + Graeme, with his back to them, sat smoking on the low stone wall. + Johnnie was, as usual, bunched up in the hedge opposite.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp151" id="fp151"></a> <img src="images/fp151.jpg" + width="333" height="556" alt= + ""Basking in the window-seat"" title= + ""Basking in the window-seat"" /> <h5>"Basking in the + window-seat"</h5> + </div> + + <p>"Well, Johnnie?" they heard. "Seen any crows this + morning?"</p> + + <p>"Ouaie!"</p> + + <p>"How many then, you wretched little croaker?"</p> + + <p>"J'annéveu deu et j'annéveu troy."</p> + + <p>"Ah now, it's not polite—as I've told you + before—to talk to an uneducated foreigner, in a language he + does not understand. How many, in such English as you have + attained to, and what did they mean according to your + wizardry?"</p> + + <p>"Pergui, you, too, are not polite! Your words are like + this"—measuring off an expanding half yard in the + air,—"they are all wind."</p> + + <p>"Smart boy! How many crows did you see this morning?"</p> + + <p>"First I saw two and then I saw three."</p> + + <p>"Two and three make five. Croaker! Five crows mean someone's + going to be sick. And which way did they go this time?"</p> + + <p>"Noh, noh! First it wass two, and when they had gone then it + wass three more."</p> + + <p>"I see. And two black crows—what might they mean + now?"</p> + + <p>"Two crows they mean good luck."</p> + + <p>"Clever boy! Continue! Three black crows + mean——?"</p> + + <p>"Three crows—they mean a marrying,—ouaie, + Dame!"</p> + + <p>"Ah, a marrying! That's better! That is very much better. It + strikes me, Johnnie, that two lucky crows are worth twopence, and + three marrying crows are worth threepence. And as luck would have + it I've got exactly five pennies in my pocket. Catch, bearer of + good tidings! Here you are—one, two, three, four, five! + Well caught! Is it going to keep fine?" and Marielihou stopped + licking herself to look at Graeme, and then went on again with an + air of,—"I could tell you things if I would, but it's not + worth while,"—in her ugly green eyes.</p> + + <p>"I don' think," said Johnnie, jumping at the chance of ill + news.</p> + + <p>"You don't, you little rascal? Here, give me back my + hard-earned pence! You're a little humbug."</p> + + <p>"What's Johnnie been up to now?" asked Miss Penny, as she came + out into the open.</p> + + <p>"He's giving me lessons in necromancy and the black art of + crows. He declines to pledge his honour on the continued + brightness of the day."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Johnnie! And we're going to Brecqhou!"</p> + + <p>"I cann'd help."</p> + + <p>"But you might send us on our way rejoicing."</p> + + <p>"Gimme six pennies an' I will say it will be fine."</p> + + <p>"I'm beginning to think you're of a grasping disposition, + Johnnie. If you don't take care you'll die rich."</p> + + <p>"Go'zamin, I wu'n't mind."</p> + + <p>Then Graeme came out again, with the hamper he had had packed + in the kitchen under his own supervision, and their cloaks, + which, thanks to Johnnie, he had picked off the nails in the + passage, and they set off for Havre Gosselin and Brecqhou.</p> + + <h4>XVI</h4> + + <p>"You'll not forget to come back for us about eight," Graeme + shouted to the boatmen, as they pushed off from the fretted black + rock on which their passengers had just made precarious + landing.</p> + + <p>"Nossir!" and they pulled away to their fishing.</p> + + <p>"If it should be a fine sunset," he explained to the ladies, + "the view of the Sark cliffs from Belême there, opposite + the Gouliots, is one of the finest sights in the island."</p> + + <p>The place they had landed was a rough ledge on the south side + just under the Pente-à-Fouaille, some distance past the + Pirates' Cave, and the ascent, though steep, was not so difficult + as it looked. Graeme, however, in his capacity of chaperon, + insisted on convoying them separately to the top—whereby he + got holding Margaret's hand for the space of sixty + pulse-beats—and then went down again for the cloaks and + provisions.</p> + + <p>Brecqhou, at the moment, was uninhabited. Its late occupant + had thrown up his post suddenly, and gone to live on Sark with + his wife, and a new caretaker had not yet been appointed. So they + went straight to the house, deposited their belongings in the + sitting-room, and then started out for a long ramble round the + island.</p> + + <p>First they struck west to Le Nesté, and scrambled among + the rough rocks of the Point, stepping cautiously over the gulls' + nests which lay thick all about, some with eggs and some with + young.</p> + + <p>The wonders of the sea-gardens in the rock-pools of Moie + Batarde, and the entrancing views of Herm and Jethou and + Guernsey, gleaming across the sapphire sea, with a magnificent + range of snowy cloud-mountain breasting slowly up the deep blue + of the sky behind, and looking solid enough to sit on, as Miss + Penny said, absorbed them till midday.</p> + + <p>Then they returned to the house, lit a fire of dried gorse, + filled their kettle at the well and set it to boil, and carried + out a table and chairs, for eating indoors was out of the + question with such beneficence of sunshine inviting them to the + open.</p> + + <p>All the afternoon was occupied with the wonders of the + Creux-à-Vaches, with its bold scarps and rounded slopes + draped with ferns and enamelled with flowers, and the crannies + and indentations of the northern side of the island. They sat for + a time on Belême cliff entranced with the wonderful view of + the bold western headlands of Sark, unrolled before them like a + gigantic panorama from Bec-du-Nez to the Moie de + Bretagne,—a sight the like of which one might travel many + thousand miles and still not equal. And they promised themselves + a still finer view when the setting sun washed every cliff and + crag and cranny with living gold.</p> + + <p>But as they turned to tramp through the ragwort and bracken + towards the house, intent on cups of tea, the sight of the + western sky gave them sudden start. The solid range of snow-white + cloud-mountains had climbed the heavens half-way to the zenith, + and was stretching thin white streamers still further afield. And + its base in the west had grown dark and threatening, with pallid + wisps of cloud scudding up it like flying scouts bearing ill + tidings.</p> + + <p>"Wind, I'm afraid," said Graeme, "and maybe + thunder—"</p> + + <p>And as he spoke a zigzag flash ripped open the dark screen, + and a crackling peal came rattling over the lead-coloured sea and + bellowed past them in long-drawn reverberations.</p> + + <p>"Johnnie was right after all, the little monkey."</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry now I didn't give him that sixpence," said Miss + Penny.</p> + + <p>"I don't suppose it would have made much + difference—except to Johnnie. However, I hope it will soon + blow over. Good thing we've got a shelter, and we can enjoy our + tea while the elements settle matters among themselves + outside."</p> + + <p>The storm broke over them before the kettle boiled. The rain + thrashed the house fiercely under the impulse of a wild + south-west wind, which grew wilder every minute, and the thunder + bellowed about them as though the very heavens were cracking.</p> + + <p>"This is a trifle rough on inoffensive pilgrims," said Graeme. + "I'm really sorry to have got you into it."</p> + + <p>"You didn't do it on purpose, did you, Mr. Graeme?" asked Miss + Penny, with pointed emphasis.</p> + + <p>"I did not. I devoutly wish you were both safe home in the Rue + Lucas."</p> + + <p>"All in good time. Meanwhile, we might be worse off, and this + tea is going to be excellent. Margaret, my child, do you know + that tea under these conditions is infinitely preferable to tea + in Melgrave Square, under any conditions whatsoever?"</p> + + <p>"It is certainly a change," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"And a very decided improvement. It's what some of my young + friends would call 'just awfully jolly decent,'" said Miss + Penny.</p> + + <p>"We're not out of the wood—that is to say, the + island—yet," suggested Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Or we shouldn't be here enjoying ourselves like this. + Brecqhou is sheer delight."</p> + + <p>"On a fine day," said Margaret quietly.</p> + + <p>"Or in a thunderstorm," asserted Miss Penny militantly. But + Margaret would not fight lest it should seem like casting + reflections on their present estate.</p> + + <p>The thunder rolled over the wide waters with a majesty of + utterance novel to their unaccustomed city ears, the rain drew a + storm-gray veil over everything past the well, the wind waxed + into hysterical fury, tore at the roof and gables, and went + shrieking on over Sark. And above the rush of wind and rain, in + the short pauses between the thunder-peals, the hoarse roar of + the waves along the black bastions of Brecqhou grew louder and + louder in their ears.</p> + + <p>Graeme's face grew somewhat anxious, as he stood at the window + and peered westward as far as he could see, and found nothing but + fury and blackness there. He had a dim recollection of hearing of + outer islands such as this being cut off from the mainland for + days at a time. He could imagine what the sea must be like among + the tumbled rocks below. And he had seen the Race of the Gouliot + in storm time once before, and doubted much if any boat would + face the whirl and rush of its piled-up waters.</p> + + <p>What on earth were they to do if the men could not get across + for them?</p> + + <p>Suppose they had to pass the night there?</p> + + <p>Good Heavens! Suppose they could not get across for days? What + were they to live on?—to come at once to the lowest but + most pressing necessity of the situation?</p> + + <p>They had weather-proof shelter. Firing they could procure from + the interior woodwork of the house and outbuildings. And they had + a small amount of tea and sugar, and half a tin of condensed + milk, and rather more than half of the day's provisions, since + they had contemplated high tea before embarking again. He + determined that, if the storm showed no signs of abating, the + high tea must be a low one, since its constituents might possibly + have to serve for to-morrow's breakfast as well.</p> + + <p>Both girls, their own perceptions strung tight by the electric + state of matters outside, noticed the touch of anxiety in his + face as he turned from the window, but both declined to show + it.</p> + + <p>"How's her head, Captain?" asked Miss Penny jovially.</p> + + <p>"Dead on to a lee shore," he answered in her own humour. "But + the anchorage is good and we're not likely to drift."</p> + + <p>"Come! That's something to be thankful for, under the + circumstances. Brecqhou banging broadside on to that big black + Gouliot rock would be a most unpleasant experience. How about the + sunset cliffs of Sark?"</p> + + <p>"They're very much under a cloud. I'm afraid we must pass them + for this time and choose a better. The cliffs indeed are there, + but the sun is much a-wanting."</p> + + <p>"Hamlet without the ghost of a father or even a sun."</p> + + <p>"Truly!" And looking at Margaret, he said earnestly, "I can't + tell you how sorry I am it has turned out this way."</p> + + <p>"But it is no fault of yours, Mr. Graeme. No one could + possibly have foreseen such a breakdown in the weather, with such + a glorious morning as we had."</p> + + <p>"After all, I'm not at all sure it isn't all Mr. Graeme's + fault," said Miss Penny musingly.</p> + + <p>"As how?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Didn't you stop me giving Johnnie Vautrin six demanded + pennies to keep it fine all day?"</p> + + <p>"I discouraged the imposition, certainly. But I don't suppose + Johnnie could have done much—except with your + sixpence."</p> + + <p>"He's a queer clever boy, is Johnnie. He certainly said it + wasn't going to keep fine."</p> + + <p>"Little humbug!"</p> + + <p>"Yet you gave him fivepence for seeing—or saying he + saw—two crows and three crows, because two crows mean good + luck and three crows mean——"</p> + + <p>"You talk as if you believed his nonsense, Hennie," broke in + Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps I do—to some extent. He certainly declined to + pledge himself to a fine day, and it remains to be seen if the + rest of his—"</p> + + <p>"—Humbug," suggested Graeme.</p> + + <p>"We'll say predictions, since we're in a superstitious + land,—come true. I shouldn't be a bit surprised. + Thunderstorms are not, as a rule, deadly, and it is conceivable + that they may, at times, even be means of grace. Would you mind + piling some more gorse on that fire, Mr. Graeme? A + counter-illumination is cheerful when the heavens without are all + black and blazing. What a joke it would be if we had to stop here + all night!"—she said it with intention, and Graeme + understood and blessed her.</p> + + <p>"We'll hope it won't come to that," he said, as lightly as he + could make it. "But, if it should, we could make ourselves fairly + comfortable. Robinson Crusoes up to date!"</p> + + <p>"No—Swiss Family Robinsons!" was Margaret's quota to the + lightening of gloom. "The way everything turned up just when that + interesting family required it struck me as marvellous even when + I was a child."</p> + + <p>"You always were of an acutely enquiring—not to say + doubting—disposition, my dear, ever since I knew you," said + Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"I always liked to get at the true truth of things, and humbug + always annoyed me."</p> + + <p>"No wonder you found Mr. Pixley a trial, dear," said Miss + Penny.</p> + + <p>"You don't mean to cast stones of doubt at that shining pillar + of the law and society, Miss Penny?" said Graeme, tempted to + enlarge on so congenial a subject.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Pixley does not appeal to me—nor I to him. I like + him just as much as he likes me. And that's just that + much,"—with a snap of the fingers.</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid you and I are in the same boat," said Graeme + enjoyably.</p> + + <p>"I shouldn't be a bit surprised,—and for the same + reason. We both like—"</p> + + <p>"What shall we do for provisions, Mr. Graeme, if the storm + continues?" asked Margaret, and Miss Penny smiled knowingly.</p> + + <p>"I suggest husbanding those we have. It can't surely last + long."</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Carré was telling us the other night that once no + steamer could get to Sark from Guernsey for three weeks," chirped + Miss Penny. "If a steamer couldn't get to Sark, how should a + small boat get to Brecqhou—Q.E.D.?"</p> + + <p>"Gracious!" cried Margaret in dismay.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Graeme would have to catch rabbits for us—and fish. + And I believe there are potatoes growing outside there. Our + clothing will be in rags, Meg. Mr. Graeme will be a wild man of + the woods, and all our portraits will appear in the illustrated + papers. The Outcasts of Brecqhou. Marooned on an Uninhabited + Island. Three Weeks Alone."</p> + + <p>"I'm off for a look round," said Graeme. "If that boat should + be waiting for us, somewhere down below, it would be too stupid + for us to be waiting for it up here," and he turned up his coat + collar and pulled his cap over his brows.</p> + + <p>"You'll get soaked," said Margaret. "Please take this, it will + help a little," and she jumped up and thrust her golfing cloak + into his hands. He seemed about to refuse, then thanked her + hastily, and threw it over his shoulders and went out.</p> + + <p>The wind caught him and whirled him along towards Belême + cliffs. He tacked to the south and made a slant for the place + where they had landed. As soon as he was out of sight of the + house he drew the hood of the cloak over his head and rejoiced in + it.</p> + + <p>To be wearing her cloak brought Margaret appreciably nearer. + Possibly that hood had even been over her head, had touched her + shining hair, her fair soft cheek. He pressed it to his face, to + his lips, and the hot blood danced in his veins at his temerity. + The gale bellowed outside and drove him staggering, but inside + the hood was the uplifting warmth and glow of personal contact + with the beloved. Her very mantle was sacred to him. He fancied + he could detect in it a subtle intimation of herself. He hugged + it close, and leaned back upon the gale, and drifted towards the + southern cliffs.</p> + + <p>One glance at the black rocks below,—now hidden by the + rushing fury of the surges, now outstanding gaunt and grim, with + creamy cascades pouring back into the roaring welter + below,—showed him how impossible it would have been for any + boat to approach there.</p> + + <p>He plunged on through the masses of dripping ragwort towards + the eastern cliff, and stood absorbed by the grim fury of the + Gouliot Race. The driven waves split on the western point of + Brecqhou and came rocketing along the ragged black rocks on + either side in wild bursts of foam. The Gouliot Passage was + roaring with the noise of many waters, and boiling and seething + like a gigantic pot. The sea was white with beaten spume for half + a mile each way, and up through the tumbling marbled surface + great black coils of water came writhing and bubbling from their + tribulation on the hidden rocks below. The black fangs of the + Gouliots were grimmer than ever. The long line of scoured granite + cliffs on either side looked like great bald-headed eagles + peering out hungrily for their prey.</p> + + <p>There were no boats at the anchorage in Havre Gosselin. He + learned afterwards that they had all run to the shelter of Creux + Harbour on the other side of the island. He breasted the gale and + headed for the house.</p> + + <p>"I'm very much afraid we're stuck for the night," he said, as + they looked up enquiringly on his entrance. "There's not a sign + of a boat, and I'm quite sure no boat could face that sea. Sark + looks like an outcast island—the very end of the + world."</p> + + <p>"Then we'll make ourselves comfortable here," said Miss Penny. + "We began to fear you'd been blown over the cliffs. Is there + plenty of wood in the house?"</p> + + <p>"I'll go and get some more," and he came back with a great + armful of broken driftwood, and went again for as much gorse as + he could carry in a rude wooden fork he found near the stack.</p> + + <p>"You must be soaked through and through," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Bit damp, but your cloak was a great help," and he piled + gorse and chunks of wood on the fire till its roaring almost + drowned the noise of the storm outside.</p> + + <h4>XVII</h4> + + <p>"Well, I call this absolutely ripping," said Miss Penny + exuberantly, as they sat by the fire of many-coloured flames, + after a slender cup of tea and as hearty a meal as Graeme would + allow them in view of possible contingencies. "Do please smoke, + Mr. Graeme. It just needs a whiff of tobacco to complete our + enjoyment."</p> + + <p>"Sark," she added, leaning back with her hands clasped behind + her head, "when no one knows you're there, is just heavenly. No + letters, no telegrams, no intrusion of the commonplace outside + world! Those are distinctly heavenly attributes, you + know—"</p> + + <p>It was truly extraordinary how, with nothing more than a very + general intention thereto, she played into his hands at times. + Here now was a very simple question he had been wanting to put to + Miss Brandt for days past. For the answer to it might shed light + in several directions. But he had been loth to force matters, and + had quietly waited such opportunity as might arise in a natural + way without undue obtrusion of the doubt that was in his + mind.</p> + + <p>"'Peace—perfect peace!' as Adam Black used to sigh," he + said. "And by the way"—turning to Margaret—"speaking + of letters, I have often wondered at times if you ever received + two that I sent you concerning Lady Elspeth—just about the + time she was called away to Scotland?"</p> + + <p>She looked back at him with surprise, and his question was + answered and his doubt solved before ever she opened her + lips.</p> + + <p>"About Lady Elspeth? No,—I certainly never got + them."</p> + + <p>"H'm!" he nodded thoughtfully. "The first I feared might have + gone astray through some stupidity of the post-office. But the + second I dropped into your letter-box myself. + Moreover—"</p> + + <p>"I never got them,"—with a charming touch of colour.</p> + + <p>"Moreover——?" said Miss Penny expectantly, with a + dancing light in her eyes.</p> + + <p>"Well," he said, after a pause, "to tell you the whole story, + Mr. Pixley assured me that you had had them and had handed them + on to him."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Pixley said that?" and Margaret sat up, with very much + more than a touch of colour in her face now. In fact it was + militantly red and vastly indignant.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I—well, I called upon him at his office just to + find out if—well, if you were ill or anything like that, + you know. And among other interesting information he told me + that, and cut off my head with his glasses and threw my remains + out into the street;" at which Margaret smiled through her + indignation.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Pixley," said Miss Penny emphatically, "is a—a + Johnnie Vautrin on a larger scale. Had he any other interesting + items of information for you, Mr. Graeme?"</p> + + <p>"Well—yes, he had. But I can estimate them now at their + proper value, and it can rest there."</p> + + <p>"It was Mr. Black's enthusiasm for Sark at that Whitefriars' + dinner that put it into my head when—when we were wondering + where to go. I remember now," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"It was Black's enthusiasm for Sark that put it into <i>my</i> + head when <i>I</i> was wondering where to go," said Graeme.</p> + + <p>"There you are, you see," said Miss Penny. "I knew you must + have had some common inspiration."</p> + + <p>"I am greatly indebted to Black. He's one of the finest + fellows I know. He's done me more than one good turn, but I shall + always count Sark his chiefest achievement," said Graeme + heartily.</p> + + <h4>XVIII</h4> + + <p>The wind howled round the house, and whuffled in the chimney, + and sent spurts of sweet-scented smoke to mingle with the fuller + flavour of Graeme's tobacco. The walls were bare plaster, + discoloured with age and careless usage. The chairs were common + kitchen chairs, and the table a plain deal one. But the driftwood + burned with flames whose forked tongues sang silently but + eloquently of wanderings under many skies, of rainbow isles in + sunny seas, of vivid golden days and the black wonders of tropic + nights, of storms and calms, and all the untold mysteries of the + pitiless sea.</p> + + <p>But to two at least of the party—and perhaps even to + three—that bare room was radiant beyond any they had ever + known.</p> + + <p>Orange and amber lightening into sunshine, purple into + heliotrope, tender greens and lucent blues, burning crimson and + fiery red, were the flames of the driftwood, and in these surely + the imagination may find its happiest auguries. For if the + dancing flames, out of their chastened knowledge, sang only of + the past, in the minds of their watchers they were singing of + futures brighter and more glowing than anything the past had ever + known. And so, to two at least of them,—and perhaps to + three,—never surely was there room so radiant as that bare + room in that empty house on Brecqhou.</p> + + <p>Miss Penny had the high endowment of a large heart, a wide + imagination, and sentiment sufficient for a high-class girls' + boarding-school.</p> + + <p>She found herself for the moment out of place, yet she could + not remove herself without too obvious an intention. She did the + next best thing. She settled herself on her chair in a corner, + slipped off her shoes, sat on her feet, and went to sleep.</p> + + <p>Margaret, indeed, glanced at her suspiciously once or twice, + without moving her head by so much as a hair's-breadth. But she + seemed really and truly asleep, and for a moment Margaret was + amazed that anyone could think of sleep in that enchanted room. + But then she remembered that it was different—Hennie was + Hennie, and she was she, and it was for her that the crystal ball + of life had opened of a sudden and shown the radiance within.</p> + + <p>How long they sat in silence before the rainbow fire she never + knew.</p> + + <p>Hennie was snoring gently—purring as one might + say—in the most genuinely ingenuous fashion.</p> + + <p>Graeme, in the riot of happy possibilities evoked by the + disclosure of Mr. Pixley's perfidy, would have been content to + sit there for ever, since Margaret was at his side. It was enough + to know that she was there. He did not need to turn his head to + enjoy the sight of her with gross material vision. Every + tight-strung fibre of his being told him of her nearness, in ways + compared with which sight and sound and touch are gross and + feeble travesties of communication. Their spirits surely reached + out and touched in that silent communion before the rainbow + fire.</p> + + <p>There were many things he wanted to ask her now. But they + could wait, they could wait. The Doubting Castles he had built in + his despair had had no foundations. He was building anew already, + and now with rosy hope and golden faith, and the topstones of his + building mingled with the stars.</p> + + <p>He woke of a sudden to a sense of lack of consideration for + her in his own enjoyment. Doubtless she was tired out, and was + only kept from following Miss Penny's example by his crass + stupidity in sitting there in that stolid fashion.</p> + + <p>"Pray forgive me!" he said, as he rose quietly. "You must be + tired, too. I will take the other room and you can join Miss + Penny."</p> + + <p>"I'm not the least tired. I never felt more awake in my life. + Surely the wind has fallen."</p> + + <p>He went to the door and opened it and looked out.</p> + + <p>"It is only a lull. It will probably blow up again stronger + than ever," and as he turned he found her at his elbow.</p> + + <p>"Let us go outside," she said, and he could have taken her + into his arms. Instead, he tiptoed across the room and got her + cloak, and placed it on her shoulders with a new, vast sense of + proprietorship.</p> + + <p>He knew just how she felt. Even that room of rare delights was + not large enough just then for her and for him. The whole wide + world, and the illimitable heights of the heavens, could scarce + contain that which was in them. Their hearts were full, and that + which was in them was that of which God is the ultimate + perfection. And in their ears, in the gaps of the storm, was the + roaring thunder of the great white waves as they tore along the + black sides of Brecqhou.</p> + + <p>"Tell me more about those letters," she said briefly. "What + did you write?"</p> + + <p>"I wrote, nominally, to inform you of Lady Elspeth's sudden + call to Scotland, but actually to tell you how sorely I regretted + the sudden break in our acquaintance which had become to me so + very great a delight."</p> + + <p>"And when you got no answer?"</p> + + <p>"I waited and waited, and then I had a sudden fear that you + might be ill. And to satisfy myself I called on Mr. Pixley at his + office. He told me you were quite well, that you had had my + letters, and had handed them to him."</p> + + <p>"Anything more?"</p> + + <p>"Yes,—he said you were shortly to marry his son."</p> + + <p>"That is what he wished,—and that is why I am here."</p> + + <p>"Thank God! Then I may tell you, Margaret. I had been building + castles and you were mistress of them all and of my whole heart. + When Mr. Pixley knocked them into dust I came here to fight it + out by myself, and a black time I had. Then God, in His goodness, + put it into your heart to come too. Will you marry me, + Margaret?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, Jock."</p> + + <p>And there, in the lull of the gale, in the lee of the lonely + house on Brecqhou, they plighted their troth with no more need of + feeble words, for their hearts had gone out to one another.</p> + + <p>And all along the gaunt black rocks the great waves, which a + moment before had been growling in dull agony, roared a mighty + chorus of delight, and rolled it up the sloping seams of Longue + Pointe, and flashed it on in thunderous bursts of foam from + Bec-du-Nez to L'Etac.</p> + + <p>And Miss Henrietta Penny, awakening about this time, and + finding herself alone, laughed happily to herself, and sighed + just once, and said from her heart, "God bless them!"—and + did not go to sleep again, though to look at her you would never + have known it, save for the fact that she no longer purred in her + sleep,—for the woman has yet to be born who ever pleaded + guilty to actual snoring.</p> + + <h4>XIX</h4> + + <p>Graeme slept that night just as much as might have been + expected under the circumstances, and that was not one wink. + Nevertheless, when morning came, he felt as strong and joyous as + a young god. New life had come to him in the night, and he felt + equal to the conquering of worlds. For love is life, and the + strength and the joy of it.</p> + + <p>He was out with the dawn, to a gray rushing morning full of + the sounds of sea and wind. He drew a canful of water from the + well, and had such a wash as no soap and a handkerchief would + permit of. Then he drew another canful and left it outside the + door of the ladies' room, and strode off to Belême to see + if the boats had got back to their anchorage. But the little bay + was a scene of storm and strife, a wild confusion of raging seas + and stubborn rocks, the fruits of the conflict flying up the + cliffs in spongy gouts of spume, and dappling the waters far and + wide with fantasies of troubled marbling,—and there was not + a boat to be seen.</p> + + <p>But the sight of the great white seas roaring up the Sark + headlands, as far as he could see on either hand, was one never + to be forgotten. It was worth the price they had paid, even + though it spelt a further term of captivity, and he turned back + to his duties with that new glad glow in his heart which was no + longer simply hope but the full and gracious assurance of + loftiest attainment.</p> + + <p>He had seen potatoes growing in a plot near the house. So, + after lighting a fire in the kitchen and setting the kettle to + boil, he rooted about till he found the remains of a spade and + set himself to unaccustomed labours.</p> + + <p>When Miss Penny came out of her room, freshfaced and comely + coiffured, she found a ring of potatoes roasting in the ashes and + the kettle boiling, and Graeme came in, bright-eyed and + wind-whipped, wiping his hands on a very damp handkerchief.</p> + + <p>"I am so glad, Mr. Graeme," she said, with sparkling eyes and + face, and hearty outstretched hand.</p> + + <p>"Margaret has told you?"</p> + + <p>"Of course Margaret has told me. Am I not her keeper, and + haven't I been hoping for this since ever I saw you?"</p> + + <p>"That is very good of you. I thought, perhaps—"</p> + + <p>"Thought it might take me by surprise, I suppose—and + perhaps that I might take it badly? Not a bit! It fulfils my very + highest hopes. And I can assure you you have got a prize. There + are not many girls like Margaret Brandt."</p> + + <p>"Don't I know it? I have known it from the very first time I + met her—at that blessed Whitefriars' dinner."</p> + + <p>"I think you will make her very happy."</p> + + <p>"I promise you I will do my very best."</p> + + <p>And then Margaret came into the kitchen and knew what was + toward.</p> + + <p>She looked like a queen and a princess and a goddess all in + one, with a flood of happy colour in her face and a glad glow in + her eyes, and no more hint of maidenly shyness about her than was + right and natural. And Miss Penny's eyes were misty of a sudden, + as Graeme went quickly up to her friend, and feasted his hungry + eyes on her face for a moment, and then bent and gallantly kissed + her hand. For in both their faces was the great glad light that + is the very light of life, and Miss Penny was wondering if, in + some distant future time, it might perchance be vouchsafed to her + also to attain thereto.</p> + + <p>"I hope you both slept well," he said gaily. "I've done my + best in the provisioning line. I know we've got plenty of salt, + for one generally forgets it and so I always put in two + packets."</p> + + <p>"You've done splendidly," said Miss Penny, tying up tea in a + piece of muslin and dropping it into the kettle.</p> + + <p>"I'd have tried for a rabbit, but I wasn't sure if either of + you could skin it—"</p> + + <p>"Ugh! Don't mention it!"</p> + + <p>"And I knew I couldn't, so we'll have to put up with roasted + potatoes and imagine the rabbit. I've been told they do that in + some parts of Ireland,—hang up a bit of bacon in a corner + and point at it with the potato and so imagine the flavour."</p> + + <p>"Potatoes are excellent faring—when there's nothing + better to be had," said Miss Penny, rooting in the basket. + "However, here are three of yesterday's sandwiches, slightly + faded, and some biscuits—in good condition, thanks to the + tin. Come, we shan't absolutely starve!"</p> + + <p>And they enjoyed that meal—two of them, at all events, + and perhaps three—as they had never enjoyed a meal + before.</p> + + <p>"And the weather?" asked Margaret.</p> + + <p>"The blessed weather is just as it was; perhaps even a bit + more so,—the most glorious weather that ever was on land or + sea!"</p> + + <p>"But——" said Margaret, smiling at his + effervescence.</p> + + <p>"No, I'm afraid it can't last very much longer, and potatoes + and salt I know would begin to pall in time. After breakfast you + shall see the grandest sight of your lives,—and for the + rest, we will live in hope."</p> + + <h4>XX</h4> + + <p>And, after all, they saw what they had specially come to + see—a sunset from Belême cliff.</p> + + <p>For the day remained gray and boisterous until late in the + afternoon. They had lunched—with less exuberance than they + had breakfasted—on potatoes and salt and a thin + medicinal-tasting decoction made from breakfast's tea-leaves; + they were looking forward with no undue eagerness to potato + dinner without even the palliative of medicinal tea; and even + Miss Penny acknowledged that, choice being offered her, she would + give the preference to some other vegetable for a week to + come;—when, of a sudden, the gray veil of the west opened + slowly, like the lifting of an iron curtain, and let the light + behind shine through.</p> + + <p>And the light was as they could imagine the light of + heaven—a pure lucent yellow as of the early primrose, but + diaphanous and almost transparent, as though this, which seemed + to them light, was itself in reality but an outer veil hiding the + still greater glory behind. The curtain lifted but a span, and + the lower rim of it curved in a gentle arch from the middle of + Guernsey to the filmy line of Alderney. All below the sharp-cut + rim was the sea of heavenly primrose, with here and there a + floating purple island edged with gold. All above was sombre + plum-colour flushed with rose, the edges fraying in the wind, and + floating in thin rosy streamers up the dark sky above.</p> + + <p>The sun, larger than they had ever seen him in their lives, + dropped gently like a great brass shield from behind the dark + curtain into the sea of primrose light, and the primrose flushed + with crimson over Guernsey and with tender green and blue over + Alderney.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp177" id="fp177"></a> <img src="images/fp177.jpg" + width="560" height="329" alt= + "THE GRANITE FRONTLETS OF SARK FROM BELÊME CLIFF ON BRECQHOU" + title= + "THE GRANITE FRONTLETS OF SARK FROM BELÊME CLIFF ON BRECQHOU" /> + <h5>THE GRANITE FRONTLETS OF SARK FROM BELÊME CLIFF ON + BRECQHOU</h5> + </div> + + <p>They hastened away to Belême cliff, and then they saw + what they had hoped to see, and more;—the mighty granite + frontlets of Sark all washed with living gold—- shining + from their long conflict with the waves, and gleaming, every one, + like a jewel,—from Bec-du-Nez to Moie de Bretagne. And, out + in the dimness, behind which lay Jersey, there suddenly appeared + the perfect circle of a rainbow such as none of them had ever + dreamed of—a perfect orb of the living colours of the + Promise—resting bodily on the dark sea like a gigantic + iridescent soap-bubble, glowing and pulsing and throbbing under + the level beams of the setting sun.</p> + + <p>"Wonderful!" murmured Margaret.</p> + + <p>"I never saw more than half a bow before," whispered Miss + Penny.</p> + + <p>"Nor I," said Graeme. "But then, you see, nothing ever was as + it is now. Things happened last night."</p> + + <p>At which Miss Penny smiled and murmured, "Of course! That + accounts for everything. The whole world is changed."</p> + + <p>And they watched and watched, in breathless admiration, first + the cliffs, and then the bow, and then the sun, and then the + cliffs and bow again, till the last tiny rim of the sun sank + behind the dark line of Herm, and the bow went out with a snap, + and the cliffs in front grew gray and sank back into their sleep, + as the shadows crept up out of the sea.</p> + + <p>And, presently, the primrose sea in the clouds lost its + transparent softness and flushed with rose and carmine. The + tender greens and blues in the north deepened, and the sky above + glowed crimson right into the far east. And the sea below was + like a ripe plum with a rippling bloom upon it, and then it + answered to the glow "above and became like burnished copper. And + over it, from the south end of Sark, came a dancing white sail, + at sight of which Graeme leaped to his feet.</p> + + <p>"The show is over," he cried, "and here comes your highnesses' + carriage."</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't have missed it for anything," said Margaret + softly, with a rapt face still.</p> + + <p>"It was worth living on potatoes for a month for," said Miss + Penny. "All the same, I hope Mrs. Carré will have some + dinner for us when we get home."</p> + + <p>The boat was heading for the Pente-à-Fouaille where + they had landed the day before, and they hurried to meet it, + Graeme full of misgivings as to the embarkation, for the waves + were still roaring up the rocks in bursts of foam, though the + wind had fallen somewhat.</p> + + <p>But the boatmen knew their business, and had brought an extra + hand for its safe accomplishment. They dropped the sail and + pulled round a corner of the black rock. Then, while two of them + kept the boat from destruction, the other stood and Graeme + dropped the girls one by one into his arms, and was a very + thankful man when he tumbled in himself, all in a heap, and wiped + the big drops of sweat from his brow.</p> + + <p>A stroke or two with the oars and they were plunging back + through the hissing white caps, but not, as he had expected, to + Havre Gosselin.</p> + + <p>"Where to?" he shouted to the blue-guernseyed stalwart nearest + him.</p> + + <p>"Grande Grève. We couldn' beach in Havre Gosselin, and + mebbe the leddies wouldn' like to climb the ladders," with a grin + at the leddies.</p> + + <p>"Not much!" said Miss Penny. "Margaret, my dear, prepare + yourself! I'm going to be sick if this goes on much longer."</p> + + <p>But before she had time to be sick they had rounded the + shoulder of Port-és-Saies, and their boat's nose ran up + the soft sand of a low tide in Grande Grève, and the green + waves came curling exultantly in over the stern. The men leaped + out and hauled bravely, and in a moment the girls were + ashore.</p> + + <p>"Couldn' get back nohow last night, sir. 'Twould a bin as much + as our lives were worth. Hope ye didn' starve," said the + spokesman with another genial grin.</p> + + <p>"No, we didn't expect you. We dug potatoes and cooked them. + Here you are, and thanks for coming as soon as you could," and, + from their smiling faces, their reward without doubt covered not + only that which they had actually done but that also which they + had unwittingly helped to do.</p> + + <p>The boat shoved off and made for its own anchorage, and Graeme + led the girls up the toilsome path to the Coupée.</p> + + <p>It was after nine when they reached the cottage, and the first + thing they saw was Johnnie Vautrin sitting in the hedge opposite, + with Marielihou licking her lips alongside.</p> + + <p>"I just seen seven crows," cried Johnnie gleefully.</p> + + <p>"Little rascal! You dream crows," said Graeme, whose desires + at the moment ran to something more palatable and satisfying.</p> + + <p>"And what do seven crows mean, Johnnie?" asked Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Seven crows means everything's oll right!"</p> + + <p>"Clever boy! You see just what you want to see," said Graeme, + and then Mrs. Carré appeared at the door of the + cottage.</p> + + <p>"Ah then, here you are!" she said, with a large welcoming + smile. "And the dinner I haf been keeping for you for an hour an' + more."</p> + + <p>"You're a good angel, Mrs. Carré," said Graeme + gratefully. "We are a bit late, aren't we? I hope you've put + yesterday's dinner and to-day's together. We've had nothing to + eat to speak of for a month. What did you think when we never + turned up last night?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, but I knew you would be all right. There iss a house on + Brecqhou, and there iss watter, and you had things to eat, and it + was better on Brecqhou last night than on the watter."</p> + + <p>"It was," said Graeme heartily, and sped off up the garden for + a much-needed wash and brush-up.</p> + + <h4>XXI</h4> + + <p>"Now what would I like myself if I was in their place?" asked + Miss Penny of herself, while she rectified the omissions of the + last two days in the matter of Nature's cravings for a more + varied diet than Brecqhou afforded.</p> + + <p>"Why, to be alone and free from the observation of Miss Hennie + Penny," she promptly answered herself, and as promptly acted on + it.</p> + + <p>"Meg, my dear, I am aweary. I am not accustomed to playing + Swiss Family Robinson. By your leave, Monsieur and Mademoiselle, + I will wish you good-night and pleasant dreams," and she went off + into the bedroom.</p> + + <p>"May she have as tactful a chaperone when her own time comes," + said Graeme, with a smile. "Do you think you would sleep better + if you went to bed at once or if you had a little walk + first?"</p> + + <p>"I am not the least bit sleepy," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Then a stroll will do you good," and they went out into the + night. And Miss Penny, as she heard their feet on the cobbles, + smiled to herself a little wistfully.</p> + + <p>Such a night of stars! The gale had swept the heavens and + thinned the upper air till the Milky Way was a wide white track + strewn thick with jewels, and the greater lights shone large and + close. As they sauntered in silence towards La Tour, their faces + towards the stars among which their full hearts were ranging in + glorious companionship, one of the lesser lights silently loosed + its hold and dropped slowly from zenith to horizon, in a fiery + groove that momentarily eclipsed all else.</p> + + <p>And while Graeme was still pressing to his heart the soft arm + that lay in his, in silent enjoyment of the sight and at their + sharing it, another star swung loose, and another, and another, + till the glittering vault seemed laced with fiery trails and they + stood in rapt admiration.</p> + + <p>"What a sight!" said Margaret softly. "I have never seen + anything like that before."</p> + + <p>"Nor I. The very stars rejoice with us.... You have made me + the happiest man in all the world this day, Margaret. I can + hardly believe it is real ..."</p> + + <p>"I am real," she said, with a low warm little laugh. "And I am + happy. Kiss me, Jock!" and he kissed her there under the falling + stars, and she him, in a way that left no doubt as to what was in + them, and the evening incense of the honeysuckle and hawthorn + wafted fragrance all about them.</p> + + <p>There was still a tender touch of colour in the sky over the + western sea as they came out on the Eperquerie.</p> + + <p>"When are you free, Margaret?" he asked,—the first word + since they kissed in the lane.</p> + + <p>"I am twenty-one on New Year's Day."</p> + + <p>"Six whole months! How can we possibly wait all that + time?"</p> + + <p>"Why should we?" she asked delightfully.</p> + + <p>"Undoubtedly—why should we?" he said, on fire with her + charming readiness. "You are probably by this time ringed with + legal pains and penalties, but they are all less than + nothing."</p> + + <p>"What could they do?"</p> + + <p>"I believe they clap the male malefactor into + prison——"</p> + + <p>"I will go with you."</p> + + <p>"I'm not sure if there are any married cells."</p> + + <p>"And how long would they keep us there?"</p> + + <p>"Till, in their opinion, I had purged my contempt, I + believe."</p> + + <p>"And how long would that be?"</p> + + <p>"I've no idea. It probably depends on circumstances. Do you + know that, until Lady Elspeth told me, I had rib idea that you + had any money. It was rather a blow to me."</p> + + <p>"I don't see why."</p> + + <p>"But I told our old friend that if—well, if, you + understand—I should insist on everything you had being + settled on yourself."</p> + + <p>"You and Lady Elspeth seem to have discussed matters pretty + freely," she said, with a laugh.</p> + + <p>"She's the dearest old lady in the world, and delights in + mothering me. She got me in a corner that afternoon, and taxed me + with coming to her house for reasons other than simply to see + herself——"</p> + + <p>"And you——?"</p> + + <p>"I had to own up, of course, and then she crushed me by + telling me that you were an heiress, and that Mr. Pixley probably + had views of his own concerning you."</p> + + <p>"Which he had, but they happened not to coincide with mine, + and so I came to Sark."</p> + + <p>"Happy day! I see you yet, standing in the hedge by the Red + House, and I believing you a vision."</p> + + <p>"I could hardly believe my eyes either. You seemed to come + jumping right out of the sky."</p> + + <p>"I jumped right into heaven—the highest jump that ever + was made."</p> + + <p>"I was a bit put out at first, you know——"</p> + + <p>"I know you were."</p> + + <p>"I thought you had learned we were coming, and had followed us + here."</p> + + <p>"Whereas——" he laughed.</p> + + <p>"Exactly!"</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PART_THE_FIFTH" id="PART_THE_FIFTH"></a>PART THE + FIFTH</h2> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <p>"But yes, I can marry you in the church," said the Vicar, + blowing out smoke, and laughing enjoyably across at Graeme, who + sat in another garden chair under the big trees in front of the + Vicarage.</p> + + <p>"In spite of the fact that we are aliens?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, it is not so bad as that. We ab-sorbed you by conquest + and so you are really a part of us. We are all one family + now."</p> + + <p>"And such a marriage would be perfectly legal and + unassailable?"</p> + + <p>"I shall marry you more firmly than if you were married in + Cant-er-bury Cath-edral," laughed the Vicar.</p> + + <p>"That should suffice. But why more firmly? How improve on + perfection?"</p> + + <p>"I will tell you," said the Vicar, with increased enjoyment, + as he leaned forward and tapped Graeme's knee. "It is this + way.—If you are married in Cant-er-bury Cath-edral you can + be divorced,—n'est-ce pas? Oui! Eh bien!—If you are + married in my church of Sark you can never be divorced. C'est + ça! It is the old Norman law."</p> + + <p>"We will be married in your church of Sark," said Graeme, with + conviction.</p> + + <p>"That is right. I shall marry you so that you shall never be + able to get away from one another."</p> + + <p>"Please God, we'll never want to!"</p> + + <p>"Ah yes! Of course. C'est ça!"</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <p>"We have never had a case of the kind, as far as I know. + Certainly not in my time," said the Seigneur, smiling quizzically + across the tea-table at Graeme. "But you gentlemen of the pen are + allowed a certain amount of license in such matters, are you + not?"</p> + + <p>"We sometimes take it, anyhow. But one likes to stick as close + to fact as possible."</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp187" id="fp187"></a> <img src="images/fp187.jpg" + width="561" height="331" alt= + "A CORNER OF THE SEIGNEURIE GARDEN" title= + "A CORNER OF THE SEIGNEURIE GARDEN" /> <h5>A CORNER OF THE + SEIGNEURIE GARDEN</h5> + </div> + + <p>They were sitting in the shady corner in front of the + Seigneurie, with four dogs basking in the sun beyond, and beyond + them the shaven lawns and motionless trees, the leafy green + tunnel that led to the lane, and a lovely glimpse into the + enclosed gardens through the ancient gateway whose stones had + known the saints of old.</p> + + <p>Graeme had put a certain proposition to the Lord of the + Island, nominally in connection with the story he was busy upon, + but in reality of vital concern to the larger story in which + Margaret and he were writing the history of their lives.</p> + + <p>"Sark, you know, is a portion of the British Empire, or + perhaps I should say the British Empire belongs to Sark, but we + are not under British law. We are a law unto ourselves here," + said the Seigneur.</p> + + <p>"And the authority of a British Court would carry no weight + with you? In the case I have put to you, if the Court of Chancery + ordered you to surrender the young lady, you would refuse to do + so?"</p> + + <p>"I could refuse to do so. What I actually would do might + depend on circumstances."</p> + + <p>"I see," said Graeme musingly, and decided that the Seigneur's + goodwill was worthy of every possible cultivation both by himself + and Margaret. For he did not look like one who would help a + friend into trouble.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <p>"I've been thinking a good deal about it, and I really don't + see any reason why we should wait,"—said Graeme, looking at + Margaret.</p> + + <p>And Miss Penny said "Hear! Hear!" so energetically that + Margaret laughed merrily.</p> + + <p>"We are both of one mind in the matter, an life is all too + short at its longest, and most especially when it offers you all + its very best with both hands—"</p> + + <p>"Hear! <i>Hear</i>!" said Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"And time is fleeting," concluded the orator.</p> + + <p>"And that kettle is boiling over again," and Miss Penny jumped + up and ran to the rescue.</p> + + <p>They were spending a long day in Grande Grève—the + spot that had special claims upon their liking since their + landing there after that memorable trip to Brecqhou. They had + brought a full day's rations, prepared with solicitous + discrimination by Graeme himself, and a kettle, and a great round + tin can of fresh water from the well at Dixcart, and a smaller + one of milk.</p> + + <p>So high were their spirits that they had even scoffed at + Johnnie Vautrin's intimation that he had seen a magpie that + morning, and it had flown over their house. But magpie or no + magpie they were bent on enjoyment, and they left Johnnie and + Marielihou muttering black spells into the hawthorn hedge, and + went off with the dogs down the scented lanes, through the valley + where the blue-bells draped the hillsides in such masses that + they walked as it were between a blue heaven and a blue earth, + and so by the meadow-paths to the Coupée.</p> + + <p>Their descent of the rough path down the side of the + Coupée with all this impedimenta had not been without + incident, but eventually every thing and person had been got to + the bottom in safety.</p> + + <p>Then, while the dogs raced in the lip of the tide and Scamp + filled the bay with his barkings, the girls had disappeared among + the tumbled rocks under the cliff, and Graeme had sought + seclusion at the other end of the bay. And presently they had met + again on the gleaming stretch of sand; he in orthodox + tight-fitting dark-blue elastic web which set off his long limbs + and broad shoulders to great advantage; Hennie Penny in pale + blue, her somewhat plump figure redeemed by the merry face which + recognised all its owner's deficiencies and more than made up for + them all; Margaret, tall, slim, shapely, revealing fresh graces + with every movement,—a sea-goddess in pale pink—a + sight to set the heart of a marble statue plunging with + delight.</p> + + <p>Hennie Penny persisted in wearing an unbecoming cap like a + sponge-bag, which subjected her to comment.</p> + + <p>Margaret's crowning glory was coiled in thick plaits on top of + her head, and if it got wet it got wet and she heeded it not.</p> + + <p>Both girls had draped themselves in long towels for the walk + down to the water, and Graeme's heart sang with joy at the + surpassing beauty of this radiant girl who had given her heart + and herself and her life into his keeping.</p> + + <p>Dainty clothing counts for much in a girl's appearance. Not + every girl shows to advantage in bathing costume. But when she + does, she knows it, and the hearts of men are her + stepping-stones.</p> + + <p>Hennie Penny was a cautious swimmer. She preferred depths + soundable at any moment by the dropping of a foot, and if the + foot did not instantly touch bottom she fell into a panic and + screamed, which added not a little to the hilarity of their + bathes.</p> + + <p>Margaret and Graeme, however, were both at home in the water. + They delighted to set their faces to the open and breast steadily + out to sea, rejoicing in the conquest of the waves. But he always + watched over her with solicitous care, for there are currents, + and cross-currents, and treacherous undertows round those coasts, + and the wary swimmer is the wiser man.</p> + + <p>And the dogs always swam with them, Punch lunging boldly ahead + with the ease and grace of a seal, looking round now and again to + see if they were coming, and turning the moment they turned. + While Scamp, away in the rear, thrashed along spasmodically, with + a yelp for every stroke, but would not be left out of it. The + sight of his anxious little face and twisting nose more than once + set Margaret laughing, so that she had to turn on her back and + float till she got over it, greatly to the small dog's + satisfaction.</p> + + <p>Full of life and the mighty joy of it, they found the going + unusually easy that day. The water was like the kiss of new life, + crisp, tonic, vitalising. There was no more than a breath of + wind, no more than a ruffle on the backs of the long blue rollers + that came sweeping slowly in out of the West.</p> + + <p>Graeme, as he glanced round in his long side-strokes at the + lovely eager face gemmed with sparkling water-jewels, took full + deep breaths of delight and gratitude to the All-Goodness that + had vouchsafed him such a prize.</p> + + <p>The kiss of the life-giving water had induced a tender flush + of colour in the soft white neck, as though the pink of her + bathing-suit had spread upwards. He could see the pulsing blue + veins in neck and temple as she rose to her stroke. A tiny + tendril of water-darkened hair lifted and fell on her neck like a + filament of seaweed on a polished rock. Her eyes were very + bright, and seemed larger than usual with the strenuous joy of it + all. The wonder of her beauty absorbed him. He could hardly turn + his face from it. He would have been content to go on swimming so + for ever.</p> + + <p>But, glancing past the sweet face one time, he saw that they + had gone farther than he knew, and Scamp had turned long since + and was yelping towards the shore.</p> + + <p>"Better turn now," he said quietly, and she floated for a + moment's rest, then turned and they headed for the shore, and + Punch passed them noiselessly.</p> + + <p>They ploughed along in good cheer for a time, and then, of a + sudden, it seemed to him that they were making but poor + progress.</p> + + <p>He fixed his eyes on a rock on the shore and swam steadily + on.</p> + + <p>They had been opposite it. Twenty strokes, and the rock, + instead of facing them, had swung slowly to the north. They were + making less than no progress. They were drifting. They were in + the grip of a current that was carrying them towards the black + fangs of Pointe la Joue.</p> + + <p>A cold sweat broke out among the sea-drops on his brow. Pointe + la Joue is an ill place to land, even if they could make it, and + the chances were that the current would carry them past.</p> + + <p>How to tell her without undue upsetting? A panic might bring + disaster.</p> + + <p>He looked round at her. The bright face was high and resolute. + She was not aware of the danger, but from that look on her face + he did not think she would go to pieces when he told her.</p> + + <p>The rock he had been watching stood now at an angle to their + course.</p> + + <p>"Are you tired, Meg?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"I'm all right."</p> + + <p>"Turn on your back and float for a minute or two," and he set + the example, and Punch saw and came slipping back to them.</p> + + <p>"We're in a cross current," he said quietly. "And we're making + no way—"</p> + + <p>"I know. I was watching a rock on the shore. What's the best + thing to do?"</p> + + <p>"We'll rest for a few minutes and then go with the tide round + Pointe la Joue. We can land in Vermandés. You're not cold, + are you?"</p> + + <p>"Not a bit."</p> + + <p>When he lifted his head the Coupée was shortened to a + span, and the southern headland folded over it as he looked. They + were drifting as fast as a man could walk at his fastest. They + were abreast the black rocks of La Joue.</p> + + <p>"Now, dearest, a little spurt and we shall be in the slack. If + you get tired, tell me," and they struck out vigorously on a + shoreward slant in the direction they were going.</p> + + <p>There should have been a backwater round the corner of + Vermandés. He had counted on it. And there was one, but so + swift was the rush of the tide round the out-jutting rocks of La + Joue, that for some minutes, as they battled with the rough edge + of it, it was touch and go with them.</p> + + <p>At a word from her his arm would be at her service. But she + fought bravely on, and could admire Punch's graceful action even + then. The waves smacked her rudely in the face. Great writhing + coils came belching up from below and burst under her chin and + almost swamped her. One, as strong as a snake, rose suddenly + under her, flung her off her stroke, rolled her over, made her + for a moment feel utterly helpless.</p> + + <p>"Jock!"</p> + + <p>He had been watching her closely. His arm flashed out in front + of her.</p> + + <p>"Grip!" and she hung on to it and it felt like a bar of + steel.</p> + + <p>"Now!"—when she had recovered herself somewhat. "Grip + the top of my suit."—She hooked her fingers into it and he + struck out through the turmoil.</p> + + <p>It was a tough little fight. She struck out vigorously behind + to help him. And, though the losing of the fight might mean + tragedy and two white bodies ragging forlornly along the black + teeth of Little Sark, she still had time to notice the mighty + play of muscles in his back and arms, and the swelling veins in + his sunburnt neck, and the crisp rippled hair above, and she + rejoiced mightily in him. And—while possible deaths lurked + all about them—her soul grew large within her at thought of + the brave heart in front, and the strenuous will, and the shapely + body, and the powerful muscles—all battling for + her—all hers—and she theirs. What matter if they were + beaten, if they but went out together! What matter Death so long + as he did not divide them! So uplifted was she with the joy of + him.</p> + + <p>And then, with a final wrestle, they were in slack water, and + she loosed her hold and struck out alongside him.</p> + + <p>And presently he was helping her carefully up a seamed black + rock, and the hand she gripped was shaking now, and she knew it + was not for himself.</p> + + <p>"Thank God!" said Graeme fervently, as he sank down heavily + beside her, and panted while the water ran out of them, and Punch + scrambled up and lay quietly alongside. "Meg,—we were in + peril."</p> + + <p>"Jock," she said jerkily, for her heart was going now quicker + than usual, "I do not believe I would have minded—if we'd + gone together."</p> + + <p>"Ay—together, but, God be thanked, it did not come to + that!"</p> + + <p>They sat in silence for a time, finding themselves, while the + green seas swelled up to their feet, and sank out of sight below, + and their rock was laced with cascades of creamy foam.</p> + + <p>"How shall we get back?" asked Margaret at last. "Hennie will + be in desperation. She will think we are drowned."</p> + + <p>"We can climb the head and round into Grande Grève, but + it would be pretty rough on the feet. Or we can wait till the + tide turns and swim in again—"</p> + + <p>"When will it turn?"</p> + + <p>"It's full at noon," he said, studying the waters in front. + "But how that affects matters here none but a Sarkman could say. + Tides here are a law unto themselves, like the people."</p> + + <p>"How would that do?" asked Margaret, as a black boat came + slowly round the rocks from Les Fontaines, sculled by an elderly + fisherman.</p> + + <p>"It is old Billy Mollet after his lobster-pots," and he stood + up and coo-eed to the new-comer, and waved his arms till Billy + saw them and stared hard and then turned leisurely their way.</p> + + <p>"Guyablle!" said the old man, as he drew in. "What you doin' + there now?"</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp197" id="fp197"></a> <img src="images/fp197.jpg" + width="563" height="330" alt="THE SANDS OF GRANDE GRÈVE" + title="THE SANDS OF GRANDE GRÈVE" /> <h5>THE SANDS OF + GRANDE GRÈVE</h5> + </div> + + <p>"Got carried out of Grande Grève by a current, Mr. + Mollet. Will you take us back in your boat?"</p> + + <p>"Ay, ay!" and he brought the boat as near to the rock as he + dared, and his weather-stained old eyes settled hypnotically on + the fairest burden his old tub had ever carried, as Graeme handed + her carefully down and helped her to spring into the dancing + craft, and then sprang in himself with bleeding feet and shins, + while Punch leaped lightly after him and crawled under a + thwart.</p> + + <p>"Ye must ha' been well out for tide to catch ye," said Billy, + with no eyes for anything but the vision in clinging pink.</p> + + <p>"Yes, we were too far out and couldn't get back."</p> + + <p>"Tide runs round them rocks."</p> + + <p>He dropped his oar into the rowlock and Graeme took the other, + and in five minutes they were speeding across the sands of Grande + Grève—Margaret to cover, Graeme to his pocket for + Billy's reward.</p> + + <p>Miss Penny had a driftwood fire roaring among the rocks, and + the kettle was boiling.</p> + + <p>"Where on earth have you two been?" she cried, at sight of + Margaret skipping over the stones to her dressing-room, and got + only the wave of a white arm in reply.</p> + + <p>And presently Graeme came along in easy piratical costume of + shirt and trousers and red sash, and sat down and lit a pipe.</p> + + <p>"We went a bit farther than we intended," he explained, but + did not tell her how nearly they had gone out of bounds + altogether.</p> + + <p>"You'll enjoy a cup of tea. You look as if you'd been working + hard."</p> + + <p>"There is a bit of a current round that point."</p> + + <p>"Ah, you should follow a good example and keep within touch of + the bottom. Here you are, Meg—fresh made for every + customer. Help yourself, Mr. Graeme. I've had mine, I couldn't + wait. Tea never tastes so good as when you're half full of + salt-water, and I got right out of my depth once and swallowed + tons. I screamed to you two to come and save me, but you never + paid the slightest attention, and for all you cared I might have + been drowned five times over."</p> + + <p>"One would have been quite once too many," said Graeme, + holding out his cup. "For then you couldn't have lighted that + fire and made this tea. And I'm half inclined to think we + wouldn't be enjoying it a quarter so much if a little blue corpse + lay out there on the shining sand, and we'd had to turn to and + make it ourselves."</p> + + <p>"Horrible!" said Miss Penny, with a little shiver. "With your + little blue corpses! It's all very well to joke about it, but I + assure you, for a minute or so, I thought I was done for. The + bottom seemed to have sunk, and I was just going after it when my + foot came on a rock and that helped me to kick ashore."</p> + + <p>"A narrow escape," said Graeme, with a sympathetic wag of the + head. "You've no right to risk your life that way. We still need + you. What do you say to being bridesmaid at a Sark wedding?"</p> + + <p>"It is the hope of my life," said Miss Penny, sparkling like + Mars in a clear evening sky.</p> + + <p>"I really don't see any reason why we should wait"—said + Graeme, looking very earnestly at Margaret, and behind the look + was the thought, born of what they had just come through + together, that life spills many a full cup before the thirsty + lips have tasted it. "What do you say, Margaret?"</p> + + <p>And she, knowing well what was in him, and being of the same + mind, said, "I am ready, Jock. When you will."</p> + + <p>"I'll call on the Vicar to-morrow," he said joyfully. "It + would be such a pity to disappoint the hope of Miss Penny's + life,"—as that young person came back with the merry + kettle.</p> + + <p>"I am indebted to you," said Hennie Penny. "What about + dresses, Meg?"</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <p>It was that same night, as they were sauntering home from a + starlight ramble, that they came on Johnnie Vautrin crouched in + the hedge with Marielihou, and Marielihou had her hind leg bound + up in a piece of white rag.</p> + + <p>"Hello, Johnnie! What's the matter with Marielihou?" asked + Graeme. And Marielihou turned her malevolent yellow-green eyes on + him and looked curses.</p> + + <p>"Goderabetin! She've got hurt."</p> + + <p>"Oh! How was that?"</p> + + <p>"I d'n know. Wisht I knowed who done it;" and just then, as + luck would have it, old Tom Hamon came sauntering along in the + gloaming, smoking a contemplative pipe with long slow puffs.</p> + + <p>And at sight of him Marielihou ruffled and swelled to twice + her size, and raked up most horrible and blood-curdling oaths + from away down in her inside into her black throat, and spat them + out at him, as he came up, in a fusillade that sounded like + ripraps, and her eyes flamed baleful fires.</p> + + <p>"Cuss away, y'ould witch!" said old Tom, with a grin through + his pipe-stem. "How's the leg?" and Marielihou with a final + volley disappeared among the bushes, and Johnnie crawled after + her.</p> + + <p>"What on earth does he mean?" whispered Meg.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Hamon has an idea that Marielihou and old Mme. Vautrin + have something in common. In fact I believe he goes so far as to + say that they are one and the same. Black magic, you + know,—witchcraft, and all that kind of thing."</p> + + <p>"How horrid!"</p> + + <p>"B'en!" chuckled old Tom again. "You find out how 'tis with + th' old witch. We know how 'tis with Marrlyou. 'Twere the silver + bullet did it. If sh' 'adn't jumped 'twould ha' gone through 'er + 'ead," and he went off chuckling through his pipe-stem.</p> + + <p>And the next evening, as they were sauntering slowly through + the darkening lanes to the windmill, to see the life-lights flash + out all round the horizon, it happened that they met the doctor + just turning out of his gate.</p> + + <p>"Hello, doctor! How's old Mme. Vautrin to-day?" asked + Graeme.</p> + + <p>"She's going on all right," said the doctor, with a touch of + surprise. "There seems a quite unusual amount of interest in that + old lady all of a sudden. How is it?"</p> + + <p>"What is it's wrong with her?"</p> + + <p>And the doctor eyed him curiously for a moment, and then said, + "Well, she says she hurt her leg ormering, slipped on a rock and + got the hook in it. But—Well, it's a bad leg anyway, and + she won't go ormering or anything else for a good long time to + come."</p> + + <p>Which matter, in the light of old Tom Hamon's silver bullets + and evident knowledge of Marielihou's injury, left them all very + much puzzled, though, as Graeme acknowledged, there might be + nothing in it after all.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <p>It was just after the second lesson, the following Sunday, + that the Vicar stood up, tall and stately, his youthful face + below the gray hair all alight with the enjoyment of this unusual + break in the even tenour of his way, and soared into unaccustomed + and very carefully enunciated English.</p> + + <p>"I pub-lish thee Banns of Marrr-i-ache between John Cor-rie + Graeme of Lonn-donn and Mar-garet Brandt of Lonn-donn. If any of + you know cause, or just im-ped-i-ment, why these two pair-sons + should not be joined to-gether in holy matri-mony, ye are to + de-clare it. This is thee first time of as-king."</p> + + <p>Margaret and Miss Penny and Graeme heard it from their back + seat among the school-children, and found it good.</p> + + <p>There were not very many visitors there. Such as there were + felt a momentary surprise at two English people choosing to get + married in Sark, though, if it had been put to them, they must + have confessed that there was no lovelier place in the world to + be married in. They also wondered what kind of people they + were.</p> + + <p>Some few of the habitants knew them and turned and grinned + encouragingly, though even they were not quite certain in their + own minds as to which of the two ladies was the one who was to be + married. The children all smiled as a matter of course and of + nature.</p> + + <p>And Margaret felt no shadow of regret at thought of the gauds + and fripperies of a fashionable wedding which would not be hers. + In John Graeme's true love she had the kernel. The rest was of + small account to her.</p> + + <p>And that little church of Sark, plain walled and bare of + ornament, always exerted upon her a most profoundly deepening and + uplifting influence. It epitomised the life of the remote little + island. Here its people were baptized, confirmed, married, + buried.</p> + + <p>And here and there, on the otherwise naked walls, was a white + marble tablet to the memory of some who had gone down to the sea + and never returned. And these she had studied and mused upon with + emotion the first time she went there, for surely none could read + them without being deeply touched.</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"A la memoire de John William Falle, âgé de 37 + ans, et de son fils William Slowley Falle, âgé de + 17 ans, Fils et petit fils de William Falle, Ecr. de Beau + Regard, Sercq. Qui furent noyés 20'eme jour d'Avril + 1903, durant la traversée de Guernsey a Sercq. 'Ta voie + a été par la mer et tes sentiers dans les grosses + eaux.'"</p> + + <p>"A la memoire de Pierre Le Pelley, Ecuyer, Seigneur de Serk, + noyé près la Pointe du Nez, dans une + Tempête, le 13 Mars, 1839, âgé de 40 ans. + Son corps n'a pas été retrouvé; mais la + mer rendra ses morts."</p> + + <p>"In memory of Eugène Grut Victor Cachemaille, second + son of the Revd. J.L.V. Cachemaille, Vicar of Sark. Born Jan. + 14, 1840, and lost at sea in command of the <i>Ariel</i>, which + left London for Sydney, Feby. 1872, and was heard of no more. + 'He was not, for God took him.'"</p> + </div> + + <p>Yes, she would sooner be married in that solemn little church + than in Westminster Abbey, for there there would be mighty + distractions, while here there would be nought to come between + her and God and the true man to whom she was giving herself with + a full heart.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <p>"This is the second time of asking."</p> + + <p>"This is the third time of asking."</p> + + <p>And so far none had discovered any just cause or impediment + why John Corrie Graeme and Margaret Brandt should not in due + course be joined together in holy matrimony.</p> + + <p>On the occasion of the third asking, however, one in the + congregation, a casual visitor and in no way personally concerned + in the matter, found it of sufficient interest to make mention of + it in a letter home, and so unwittingly played his little part in + the story.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, the glorious summer days between the askings were + golden days of ever-increasing delight to Graeme and Margaret, + and of rich enjoyment to Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>Never was there more complaisant chaperone than Hennie Penny. + For, you see, she took no little credit to herself for having + helped to bring about their happiness, and the very least she + could do was to further it in every way in her power.</p> + + <p>In her own quaint way she enjoyed their "lovering," as she + called it, almost as much as they did themselves. And that being + so, they would have felt it selfish on their part to deprive her + of any portion of her rightful share in it.</p> + + <p>And that was how Miss Hennie Penny became so very knowing in + such matters, and also why she lived in a state of perpetual + amazement at the change that had come over her friend.</p> + + <p>For Margaret, affianced to the man who had her whole heart, + was a very different being from Margaret harassed and worried by + Mr. Pixley and his schemes for her possession and + possessions.</p> + + <p>Charming and beautiful as she had always been, this new + Margaret was to the old as a radiant butterfly to its + chrysalis,—as the glory of the opening flower to the + promise of the bud. And Hennie Penny's quickened intelligence, + projecting itself into the future, could fathom heights and + depths and greater glories still to come.</p> + + <p>But even now, when they went along the lanes festooned as for + a wedding with honeysuckle and wild roses, the faces of those + they met lighted up at sight of them, and few but turned to look + after them when they had passed, and Miss Penny's truthful soul + took none of the silent homage to herself.</p> + + <p>Margaret was supremely happy. She could not have hidden it if + she had tried. She made no attempt to do so. She gave herself up + to the rapturous enjoyment of their "lovering" with all the + naïve abandon of a delighted child. The little ties and + tapes and conventions, which trammel more or less all but the + very simplest lives, fell from her, snapped by the expansion of + her love-exalted soul. She was back to the simple elementals. She + loved Jock, Jock loved her. They were happy as the day was long. + Why on earth should they not show it? If she had had her way she + would have had every soul in all the world as happy as they two + were.</p> + + <p>"I feel like an elderly nurse with two very young children," + said Miss Penny to the pair of exuberants.</p> + + <p>"O Wise Nurse! We shall never be so young again," laughed + Graeme.</p> + + <p>"But we are never going to grow any older inside," laughed + Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Never!" said Graeme, with the conviction of absolute + knowledge, and carolled softly—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"O it's good to be young in the days of one's + youth!<br /></span> <span>Yes, in truth and in + truth,<br /></span> <span>It's the very best thing in the + world to be young,<br /></span> <span>To be young, to be + young in one's youth."<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"Very apropos!" said Miss Penny. "Did you make it on the + spot?"</p> + + <p>"In anticipation," he laughed. "It's the opening song in a + very charming comic opera I once committed. But it was too good + for the present frivolous age, and so I have to perform it + myself."</p> + + <p>"I would like to give all the children on the island—" + began Margaret.</p> + + <p>"All the other children—" corrected Graeme.</p> + + <p>"All the children—including Hennie and you and + me—the jolliest feast they've ever had in their lives, the + day we are married."</p> + + <p>"Of course we will, and the doctor shall get in an extra + supply of palliatives. They shall look back in after years and + say—'Do you remember that feast we had when the loveliest + of all the angels came down from heaven and was married to that + delightful Englishman?'—Briton, I ought to say! I do wish + our dear old Lady Elspeth could be here. How she would enjoy + it!—'That feast,' they will say, 'when we were all ill for + a month after and the doctor died of overwork.' They will date + back to it as ancient peoples did to the Flood. It will be a + Great White Stone Day to generations to come. Let us hope there + will be no new white stones over yonder"—nodding in the + direction of the churchyard—"in commemoration of that great + day."</p> + + <p>"We will draw the line short of that," said Margaret + seriously.</p> + + <p>"We'll give them all the gâche they can + eat—home-made, and such as their constitutions are + accustomed to,—and fruit and frivolities from Guernsey. + I'll go across the Saturday before—"</p> + + <p>"<i>We</i> will go across," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Of course we will. We older children will go, and we'll take + Nurse with us,"—with a bow towards Hennie Penny,—"and + we'll make a day of it, and have ices again at that place in the + Arcade, and then we'll go round the shops and clear them out for + the benefit of Sark."</p> + + <p>"Ripping!" said Miss Penny.</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <p>They had already made one trip to Guernsey, crossing by the + early Saturday boat and returning the same evening.</p> + + <p>But that was a strictly business affair.</p> + + <p>"We're feeling frightfully fossilised at having bought + nothing, except what we absolutely needed, for nearly a month," + said Miss Penny. "From that point of view I should imagine the + Garden of Eden may have been just a trifle slow—"</p> + + <p>"Ah, you see, Mother Eve hadn't had the advantages of a + superior education," said Graeme.</p> + + <p>"And there are some fripperies we simply <i>must</i> have," + said Miss Penny, "even for a runaway wedding like this. You see, + when we decided to come here we had no idea how much farther we + were going, and so we couldn't possibly provide. Of course if we + had known you were here—"</p> + + <p>At which Margaret laughed.</p> + + <p>"You would have provided accordingly," said Graeme. "Well, you + must put all the blame on to Mr. Pixley. I wonder what he would + say if he knew all about it."</p> + + <p>"He would use language unadapted to prayer-meetings and public + platforms," said Miss Penny. "He can, you know, when he tries + hard."</p> + + <p>"I imagined so. It will be rather amusing to see what he'll do + when he finds out."</p> + + <p>"He'll do the very nastiest thing that is open to him, + whatever that is, and poor Mrs. Pixley will have an exceedingly + bad time. And he'll probably have a fit on his own account."</p> + + <p>"Oh, we can hardly expect him to be so kind as all + that—"</p> + + <p>"The only one I'm sorry for is Charles Svendt. He's really not + half a bad sort, in his way, you know," said Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid, under the circumstances, I can't + squeeze out any sympathy even for Charles Svendt."</p> + + <p>Arrived at St. Peter Port, the ladies permitted him to attend + them to the door of the largest drapery establishment they could + find, and then told him he was at liberty to go and enjoy himself + for a couple of hours.</p> + + <p>"Two hours? Good Heavens! What can you want in there for two + hours?"</p> + + <p>"Usual thing!" sparkled Miss Penny. "Tablecloths!"—with + which cryptic utterance he had to be satisfied.</p> + + <p>"And where do we meet again—if ever?"</p> + + <p>"Hauteville House—Victor Hugo's. It's part of your + honeymoon—a bit on account."</p> + + <p>"And whereabouts is it?"</p> + + <p>"No idea. If we can find it, you can. Au revoir!"</p> + + <p>He went first to get his hair cut, since the practice of the + tonsorial art in Sark is still in the bowl-and-scissors + stage.</p> + + <p>Then he sought out a lawyer of repute, whose name he had got + from the Vicar, and gave him instructions for the drawing of a + brief but comprehensive deed of settlement of all Margaret's + portion on herself absolutely and entirely. While this important + document was being engrossed, he sought out the Rector of St. + Peter Port, in George Place, and in a short but pleasant + interview was accepted as tenant of the whole of the Red House in + Sark for the month of July, with the option of a longer stay if + he chose.</p> + + <p>Then back to the lawyer's, where he signed his deed, paid the + fees, and took it away with him.</p> + + <p>After that, to fill in the time occupied elsewhere by the + purchase of mythical tablecloths, he rambled up and down the + quaint foreign-flavoured streets till he found a jeweller's shop + of size, in the Arcade, and decided, after careful inspection + from the outside, that it would answer all requirements.</p> + + <p>For he had a ring and half a ring to buy for Margaret, and he + thought he would buy one also for Hennie Penny, as a pleasant + reminder of their good days in Sark.</p> + + <p>So utterly unconventional had their proceedings been, so + thoroughly had the spirit of the remote little island possessed + them, and so all-sufficient had they been to one another, that + the thought of an engagement ring had troubled his mind as little + as the lack of it had troubled Margaret's. But the absolute + necessity of a wedding ring had reminded him of his lapse, and + now he would repair it on a scale remotely commensurate with his + feelings. Remotely, because, if his pocket had borne any relation + to his feelings, he would have bought up the whole shop and + lavished its contents upon her, though he knew that the simple + golden circlet would far outweigh all else in her mind.</p> + + <p>He was waiting placidly for them in the shade of the dark + trees of Hauteville, when they came panting up the steep way, + flushed with victory and the joys of purchase after long + abstinence.</p> + + <p>"Well, has the proprietor of that big shop retired with a + competence?" he asked, as he threw away the end of his cigar.</p> + + <p>"Can you lend us our boat-fares home?" gasped Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"So bad as all that? I can't say yet. I've not begun my own + purchases. We'll see when I'm through. If I'm cleaned out too + we'll offer to work our passages."</p> + + <p>"You can pawn your watch. Meg and I haven't got one between + us. We left them at home on purpose."</p> + + <p>"Thoughtful of you. Now let us into the treasure-house."</p> + + <p>They enjoyed the wonders of Hauteville + immensely,—objectively, the wonderful carved work and the + tapestries, the china and the furniture,—the odd little + bedroom with the bed on the floor, so that the Master could roll + out to his work at any moment of inspiration, and the huge + balconies, and the glass eyrie on the roof whence he surveyed his + wide horizons, and where, above the world, he worked;—and + subjectively, the whole quaint flavour and austere literary + atmosphere of the place.</p> + + <p>"No wonder he produced masterpieces," said Graeme, delighting + in it all. "The view alone is an inspiration."</p> + + <p>Then he took them up to Old Government House for lunch and a + rest in the garden, and then away to the Arcade to the jeweller's + shop, which proved adequate to all his demands;—for + Margaret, a half-hoop of diamonds which the jeweller, with an air + of sincerity, assured them were as fine stones as he had ever + seen in the course of a long and prosperous career. Which ring + Margaret would thenceforth value before all her others, though in + the simple matter of intrinsic worth her jewel-case could beat it + hollow.—And a plain gold circlet which, when she got it, + would be more precious to her than all the rest put + together.—And for Miss Penny, in spite of her + protestations, a handsome signet ring which, when cornered, she + chose in preference to a more feminine jewel, and which was left + to be engraved with her family crest and motto.</p> + + <p>"I have never adopted the habit of rings," she said, as they + drifted towards the ice-shop. "Chiefly, perhaps, because I never + had any worth wearing. But I've always thought I would like to + wear a crest signet. I shall prize this, Mr. Graeme, as the very + greatest treasure I have—"</p> + + <p>"Until someone gives you a plain gold one, Hennie, and that + will put all the rest into the shade," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Ah!" said Miss Penny.</p> + + <h4>VIII</h4> + + <p>Their journey home—that is, to Sark—that day was + not entirely without incident. For when they got down to the + quay, Sark had disappeared completely, and Herm and Jethou were + no more than wan ghosts of their natural selves, in a dense white + mist.</p> + + <p>"Ah-ha! Here is our old friend of Tintageu," said Graeme + jovially. "Well, I must confess to bearing him no + ill-feeling—if he doesn't land us on a rock this time. + Going, captain?"</p> + + <p>"Oh yess, we go. I think it will lift," said Captain + Bichard.</p> + + <p>"Don't run us on a rock anyway."</p> + + <p>"I won'd run you on no rock. I coult smell my way across;" and + they started, feeling their way cautiously past Castle Cornet, + into the open, where black jaws lined with white teeth lie in + wait for the unwary.</p> + + <p>And just as they got to the south of Jethou they saw a sight + the like of which none of them had ever seen before, nor, from + the exclamations about them, had any of the rest.</p> + + <p>The mist in front was like a soft white curtain, and upon it, + straight ahead of their bows, appeared suddenly a mighty silver + bow, not a rainbow, because there was no rain and so there were + no colours. But, like the bow they had seen from Belême + Cliff, this also was a perfect circle, all but a tiny segment + where it appeared to rest upon the sea, and its only colour was a + dazzling silvery sheen which waxed as they watched it in + breathless silence. Then it waned, bit by bit, till at last it + was gone, and only the white mist curtain remained.</p> + + <p>"How very lovely!" murmured Margaret.</p> + + <p>"A good omen for certain," said Miss Penny. "Even Johnnie + Vautrin couldn't make any ill news out of that. It was your + wedding arch, Meg."</p> + + <p>"Well, that's the first time I ever saw a white rainbow," said + Graeme to the captain.</p> + + <p>"First time I ever saw one myself, sir."</p> + + <p>"Not very common then."</p> + + <p>"Never heard of one before."</p> + + <p>"We're evidently in luck."</p> + + <p>"Mebbe, but we won't crow till we've made the Creux. Kip your + eyes skinned, lads!"</p> + + <p>"Ay, ay, zur!" and the crew lined the bulwarks on their knees, + with their chins on the rail, their eyes peering into the + puzzling veil in front, and their ears alert for the wash of wave + on rock.</p> + + <p>They were going slow, hardly moving in fact at times, waiting + to pick up their course as any possible mark should come into + view, with muttered comments from the puzzled lookouts, and an + occasional growl of dissent from views propounded by the younger + members, while the passengers all stood in silent discomfort as + though ready for contingencies.</p> + + <p>For the tides and currents in those seas are strange and + gruesome. Even as they lay, apparently motionless, with the sea + as smooth as oil all round them, there came a sudden turmoil, and + they were in a wild race of waters, with bubbling coils and + swirls and frothing gouts of foam from rocks that lay fathoms + deep below.</p> + + <p>"La Grune," growled one of the keen-eyed watchers, and was + discounted at once by doubtful growls from the rest.</p> + + <p>Then a black ledge loomed through the mist and faded again + before they had more than a glimpse of it.</p> + + <p>"Les Dents," ventured one.</p> + + <p>"Hautes Boues,"—so divergent were their views.</p> + + <p>A sound of waters and another dark loom of rock.</p> + + <p>"Sercul," said one.</p> + + <p>"L'Etac," said another.</p> + + <p>Then the engine bell tanged sharply, and they went ahead. The + captain had seen more than the rest and knew where he was, and + they all breathed more freely. And presently, with a wide berth + to the dangers of the south-east coast, they nosed slowly in + again, picked up La Conchée without dissentients, and so + into Creux Harbour in a way that seemed to Graeme little short of + marvellous.</p> + + <p>"Fogs at sea are beastly—there is no other word for + it—but all the same I'm glad we saw the Wedding-Bow," said + Miss Penny.</p> + + <h4>IX</h4> + + <p>They had fixed on the Wednesday following the last time of + asking, for their wedding-day. But when they came to discuss the + matter with Mrs. Carré, it was found that an alteration + would be necessary.</p> + + <p>"Ah, but that will not do," said their landlady, who was in + high feather at so unique an event taking place in her cottage, + so to speak, though, as a matter of fact, the festivities were to + be carried out within the ampler precincts of the Red House. "You + see, old Mr. Hamon he iss died very sudden—"</p> + + <p>"Not old Tom surely?" asked Graeme.</p> + + <p>"He iss old Tom's father, and they will bury him on Wednesday, + and you would not like to be married the sem day—"</p> + + <p>"No, indeed," said Margaret. "We will wait."</p> + + <p>"And, you see, all them that would be coming to the wedding + would be at the funeral, for efferybody belongs to efferybody + else here."</p> + + <p>"Must be a bit awkward at times," suggested Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Oh noh!" with a touch of airy aloofness. "I haf been at a + wedding and a funeral and a baptism all in one week all among the + sem people. And I was at one young man's wedding one day last + year and at his funeral the same day the next week after."</p> + + <p>"That was dreadful," said Margaret. "Do you think it would be + safe to fix it for the following Wednesday, Mrs. + Carré?"</p> + + <p>"Oh yes, I think! There iss no one very sick. Mr. Hamon he + wass a very old man and he died very sudden. He wass just + knocking a nail in the pigsty and he drop down and died."</p> + + <p>"Poor old man!"</p> + + <p>"He wass very old and he wass a good man. No one ever said any + harm of old Mr. Hamon."</p> + + <p>"Then if no one else dies we'll say the following Wednesday," + said Graeme. "And if—well, if anything happens to prevent + it, then we must go across to Guernsey and get Mr. Lee to marry + us."</p> + + <p>"Oh, but that woult not do. We will keep them all alive till + you are married. It woult neffer do to disappoint them all when + we are all looking forward to it here."</p> + + <p>"Very well then, see you all keep alive."</p> + + <p>"And you will come to old Mr. Hamon's funeral?"</p> + + <p>"H'm! I don't know. We'll see, Mrs. Carré. We'd sooner + be at our own wedding, you know, than at anybody else's + funeral."</p> + + <p>"They woult like it iff you woult. And he was a goot old man. + They tell me to ask if you woult be pleased to come."</p> + + <p>"If they would like us to come we will come, Mrs. + Carré," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>And so it came about that instead of kneeling before the altar + that Wednesday they stood by the graveside.</p> + + <h4>X</h4> + + <p>The Red House and the cottage were centres—nay, + whirlpools—of mighty activities for days beforehand.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Carré insisted on cleaning down the Red House from + top to bottom for the home-coming of the bride, though, to + Graeme's masculine perceptions, its panelling of polished pitch + pine from floor to ceiling, in which you could see yourself as in + a mirror, had always appeared the very acme of cleanliness and + comfort, with the additional merit of a tendency towards + churchwardly thoughts.</p> + + <p>But when he ventured on a mild remonstrance anent the + necessity for so gigantic an upsetting, Mrs. Carré + laughingly said, "Ach, you are only a man. You woult neffer + see"—and whirled her broom to the endangerment of his + head.</p> + + <p>For Margaret's honeymoon—that, is, such of it as she had + not enjoyed before her marriage—was to consist of a change + of residence from the cottage, and a walk up the garden and + through the hedge of gracious Memories, to the wider—ah, + how much wider!—as much wider and larger and more beautiful + as wifehood at its best is wider and larger and more beautiful + than maidenhood at its best—to the wider accommodation of + the Red House. And Mrs. Carré was determined that it + should be speckless and sweet, and fit in every way for the + coming of so beautiful a bride.</p> + + <p>She had found them a young girl, Betsy Lefevre, a niece of her + own, to serve as handmaid during their occupancy of the house, + but insisted herself on acting as cook and general housekeeper. + Miss Penny was to reside at the cottage for a week after the + wedding, but was to go up the garden to her meals, and at the end + of that time she was to join them at the Red House as an honoured + guest.</p> + + <p>And the kitchen at the cottage, and the kitchen at the House, + and several other kitchens in the neighbourhood, were baking + gâche enough apparently to feed a regiment, and as the day + approached, roasts of beef and mutton, and hams and other + substantial fare, were much in evidence. And the kitchens were + thronged with ladies in sun-bonnets, which had originally been + black but were now somewhat off-colour with age and weather, and + all the ladies' faces were as full of importance as if they had + been Cabinet ministers in the throes of a crisis.</p> + + <p>Among these concentric energies, Margaret and Miss Penny + completed their own simple preparations, and Graeme busied + himself with the details of the children's feast which was to + take place in an adjacent field.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp221" id="fp221"></a> <img src="images/fp221.jpg" + width="549" height="332" alt= + "THE HARBOUR, FROM LES LÂCHES" title= + "THE HARBOUR, FROM LES LÂCHES" /> <h5>THE HARBOUR, FROM + LES LÂCHES</h5> + </div> + + <p>He went down to the harbour to meet the Tuesday morning's boat + which was to bring over the fruit and frivolities ordered from + Guernsey—strawberries enough to start a jam factory, grapes + enough to stock a greengrocer's shop, chocolates, sweets, + Christmas crackers and fancy biscuits, in what he hoped would + prove sufficiency, but had his doubts at times when he saw the + eager expectancy with which he was regarded by every youngster he + met.</p> + + <p>He was just starting out when Johnnie Vautrin hailed him from + his lair in the hedge.</p> + + <p>"Heh, Mist' Graeme! I seen—"</p> + + <p>"Better not, Johnnie!" he said, with a warning finger. "If + it's anything uncomfortable I'll come right over and jump on you + and Marrlyou."</p> + + <p>"Goderabetin, you dassen't!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, dassen't I? If you don't see everything good for this + week, and fine weather too, you little imp, I'll—"</p> + + <p>"Qué-hou-hou!" croaked Johnnie, and Marielihou yawned + and made a futile attempt to wash behind her ears but found it + discomforting to a sore hind-leg, so gave it up and spat at him + instead.</p> + + <p>"And, moreover, I won't have you at my party."</p> + + <p>"Hou-hou! I'm coming. Ma'm'zelle she ask me."</p> + + <p>"I'll tell her to send you back-word."</p> + + <p>"She wun't, she wun't. Where you goin'?"</p> + + <p>"To the harbour, to see if all the good things have come for + the other little boys and girls."</p> + + <p>"Oh la-la! Good things and bad things come by the boat. + Sometime it'll sink and drown 'em all."</p> + + <p>"Little rascal!" and he waved his hand and went on.</p> + + <p>"Late, isn't she, Carré?" he asked, as he leaned over + the sea-wall with the rest.</p> + + <p>"She's late, sir."</p> + + <p>"I hope nothing's happened to her. I'll never forgive her if + she's made an end of my sweet things for the kiddies."</p> + + <p>"She'll come."</p> + + <p>And she came. With a shrill peal she came round the Burons and + made for the harbour.</p> + + <p>And Graeme, wedged into the corner of the iron railing where + it looks out to sea, to make sure at the earliest possible moment + that that which he had come to meet was there, met of a sudden + more than he had looked for.</p> + + <p>"Well ... I'll be hanged!" he jerked to himself, and then + began to laugh internally.</p> + + <p>For, standing on the upper deck of the small steamer, and + looking, somehow, very much out of place there, was a tall but + portly young gentleman, in a bowler hat and travelling coat and a + monocle, whose face showed none of the usual symptoms of the Sark + lover. To judge from his expression, the little island impressed + him anything but favourably. It offered him none of the + relaxations and amusements to which he was accustomed. It looked, + on the face of it, an uncivilised kind of a place, out of which a + man might be ejected without ceremony if he chose to make himself + objectionable.</p> + + <p>Graeme kept out of sight among the other crowders of the quay + till the bowler hat came bobbing up the gangway. Then he smote + its owner so jovially on the shoulder that his monocle shot the + full length of its cord and the hat came within an ace of + tumbling overboard.</p> + + <p>"Hello, Pixley! This <i>is</i> good of you. You're just in + time to give us your blessing."</p> + + <p>"Aw! Hello!" said Charles Svendt, agape at the too friendly + greeting. "That you, Graeme?"</p> + + <p>"The worst half of me, my boy. Margaret's up at the house. + You'll be quite a surprise to her."</p> + + <p>"Aw!" said Charles Svendt thoughtfully, as he readjusted his + eyeglass. "Demned queer place, this!" and he gazed round + lugubriously.</p> + + <p>"It is that, my boy. Queerer than you think, and queerer + people."</p> + + <p>"Aw! Is there any—aw—place to stop at?"</p> + + <p>"Thinking of stopping over night? Oh yes, several very decent + hotels."</p> + + <p>"Aw! Which are you at yourself now?"</p> + + <p>"I? Oh, I'm a resident. I've got a house here."</p> + + <p>"Dooce you have! Well, now, where would you stop if you were + me?"</p> + + <p>"Well, if I were you I should stop at the Old Government + House—"</p> + + <p>"Right! Whereabouts is it?"</p> + + <p>"It's over in Guernsey. Boat returns at five sharp."</p> + + <p>"Aw! Quite so! Very good! But I've got—er—business + here, don't you know."</p> + + <p>"Oh? Thinking of opening a branch here? Well, there's + Stock's—but I doubt if you'd fit in there—"</p> + + <p>"Fit? Why not fit? Stocks are my line."</p> + + <p>"I think I'd try the Bel-Air if I were you—"</p> + + <p>"Which is nearest?" asked Charles Svendt, looking round + depreciatively.</p> + + <p>"Bel-Air. Just along the tunnel there—"</p> + + <p>"Good Lord! Along the tunnel—"</p> + + <p>"Excuse me for a moment. I've got some things coming by this + boat. I must see to them," and Graeme sped away to attend to his + frivolities.</p> + + <h4>XI</h4> + + <p>"And what special business brings you to Sark, Pixley?" asked + Graeme, as they passed through the tunnel of rock and climbed the + steep way of the Creux—its high banks masses of ferns, its + hedges ablaze with honeysuckle and roses, its trees interwoven + into a thick canopy overhead,—a living green tunnel shot + with quivering sunbeams. All of which was lost on Charles Svendt, + whose chest was going like a steam-pump and whose legs were + quivering with the unusual strain. Graeme regretted that he had + not been landed on the ladders at Havre Gosselin, where he + himself came ashore. He would dearly have liked to follow the + portly one up those ladders and heard his comments.</p> + + <p>In reply to Graeme's question he shook his head mutely and + staggered on—past the upper reaches, where the corded roots + of the overhanging trees came thrusting through the banks like + twisting serpents; past the wells of sweet water that lay dark + and still below, and ran over into the road, and trickled away + down the sides in little streams; out into the sunshine and the + quickening of the breeze;—till he dropped exhausted into a + chair outside the door of the Bel-Air.</p> + + <p>He sat there panting for close on five minutes, with + unaccustomed perspiration streaming down his red face, and then + he said "Demn!" and proceeded to mop himself up with his + handkerchief.</p> + + <p>Then he held up a finger to a distant waiter in the + dining-room, and when he came, murmured, + "Whisky—soda—two," and fanned himself vigorously till + they came.</p> + + <p>"Better?" asked Graeme, as they nodded and drank.</p> + + <p>"Heap better! What a demnable place to get into!"</p> + + <p>"There are one or two other entrances—"</p> + + <p>"Better?"</p> + + <p>"No, worse."</p> + + <p>"Demn!"</p> + + <p>"Now," he said presently, when his heart had got back to + normal and he had lit a cigarette. "Let's talk business. Am I in + time?"</p> + + <p>"For the wedding? Just in time. It's tomorrow."</p> + + <p>"Aw—er—you know what I've come for, I + suppose?"</p> + + <p>"I can imagine, but you may as well save yourself useless + trouble. You can't do anything."</p> + + <p>"Think not?"</p> + + <p>"Sure. English—I should say, British—law doesn't + run here, and you've no <i>locus standi</i> if it did."</p> + + <p>"She's under age and her guardian objects. I represent + him."</p> + + <p>"He can object all he wants to, and you can represent him all + you want to. It won't make the slightest difference."</p> + + <p>"I can appear at the ceremony and show cause why it should not + proceed."</p> + + <p>"What cause?"</p> + + <p>"Her guardian objects. The parson would hardly proceed in face + of my objection."</p> + + <p>"I think you'll find he would. However, we'll go and ask him + presently. We'll pay a visit to the Seigneur also."</p> + + <p>"Who's the Seigneur?"</p> + + <p>"Lord Paramount of the island. His word goes. If he chooses, + as he probably will, to tell you to go also, you'll have to + go."</p> + + <p>"Demn'd if I will!"</p> + + <p>"He'll see to that. He'll put the Sénéchal and + the Greffier and the Prévôt and the two constables + and the Vingténier on to you, and bundle you out like a + sack of potatoes."</p> + + <p>"Oh, come, Graeme! This is the twentieth century!"</p> + + <p>"That's another of your little mistakes, my friend. I can't + tell you just exactly what year it is here, but it's somewhere + between 1066 and, say, 1200 A.D."</p> + + <p>"Afraid I don't quite catch on."</p> + + <p>"Exactly! That's why you'll be off in this scene. We're under + feudal law here, with a mixture of Home Rule. We don't care + twopence for your English courts, and as for English lawyers, + they're not much liked here, I believe."</p> + + <p>"Rum hole!" mused Charles Svendt.</p> + + <p>"Rum hole to make yourself a nuisance in. Jolly place to be + happy in."</p> + + <p>"H'm!" And presently he asked, "Where are you stopping?"</p> + + <p>"I'll go along and tell the girls you're here—"</p> + + <p>"Girls?"</p> + + <p>"Miss Penny came with Margaret—"</p> + + <p>"Aw—Miss Penny!"</p> + + <p>"You'd better have your lunch here. They'll give you lobsters + fresh from the kettle, and I'll stroll round later on and we'll + get this matter settled up. So long!" and he went away up the + Avenue and across the fields home.</p> + + <p>And he went thoughtfully. It was annoying this man cropping up + like this at the eleventh hour. Nothing, he felt sure, would come + of his interference, but it might disturb Margaret and the + general harmony of to-morrow's proceedings.</p> + + <p>Her wedding-day is a somewhat nervous time for a girl, under + the best of circumstances, he supposed. And though Margaret was + as little given to nerves as anyone he had ever met, the + possibility of a public attempt to stop her wedding might be + fairly calculated to upset her.</p> + + <p>Feudal as were the laws of the island, he could hardly knock + Pixley on the head, as would have happened in less anachronistic + times. And so he went thoughtfully.</p> + + <h4>XII</h4> + + <p>Margaret and Miss Penny were lying in long chairs on the + verandah when he came over the green wall into the Red House + garden, by the same gap as he had used that first morning when he + came upon Margaret standing in the hedge.</p> + + <p>They were resting from labours, joyful, but none the less + tiring.</p> + + <p>"Jock, we were just wanting you!" said Margaret, sitting up. + "Have all the things come all right?"</p> + + <p>"All come all right," and he wondered how she would take his + next announcement. "In fact more came than we expected."</p> + + <p>"I guess we can use it all," said Miss Penny. "You've no idea + of the capacity of children. I know something about it, and these + children are more expansible even than school-girls."</p> + + <p>"I was surprised to meet a gentleman down there who says he + has come across on purpose for the wedding."</p> + + <p>"A gentleman—come for the wedding?" and both girls eyed + him as pictured terriers greet the word "Rats!"</p> + + <p>"I'll give you three guesses."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Pixley," said Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"Bull's-eye first shot! Clever girl!"</p> + + <p>"Not really, Jock!" said Margaret, with a suspicion of dismay + in her voice.</p> + + <p>"Well, Charles Svendt anyway—as representing the old + man, he says."</p> + + <p>"But what has he come for, and how did he get to know?"</p> + + <p>"I didn't ask him. It was quite enough to see him there. He + says he's going to stop it,"—and Margaret's cheeks + flamed,—"but I've assured him that he can't, and I'll take + jolly good care that he doesn't, if I have to knock him on the + head and drop him off the Coupée."</p> + + <p>"It would be shameful of him if he tried," cried Miss Penny. + "Just let me have a talk with him, Mr. Graeme, and I'll make him + wish he'd never been born. He's really not such a bad sort, you + know. Where is he?"</p> + + <p>"I left him at the Bel-Air about to tackle lobsters. My idea + is to take him to the Vicar, then to the Seigneur. They both + understand the whole matter. I explained it fully when I told + them we intended getting married here. When they understand that + this is the gentleman who would like to occupy my place, and that + he has no legal grounds for interfering, I think they will open + his eyes—"</p> + + <p>"I do hope he won't make any trouble in the church," said + Margaret, with a little flutter.</p> + + <p>"I'll promise you he won't."</p> + + <p>"I'm sure he won't, if you can make it quite clear that it + could not possibly accomplish what, I suppose, his father sent + him to try to do," said Miss Penny. "Charles Pixley is no fool, + though he has his little peculiarities."</p> + + <p>"It would be a wonder if he hadn't some, after his daddie," + said Graeme lightly. "I'm sorry he's come, Meg, but I'm certain + you don't need to worry about him. If I could have knocked him on + the head and dropped him in the sea and said nothing to + nobody—"</p> + + <p>"Don't be absurd, Jock," said Margaret, and her voice showed + that the matter was troubling her in spite of his assurances.</p> + + <p>"After lunch I shall call for him and take him for a little + walk. If you'd seen him when he got to the Bel-Air after toiling + up the Creux Road! He was nearly in pieces. I'll trot him round + to the Vicarage, and then to the Seigneurie, and then I'll bring + him here and turn him over to you and Hennie Penny. He'll be as + limp as a rag by that time, and as wax in your hands."</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, Margaret could not quite get rid of the feeling + of discomfort which the news of Charles Pixley's arrival had cast + over her, and Graeme anathematised that young man most fervently + each time he glanced at her face.</p> + + <h4>XIII</h4> + + <p>After lunch Graeme went back to the hotel, and found Pixley + lolling on the seat outside, in a much more contented frame of + mind than on his first arrival.</p> + + <p>"You were right as to their lobsters, anyhow, Graeme," he + said. "They're almost worth coming all the way for."</p> + + <p>"All right. Now if you're rested we'll go for a stroll, and + I'll set your mind at rest as to to-morrow. Then you'll be able + to enjoy your dinner in a proper frame of mind."</p> + + <p>"How far is it?"</p> + + <p>"Just up there and round the corner. We'll see the Vicar first + and you can try your hand on him."</p> + + <p>The Vicar received them with jovial bonhomie.</p> + + <p>"Ah-ha! The bridegroom cometh out of his chamber! And your + friend? He is the best man—no?"</p> + + <p>"He's not quite made up his mind yet, Vicar. Perhaps you can + persuade him to it."</p> + + <p>"But it is an honour—n'est-ce pas? To attend so + beautiful a bride to the altar—"</p> + + <p>"Well, you see, the fact is—Mr. Pixley would have + preferred reversing the positions. He would like to have been + bridegroom and me to be best man."</p> + + <p>"Ah—so! Well, it is not surprising—"</p> + + <p>"Moreover, he would like to stop the wedding now if he + could—"</p> + + <p>"Ach, non! That is not possible," said the Vicar wrathfully, + the southern blood blazing in his face. "What would you do, my + good sir, and why?"</p> + + <p>"Miss Brandt is my father's ward," said Pixley sturdily. "My + father objects to this marriage. He has sent me over to stop + it."</p> + + <p>"I understand," said the Vicar. "He wished his ward to marry + you, but Miss Brandt made her own choice, which she had a perfect + right to do, and, ma foi—" leaning back in his chair and + regarding the two faces in front of him, he did not finish his + sentence in words, but contented himself with cryptic nods whose + meaning, we may hope, was lost upon Charles Svendt's <i>amour + propre</i>.</p> + + <p>"And what would you do?" asked the Vicar presently.</p> + + <p>"Well, if necessary, I can get up in the church and state that + there is just cause for stopping the marriage—"</p> + + <p>"What just cause, I should ask you?"</p> + + <p>"I have told you. My father—"</p> + + <p>"I would not listen. I would order them to put you + out—to carry you out, if necessary, for making + dis-turb-ance in my church. I would tell them to sit on you in + the churchyard till the wedding was over. What good would you do? + Ach, non! Be advised, my good sir, and re-linquish any such + in-tention. It will ac-complish nothing and only lead to your own + con-fusion."</p> + + <p>"My father is applying to have Miss Brandt made a ward in + Chancery—"</p> + + <p>"By that time she will be Mrs. Graeme, and I am sure very + happy," shrugged the Vicar. "Non—you can do nothing, and, + if you will be guided, you will not try."</p> + + <p>And Charles Svendt lapsed into thoughtfulness.</p> + + <h4>XIV</h4> + + <p>"This is the Seigneurie," said Graeme, as they turned off the + road, through the latched gate, into the deep-shaded avenue.</p> + + <p>The Seigneur came to them in the Long Drawing-Room, where once + upon a time the peacocks danced on the Queen's luncheon.</p> + + <p>"Your time is getting short, Mr. Graeme," he said, with a + quiet smile. "I hear of great doings in preparation at St. + Magloire"—which was the official title of the Red House. + "Have you given the doctor fair warning?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, we'll try to keep them within bounds, Seigneur. My + friend, Mr. Pixley here,"—the Seigneur made Mr. Pixley a + seigneurial bow,—"has it in his mind to stop the + proceedings if he can—"</p> + + <p>"Oh?" said the Seigneur, with a glower of surprise. "And + why?"</p> + + <p>"Well, you see," said Pixley, "Miss Brandt is under age. She + is my father's ward and he has other views for her—"</p> + + <p>"Which obviously do not agree with Miss Brandt's."</p> + + <p>"That is as it may be. But she is acting absolutely in + opposition to his expressed wishes in this matter, and until she + is of age she is under his authority."</p> + + <p>"Just as far as he is in position to exert it, I presume."</p> + + <p>"He is now applying to have her made a ward in Chancery, when, + of course, she will be under the jurisdiction of the court."</p> + + <p>"If you come to me, Mr. Pixley, when Miss Brandt is a ward of + court, I will tell you now what my answer would be. I should tell + you that your English court has no jurisdiction here. Miss Brandt + is out of bounds and is quite free to do as she pleases. I have + had the pleasure of making her acquaintance and Mr. Graeme's, and + I should be sorry—for you—if you did anything to + annoy them. In fact—" and he looked so fixedly at Charles + Svendt, while evidently revolving some extreme idea in his mind, + that that young gentleman's assurance fell several degrees, and + he found himself thinking of dungeons and deportation.</p> + + <p>It was to Graeme, however, that the Seigneur turned.</p> + + <p>"If you have any reason to fear annoyance in this matter, Mr. + Graeme, perhaps you will let me know as early as possible, and I + will take measures—"</p> + + <p>"Thousand thanks, Seigneur! Mr. Pixley will, I hope, think + better of it. If not—well, I will send you word."</p> + + <h4>XV</h4> + + <p>Pixley was very silent as they walked back along the road to + the Red House.</p> + + <p>The ladies had tea ready on the verandah.</p> + + <p>"Well, Charles," said Margaret, as he bowed before them, and + Graeme nodded and smiled reassuringly at her over his back, "I + won't pretend that I'm glad to see you. Why did you undertake so + foolish an errand?"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps Mr. Pixley could hardly help himself," said Miss + Penny, sympathising somewhat with the awkwardness of his + position.</p> + + <p>"That is so," he said, with a grateful glance at her. "You + see, the governor is crazy wild over this matter. It was only + Sunday night he heard of it. A friend of young Greatorex wrote + him that he'd heard your banns put up, and Greatorex + congratulated the governor after church, and the governor nearly + had a fit. He came over to my place like a whirlwind and + practically ordered me to come across instanter and stop it. I + may say," he said, looking at Margaret, "I tried to reason with + him. I told him he must know that if you'd gone that length I was + out of it, and nothing he could do would alter matters. But he + would not hear a word. He simply raved until I promised to come + over by first boat and see what could be done."</p> + + <p>"You've only done your duty, Mr. Pixley," said Miss Penny. + "But you simply can't stop it, so is it any good making any + trouble? Put it on the highest grounds. You have had warmer + feelings for Meg than she could reciprocate. You can possibly + make some disturbance at her wedding, which would be painful to + her and utterly useless to yourself. Is it worth while?"</p> + + <p>"No, I'm dem—er—hanged if it is! I see I can do no + good, and I'll be hammered if I'll play dog in the manger, even + to oblige the governor. It's a disappointment to me, you + know,"—he was looking at Miss Penny's bright face, + surcharged with deepest sympathy.</p> + + <p>"Of course it is," she said gently. "But a strong man bears + his disappointments without wincing. I think you're acting + nobly."</p> + + <p>"Say, Graeme, will you have me as best man?"</p> + + <p>"Delighted, my dear fellow. Miss Penny has been breaking her + heart at thought of having no partner at the ceremony."</p> + + <p>"Right! Then we'll say no more about it. How did you all come + to meet here? Put-up job?"</p> + + <p>"Not a bit of it," said Graeme. "Pure coincidence—or + Providence, we'll say. You remember that Whitefriars' dinner, + when Adam Black sat opposite to us? He was just back from Sark, + and he said, 'If ever you want relief from your fellows—try + Sark.' Well, later on, I had no reason to believe there was + anything between you and Margaret, and I called on your father at + his office. He sliced me into scraps with his eye-glass and flung + the bits out into Lincoln's Inn,"—at which Charles Svendt + grinned amusedly, as though he were familiar with the + process.—"I wanted to get away somewhere to piece up again. + Sark came into my head, and I came. A month later my landlady + told me she had let my rooms to two ladies, as she had understood + I was only stopping for a month, and I had to turn out and come + up here. And, to my vast amazement, the two ladies proved to be + Margaret and Miss Penny. How is that for coincidence?"</p> + + <p>"I was standing in the hedge there," said Margaret, "early in + the morning of the day after we got here, and Jock came leaping + over the dyke there with a great brown dog, and stopped as if + he'd been shot—"</p> + + <p>"I thought you were a ghost, you see."</p> + + <p>"And I couldn't believe my eyes. Then I asked him what he + meant by following us here, and it turned out that it was we who + had followed him, and turned him out of his cottage + moreover."</p> + + <p>"Deuced odd!" said Charles Svendt, screwing in his eye-glass + and regarding them comprehensively. "Almost makes one believe + in—er—"</p> + + <p>"Telepathy and that kind of thing," said Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"Er—exactly—just so, don't you know!" and his + glance rested on her with appreciation as upon a kindred + soul.</p> + + <h4>XVI</h4> + + <p>Charles Svendt dined with them that evening, and in the + process developed heights and depths of genial common-sense which + quite surprised some among them.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp239" id="fp239"></a> <img src="images/fp239.jpg" + width="544" height="332" alt="IN THE COOL OF THE GLOAMING" + title="IN THE COOL OF THE GLOAMING" /> <h5>IN THE COOL OF THE + GLOAMING</h5> + </div> + + <p>They took him for a stroll up to the Eperquerie in the cool of + the gloaming, and showed him more shooting stars than ever he had + seen in his life, and a silver sickle of a moon, and a western + sky still smouldering with the afterglow of a crimson and amber + sunset, and he acknowledged that, from some points of view, Sark + had advantages over Throgmorton Street.</p> + + <p>In the natural course of things, Margaret and Graeme walked + together, and since they could not go four abreast among the + gorse cushions, Charles Svendt and Miss Penny had to put up with + one another, and seemed to get on remarkably well. More than once + Graeme squeezed Margaret's arm within his own and chuckled, as he + heard the animated talk and laughter from the pair behind.</p> + + <p>"I'm very glad he's taken a sensible view of the matter," said + Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Charles Svendt is no fool, and he certainly would have + been if he'd done anything but what he has done. He saw that he + could do no good and might get into trouble. The Seigneur scowled + dungeons and gibbets at him, and he looked decidedly + uncomfortable."</p> + + <p>"I will tender the Seigneur my very best thanks the first time + I see him."</p> + + <p>When the men had seen the ladies home, they strolled up the + garden to the Red House for a final smoke.</p> + + <p>"Say, Graeme, I've been wondering what you'd have done if I'd + played mule and persisted in kicking up my heels in church. I + asked Miss Penny—and, by Jove, I tell you, that's about as + sensible a girl as I've met for a long time—"</p> + + <p>"Miss Penny is an extremely clever girl and an exceptionally + fine character. Good family too. Her father was the + Brigadier-General Penny who was killed in Afghanistan."</p> + + <p>"So?"</p> + + <p>"She's an M.A., and she's worked like a slave to educate her + brothers and sisters, and they're all turning out well. I don't + know any girl, except Meg, of whom I think so highly as Hennie + Penny."</p> + + <p>"Henrietta?"</p> + + <p>Graeme nodded.</p> + + <p>"Well now," said Pixley presently. "As a matter of + information, what was in your mind to do if I'd gone on?"</p> + + <p>"You'd never have got as far as the church, my boy."</p> + + <p>"No? Why?"</p> + + <p>"If the Seigneur hadn't stopped you, I would. But I'm inclined + to think he'd have seen to you all right."</p> + + <p>"By Jove, he looked it! What would he have done?"</p> + + <p>"Confined you as a harmless lunatic till the ceremony was + over, I should say, and then sent you home with the proverbial + insect in your ear."</p> + + <p>"And if he hadn't?"</p> + + <p>"Then I should have taken matters into my own hands and + bottled you up till you couldn't do any mischief. You could have + hauled me before the court here, and I'd probably have been fined + one and eightpence. It would have been worth the money, and cheap + at the price, simply to see the proceedings."</p> + + <p>"It's an extraordinary place this."</p> + + <p>"It's without exception the most delightful little place in + the world."</p> + + <p>"Jolly nice house you've got here too. Think of stopping + long?"</p> + + <p>"Some months probably. The curious thing about Sark is that + the longer you stop the longer you want to stop. It grows on you. + First week I was here it seemed to me very small—felt + afraid of walking fast lest I should step over the edge, and all + that kind of thing. Now that I've been here a couple of months it + is growing bigger every day. I'm not sure that one could know + Sark under a lifetime. We'll take you round in a boat and show it + you from the outside."</p> + + <p>"I'll have to get back, I'm sorry to say. You see, I started + at a moment's notice. Things are duller than a ditch in the City, + but I'd no chance to make any arrangements for a stay. But I'll + tell you what. If you're stopping on here and like to send me an + invitation for a week or two, I'd come like a shot. I'll take a + carriage up that road from the harbour, though, next time. Jove! + I felt like a convict on the treadmill."</p> + + <p>"You have the invitation now, my boy, and we'll be delighted + to see you whenever it suits you to come."</p> + + <p>"That's very good of you. Miss Penny be stopping on with + you?"</p> + + <p>"As long as she will. She'd got a bit run down and it's done + her a heap of good."</p> + + <p>"Well, if you'll show me how to go, I'll toddle off home now. + I haven't the remotest idea where my digs are."</p> + + <p>And Graeme led him through the back fields among the tethered + cows, who stopped their slow chewing as they passed, and lay + gazing after them in blank astonishment, into the Avenue and so + to the Bel-Air.</p> + + <p>"I'll come round then a bit before eleven and we'll all go + along together," was Charles Svendt's parting word.</p> + + <p>"Right! Au revoir!" and Graeme went home across the fields + smiling happily to himself.</p> + + <h4>XVII</h4> + + <p>When Graeme came swinging over the green dyke in the early + morning, with his towel round his neck and his two dogs racing in + front, he found the Seigneur sitting in a long chair in the + verandah, with four aristocratic dogs wandering about, who + proceeded to intimate to Punch and Scamp that they were rather + low fisher-dogs and not of seigneurial rank.</p> + + <p>"Well, what about your would-be breaker of the peace?" asked + the Seigneur, with a smile.</p> + + <p>"He's come to his senses. I was going to bring you word as + soon as I thought you'd be up. He's promised to be best man, and + I'm hoping to get him to play heavy father also and give the + bride away."</p> + + <p>"Capital!"</p> + + <p>"He was very anxious last night to know what would have + happened if, as he put it, he'd persisted in playing mule and + kicking up his heels in church."</p> + + <p>"We'd have tied his heels so that he couldn't kick much," said + the Seigneur, with his deep quizzical smile.</p> + + <p>"That's what I told him. He seemed to think Sark a decidedly + odd kind of place. But he's getting to like it, and I've invited + him to come and visit us later on."</p> + + <p>"That's all right as long as he behaves himself."</p> + + <p>"Oh, he's a very decent chap. The only thing I had against him + was that he wanted to marry my wife."</p> + + <p>"Then all the ways are smooth now?"</p> + + <p>"All smooth now, thanks to your assistance!"</p> + + <p>"Well, all happiness to you both!" said the Seigneur as he + rose. "My wife sends all good wishes"—for the Lady of the + Manor lay sick in the great house among the trees and he would + not leave her.</p> + + <h4>XVIII</h4> + + <p>As Graeme proposed, they talk still of that wedding in + Sark.</p> + + <p>Everything went smoothly. The Vicar had coached himself, by + wifely tuition and much private repetition, into a certain + familiarity with the Wedding Service in English, but would still + have been more at home with it in French.</p> + + <p>The church was more crowded than it had been within the memory + of woman. Margaret looked charming, and Miss Penny absolutely + pretty. Charles Svendt could hardly take his eyes off her, and + caught himself wondering what the dooce she had done to herself + since last night. For, by Jove! she's as pretty almost as + Margaret herself—he said to himself.</p> + + <p>And if Jeremiah Pixley could have seen his son, in fatherly + fashion give away the bride that should have been his, he would + without doubt have had fits—if the first one had not been + of such a character as to obviate the necessity for any + additional ones.</p> + + <p>The habitants, old and young, had made holiday, donned their + best as if it were Sunday, and crowded the church as if it were + all the Sundays of the year rolled into one.</p> + + <p>The Vicar had serious thoughts of improving so unique an + occasion, but wisely decided to confine himself to the + intricacies of the English language as displayed in The Form of + the Solemnisation of Matrimony.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Vicar presided at the harmonium, which had been specially + tuned for the occasion, and the choir enjoyed to the full their + privileges of position and observation and made ample use of + them.</p> + + <p>And when his friends knelt before the chancel rail,—to + the exceeding scandal of the Vicar and Mrs. Vicar and the choir + and all who saw, and to the vast enjoyment of Miss Penny and + Charles Svendt and all the other youngsters in the + place,—Punch walked solemnly up the aisle and stood behind + them, with slow-swinging tail and a look of anticipation on his + gravely interested face, while outside, Scamp, in the hands of + some enterprising stickler for forms and ceremonies, rent the air + with sharp cries of disappointment.</p> + + <p>But John Graeme's soul, uplifted mightily within him at this + glorious consummation of his hopes, and ranging high among the + stars, saw none of these things. He held Margaret's hand in his, + and looked into her radiant and blushing face, and vowed mighty + vows for her happiness, and thanked God fervently for bringing + this great thing to pass.</p> + + <p>And Margaret's eye caught the marble slab, placed in the side + wall of the chancel by the late Seigneur who built it, and prayed + in her heart that the temple of their two lives might equally be + builded—"to the Glory of God and with much care."</p> + + <h4>XIX</h4> + + <p>The small girls from the school, all specially arrayed in + fancy white pinafores with knots of pink ribbon, burst out of the + church like a merry bombshell while the less picturesque final + ceremonies were being completed. When Graeme and Margaret came + smiling down the aisle, the busy little maids were still + vociferously strewing the path outside with green rushes and wild + iris, and as they passed, those who had emptied their baskets ran + back and picked up hasty armfuls of the scattered flowers, and + ran on in front and strewed them again, so that for quite a long + way their progress was one of gradually diminishing + splendour.</p> + + <p>But past the gap in the road, which led across country to the + Red House, no flower-strewers came. For there the excited + chatterers broke and whirled through like a flight of sea-pies, + and made straight for the field of more substantial delights lest + the boys should secure all the best places.</p> + + <p>The wedding-party, however, having disdained the use of + carriages for so short a distance, strolled quietly along the + scented lanes, past the Boys' School, and by the Carrefour, with + no apprehension of the feast beginning until they arrived, or of + being relegated to back seats if they were late.</p> + + <p>The cottage and the Red House had been buzzing hives since + dawn, Mrs. Carré handling her forces and volunteers and + supernumeraries with the skill of a veteran, and with + encouragement so shrill and animated that it sounded like + scolding, but was in reality only emphatic patois.</p> + + <p>She had, indeed, left matters in the hands of certain tried + elders while she sped across the fields to the church for a few + minutes, just to see that everything there was done properly and + in order. But she was back in the thick of things before the + wedding-party reached home, and everything was ready and in + apple-pie order for a merry-making such as Sark had not seen for + many a day.</p> + + <p>First, the children were settled at their long tables in the + field behind the house, with good things enough in front of them, + and active assistants enough behind them, to keep them quiet for + a good long time to come.</p> + + <p>Graeme and Margaret went round bidding them all enjoy + themselves to their fullest, which they cheerfully promised to + do, and the eager youngsters gave them back wish for wish, with + one eye for them and one for the unusual dainties on the + tables.</p> + + <p>"Hello, Johnnie!" said Graeme to that young man, gorging + stolidly, with a palpable interval between him and his neighbour + on either hand, but with no other visible signs of wizardry about + him. "Getting on all right?"</p> + + <p>But there was no room for speech in Johnnie's mouth just then. + He winked one black eye solemnly and devoted himself to the + business in hand.</p> + + <p>And Punch and Scamp, accepted favourites of the host and + hostess, tore to and fro in vain attempt to keep pace with all + the attentions lavished upon them by the guests as soon as their + own desires had been satisfied. They devoured everything that was + offered and attainable before it was withdrawn, and had no need + to ask for more unless in the matter of storage-room.</p> + + <p>Everybody was very happy and very excited, for no such feast + had been in Sark within the memory of the oldest child present. + And if Charles Svendt's Stock-Exchange friends could have seen + him—merrily circling the tables and exhorting already + distent youngsters to still greater and greater exertions; poking + them in the ribs to prove, against their own better judgment, but + in accordance with their inclinations, that there was assuredly + still room for more; bidding them "Mangez! Mangez!" in the one + word of French he could recall as specially applicable at the + moment—it is certain they would not have known him.</p> + + <p>And Miss Penny, too, looked as if she had never enjoyed + herself so much in her life, and backed him up in all his + endeavours right heartily. And now and again, when Charles Svendt + looked at her, he said to himself, "By Jove, she's as + good-looking a girl as I know, and as clever as they make + 'em!"</p> + + <p>For there is no greater beautifier in the world than + happiness, and Hennie Penny was completely and quite unusually + happy.</p> + + <p>To the actual wedding-feast, Graeme had asked the Vicar and + his wife, and such of the neighbours as he had come to know + personally, especially not forgetting his very first friend in + the island, whom he still always called Count Tolstoi, and Mrs. + De Carteret. For the rest, he had given Mrs. Carré + carte-blanche to invite whom she deemed well among her friends, + and she had exercised her privilege with judgment and + enjoyment.</p> + + <p>The Sénéchal was there, and the Greffier, and + the Prévôt and the members of the Court, <i>ex + officio</i>, so to speak, and the Wesleyan minister who was on + excellent terms with the Vicar, and the Post-Master and his + jovial white-haired father, who built the boats and coffins for + the community, and had supplied the tables for the feast; and + many more—a right goodly company of stalwart, + weather-browned men and pleasant-faced women, all vastly happy to + be assisting at so unusual an event as an English wedding.</p> + + <p>They drank the health of the bride and bridegroom in the + special mulled wine thereto ordained by custom and prepared + according to the laws of the Medes and Persians. And Graeme, on + behalf of himself and his wife, assured them that there was no + place in the world like Sark, and that they had never enjoyed a + wedding so much in all their lives, and that if they had to be + married a hundred times they could wish no happier wedding than + Sark had given them.</p> + + <p>And of all that company, none beamed more brightly, nor + enjoyed himself more, than Charles Pixley, who, having come to + curse, had, in most approved fashion, stayed to bless, and had + even beaten the prophet's record by giving away to another the + treasure he had desired for himself.</p> + + <p>In the usual course of things, after the feasting would have + come games and songs until dark. But that had been adjudged too + much of an ordeal by the ladies, and the onus of it was laid upon + the youngsters outside. While Margaret and Miss Penny rested from + their labours, and Mrs. Carré and her helpers cleared the + rooms for the festivities of the evening, and prepared the milder + and more intermittent refections necessary thereto, Graeme and + Pixley and the Vicar and others set the children to games and + races, for which indeed their previous exertions at the tables + had not best fitted them, but which nevertheless, or perhaps on + that very account, were provocative of much laughter and + merriment.</p> + + <p>Then, when it grew dark, and the reluctant youngsters had been + cajoled and dragged and packed off to bed, the + hitherto-unprovided-for section—the young men and maidens, + all in their best and a trifle shy to begin with—came + flocking in for their share in the festivities, and Orpheus and + Terpsichore held the floor for the rest of the night.</p> + + <p>And they did dance! Margaret and Miss Penny and Graeme and + Pixley thought they had seen dancing before, but dancing such as + this it had never been theirs to witness.</p> + + <p>If it lacked anything in grace—and far be it from me to + say so—it more than made up for all by its inexhaustible + energy and tireless enjoyment. The men had brought their own + music in the shape of a concertina, which passed from hand to + hand and with which they all seemed on equally friendly + terms.</p> + + <p>Jokes, laughter, round dances, refreshments, interludes of + smokings and gigglings in the darkness of the verandah, + occasional more intellectual flights in the shape of songs and + recitations,—mostly of a somewhat lugubrious tendency, to + judge by the faces of the auditors, but being mostly in patois + they were unintelligible to the British foreigners,—more + dances,—coats off now, to reduce the temperature of the + performers,—more refreshments, more dances,—dances + with broomsticks held between the partners, over which they + slipped and skipped to the tune of caustic comments by the + onlookers,—dances between caps laid on the floor and which + must on no account be touched by the dancers. And always the cry + to the musician of the moment was,—"Faster! + Faster!"—and the race between Orpheus and + Terpsichore—between the music and the flying feet, grew + still more fast and furious.</p> + + <p>Now Charles Svendt, as we know, did not look like a dancing + man, but dancing was one of the superficial accomplishments in + which he excelled.</p> + + <p>Miss Penny, also, through much experience with girls, was + lighter of foot than she looked.</p> + + <p>They stood for a time watching, and presently both their feet + were tapping to the quickstep of the rest.</p> + + <p>"Let's have a shot at it," said Charles. "Will you?" and he + looked down at her.</p> + + <p>"I'd love to," and in a moment they were whirling in the + circle with the rest, but with a grace that none there could + rival,—gallant dancers as the Sark boys and girls are.</p> + + <p>"Delightful!" murmured Charles Svendt. "You dance like an + angel, and we fit splendidly," and Hennie Penny found a man's arm + about her decidedly and delightfully more inspiriting than all + the arms of all the schoolgirls in the world, and danced as she + had never danced before.</p> + + <p>So swift and light and smooth and graceful was their flight + that before long the rest tailed off and all stood propped + against the walls to watch them.</p> + + <p>"We've got the floor all to ourselves," murmured Miss Penny at + last, as she woke to the fact.</p> + + <p>"We've licked them into fits on their own ground," he laughed + in her ear. "You can dance and no mistake. It's a treat to dance + with a really good dancer."</p> + + <p>"I think we ought to stop. We're stopping their fun," said + Hennie Penny, and when he led her to a seat the rest of the room + all clapped their enjoyment.</p> + + <p>Graeme and Margaret danced a round or two to endorse the + festivities, but they were not in it with Pixley and Hennie + Penny, and they soon dropped out and clapped heartily with the + rest.</p> + + <p>When Charles Svendt, later on, suggested another dance, Miss + Penny bade him go and dance with one of the Sark girls.</p> + + <p>"But I don't want to dance with any of them. Besides, I don't + know any of 'em, and I couldn't talk to her if I did."</p> + + <p>"Oh yes, you can. They all speak English."</p> + + <p>"Do they now? It don't sound like it. Come on, Miss Penny. + They wouldn't enjoy it and I wouldn't enjoy it, and I never + enjoyed anything so much in my life as that last round."</p> + + <p>So Hennie took pity on him, and they danced many times amid + great applause.</p> + + <p>"Awfully good of you!" said Charles Svendt, as the dawn came + peeping in through the east windows and the open front door; and + Mrs. Carré, as Mistress of the Ceremonies, and a very + tired one at that, bluffly informed the company that it was time + to go home.</p> + + <p>"I've enjoyed it immensely," said Hennie Penny, and if her + face was any index to her feelings, there was no mistake about + it.</p> + + <h4>XX</h4> + + <p>None of them will ever forget that great day.</p> + + <p>Still less is any of them likely to forget the day that + followed.</p> + + <p>As dancing only ceased when the sun was about rising, + before-breakfast bathing was declared off for that day, and they + arranged to meet later on and stroll quietly down to Dixcart Bay + during the morning and all bathe together there. Charles Svendt + laughingly prepared them for an exhibition of incompetence by + stating that his swimming wasn't a patch on his dancing, but that + he could get along. Miss Penny gaily gave him points as to her + own peculiar methods of swimming, which, as we know, demanded + instant and easy touch of sand or stone at any moment of the + halting progression. He confessed to a like prejudice in favour + of something solid within reach of his sinking capacity, and they + agreed to help one another.</p> + + <p>They called for him at the hotel about eleven o'clock, and + went joking through the sunny lanes of Petit Dixcart, crossed the + brook that runs out of Hart's-Tongue Valley, and followed it by + the winding path along the side of the cliff, among the gorse and + ferns, down into the bay.</p> + + <p>They had a right merry bathe with no grave casualties. Miss + Penny, indeed, got out of her depth twice, to the extent of quite + two inches, and shrieked for help, which Charles Svendt gallantly + hastened to render; while Graeme and Margaret swam across from + head to head, watched enviously by the paddlers in shallow + waters.</p> + + <p>They went home by the climbing path up the hillside, rested on + The Quarter-deck while Charles Svendt got his breath back, and + so, by the old Dixcart hotel, and the new one nestling among its + flowers and trees, and up the Valley, to the Vicarage.</p> + + <p>The Vicar was basking in the shade of the trees in front of + the house.</p> + + <p>"Ah-ha—Mr. and Mrs. Graeme! Good-morning! You are none + the worse for being married? Non?" as he shook hands joyously all + round, with both hands at once.</p> + + <p>"Not a bit," laughed Graeme. "We're all as happy as + sandboys."</p> + + <p>"Comment donc—sandboys? What is that?"</p> + + <p>"Happy little boys who dispense with clothes and paddle all + day in the sand and water."</p> + + <p>"Ah—you have been bathing! What energie! And you danced + till—?"</p> + + <p>"About four o'clock, I suppose. The sun was just thinking of + rising as we were thinking of retiring."</p> + + <p>"But it is marvellous! And you are not tired?"</p> + + <p>"The bathe has freshened us all up," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>Then Mrs. Vicar came out at sound of their voices, and + felicitated them, and begged them to rest a while in the shade. + But they were all hungry, and Charles Svendt laughingly asserted + that he had swallowed so much salt-water, in rescuing Miss Penny + from a watery grave, that his constitution absolutely needed a + tiny tot of whisky, or the consequences might be serious.</p> + + <p>So they went laughingly on their way, and Charles tried his + best to get Miss Penny to go and show him the way to the Bel-Air, + pleading absolute confusion still as to the points of the compass + and the lie of the land.</p> + + <p>He was to lunch with them at the Red House, but insisted on + going home first to straighten up and make himself presentable. + So they led him to the Avenue, and set his face straight down it, + and bade him follow his nose and turn neither to the right hand + nor to the left, and then they turned off through the fields by + their own short-cut, and went merrily home.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PART_THE_SIXTH" id="PART_THE_SIXTH"></a>PART THE + SIXTH</h2> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <p>Graeme was just finishing a beautiful knot in his tie, when he + heard hasty feet crossing the verandah to the open front door. + There was some unknown quantity in them that gave him sudden + start.</p> + + <p>"Graeme!" sharp, hoarse,—a voice he did not + recognise.</p> + + <p>He ran hastily out of the east bedroom, which he was using as + a dressing-room.</p> + + <p>"Hello there!" as he sprang down the stairs, + "Why—Pixley? What's wrong, man?"</p> + + <p>For Charles Pixley was standing there, leaning in at the + doorway, looking as though he would fall headlong but for the + supporting jamb. He had a brown envelope in his hand and a + crumpled pink telegram. His face was white, and drawn, and + haggard. His very figure seemed to have shrunk in these few + minutes. Never had Graeme seen so ghastly a change in a man in so + short a time.</p> + + <p>Before Pixley could speak Miss Penny came hurrying along the + path with a face full of sympathetic anxiety.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" she asked. "I saw Mr. Pixley pass, and his face + frightened me. Oh, what is wrong?"</p> + + <p>Pixley glanced at her out of his woeful eyes, and at Margaret, + who had just come running down the stairs. He seemed to hesitate + for a moment. Then he groaned—</p> + + <p>"You will have to know," and motioned them all into the + dining-room and shut the door.</p> + + <p>"This "—jerking out the telegram—"was waiting for + me," and he handed it to Graeme, who smoothed it out and read, + while Pixley dropped into a chair.</p> + + <p>"Pixley. Bel-Air. Sark.</p> + + <p>"Zizel, Amadou, Zebu, Zeta. Eno."</p> + + <p>"Code," said Pixley briefly. "Meanings underneath," and + dropped his head into his hands.</p> + + <p>"Zizel," read Graeme slowly—"There is bad news. + Amadou—your father. Zebu—has bolted. Zeta—we + fear the smash will be a bad one. Eno—?"</p> + + <p>"My partner's initials—they certify the wire," said + Pixley hoarsely.</p> + + <p>And they looked soberly at one another and very pitifully at + the broken man before them.</p> + + <p>"Don't take it too hard, Pixley," said Graeme quietly, laying + a friendly hand on the other's shoulder. "It may not be as bad as + this puts it. Codes are brutally bald things, you know"</p> + + <p>The bowed head shook pitifully. He raised his white face and + looked round at them with a shocked shrinking in his eyes.</p> + + <p>"God forgive him!" he jerked. "And God forgive me, for I have + doubted him at times! He was so—so—so demned + good"—and Graeme's lips twitched in spite of himself, so + closely was the expression in accord with his own feelings. But + Pixley did not see the twitch, for he was looking at Margaret and + Hennie Penny, and he was saying with vehemence—</p> + + <p>"Will you believe me that I knew absolutely nothing of this? + He never discussed his affairs with me nor I mine with him, and + we had no business together except on purely business lines. If + he had to buy or sell he sent it my way, of course,—nothing + more. You will believe me, Graeme—"</p> + + <p>"Every word, my boy—"</p> + + <p>"We all believe it, Mr. Pixley," said Hennie Penny warmly.</p> + + <p>"And I know it, Charles," said Margaret.</p> + + <p>"It is very good of you all," he groaned. "I must get back at + once, Graeme. How soon is there a boat?"</p> + + <p>"Five o'clock. You'll have to stop a night in Guernsey, which + is a nuisance."</p> + + <p>Charles Svendt shook his head in dumb misery. It was crushing + to be so far away—thirty hours at least, and he gnashing + within to be on the spot and at work, learning the worst, seeing + what could be done.</p> + + <p>Then, with a preliminary knock on the door, Mrs. Carré + came in with brilliant lobsters and crisp lettuces for lunch, + and, hungry as they all were, their souls loathed the thought of + eating.</p> + + <p>"They are just out of the pot," beamed she, "and the lettuces + were growing not five min'ts ago. Ech!"—at sight of + Pixley—"is he ill?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Pixley has just had bad news from home, Mrs. + Carré," said Graeme. "He will have to go by to-day's + boat."</p> + + <p>"Ach, but I am sorry! And him so happy yesterday and dancing + the best in the room," and her pleasant face clouded + sympathetically.</p> + + <p>"Meg, I'll go up to your room for a minute and finish my + hair," said Hennie Penny. "I ran out just as I was—"</p> + + <p>"It was very kind of you," said Charles Svendt, and the + general sympathy seemed to comfort him somewhat.</p> + + <p>"No good feeling too bad about it, old man, till you know all + the facts," said Graeme, when the girls had gone off + upstairs.</p> + + <p>"It hits me, Graeme. Not financially, as I said. But in every + other way it hits me hard.—Have you reached the point of + seeing that it may hit her too?"—and he nodded towards + upstairs.</p> + + <p>"I suppose there was a glimmering idea of the chance of that + at the back of my head somewhere, but we won't trouble about it + just now. How about your mother?"</p> + + <p>Pixley shook his head dismally again. "It will be a terrible + blow to her. He was a bit hard and cold at home, you know, but + she looked up to him as immaculate. Yes, it will hit her very + hard. As to money, of course, she will be all right. I have + plenty. But the talk and the scandal—" and he groaned again + at thought of it all.</p> + + <p>"Send her over here for a time—or bring her yourself. We + have heaps of room here. Miss Penny is coming to stop with us + next week. Your mother was always fond of Margaret, I + believe."</p> + + <p>"She was—very fond of her.... That's a good thought of + yours, Graeme. Are you sure Margaret—?"</p> + + <p>"Of course she would. She and Miss Penny will just take care + of her, and no word of the troubles will reach her. That's the + thing to do, and maybe you'll find things not as bad as you + expect when you get back."</p> + + <p>But, from the look of him, Charles Svendt had small hope of + matters being anything but what he feared.</p> + + <p>When the girls came down they made an apology of a meal, for, + in spite of their hunger, the stricken look of their friend took + their appetites away.</p> + + <p>The thought that there might still lurk in their minds a + suspicion that he had had some knowledge of his father's + position, when he came across to stop their marriage, still + troubled him.</p> + + <p>"I do hope you will all believe me when I say that I knew + absolutely nothing of it all," he said, when they had finished an + almost silent meal. "When I said I had doubted him at times, I + simply meant that his everlasting and—and—well, very + assertive philanthropies palled upon me. It was a little + difficult at times to believe in the genuineness of it all, for + we did not see very much of it at home, as you know,"—he + looked at Margaret, who nodded. "In business matters he could be + as hard as nails, and it was not easy to fit it all + together."</p> + + <p>"Not one of us believes anything of the kind of you, old man. + Just get that right out of your head, once for all. We're only + sorry for your sake that the trouble has come, and I'm sure we + all hope it will turn out not so bad as you fear," said Graeme + heartily.</p> + + <p>"What about your mother, Charles?" said Margaret. "I'm afraid + she will feel this dreadfully. Hennie and I were talking about it + upstairs, and we were wondering if you could get her to come and + stop with us for a time—"</p> + + <p>"You see!" said Graeme, with a smile at Pixley. And to + Margaret—"I suggested exactly the same thing while you were + up doing your hair."</p> + + <p>"It's awfully good of you all," said Charles. "If you're quite + sure—"</p> + + <p>"We're quite sure. Send her to us at once as soon as you reach + home, and Jock shall meet her in Guernsey."</p> + + <p>"I think I'd perhaps better bring her across myself. I don't + suppose there will be much I can do when I've heard the + worst—if they've got to it yet. Things may be all tangled + up, and it may take time. And for ten days or so, until folks + have had time to forget, the name of Pixley won't be one to be + proud of."</p> + + <p>"Come if you can," said Graeme heartily. "You've seen nothing + of Sark yet."</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <p>They all went down to the harbour to see him off—as is + the custom when one's friends leave Sark. And when Charles Svendt + had shaken hands with Margaret and Miss Penny—and had found + a touch of comfort in the sympathetic droop of their + faces—and had fancied Miss Penny's bright eyes were at once + brighter and mistier than usual—and had thanked them again + very humbly for all their kindness—he turned to say + good-bye to Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Come away, man!" said Jock cheerfully. "I'm coming too. Meg's + given me a holiday, and I'm going to shake a free leg again in + Guernsey—"</p> + + <p>But Charles thought he saw through that.</p> + + <p>"Don't you come on my account, Graeme"</p> + + <p>"Not on your account at all, my boy, but the accounts of a + good many shopkeepers over there which I've got to straighten out + at once, while all the little differences are fresh in my mind. + Something wrong in nearly all of them—some over, some + under—and I'm still a bit of a business man though I do + write books."</p> + + <p>For, when Pixley went off to pack his portmanteau, Graeme had + said to his wife, "Meg dear, what do you think of my going across + to Peter Port with that young man? He'll have a bad black time + all by himself. He's holding himself in before us, but when he's + alone it'll all come back on him in a heap and he'll feel + it."</p> + + <p>And Margaret had said, "Yes, dear, go. You'll be a great + comfort to him. I am very very sorry for him."</p> + + <p>The last flicker of the waving handkerchiefs above the + sea-wall, and their responsive wavings from the boat, had been + abruptly cut by the intervening bastion of Les Lâches, but + Charles Svendt still leaned with his arms on the rail and looked + back as though he could pierce the granite cliff and see the + girls still standing there, and Graeme stood patiently behind + him.</p> + + <p>He straightened up at last with a sigh.</p> + + <p>"I'm glad I came," he said, "though if I'd had any idea what + was going to happen I'd have drowned myself first. It's when + one's in trouble"—as though this were a discovery of his + own—"that one finds out how kind people can be."</p> + + <p>"Yes, trouble has its uses. I had a deuce of a time for the + first few weeks after I got here. Your dad had told me you and + Margaret were to be married very shortly, and it knocked life + into a cocked-hat for me—"</p> + + <p>"That's what he would have liked. Do you know, Graeme, I've + been thinking that it's just possible your marriage helped to + precipitate matters with him. I don't know, of course; but if he + has been juggling her money in any way, he may have been counting + on a marriage between us to help straighten things. Then, when he + heard nothing from me—"</p> + + <p>"It's possible. But if it acted as quickly as all that, I'm + afraid the chances for Margaret's portion are pretty small."</p> + + <p>"Gad! That would hurt me more than anything. I shall do + everything in my power—"</p> + + <p>"I'm sure of it, my dear fellow. And you must understand that + her money—whatever it is—has never entered into our + calculations in any way. I knew nothing of it till Lady Elspeth + Gordon told me, and I had it all settled on her before the + wedding took place. If it is gone we can do without it."</p> + + <p>And Charles Svendt, if he said nothing, thought all the + more.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <p>The two girls were standing in the outermost seaward corner of + the breakwater, as though they had never moved, when the + <i>Assistance</i> came nosing round Les Lâches next + morning, and made for the harbour. And to Graeme, the sight of + his wife, after a separation of eighteen hours, was like a + life-giving stream to a pilgrim of the desert, or the blessing of + light to a darkened soul. His heart swelled almost to + paining-point for very joy of her. He took deep breaths of + gratitude for this sweet crowning of his life. He wondered + vaguely why he should be so blest above all other men. He vowed + his vows again and his eyes were misty.</p> + + <p>They saw him standing by the captain, and waved glad welcomes, + and presently, his glimpse into the depths of Margaret's eyes as + he kissed her, told him that he had been missed even as he had + missed.</p> + + <p>"I am glad I went with him," he said, as they climbed the + steep Creux Road. "It did him good to talk. He's feeling it + terribly."</p> + + <p>He did not tell them that they had got the previous day's + papers in St. Peter Port, and that their scathing comments on a + peculiarly bad failure, and on the remarkable contrast between + the profession and the practice of Jeremiah Pixley's life, had + driven Charles Svendt almost crazy. The wound was raw in their + hearts. There was no need to turn the knife in it.</p> + + <p>"We shall see him back here with Mrs. Pixley before the middle + of next week, unless I'm very much mistaken," he said. "He says + there's nothing doing on the Stock Exchange, and he can fix + things with his partner to get away for a time, and it seems the + wisest thing to do."</p> + + <p>"I have liked Charles better this time than I ever did in my + life before," said Margaret. "And I am very very sorry for him + and Mrs. Pixley."</p> + + <p>"He's not half a bad fellow," said Graeme heartily.</p> + + <p>And perhaps, if it had been put to Miss Penny, she would have + improved even upon that.</p> + + <p>"I hope you're not very set on being a rich woman, Meg," said + Graeme, when they were alone together.</p> + + <p>"Oh, but I am," she said, with a smile which all the riches in + the world could not have bought from her, or brought to her.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know,"—and he gathered the smile with a kiss. + "But in coarse material wealth, I mean."</p> + + <p>"I'm just as set on it as you are. I want just as much as will + make you happy. You mean Mr. Pixley has made away with it + all?"</p> + + <p>"I'm very much afraid so, but I guess we can get along all + right without it."</p> + + <p>"Of course we can—splendidly. I'm a famous housekeeper + and you'll be a famous author. There couldn't be a better team. + It will bring out the very best that's in us."</p> + + <p>"We can never come to actual want anyway, for my little + bit—which, by the way, Lady Elspeth once took the trouble + to impress upon me was just about enough to pay Mr. Pixley's + servants' wages—is in Consols, and they're not likely to + crack up. And my last book brought me about fifty + pounds—"</p> + + <p>"It ought to have brought you five thousand. I'm sure it was + good enough."</p> + + <p>"Of course it was, but it takes time to work up to the five + thousand point. Some get there, I suppose. But I should imagine + more starve off at the fifty line."</p> + + <p>"We could live like princes on a couple of hundred a year in + Sark here."</p> + + <p>"It would pall on you in time, I'm afraid."</p> + + <p>"You've been here twice as long as I have. Has it begun to + pall on you yet?"</p> + + <p>"I don't think it would ever pall on me, if I lived here for a + century. But then I've got my work, you see."</p> + + <p>"And I've got you, my dear. When you and Sark begin to pall + I'll promise to let you know. It's heavenly."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I don't claim all that, you know. Don't expect <i>too</i> + much—"</p> + + <p>"Will Charles be involved at all, do you think, Jock?"</p> + + <p>"I don't think so. They had not much to do with one another in + business matters."</p> + + <p>"I'm glad of that. Do you know"—with an introspective + look in her eyes—"I've an idea—"</p> + + <p>"Hennie Penny?"</p> + + <p>Margaret nodded.</p> + + <p>"That would be capital. She'd make him an excellent wife."</p> + + <p>"I'm sure she would. She's just what he needs. She's as good + as gold, and she has more genuine common-sense than anyone I + know."</p> + + <p>"Thousand thanks!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, we're exceptions to all rules. But I do hope + something—I mean everything—may come of it. And we + would all have reason to bless this blessed little island all our + days."</p> + + <p>"Some of us will, anyway. It certainly shall not go + unblest."</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <p>On the Tuesday afternoon Graeme received a brief telegram from + Charles Pixley—"Crossing tonight." And Wednesday morning + found them all on the sea-wall awaiting the arrival of the + steamer from Guernsey.</p> + + <p>"There he is—in the front corner of the upper + deck—keen to get here as soon as possible, I should say. I + know just how he feels," said Graeme, with a laugh. "Looks a bit + different from what he did the first time he came."</p> + + <p>"That's Mrs. Pixley on the side seat," said Margaret, and they + waved their welcomes.</p> + + <p>There were two ladies on the side seat, and both stood up and + waved vigorously in reply.</p> + + <p>"Why—who—?" began Margaret. And + then—excitedly, "Jock—I believe it's Lady Elspeth. + I'm certain it is. It is. It is."</p> + + <p>"Just like her! Hurrah for the Gordons!" and he sent them + welcomes which a world full of Pixleys alone could not have + excited in him.</p> + + <p>"Now this <i>is</i> delightful," he said, as he sprang on + board and rushed at Lady Elspeth.</p> + + <p>"All right, my boy! Don't shake my hand right off, if you can + help it. Here, you may give me a kiss, though it's contrary to + the usages of my country. We'll pretend I'm your mother again. + Now say how do you do to Mrs. Pixley. How's Margaret? I've got + crows to pick with you young people—"</p> + + <p>"Make it seven, or it's unlucky," laughed Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Eh? What?"</p> + + <p>"Tell you later. We're great believers in crows here. Mrs. + Pixley, I am very glad indeed to see you here. Charles, old man, + you've done splendidly."</p> + + <p>Charles wrung his hand in silence. His face was sober, with a + latent glow of expectation in it. When he had seen to the luggage + he joined the group on the quay, and it was Miss Penny who was + the first to see him coming.</p> + + <p>"Welcome back to Sark!" she said cheerfully.</p> + + <p>"I'm uncommonly glad to be here. Everybody all right? How's + Mrs. Carré?"</p> + + <p>"Everybody's first-rate, especially Meg and Jock. Their + spirits are enough to inflate the island."</p> + + <p>"It's good to be young," and the sober mask lifted slightly + and let the inner light shine through.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <p>"Go to an hotel?" said Margaret indignantly, in reply to a + suggestion from Lady Elspeth. "Indeed you'll do nothing of the + kind,"—and, as the old lady hesitated still,—"If you + do I'll never speak to you again as long as I live."</p> + + <p>"Oh well, I couldn't stand that—"</p> + + <p>"Of course you couldn't. Neither could I. An hotel + indeed!"—with withering scorn—"And we with four empty + bedrooms crying aloud at night because two of their fellows are + occupied and they are left out in the cold! An hotel! I'd just + like to see you!"</p> + + <p>"My guidness! Is she often like this, Jock?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, always! I thought you knew her. Why couldn't you warn me + in time?—No!" as Lady Elspeth attempted to + speak—"It's too late now. We're bound for life. There's no + cutting the bond. The Vicar told us so."</p> + + <p>"You're both clean daft together," said the old lady, with + dancing eyes. "Well, I'll stop in one of your crying + bedrooms—on conditions. We'll talk about that later on. + Where's the rest of the island, and how do you get to it?"</p> + + <p>"Old ladies and luggage ride. We youngsters walk. There's + Charles waiting for you at the carriage. There you are! Au + revoir!"</p> + + <p>As the young people breasted the steep, + Pixley—forgetting entirely his vow never to do it on foot + again—unfolded to them Lady Elspeth's idea, which simply + was, that if the Red House could hold them all,—of which + she had her doubts, in spite of his assertions,—they should + all share expenses and such household duties as so large a party + would involve.</p> + + <p>"You see—if you don't mind it, Mrs. Graeme,"—with + an apologetic look at Margaret,—"it will give the two old + ladies something to do and will leave us young folks freer to get + about."</p> + + <p>"It's a capital arrangement if the old ladies don't mind. Mrs. + Carré can get in another girl. It will keep them all busy + seeing that we have enough to eat. But they'll soon get used to + looking forward two or three days and ordering Friday's dinner on + Tuesday."</p> + + <p>"How long can you stop, old man?" asked Graeme.</p> + + <p>"A fortnight—all being well," and there was a touch of + soberness in it as he said that. "There's really nothing doing, + and Ormerod's a good fellow and insisted on it."</p> + + <p>"We can do heaps in a fortnight," said Miss Penny jubilantly. + "However did you manage to catch Lady Elspeth?"</p> + + <p>"She's a grand old lady. I found her with my mother when I got + there. She'd been with her ever since—since the trouble. + And when I proposed bringing my mother she said at once that she + was coming too. She had crows to pick with you two, and so on. I + expect she thought my mother would feel things less if she was + with her."</p> + + <p>"She's an old dear," said Margaret. "They shall both have the + very best time we can give them."</p> + + <p>"I shall take them conger-eeling," said Graeme,—"and to + Venus's Bath"</p> + + <p>"And down the Boutiques and the Gouliots"—suggested + Margaret.</p> + + <p>"And ormering in Grande Grève," laughed Miss Penny, who + had spent a day there on that alluring pursuit and had come home + bruised and wet and dirty.</p> + + <p>"Oh, there's lots of fun in store for them," said Graeme, + laughing like a schoolboy out for a holiday. "And, as Hennie + Penny says, we can do heaps in a fortnight."</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <p>Having made up their minds that there was no earthly reason + why Charles Pixley and Hennie Penny should not be as happy as + they were themselves, Margaret and Graeme saw to it that nothing + should be awanting in the way of opportunity.</p> + + <p>Miss Penny's natural goodness of heart impelled her to the + most delicate consideration towards Mrs. Pixley. Hennie Penny, + you see, had come bravely through dire troubles of her own, and + tribulation softens the heart as it does the ormer. She + anticipated the nervous old lady's every want, soothed her + bruised susceptibilities in a thousand hidden ways, tended her as + lovingly as an only daughter might have done,—and all out + of the sheer necessity of her heart, and with never a thought of + reward other than the satisfaction of her own desire for the + happiness of all about her.</p> + + <p>Not that the others were one whit less considerate, but, in + the natural course of things, Miss Penny's heart and time were, + perhaps, a little more at liberty for outside service, and in + Mrs. Pixley the opportunity met her half-way.</p> + + <p>It is safe to say that the old lady had never in her life been + so much made of. Margaret had always been gentle and sweet with + her; but the cold white light of Mr. Pixley's unco' guidness had + always cast a shadow upon the household, and Margaret had got + from under it whenever the chance offered.</p> + + <p>"You are very good to me, my dear," Charles heard his mother + say to Hennie Penny, one day when they two were alone together + and did not know anyone was near. "If I had ever had a daughter I + would have liked her to be like you. How did you learn to be so + thoughtful of other people?"</p> + + <p>"I think it must have been through having come through lots of + troubles of my own," said Hennie Penny simply.</p> + + <p>"Troubles abound," said the tremulous old lady. "You have + drawn the sting of yours and kept only the honey," which saying + astonished Charles greatly. He had no idea his mother could say + things like that. She had had time to think plenty of them, + indeed, but there had never been room for more than one shining + light in the household and that had cast strong shadows.</p> + + <p>Charles had gone quietly away smiling to himself, and had been + in cheerful spirits for the rest of the day.</p> + + <p>The first night, when the ladies had gone chattering upstairs + to make sure that all the arrangements were in order, Graeme and + Pixley sat out on the verandah smoking a final pipe.</p> + + <p>The ladies' voices floated through the open windows as they + passed from room to room, and Graeme laughed softly. "What's up?" + asked Pixley, gazing at him soberly.</p> + + <p>"I was thinking of the changes here since the first night I + slept in this house all by myself, and heard ghosts creeping + about and all kinds of noises."</p> + + <p>"Much jollier to hear <i>them</i>," said Charles, as Miss + Penny's and Margaret's laughter came floating down the softness + of the night.</p> + + <p>"Ay, indeed! Very much jollier," and they smoked and + listened.</p> + + <p>No word had so far passed between them as to the troubles that + lay behind. There had, indeed, been no opportunity until now, and + Graeme had no mind to broach the matter.</p> + + <p>But Pixley had only been waiting till they could discuss + things alone, and the time had come.</p> + + <p>"It will take them months to get to the bottom of things over + there," he said quietly. "I saw the accountants, and they say + everything's in a dreadful mess. He must have been involved for + years. It makes me absolutely sick to think of it all, Graeme, + and him—"</p> + + <p>"I'm sure it must, old chap. Why think of it? It's done, and + it can't be undone, and everyone knows you had nothing to do with + it."</p> + + <p>"I know. Everyone is very kind, but I can't get rid of it. + It's with me all the time like a dirty shadow."</p> + + <p>"We'll chase it away. No place like Sark for getting rid of + bogeys and worries."</p> + + <p>"How things will come out it's impossible to say. I made + special enquiries into Margaret's affairs, and it's quite certain + he's tampered with her money, but they could not say yet to what + extent. On the other hand, certain of her securities are intact, + so everything is not gone. But what I wanted to say was this. I + am determined that Margaret shall not suffer, whatever may have + happened. Any deficiency I shall make good myself."</p> + + <p>"My dear fellow, she would never hear of it."</p> + + <p>"That's why I'm talking to you."</p> + + <p>"Well, I won't hear of it either. As I told you before, it was + a trouble to me when I heard she had any money. Whatever she had + I settled on herself, and we can get on very well without + it."</p> + + <p>"All the same I'm not going to have her lose anything through + my—through him. Neither you nor she can stop me doing what + I like with my own money."</p> + + <p>"We can refuse to touch it."</p> + + <p>"That would be nonsense."</p> + + <p>"Not half as bad as you crippling yourself for life to make + good what you'd never made away with."</p> + + <p>"It wouldn't do that," said Charles quietly. "Ormerod's a + long-headed fellow, and we made some pretty good hits before the + bottom dropped out of things. You must let me have my own way in + this matter, Graeme, if it's only for my own peace of mind. I'm + going to ask Miss Penny to be my wife. Do you think—"</p> + + <p>"My dear fellow," said Graeme, jumping up and shaking him + heartily by the hand, "that's the best bit of news I've heard + since Meg said 'I will' in the church there. She's an absolutely + splendid girl, is Hennie. Except Meg herself, I don't know any + girl I admire so much. She's as good and sweet as they make 'em, + and for sound common-sense she's a perfect gold mine."</p> + + <p>"And you don't think—?"</p> + + <p>"I've never heard a hint of anyone else. Like me to ask Meg? + She'd be sure to know. Girls talk of these things, you know."</p> + + <p>"I don't know. Would it be quite—"</p> + + <p>"Everything's fair in love and war,—proverbial, my boy. + But I'm pretty sure you've a clear field, and I congratulate you + both with all my heart. Come to think of it, she's been as dull + as a ditch since you went away"</p> + + <p>"Really?"</p> + + <p>"Fact! I was trying the other night to prove to her that she'd + got influenza coming on, or hay-fever, or something of the kind. + She's as different as chalk from cheese since eleven o'clock + to-day. It's you, I'll bet you a sovereign."</p> + + <p>Charles did not respond to the offer. He sat smoking quietly + and let his thoughts run along brighter paths than they had done + for days.</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <p>At breakfast next morning Graeme soberly suggested to Lady + Elspeth that she should go conger-eeling with him that day. And + the shrewd brown eyes looked into his, and twinkled in response + to the deep blue and the brown ones opposite, and she said, "I + mind I was just a wee bit feather-headed myself for a while after + I was married. I caught congers before you were short-coated, my + laddie, but I'm not going catching them now."</p> + + <p>"They are a bit rampageous when they're grown up," he + admitted. "We got one the other day about as thick round as one's + leg, and it barked like a dog and tried to bite."</p> + + <p>"And does he make you go congering, my dear?" she asked + Margaret.</p> + + <p>"Make?" scoffed Graeme. "Make, forsooth? How little you know! + I'd like to see the man who could make that young person do + anything but just what she wishes. Why, she twists us all round + her little finger and——"</p> + + <p>"Ay, ay! Well, discipline is good for the young, and you're + just nothing but a laddie in some things."</p> + + <p>"I'm going to keep so all my life. So's Meg! Well, suppose we + say ormering then, if congering's too lively. Hennie Penny's an + awful dab at ormering. If you'd seen her the other night when she + came home! A tangle of vraic was an old lady's best cap in + comparison—"</p> + + <p>"And how many did I get, and how many did you get?" retorted + Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"I got six and you got seven—"</p> + + <p>"Seventeen, and you stole four of your six from Meg."</p> + + <p>"Oh well, I found the mushrooms, coming home, and they were + worth a pailful of ormers."</p> + + <p>"You didn't beat them long enough. Ormers take a lot of + beating," she explained to Lady Elspeth.</p> + + <p>"Thumping, she means. My mushrooms beat them + hollow,—tender and delicate and fragrant"—and he + sniffed appreciatively as though he could scent them + still.—"Your ormers were like shoe-soles."</p> + + <p>"And as to the mushrooms," continued Hennie Penny, "you'd + never have found them if I hadn't tumbled into them, and then you + thought they were toadstools."</p> + + <p>"Oh well!—Who can't take a hook out of a whiting's + mouth? Who was it screamed when the lobster looked at her?"</p> + + <p>"It nearly took a piece out of me."</p> + + <p>"Who nearly upset the boat when a baby devilfish came up in + the pot? And it wasn't above that size!"</p> + + <p>"I draw the line at devil-fish. They're no' canny."</p> + + <p>"Do they generally go on like this?" asked Lady Elspeth of + Margaret.</p> + + <p>"All the time," said Margaret, with a matronly air. "They're + just a couple of children. I keep them out of mischief as well as + I can, but it's hard work at times."</p> + + <p>"She's just every bit as bad, you know, when we're alone," + said Miss Penny. "But she's got her company manners on just now. + You should see her when she's bathing."</p> + + <p>"Ah—yes! You should see her when she's bathing," said + Graeme, with a smack of the lips. "All the little waves and crabs + and lobsters keep bobbing up to have another look at her. In + Venus's Bath the other day—"</p> + + <p>"Now, children, stop your fooling. Where shall we go to-day?" + laughed Margaret, and Lady Elspeth could hardly take her eyes off + her, so winsomely, so radiantly happy was she.</p> + + <p>"We old folks will stay at home and talk to Mrs. + Carré," said Lady Elspeth. "You young ones can go off and + do what you like."</p> + + <p>"Oh no, you don't," said Graeme. "You didn't come here to loaf + in a verandah. When you come to Sark you've got to enjoy + yourselves, whether you want to or not. Suppose we take lunch + along to the Eperquerie, and the elders can bask and snooze, and + we'll bathe three times off that black ledge under Les Fontaines. + And if the Seigneur's out fishing perhaps he'll take some of us + with him, those who don't scream when the poor fish gets a hook + in its throat. And you'll see Margaret out on the loose. She + always goes it when she's swimming."</p> + + <p>"I hope you won't venture too far out, Charles," said Mrs. + Pixley, with visions of his limp body being carried home.</p> + + <p>"Miss Penny and I are sensible people when we're bathing," + said Charles. "We don't lose our heads—"</p> + + <p>"Nor any of the rest of you,—nor touch of the stones," + laughed Graeme.</p> + + <p>"That's so," said Charles. "We like to know what's below us + and that it's not too far away."</p> + + <p>"It's very wise," said Mrs. Pixley plaintively. "One hears of + such dreadful accidents. I'm very glad you're so sensible, my + dear," to Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'm dreadfully sensible at times, especially when I'm + bathing. But that's because I can only swim with one foot at the + bottom."</p> + + <p>"Any beach about there?" enquired Charles + forethoughtfully.</p> + + <p>"Nice little bit just round the corner, with a cave and + all,—capital place for children. Paddle by the hour without + going in above your ankles."</p> + + <p>And so they wandered slowly up the scented lanes past the + Seigneurie, laden with the usual paraphernalia of a + bathing-lunch, and came out on the Eperquerie.</p> + + <p>They established the old ladies in a gorsy nook, built a + fireplace of loose stones, and collected fuel, and laid the fire + ready for the match, which Lady Elspeth was to apply whenever + they waved to her.</p> + + <p>"If She isn't fast asleep," said Graeme.</p> + + <p>Then they pointed out all the things that lay about, so that + they might take an intelligent interest in their + surroundings,—Guernsey, and Herm, and Jethou, and Alderney, + and the Casquets, and the coast of France, and the Seigneur in + his boat, and then they trooped off like a party of + school-children.</p> + + <p>And presently the old ladies saw them scrambling down the + black, scarped sides of the headland opposite, and then they + disappeared behind rocks and into crannies. Then a pink meteor + flashed from the black ledge, followed in an instant by a + dark-blue one, and both went breasting out to sea. And in front + of the cave two less venturesome figures beguiled the onlookers + and themselves into the belief that they were swimming, though + they never went out of their depth and sounded anxiously for it + at every second stroke.</p> + + <p>And up above, the larks trilled joyously, and the air was soft + and sweet as the air of heaven; and down below, the water was + bluer than the sky and clear as crystal, so that they could see + the great white rocks which lay away down in the depths, and they + looked like sea-monsters crawling after their prey. And the + shouts of the swimmers came mellowly up to them, and they could + see their little limbs jerking like the limbs of frogs.</p> + + <p>"It is good to be here," said Lady Elspeth enjoyably.</p> + + <p>"It is very very good to be here. I am very glad we came," + said Mrs. Pixley, with a sigh that was not all sadness.</p> + + <h4>VIII</h4> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp285" id="fp285"></a> <img src="images/fp285.jpg" + width="550" height="332" alt="ROUND THE ISLAND IN THE BOATS" + title="ROUND THE ISLAND IN THE BOATS" /> <h5>ROUND THE ISLAND IN + THE BOATS</h5> + </div> + + <p>Many such days of sheer delight they had, and kept the dark + cloud resolutely below their horizon. They accommodated their + activities to the limited powers of the elders, and took them + wherever it was reasonably possible for them to go. They + chartered a boat for the day, and took them and all the + luncheon-things round from Creux Harbour to Grande Grève, + subjecting Charles to long-unaccustomed labours at the oar. In + the same way they introduced them to Dixcart Bay, and Derrible, + and Grêve de la Ville; and, choosing a fit day, they + circumnavigated the island again in three boat-loads, landing for + lunch on an even keel on Brenière, and penetrating into + every accessible cave they came to,—Mrs. Pixley enjoying + the wonders in fear and trembling, and breathing freely only when + they were safely out in the open once more. And Graeme and + Margaret watched the approximating of Hennie Penny and Charles + with infinite delight. It needed only a full understanding + between these two to complete their own great happiness.</p> + + <p>But the dark cloud was there, though they might refuse to look + at it, and clouds below the horizon have a way of rising, + especially dark ones.</p> + + <p>The post-office in Sark is a cottage, or the part of a + cottage, turned from private to public use. In former times the + service was of a very perfunctory character, Providence largely + taking the place of post-master while that official attended + first to his fishing and then to his duties, and any who had good + and valid reason to expect a letter came down to the mail-bag + where it lay on the beach and went through it for themselves.</p> + + <p>The advent of visitors accustomed to more exact and + business-like methods, however, has done away with this Arcadian + simplicity, and now each day when the boat is in, all who prefer + not to wait for the tardy delivery at their own houses, collect + gradually round the official cottage, and in due course, and + after the exercise of virtues, receive their mail across the + counter. And some tear their letters open at once, regardless of + spectators, and devour them on the spot, but the wiser carry them + home for private consumption. For one never knows for certain + what of heartbreak and disaster the most innocent-looking + envelope may contain.</p> + + <p>Graeme and Margaret and Miss Penny, however, being in retreat, + and having cut the painter with the outside world, had not + cultivated the post-office until Charles and Lady Elspeth + arrived. But, as Charles had to keep more or less in touch with + Throgmorton Street, they had now got into the habit of calling + with him for his letters, except when the doing so interfered + with the programme for the day. And many an amusing, and + sometimes touching, insight did they get there into human nature. + Graeme said it was worth while the trouble of going, just to sit + in the hedge opposite and watch people's faces, especially the + faces of those who tore open their letters and those who got + none.</p> + + <p>They were sitting so in the hedge one morning, quietly + watching and commenting silently, and by looks only, on the + vagaries of the letter-scramblers, and Charles had pushed into + the crowded little room to antedate the delivery by a few minutes + if possible.</p> + + <p>As he came out, with his letters in his hand, they all saw at + a glance that something had happened. His face, which had been + gradually relaxing to its old look of jovial good-fellowship and + satisfaction with the world, was tight and hard, and yet they saw + that he had not opened a letter. He turned up the road with a + mere jerk of the head, and they followed wondering, and all, as + it came out afterwards, with the same dim idea as to the possible + cause of his upsetting.</p> + + <p>He handed Margaret a couple of letters for Lady Elspeth, and + made an attempt at conversation as they went along, but the cloud + they had been keeping out of sight was visible now to all of + them. Among the unopened letters in his hand was one which + disturbed him even before he knew what was in it, and they could + only wait, with troubled minds, for developments.</p> + + <p>Charles went straight to his room, as he usually did when + business matters claimed his attention, and from the look on his + face Graeme judged that the scramble, fixed for that day on + account of a specially low tide, round the Autelets, whose + rock-pools and phosphorescent seaweeds and beds of flourishing + anemones were a perpetual delight, would be off for the time + being at all events.</p> + + <p>But Pixley came down presently and intimated that he was + ready, and they trooped away, leaving the elders at home for a + day's rest, since rock-scrambling was outside their limits.</p> + + <p>Their progress, however, was not the usual light-hearted + saunter enlivened by merry jokes and laughter. The lanes were + fragrant as ever, the air was full of larks and sunshine, but the + cloud had risen and overshadowed them, and Graeme guessed why + Charles had come. There was something he wanted to discuss with + them alone, out of the hearing of his mother and Lady + Elspeth.</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a name="fp289" id="fp289"></a> <img src="images/fp289.jpg" + width="562" height="334" alt= + "THE SEA-GARDENS UNDER THE AUTELETS" title= + "THE SEA-GARDENS UNDER THE AUTELETS" /> <h5>THE SEA-GARDENS + UNDER THE AUTELETS</h5> + </div> + + <p>He was not surprised—when they had scrambled down into + Port du Moulin, and had passed through the arch, and were sitting + on the rocks above the first of the sea-gardens,—when + Charles said, "There's something I want to consult you about, and + I couldn't do it at the house, as I want it kept to ourselves. I + got this, this morning. Will you read it?" and he handed Graeme a + letter. Graeme opened it and read it out.</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"99A HIGH STREET, ALDERNEY.</p> + + <p>"MY DEAR CHARLES,—I will not at the moment attempt any + explanation of the calamity which has befallen our house. If + you knew all, you would not blame me as I fear you must be + doing. Let me say, however, that I have every reason to hope + that in course of time I may be able to redeem the position by + making good all deficiencies and so clearing our name of + reproach. To do so, I must get away—to Spain in the first + instance, and for that I need your assistance. The end came + unexpectedly and took me unawares, and I am almost penniless + here. In asking your help, I do so the more confidently as, in + the path I have indicated, lies the only hope of redemption. In + assisting me you will not only be doing what a prosperous son + might reasonably be expected to do for his father in his day of + misfortune, but you will be acting for the general weal in + putting me into a position to make good what I have all + unwittingly become responsible for, and to that sacred end the + remainder of my life shall be most solemnly dedicated.</p> + + <p>"I came here from Cherbourg, and am for the moment safe from + oversight. As soon as you place me in position to do so, I + shall get away and begin my new life-work, which I am earnestly + desirous of doing at the earliest possible moment.</p> + + <p>"Address me as above—Revd. J. Peace.</p> + + <p>"Your affectionate FATHER."</p> + </div> + + <p>Graeme kept the humorous wrinkles about his eyes and mouth in + order with difficulty as he read this very characteristic + effusion, but Margaret was the only one who saw it. Charles had + kept his eyes intently on the pool below, and Miss Penny had been + regarding him sympathetically.</p> + + <p>"What do you make of it?" said Charles. "It makes me + sick."</p> + + <p>"He evidently needs your help," said Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but have I the right to give it him? That's the + question."</p> + + <p>"He says——" began Graeme.</p> + + <p>"Oh, he says!" growled Charles. "Trouble is, he's been saying + for the last twenty years, and it has all been a lie. This is + probably all a lie too. Not all"—he added grimly. "As I + read it, he has got funds stowed away somewhere and he's anxious + to get to them."</p> + + <p>"So that he may make restitution," urged Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>"Yes, that's what he says," said Charles, in a tone that + showed no slightest tincture of conviction. "What would you do," + he asked, looking up at Graeme, "if you were in my place?"</p> + + <p>Graeme filled his pipe thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>"Let us look at it quietly all round," he said, and lit up and + puffed away contemplatively.</p> + + <p>"From what he says,"—checking off his points on his + fingers,—"if you don't assist him, he may be taken, and + the—the unpleasantness of the situation be thereby + increased.... I do not see that his punishment would help + anyone—except maybe as a deterrent, and that is + problematical.... I gather from this, as you do, that he has + funds awaiting him somewhere.... You have no great faith in his + promises—"</p> + + <p>"None," growled Charles.</p> + + <p>"And I presume, as a business man, you would count a bird in + the hand worth several in the bush—in other words, you + would sooner have what he has stowed away—somewhere, than + what he hopes to make some time—"</p> + + <p>"Sight sooner!"</p> + + <p>"Then, I should say, offer him such assistance as he needs to + get away, and, if you can see your way to it, a bit to live on + afterwards, on condition of his placing in your hands everything + he has got stowed away, so that you can pass it on to the + receiver."</p> + + <p>Charles shook his head. "I couldn't trust him."</p> + + <p>"Then there's only one thing to do if he agrees, and that is + to go with him and bring the property back with you."</p> + + <p>Charles groaned. "It may mean the Argentine. Spain's no place + for investments these days."</p> + + <p>"It's rough on you, old man, but it's the best I can think + of," said Graeme.</p> + + <p>"And supposing he tells me to go hang?"</p> + + <p>"Then," said Graeme, with a shrug, "I don't see that you can + help him. I have no personal feeling against him whatever, but I + cannot see how you can help him except on some such lines as I've + indicated. How does it strike you, Meg?"</p> + + <p>But Margaret shook her head. "I feel very much as you do. If + he is caught and punished it will only add to Mrs. Pixley's and + Charles's trouble, and benefit nobody. But he is very obstinate. + He has evidently planned out his future. I doubt if he'll turn + from it."</p> + + <p>"And you, Hennie?" asked Graeme.</p> + + <p>"I think you should help him if you possibly can. It's + horrible to think of him hiding there and in fear of being + caught—"</p> + + <p>"Helping him in any case is against the law—"</p> + + <p>"Blood is thicker than water," said Hennie Penny + earnestly.</p> + + <p>"—But if some present benefit was to come to his + creditors I should consider it right to do it, not + otherwise."</p> + + <p>"Suppose you go across, and see him, and talk it over with + him, Mr. Pixley?" said Hennie Penny.</p> + + <p>"I suppose that's the only thing to be done," groaned Charles. + "How do you get there?"</p> + + <p>"The <i>Courier</i> would call here by arrangement—up at + the Eperquerie," said Graeme. "She can't come in, of course. It + means lying out in a small boat and waiting for her. What do you + say to us all going? In fact, unless we do, how are we going to + explain Charles's going to Mrs. Pixley?"</p> + + <p>Charles nodded.</p> + + <p>"You could go and see him and we could talk it over again + afterwards. I'm inclined to think that he won't accept, you + know."</p> + + <p>"I don't believe he will, and it'll be a bit hard to refuse + him any help, if he really is on his beam ends."</p> + + <p>"He wouldn't have written to you if he could have done + without, you may count upon that."</p> + + <p>"Is he as safe there as he seems to think?" asked Charles.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I think so. Safer probably than in Cherbourg. It's an + out-of-the-way place, from all accounts."</p> + + <p>Discuss it as they would, they could not get beyond Graeme's + proposal, and so at last they went back home, decided on the + visit to Alderney on the morrow, but all feeling doubtful, and + some of them distinctly nervous, as to the outcome of it.</p> + + <h4>IX</h4> + + <p>The little party that lay in wait for the Alderney steamer in + old Jack Guille's boat off the Eperquerie, next morning, was + eminently lacking in the vivacity that usually distinguishes such + parties when the sea is smooth and the sky is blue. In fact, when + they got on board, the Captain decided in his own mind that they + must all have quarrelled before starting. There was no sign of + anything of the kind about them now, it is true, but that might + just be their good manners. For English people are not like the + Sark and Guernsey folk, who, when they do quarrel, let all the + world know about it.</p> + + <p>These four had apparently little to say to one another and + less to anyone else. If they had been going to a funeral they + could hardly have been more reserved.</p> + + <p>And to something very like a funeral they were going, with the + added anxiety of very grave doubts as to the result of their + visit.</p> + + <p>They had had no difficulty in persuading the elder ladies that + Alderney was not for them. The steep path down to the Eperquerie + landing, and the tumbling about in a small boat until the steamer + came, did not greatly appeal to them. Moreover, Lady Elspeth's + clear eyes had noticed the signs of their clouding, in spite of + their efforts after naturalness, for to experienced eyes there is + nothing so unnatural as the attempt to be natural. If Mrs. Pixley + noticed nothing it was probably because her faculties had not yet + fully recovered from the shock to which they had been subjected. + If she noticed she said nothing, having no desire, perhaps, to + add to the weight of her already heavy burden.</p> + + <p>"Now, my boy, what is it?" Lady Elspeth asked, when she had + persuaded Graeme to take her for a stroll in the evening, under + plea of cramp through overmuch sitting.</p> + + <p>"Jeremiah Pixley is in Alderney and has written to Charles + begging his help to get on his way."</p> + + <p>"Ah! And what are you going to do about it?".</p> + + <p>Graeme outlined their ideas on the matter.</p> + + <p>"He's an old rascal," said Lady Elspeth softly. "I doubt very + much if you'll get anything out of him."</p> + + <p>"Can you suggest any better way of dealing with the + matter?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know that I can at the moment, but I doubt if you'll + get any satisfaction out of him. He'll stick to all he can, and + his promise of restitution is all bunkum, I should fear."</p> + + <p>"And would you help him to get away in any case?"</p> + + <p>"Personally, I think a course of penal servitude would be of + the greatest service to him. But, for Charles's sake and his + mother's, the sooner the whole matter is buried the better, and + so I should be sorry to hear of him being taken. It would only + revive the scandal."</p> + + <p>"That's just what we all feel;" and he saw that the problem of + Jeremiah Pixley was too much even for Lady Elspeth.</p> + + <p>And so the party of four on the <i>Courier</i> lacked + vivacity, and found no enjoyment in the lonely austerity of the + Casquets or Ortach; and the frowning southern cliffs of Alderney + itself, as the steamer raced up the Swinge to Braye Harbour, + seemed to them but a poor copy of their own little isle of Sark, + lacking its gem-like qualities. But then their minds were intent + upon the business ahead and their outlook was darkened.</p> + + <h4>X</h4> + + <p>"Would you like me to come up with you, Charles?" Graeme + asked, as the steamer rounded the breakwater.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I'd like it," said Charles gloomily. "But I think I'd + better go alone. I don't believe anything's going to come of + it."</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid not—as far as we're concerned. You'll just + have to keep a stiff upper lip and stick to what you believe the + right thing to do." To which Charles replied only with a grim + nod, and they went ashore.</p> + + <p>"We'll walk up to the town with you," said Graeme, when they + got outside the harbour precincts. "When you've got as far as you + can with him, come down to the shore due West. You'll find us by + that old fort we saw from the boat;" and presently they branched + off towards the sea, while Charles went doggedly on into St. Anne + on as miserable an errand as ever son had.</p> + + <p>He tramped on along the hot white road, till he found himself + in the sleepy little town, where the grass grew between the + granite sets in the roadways and a dreamy listlessness pervaded + all things. He sought out No. 99A High Street and knocked on the + door.</p> + + <p>It was opened by an elderly woman who seemed surprised at + sight of a visitor.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Peace?" asked Charles, feeling thereby <i>particeps + criminis</i>.</p> + + <p>"He's inside. Will you come in?"</p> + + <p>She opened a door off the passage, said, "A gentleman to see + you;" and Charles went in and closed the door behind him.</p> + + <p>His father had started up from a couch where he had been + lying. There was a startled look in his eyes and his face was + pale and worn, but a touch of colour came back into his cheeks + when he saw who his visitor was.</p> + + <p>He had shaved off his bit of side whisker. His face was grayer + and thinner and his body somewhat shrunken, even in these few + days. He wore a white tie, and his coat and waistcoat were of + clerical cut. On the table was a pair of gold spectacles and on + the sideboard a soft billycock hat. He looked the + not-too-well-off country parson to the life. The only outward and + visible sign of the old Jeremiah was the heavy gold pince-nez + which lay between the top buttons of his waistcoat, which he + hauled out and fingered as of old the moment he began to + speak.</p> + + <p>"Ah, Charles! This is good of you. I hardly expected a + personal visit. I was beginning to fear you had not got my + letter, or that you had decided not to answer it."</p> + + <p>"It followed me to Sark."</p> + + <p>"Ah! you are back in Sark?"</p> + + <p>"I thought it well to take my mother there, to be out of + things for a time."</p> + + <p>"Quite so, quite so! That was very thoughtful of you. This is + a terrible calamity that has befallen us. But, as I said in my + letter, I have every hope of being able to redeem matters if I + can only get to where that is possible."</p> + + <p>"Where's that?"</p> + + <p>"Well, in the first place to Spain—"</p> + + <p>"And afterwards?"</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley hesitated. "Perhaps—for your own + sake—it would be as well you should not know—for the + present, at all events. You may be asked questions. If you don't + know, you can truthfully say so."</p> + + <p>"I gather that you have funds put away somewhere."</p> + + <p>"If I can get to where I want to go, I can at all events make + a fresh start. And I am prepared to devote the rest of my life to + the one object I have named.... The last few years have been very + wearying. I have had trouble with my heart at times;" and he put + his hand to his side to emphasise it. "But if I can get quietly + away I shall soon pull round and be ready for work again, now + that the strain is over."</p> + + <p>"You know you're asking me to do what I've no right to do?" + said Charles gloomily.</p> + + <p>"I know, my boy, and it is very bitter for me to have to ask + it. But I can't get away without your help, and the alternative + is not pleasant to think of—for either of us.... I do not + ask more than I would willingly have done for you if the + positions were reversed.... On the whole, I do not think I have + been a bad father to you. Circumstances, indeed, have been too + strong for me at the end, but—"</p> + + <p>"I am willing to do what you want—and more, on one + condition."</p> + + <p>"What is that? Anything in reason—"</p> + + <p>"I will provide you with funds to get away, and I will send + you three hundred pounds each year—"</p> + + <p>"Good lad!"</p> + + <p>"On condition that you hand over to me all the property you've + got stowed away—"</p> + + <p>"Damn!"</p> + + <p>"So that I may hand it over to your creditors."</p> + + <p>"Why not write at once to Scotland Yard and tell them where I + am? But, after all, I'm not sure that even your world would + applaud so filial an act as that."</p> + + <p>"I'm prepared to make sacrifices myself to help right some of + this wrong—"</p> + + <p>"I had to make many for you, my boy, before you were old + enough to understand it—before my own position was assured. + Ay, and since too. I would have flung it all up years ago but for + you. I wanted you to be set firmly on your feet before the crash + came. It has been killing work. I'm glad it's over—whatever + the end may be. If you can't see your way to help me, the end is + obvious and close at hand. I have, I think, something under two + pounds in my pocket. If I'd waited to get more I should not be + here. The end came unexpectedly. Old Coxley called for some + securities which I had—which I couldn't give him at the + moment, and I had to go at once or not at all."</p> + + <p>Charles stood up. He would have liked to tell him all he felt + about the matter. How the tampering with securities hit him more + hardly than almost anything could have done, since straight + dealing in such matters is the very first of Stock Exchange + tenets. How, if he had come to him, he would have strained + himself to the utmost to set things right.</p> + + <p>But, facile talker as he was on matters that were of no + account, he found himself strangely tongue-tied here.</p> + + <p>"Well?" he asked. "Will you let me help you?"</p> + + <p>"As you will, my boy ... If you do, it offers me a + chance—my only chance. If you don't——" he + shrugged his heavy shoulders meaningly.</p> + + <p>"Do what I ask," urged Charles. "It is the only possible + amends you can make."</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley shook his head. "It is out of the question. I could + do nothing with three hundred a year——"</p> + + <p>"You could live quietly on that in many places."</p> + + <p>"I don't want simply to live. I want to work and redeem + myself."</p> + + <p>"You have worked hard enough and long enough," said Charles; + and he might have added, as was in his mind, "And it has all + ended in this."</p> + + <p>"I would like to help you," he said, as he moved slowly + towards the door, striving hard to keep the stiff upper lip + Graeme had enjoined on him. "But I don't think you should expect + me to do what I know to be wrong. I'll do what I + said——"</p> + + <p>Mr. Pixley shook his head. His face was gray, his lips pinched + in. Charles went out and closed the door behind him.</p> + + <p>But he could not leave him so. He had known from the first + that he would have to help him, right or wrong.</p> + + <p>He opened the door again quietly and went in. His father was + sitting at the table with his head in his hands. Charles laid + down the money he had, with Graeme's assistance, prepared, laid + his hand on his shoulder for a moment, and went quietly out + again, and out of the house.</p> + + <p>It was a miserable business altogether. He never forgot that + last sight of him sitting at the mean little table in the mean + little room with his head in his hands.</p> + + <h4>XI</h4> + + <p>Charles went soberly down the green slopes towards the sea, + and presently discovered the dismantled fort they had seen from + the steamer as they ran up the Swinge that morning. And sitting + on the broken wall of a gun platform was a figure which he knew + by the dress to be Miss Penny.</p> + + <p>She had evidently been on the look-out for him. She stood up + and waved her hand, and he waved his in reply, and plunged down + the slope. His heart was sore at what had just passed. It turned + gratefully to one whom he knew to be full of sympathy for + him.</p> + + <p>When he reached the foot of the hill, they were crossing the + causeway which led from the fort to the shore.</p> + + <p>"Well, old man, you've got through with it?" said Graeme; and + all their faces showed the anxiety that was in them to know how + he had prospered.</p> + + <p>He nodded. "Let's go back and sit there for a few minutes. I + feel like a whipped dog;" and they all went back to the fort, + which, in its dismantlement and ruin, whispered soothingly of the + rest and peace that sometimes lie beyond broken hopes and + strenuous times.</p> + + <p>"Well, how did you find him?" asked Graeme, as they seated + themselves on the broken wall again, with the fair blue plain of + the sea dimpling and dancing in front.</p> + + <p>"Very broken, but as obstinate as ever," said Charles + gloomily. "Wouldn't listen to my proposal, says he's set on + redeeming himself, and so on. I offered him all I could, but it + was no use. So I left him—"</p> + + <p>"You never did—" began Miss Penny, with a pained look on + her face.</p> + + <p>"I did. But I couldn't leave it so. I went back, and he was + sitting with his head in his hands.... I just gave him all I had + brought and came away.... I know it was all wrong—"</p> + + <p>"It wasn't. You did quite right," said Miss Penny + vehemently.</p> + + <p>"I don't suppose any of us would have done differently when it + came to the point. I don't really see what else you could have + done," said Graeme.</p> + + <p>"He reminded me of all he had done for me when I was a boy, + and so on, and told me that if I didn't help him there was no + hope for him. I did my best—"</p> + + <p>"You have done quite right, Charles," said Margaret. "I do + hope he will get away all right."</p> + + <p>As he gave them the details of his interview, their quiet + sympathy restored him by degrees to himself. The bruised, whipped + soreness wore off, to some extent at all events, and there + remained chiefly a feeling of thankfulness that the matter was + over, and that, in doing the only thing possible to him, if he + offended against the law, he had still done what commended itself + to his own heart and to those whose good opinion he chiefly + valued.</p> + + <p>If there were no signs of merriment about them as they + wandered quietly about the strand, if they still bore something + of the aspect of a funeral party, it was at all events the aspect + of a party after the funeral. Their corpse was laid, so far as + they were concerned, and their thoughts and hearts were more at + liberty to turn to other matters.</p> + + <p>They have none of them ever cared greatly for Alderney, and + they always speak of it as a remote, unfriendly, melancholy, and + slow little place, lacking the gem-like beauty and joyous + vitality of Sark. But then one's outlook is always coloured by + one's inlook, and an overcast mind sees all things shadowed.</p> + + <p>They lunched at the Scott Hotel, in the garden, and felt + better than they had done for two days when their feet once more + trod the deck of the <i>Courier</i>.</p> + + <p>The southern cliffs were filmy blue in the distance, Ortach + and the Casquets were dim against the horizon, and Charles and + Miss Penny stood together in the stern looking back over the long + straight track of the boat, and thinking both of the lonely one + in the mean little house in St. Anne. Margaret and Graeme had + stood watching for a time, and had then stolen away forward. + Their outlook was ahead, where Sark was rising boldly out of the + blue waters.</p> + + <p>"I doubt if we'll ever hear anything more of him," said + Charles, with a sigh at thought of it all.</p> + + <p>"You will always remember that you have done your duty by him. + You could not have done more."</p> + + <p>"You have been very kind to me all through, very kind, all of + you. And you especially.... Hennie—will you marry me?"</p> + + <p>And she looked up at him with a happy face, and said quietly, + "Yes, I will. I believe we can make one another very happy."</p> + + <p>"I'm sure we can. Come along and tell the others;" and they + also turned from the past and went forward.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="WORKS_BY_THE_SAME_AUTHOR" id= + "WORKS_BY_THE_SAME_AUTHOR"></a>WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR.</h2> + + <p><b>Hearts in Exile.</b></p> + + <p>With Photogravure Frontispiece by HAROLD COPPING. THIRD + EDITION. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.</p> + + <p>"Exceptionally powerful, vivid, and realistic.... Sketched + with a generous hand and bold touches, the characters hold trie + reader's sympathies throughout. The most graphic, vigorous, and + lifelike presentment of Russian administrative barbarity which we + recollect to have ever come across."—<i>Daily + Telegraph</i>.</p> + + <p><b>A Princess of Vascovy.</b></p> + + <p>Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Oxenham tells a good exciting story with great swing and + zest. It seems almost unnecessary to recommend a story that is in + every way worthy of the pen that produced 'Barbe of Grand Bayou.' + 'A Princess of Vascovy' is just as picturesquely romantic and + just as full of incident and adventure as Mr. Oxenham's most + famous work."—<i>Athenaum</i>.</p> + + <p><b>White Fire.</b></p> + + <p>Red cloth, 2s. net; red leather, 2s. 6d. net.</p> + + <p>"'White Fire' combines religion and adventure; but the date is + modern, and the admirable missionary and his undaunted wife and + comrades protect their converts in the South Seas from kidnappers + and other pests with the aid of Maxims and Winchester rifles. Mr. + John Oxenham has already proved his descriptive and analytic + powers, and these strong-hearted champions of morality are not + less original than their surroundings are romantic. A tidal wave + is among the trials of the hero's constancy. The illustrations by + Mr. Grenville Manton are good."—<i>Athenaum</i>.</p> + + <p><b>Barbe of Grand Bayou.</b></p> + + <p>Red cloth, 2s. net; red leather, 2s. 6d. net.</p> + + <p>"There is a fascination about Mr. John Oxenham's books which + grows upon one. Barbe is a clean-cut, fine drawn character, + human, alive, womanly, real. Her history is so simply related, + with such convincing straightforwardness that one is bound to + admit it could not have happened otherwise. It had to be. The + tribulations of the pair of lovers are delightfully set forth + with the art of the true story teller. Quite one of the best + books of the winter season; worth buying and reading; not merely + ordering from the library."—<i>Academy</i>.</p> + + <p><b>Giant Circumstance.</b></p> + + <p>Illustrated by CHARLES HORRELL.</p> + + <p>THIRD EDITION. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.</p> + + <p>"A hearty and manly book, written in telling style of which + Mr. Oxenham has proved himself a master."—<i>Times</i>.</p> + + <p>"Told in Mr. Oxenham's usual spirited and vivid style. Those + who relish a good story well told will welcome 'Giant + Circumstance,' and will set it on a level with the best of Mr. + Oxenham's books."—<i>British Weekly.</i></p> + + <p>"A good story—should prove + popular."—<i>Athenæum</i>.</p> + + <p>"Bright, healthy, and interesting, will strengthen his + position in the regard of readers who like a good story of the + doings of wholesome unexaggerated characters."—<i>Daily + Telegraph</i>.</p> + + <p><b>Rising Fortunes.</b></p> + + <p>Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.</p> + + <p><b>Carette of Sark.</b></p> + + <p>Illustrated. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.</p> + + <p>"All who either know the Channel Islands or love a + full-blooded, exciting story, should speedily make the + acquaintance of Carette."—<i>Pall Mall Gazette</i>.</p> + + <p>"No one who likes tales of adventure—and who does + not—could wish for a better tale than this. It is of Sark, + in the beginning of last century, when its people were peaceable + and law-abiding, save on the question of 'free trade' and when + privateering was a legitimate business; so naturally adventurers + were more easily come by than in conventional days like these. + The youth who tells the tale, one Philip Carré by name, + comes by them all too easily for his liking. He is scarcely out + of one peril before he is into another, and quite + split-hairbreadth are his escapes from the Terrible Torode of + Herm. And it is all on account of Carette, charming Carette, the + pride of the island, and worth many dangers to + win."—<i>Daily Chronicle</i>.</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pearl of Pearl Island, by John Oxenham + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PEARL OF PEARL ISLAND *** + +***** This file should be named 15259-h.htm or 15259-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/2/5/15259/ + +Produced by Steven Gibbs and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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