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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Adrien Leroy, by Charles Garvice
+
+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: Adrien Leroy
+
+Author: Charles Garvice
+
+Release Date: September 11, 2005 [EBook #16682]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADRIEN LEROY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Julie Barkley and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            ADRIEN LEROY
+
+
+
+                           CHARLES GARVICE
+
+
+                               LONDON
+
+      GEORGE NEWNES, LIMITED SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND, W.C.
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER I
+
+
+It was a cold night in early spring, and the West End streets were
+nearly deserted. The great shutters of the shops were being drawn down
+with a dull rumble, and every moment the pavements grew more dreary
+looking as the glories of the plate-glass windows were hidden.
+
+Tired workers with haggard faces were making their way homeward; to them
+the day was at an end. But to the occupants of the whirring taxis and
+smart motors, as they sped westward, the round of their day was but
+half-way through; for them, the great ones of the earth, the
+all-important hour of dinner was at hand.
+
+At the entrance of one of the most luxurious clubs in Pall Mall two men,
+in immaculate evening dress, stood carelessly surveying the hurrying
+throngs of people.
+
+"Seven," said one, as the hour struck from the nearest church. "I
+thought Standon said seven."
+
+"Yes, and like a woman, meant half-past," returned the other, hiding a
+yawn.
+
+"Stan's too young to value his dinner properly, but Leroy ought to have
+been punctual. Oh, here _is_ Stan!" as a slight, well-dressed man sprang
+hastily from a smart motor and came towards them.
+
+"Hello!" said the new-comer, shaking hands, "you two fellows first? I
+hope I'm not late, Shelton."
+
+"Of course you're late," growled Shelton, with characteristic pessimism.
+"You always are, and Leroy is worse. Come along, we may as well wait
+inside as in this beastly draught."
+
+In the great dining-hall the snowy-covered tables were being taken
+rapidly by members about to dine; silent-footed waiters were hurrying to
+and fro, carrying out their various duties, while intermittently the
+sound of opening champagne bottles mingled with the buzz of conversation
+and the ripple of laughter.
+
+The three men, Mortimer Shelton, Lord Standon and Frank Parselle, seated
+themselves at a table in a comfortable recess and took stock of the
+room, responding to numerous nods and smiles of recognition, while
+grumbling at the unpunctuality of their friend.
+
+"Ten past seven!" groaned Shelton, looking at his watch. "I might have
+known that Leroy would be late. Shall we wait?"
+
+"Oh, yes!" said Parselle; "Adrien might not like it, you know. It is a
+bore, though! The soup will be as thick as mud!"
+
+"By Jove! I'd forgotten," interrupted Standon suddenly. "I met Leroy
+yesterday, and he asked me to tell you he might be late, as he was off
+to Barminster Castle last night. We were not to wait. He gave me a note,
+and--if I haven't left it in my other coat--" He fumbled in his pocket.
+"No; here it is." He produced the note with an air of triumph, and
+Shelton, with a muttered exclamation of disgust, ordered dinner to be
+served before he opened it. As he did so and ran his eye over the
+contents, he frowned.
+
+"Just listen to this," he said irritably.
+
+
+"'MY DEAR MORTIMER,
+
+A letter from Jasper takes me down to the Castle. I will return in time
+to join your little party and, with your leave, bring Jasper along too;
+but don't wait on any account.
+
+"'Yours,
+
+"'ADRIEN LEROY.'"
+
+
+"Jasper--always Jasper!" commented Standon. "I'd like to know by what
+means Jasper Vermont has obtained such influence over Leroy."
+
+"Ah, that's the mystery!" said Parselle, frowning.
+
+"It's as plain as a pikestaff," growled Mortimer Shelton. "Leroy saved
+Vermont's life years ago--at Oxford, I think. That's enough for Adrien.
+If a cat or dog, or even a one-eyed monkey, placed itself under his
+protection, Adrien Leroy would stick to it through thick and thin. You
+know his little way; and this Vermont is no fool. He intends to make
+full use of his friend."
+
+"And yet Leroy is not easily taken in," remarked Parselle thoughtfully.
+
+"Every man has his weak point," retorted Shelton with a shrug, "and
+Jasper is Leroy's one vulnerable spot. He will believe nothing against
+him."
+
+"He's a lucky chap, Vermont," said Standon pensively. "No one really
+knows what he is or where he springs from; yet he always seems to have
+plenty of money, and apparently the whole of Leroy's passes through his
+hands."
+
+"Something near a million," put in Parselle enviously, "and with the run
+of a castle like a palace. No, Vermont's no fool!"
+
+Mortimer Shelton nodded.
+
+"The Castle's all right," he said curtly. "You can trust the Leroys to
+have the best of everything. They treat money like dirt, and bow before
+nothing but Royalty and women. Yet, with it all, there's no stauncher
+friend than a Leroy."
+
+"As Vermont knows only too well," muttered Standon dryly. "By the way, I
+saw Ada Lester in the Park this morning. Jove! Such furs!"
+
+"In that quarter Adrien certainly treats his money like dust," said
+Parselle, with a short laugh. "I can't think what he sees in her; to me
+she seems an insatiate animal--and about as difficult to satisfy. It's a
+jolly good job for Leroy that, thanks to his father's generosity, his
+income runs into five figures--nothing else would stand the strain."
+
+"Do you know, some one told me at the Casket the other night that Leroy
+had made the theatre over to Ada entirely, and settled a thousand a year
+on her into the bargain," said Standon, leaning forward.
+
+"I daresay," Mortimer commented dryly. "He's fool enough for anything.
+The place runs him into eight thousand a year as it is--not including
+Ada Lester, the lady manager--so he might just as well hand it over to
+her altogether. I wish to goodness the wretched building would burn
+down! 'Pon my word, I shall set it alight myself one fine night----"
+
+"Hush! Here he is," said Lord Standon; adding quickly, "with Vermont, of
+course."
+
+The others looked round towards the new-comers. One was a dark-haired
+man of about forty years of age. His face was pale, with an almost
+unhealthy pallor, from which his small dark eyes glittered restlessly;
+his thin lips, tightly closed, were set in an almost straight line.
+Clean-shaven, sleek of hair, he wore an expression of cautious slyness
+that implied a mental attitude ever on guard against some sudden
+exposure of his real feelings. Such was Jasper Vermont.
+
+His companion was of a different calibre. Still apparently in the early
+thirties, tall, and with clear-cut aristocratic features, he was
+decidedly good to look upon. His face, fair as that of a woman, was
+perhaps slightly marred by the expression of weakness which lurked round
+the finely-moulded lips; but for all that it was stamped with the latent
+nobility which characterised his race.
+
+The Hon. Adrien Leroy, only son of Baron Barminster, was one of the most
+noted figures in fashionable society. His father, who since the death of
+Lady Barminster had lived almost as a recluse, spent the days in the old
+Castle, and had practically abdicated in favour of his son. So that the
+colossal income accruing from the coal mines of Wales, the rentals of
+the Leroy estates in the Southern Counties, and the ground rents of a
+considerable acreage in one of the most fashionable parts of London, all
+passed through the hands of Adrien, who, in his turn, spent it like
+water, leaving Jasper Vermont--his one-time college friend and now his
+confidential steward--to watch over his affairs.
+
+Leroy, with a genial smile of greeting for all, but a grave, almost
+weary expression in his blue eyes, parried the numerous questions and
+invitations that beset him on all sides, and, taking Vermont's arm, drew
+him towards the table where his three friends awaited him.
+
+"I'm sorry we're late," he said in a pleasant voice, which was clear and
+unaffected, in strong contrast to the chatter which buzzed round him at
+their entry. "Blame Jasper, who, if he is as hungry as I am, is punished
+already."
+
+His good-humoured laugh as he seated himself drew echoes from his
+friends; Leroy's popularity was never more apparent than in a gathering
+of this sort, composed exclusively of his own sex.
+
+"So, have just come up from Barminster," said Shelton presently, "How is
+the Castle looking?"
+
+Adrien, busily satisfying a vigorous appetite, merely nodded and smiled
+in reply; but Jasper Vermont answered for him.
+
+"Beautiful!" he said, with a smile which showed his white, even teeth.
+"Beautiful! It's a charming view; but we saw little of it this visit.
+Ah, Shelton, you are really an epicure! We don't get clear turtle like
+this at the Pallodeon--eh, Adrien?"
+
+"No," replied the young man, looking up. "We ought to have Shelton on
+the committee. No wonder they love you here, Shelton! And so the colt
+has lost the steeplechase? I saw the news as I came along."
+
+"And you have lost, how much--two thousand?" queried Parselle.
+
+"Five," said Vermont, not quickly, but just before Adrien could speak.
+
+"Is it five?" asked Leroy indifferently. "I thought I'd backed 'Venus'
+for more."
+
+"I backed her myself for a couple of hundred," put in Lord Standon
+ruefully. "She's a beautiful creature, though, and I'd like to buy her."
+
+"You can have her, my dear Stan, for a mere song," said Leroy cordially.
+
+"I'm afraid that's impossible," interposed Jasper with suavity. "She's
+sold."
+
+Adrien looked up in surprise.
+
+"Sold! To whom?" he asked.
+
+"To the knacker," was the calm reply. "Don't you remember, Adrien, that
+she threw Fording and broke her leg over the last hurdle?"
+
+Leroy's race resumed its usual air of bored indifference.
+
+"Ah, yes, so you told me. My dear Stan, I'm awfully sorry! I had
+completely forgotten." He looked round the table. "Any of you seen the
+papers?" he inquired. "Last night was the first of the new comedy at the
+Casket--how did it go?"
+
+Frank Parselle laughed. "I was there," he admitted. "Ada played finely,
+but they hissed once or twice."
+
+"Lost on my horse and on my new play. That is bad luck!" exclaimed
+Adrien, looking, however, very little disturbed by the news. "It must be
+withdrawn."
+
+"Certainly," agreed Vermont amiably. "Certainly."
+
+"By Jove! what did you tell me the mounting cost?" asked Parselle,
+addressing Vermont, but glancing significantly at the others.
+
+"Three thousand pounds," answered Vermont glibly, while Adrien ate his
+fish with the most consummate indifference.
+
+"Three thousand for four nights, that's about it. The public ought to be
+grateful to you," said Shelton with a tinge of sarcasm in his voice, as
+he nodded across at Leroy.
+
+Adrien laughed.
+
+"Or I to them," he said cheerfully. "It's no light thing to sit through
+a bad play. But how is that, Jasper? You said it would run."
+
+"I?" protested Vermont, with a pleasant smile. "No, Adrien, not so
+certainly as that. I said I thought the play well written, and that in
+my opinion it ought to run well--a very different thing. Eh, Shelton?"
+
+"Ah!" replied Shelton, who had been watching him keenly. "So you were
+out in your reckoning for once. It is to be hoped you didn't make the
+same mistake with the colt. I think you were also favourably inclined to
+that, weren't you?"
+
+"Yes," admitted Vermont, leaning back with an admirable air of content.
+"I laid my usual little bet, and lost--of course."
+
+"You should have hedged," said Shelton, who knew as a positive fact that
+Vermont had done so.
+
+"I have no judgement," Vermont responded deprecatingly. "I am a man of
+no ideas, and I admit it. Now Adrien is all acuteness; without him I
+should soon go astray. I am supposed to look after his interests; but,
+by Jove! it is he who supplies the brains and I the hands. I am the
+machine--a mere machine, and he turns the handle!" He laughed gently at
+his own joke, and held up his glass for replenishment.
+
+"A pretty division of labour," commented Shelton, with a faint sneer.
+"Now _we_ give _you_ the credit for all the tact and business capacity."
+
+"Ah, what a mistake!" replied Vermont, spreading out his fat hands with
+a gesture of amusement. "Well, since you give me credit, I will assume
+the virtue, though I have it not."
+
+He changed the subject adroitly to one of general interest; and as the
+wine came and disappeared with greater rapidity, the talk ran on with
+more wit and laughter, Vermont always handling the ball of conversation
+deftly, and giving it an additional fillip when it seemed to slacken.
+Adrien Leroy spoke little; though when he did make a remark, the rest
+listened with an evident desire to hear his opinion.
+
+At length Vermont rose, with a lazy look round.
+
+"Well, I must be off," he said smoothly. "Good-night, Adrien. I shall be
+with you to-morrow at twelve."
+
+Having bade the rest of the company a hasty adieu, he turned once more
+to his host.
+
+"Good-night, Shelton," he said smilingly. "Thanks for the excellent
+dinner. Rome would not have perished had you lived with the last of
+Cęsars."
+
+"And Adrien Leroy would not go to the dogs so quickly, if you did not
+show him the way," murmured Shelton inaudibly, as Vermont departed, with
+the bland smile still hovering round his thin lips.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II
+
+
+Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting
+for him. He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of
+the hour. Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to
+the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car
+glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows
+with an ugly smile.
+
+As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in
+reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature. He was the son
+of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life,
+namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to
+mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm
+Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.
+Ill-natured people were apt to hint that he had amassed his wealth by
+means of usury and the taking up of shady cases. At any rate, he made
+sufficient to bring up his son in luxury and send him to Oxford, where
+Jasper had first come in contact with Adrien Leroy. At the death of his
+father, Vermont found himself possessed of an income of a thousand a
+year, which enabled him to become a member of Adrien's set,
+notwithstanding that the amount was a much smaller one than he had been
+led to expect, and, in his opinion, savoured almost of aristocratic
+poverty.
+
+The car had rolled silently into a side street off St. James's, where
+the chauffeur pulled up sharply at the door of one of the old-fashioned,
+though now newly-painted houses. Vermont sprang out and rang the bell
+twice.
+
+"Has Miss Lester returned yet?" he asked of the smart maid who opened
+the door.
+
+"Yes, sir," she answered, and promptly led the way up a newly-carpeted
+staircase, redolent of Parma violet scent and glistening with white
+enamelled woodwork and plaster casts. The walls were adorned with
+pictures in the worst possible taste and the most glaring colours. As
+Vermont reached the first floor, a strong, savoury odour filled the air.
+
+He smiled sarcastically, and sniffed as if the perfume were familiar to
+him.
+
+"Miss Lester at supper?" he asked the white-capped maid, as she threw
+open the door on the first floor, and stood aside to let the visitor
+precede her.
+
+"Yes, sir; supper's been served," was the demure answer.
+
+Vermont passed into the room, which was furnished with the same lack of
+taste as the staircase. Two women were seated at the table, apparently
+just finishing their supper.
+
+At first glance they might have been mistaken for mother and daughter,
+as the elder woman was clad in a sombre black velvet dress, and had a
+pale, thin face, crowned with heavy masses of grey hair. On closer
+inspection, however, one perceived that Julia Lester was far from
+old--indeed, not more than about forty-five, and with a peculiarly
+gentle, almost child-like expression, which at first took one almost by
+surprise.
+
+On the other hand, her sister, though only about ten years younger,
+would easily have passed as twenty-five, especially when behind the
+footlights, which was her usual environment.
+
+"Oh, it's you, Jasper, is it?" she remarked carelessly, pausing in the
+act of lighting a cigarette. "Didn't hear you come in. You're so quiet
+on your pins."
+
+Like the house she inhabited, Miss Lester combined in her person
+prodigality of colours with a fine disregard of taste. Beautiful she
+undoubtedly was, with the black-browed, dark-eyed beauty of a Cleopatra,
+for there was some Italian blood in her veins. It was given out
+occasionally by the Press that she had been a theatre-dresser, an
+organ-grinder, and fifty other things; but nevertheless, illiterate,
+common and ill-bred, she had yet achieved fame--or rather, perhaps,
+notoriety---by her dancing and sheer animal good looks.
+
+As a matter of fact she owed her success primarily to Jasper Vermont,
+who, as a young man and during a quarrel with his father, had lodged in
+the same house with the handsome sisters, Julia, and Ada Lester, the
+latter then being only about fifteen years of age. He had fallen
+violently in love with Julia, then in the height of her beauty, and had
+cruelly deceived her. To appease the indignation of the younger sister
+he had got her an introduction to the manager of the Rockingham Theatre,
+who was about to put on a new Egyptian ballet, and from that time
+onwards it had been plain sailing for Ada. Later on came a meeting with
+Leroy, planned by Jasper's connivance; and Adrien, attracted by the
+woman's ripe beauty, had been blind, so far, to the deficiencies of her
+mind and character.
+
+To-night she looked a veritable daughter of the South. Her dress was of
+scarlet, touched with black, and she was wearing diamonds--gifts from
+her many admirers--of such intrinsic value as to render many a countess
+jealous.
+
+"Yes, it is I," said Vermont. "Onions and cigarettes! I thought Leroy
+objected to both."
+
+Ada laughed.
+
+"It's the smell he don't like," she said lightly. "He's so particular.
+But he's not coming to-night; leastways, he said he wasn't."
+
+"Ah!" said Vermont smiling, as he seated himself at the table and took
+up a small bottle which proved to be empty, "Is there anything left to
+drink?"
+
+"Have some fizz," said Ada hospitably. "Ring the bell, Ju, and give me
+another chop. Well, Jasper, what's the news?"
+
+"Just the question I was about to ask," he replied, as the maid-servant
+brought in a bottle of champagne and glasses on a silver tray. "How did
+the comedy go?"
+
+"Rotten!" pronounced Ada shortly. "I told Adrien it wouldn't go, though
+I did my best--didn't I, Ju? The frocks were really first-class--blue
+satin and silver, with loads of pearls, and my turquoise armlets. All
+right, eh?"
+
+"Yes," agreed Vermont, adding, with a sneer, "Perhaps the stupid public
+got tired of looking at the blue satin."
+
+"Then they could have looked at me instead," retorted Ada tartly. "But
+I've no patience with Adrien. Why can't he get 'em something lively? A
+musical comedy now--I could make that go, if you like! Plenty of songs
+and no talky-talky business. Besides, I _can_ dance."
+
+"But can't act," murmured Jasper, with his sarcastic smile.
+
+"Can't I!" cried Ada furiously. "That's all you know about it. Why
+didn't you come last night?"
+
+"Business," he answered carelessly, sipping his wine; adding, as he saw
+her about to question him, "With which I won't trouble you, my fair
+Ada."
+
+"Oh won't you!" was that lady's retort. "You're mighty polite, I must
+say. I suppose you were down at that old Castle again, and Adrien too!
+What were you doing there?"
+
+"Minding our own business," he replied smilingly, as he lit a cigarette.
+
+"Close as a fox, you are," she declared, with a short, disagreeable
+laugh. "Where's Adrien? Down there still?"
+
+"No; at the Thessalian. I left him there with Mortimer Shelton."
+
+"I hate that man," said Miss Lester viciously.
+
+"So do I," agreed Vermont, "but I don't say so. Anyhow, Adrien's safe
+there for another hour, and I came on to give you a word of warning."
+
+He turned to her companion, who had been quietly finishing her supper as
+if unconscious of anyone's presence.
+
+"Julia, you look tired; you'd better get off to bed."
+
+She rose and hesitated for a moment, looking from him to Ada; then
+quietly left the room. Vermont gazed after her, much as he would have
+watched a useless piece of furniture in course of removal; then he leant
+back in his chair, and, before resuming, regarded fixedly Ada's flushed,
+handsome face.
+
+"Well?" she queried, impatiently striking the table with her fork.
+
+Jasper leant forward and spoke with calm, unpleasant deliberation.
+
+"Ada," said he, "there was once a person who killed the goose that laid
+him golden eggs; there was another who beat his horse till it pitched
+him into the ditch; but neither of these attained such a height of folly
+as Miss Lester bids fair to reach, if she persists in worrying her prize
+donkey into kicking her to the ground and leaving her in the mud."
+
+"Oh, don't be an idiot, Jasper!" she exclaimed irritably. "Speak out
+plain, can't you?"
+
+"I certainly can, and will, my dear lady. To put it plainly, then, you
+are going the quickest way to make Adrien tired of you. After all, if
+you happen to possess a goose with the propensity to lay golden eggs,
+surely it is wise to humour him. And if the said goose happens to
+dislike the smell of onions, why fill the house with that particular
+perfume, sufficient to suffocate an elephant? Again, is it not the
+height of folly to stick plaster statues on the staircase which he
+ascends daily, when you know this particular goose detests imitation
+art? In short, my dear Ada, if you persist in thrusting vulgarity down
+his throat, you will find yourself very soon out of the graces of our
+friend, Adrien Leroy."
+
+Ada, who had been beating a loud tattoo with the fork which she still
+held in her hand, sprang to her feet and struck the table with a force
+which set the glasses jingling.
+
+"Jasper!" she almost shouted. "You'll drive me mad! Why don't you speak
+out and say what you mean? What's the matter with Adrien? What does he
+want? Aren't there a hundred men who'd be glad enough to furnish a house
+for me as I like? And can't I even eat what I choose without Adrien
+Leroy's delicate nose being turned up in disapproval?"
+
+"You can go to the deuce, if you like, my dear," declared Jasper with a
+calm smile. "I merely warn you that you are on the way to finding
+yourself in the street, if I may be allowed to speak out. Have another
+cigarette, and spray some patchouli about the room. There are more geese
+than one, as you say; and, after all, it is hard if you can't indulge in
+onions in your own room at one o'clock in the morning."
+
+Goaded almost to desperation by the sneering sarcasm of Vermont's words,
+the woman threw down her fork, thereby smashing a champagne glass, and
+thrust her angry, flushed countenance close to his.
+
+"What's your game?" she hissed. "Are you playing with me and Adrien? Are
+you setting him against me? I know your artful tricks; but don't you
+play 'em on me, Jasper! What are you doing up at the Castle so often?
+Making yourself pleasant to old Lord Barminster's niece there, I'll be
+bound. P'raps she ain't fond of scent or a pork chop or two, and she can
+have real statues if she likes. You don't remind him of that, do you?
+Oh, no, of course not! But you mind your skin, Jasper, for you can't
+play fast and loose with me. Shuffle him on to that Constance girl, and
+I'll make you pay for it. I know something you wouldn't like my lord to
+hear about; so, if you don't want me to open my mouth and split on your
+little games, don't you play me any of your tricks, that's all, or I'll
+go straight to Adrien and tell him all!"
+
+She stopped, out of breath, and Jasper Vermont, springing to his feet,
+glared down at her in impotent fury. But she only laughed at his angry
+face.
+
+"Oh, no, you wouldn't like Adrien to know how you fooled poor Julia,
+though it is over twenty years ago. I haven't forgotten, if you have,
+how you took her over to Paris while I was away on my first tour, and
+went through some form of marriage with her. You wouldn't like him to
+know how you told her what you'd done, when there was no longer need to
+keep it dark from your father, and of the attack of brain fever it
+brought on, poor dear! You were a nice brute to her, you were, Jasper
+Vermont; and it's a lucky thing for you and her too that when she
+recovered her memory had gone, and she forgot you as well as the child."
+
+Jasper stirred uneasily.
+
+"I didn't think she would have cared so much," he said. "Besides, she's
+all right now; she only forgets those few years."
+
+"Lucky thing for you," repeated Ada dryly.
+
+"What have you done with the child?" he asked suddenly.
+
+His companion's face lighted up with malicious triumph.
+
+"I've put her where you can't find her, anyhow," she said. "You shan't
+break her heart, as you did her mother's."
+
+"Oh, nonsense, Ada!" said Vermont contemptuously. "Don't begin to
+rant--you're not on the stage now. I kept all my promises to you, at any
+rate. I got you on at the Rockingham and I introduced you to Leroy; and
+if you had only played your cards properly you would have hooked him by
+this time. As it is, he'll marry his cousin, if you're not careful."
+
+"If he does, it'll be your fault," she snarled. "And I'll tell Adrien
+all, and how you're fooling him in other ways as well."
+
+Jasper sprang across the room, his face working with anger. There was
+something so deadly in the light of his dark eyes, such murderous hate
+in every line of his face, that the woman shrank back and uttered a cry
+of fear, instinctively glancing at a knife which lay on the table close
+to Jasper's other hand.
+
+How far Vermont's anger might have carried him she did not know, for, to
+her intense relief, the door opened and Adrien Leroy himself entered the
+room. He gazed in surprise at the two occupants, and in an instant
+Jasper had regained his self-control. He did not release Ada's wrist,
+but, smoothing his scowl into a sleek smile, he said with a careless
+laugh:
+
+"No, Ada, your arm is as slim as ever. The bracelet will just fit you."
+He relaxed his grip as he spoke and turned to Leroy. "Ada has bet me
+that the new bracelet you bought her is too small, Adrien," he explained
+glibly. "She thought she was getting stout."
+
+Adrien nodded indifferently; while Ada, with a little cry of relief, ran
+towards him.
+
+"Adrien, how good of you to come!" she exclaimed. "I did not expect you
+so soon."
+
+Leroy did not seem to notice her, but looked round the room with evident
+displeasure. The table, with its remains of supper; the stained cloth;
+above all, the undesirable odour of food and stale tobacco; all seemed
+to fill him with disgust. Gently, but firmly, he put Ada from him.
+
+"Jasper," he said, turning to Vermont, "you know why I came. Give Miss
+Lester the deeds of the Casket Theatre. I am tired and am going home."
+
+With a courteous good-night to Ada, who, without attempting to thank him
+for his gift, stood scowling and sullen, he passed out of the room;
+while Vermont leaned back against the table with folded arms and his
+inevitable, but significant, smile on his face.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III
+
+
+The night was bitterly cold; but, disdaining a taxi for so short a
+distance, Leroy buttoned up his coat and strode swiftly along towards
+his chambers in Jermyn Court, W. As he turned the corner of the square,
+he stumbled sharply over the slight figure of a girl, crouched near one
+of the doorsteps, and, with his habitual courtesy, he stopped to see if
+any harm had been done.
+
+"Have I hurt you?" he asked gently, placing his hand on her shoulder.
+
+At his touch the girl started up with a cry of distress; and, as the
+shawl fell back from her head, Leroy was almost startled by the vivid
+freshness of her beauty.
+
+"Oh," she exclaimed in terrified accents, "I wasn't doing any harm! I
+will move on--I--I was only resting." Then, as she saw the kindly face
+looking into hers, she subsided into silence.
+
+She was quite young, not more than about sixteen, and so slenderly
+formed as to appear almost a child. Her features were clear-cut as a
+cameo and she had a slightly foreign air. Her eyes were brown, but as
+the light of the gas-lamp fell full on her upturned face, they showed so
+dark and velvety as almost to appear black, while masses of dark hair
+clustered in heavy waves round her forehead.
+
+Unconsciously Leroy raised his hat as he repeated his question. She
+shook her head at him as he bent over her, but made no reply.
+
+"How is it you are out on such a night as this?" he asked. "Have you no
+home? Where do you live?"
+
+"Cracknell Court, Soho," she replied, in tones singularly free from any
+trace of Cockney accent.
+
+"With your parents?" queried Leroy, feeling for some money.
+
+"No," said the girl, her red lips quivering for a moment. "Haven't got
+any--only Johann and Martha--and _they_ don't care."
+
+"Who is Johann?" said Leroy, with an encouraging smile.
+
+"I don't know," she answered listlessly. "He's Johann Wilfer, that's
+all."
+
+"Why have you run away, then?"
+
+"Johann came home drunk and beat me--so I ran out."
+
+She pushed back her ragged shawl and held up her arm, on which bruises
+showed up cruelly distinct. Leroy uttered an exclamation of anger.
+
+"You poor child!" he said almost tenderly. "What can I do for you? If I
+give you money----"
+
+"Johann will take it and make me beg for more," she interrupted; and
+Leroy withdrew his hand from his pocket, fearing this to be but too
+true.
+
+"Will you go home, if I take you?" he began.
+
+The girl shook her head, and dragged the old shawl closer round her
+shivering body.
+
+"Not till morning," she said decidedly. "I shall be all right then."
+
+"But you'll freeze to death here!"
+
+She laughed harshly.
+
+"I wish I was dead," she said, with an earnestness that made Leroy's
+heart ache, as he thought of her extreme youth and saw the bitter
+despair in the great dark eyes.
+
+He drew himself up sharply as if he had decided on his course of action.
+
+"I cannot leave you here," he said quietly, "and money is of no use to
+you to-night. Will you come with me?" He held out his hand as he spoke,
+and, without a word, the girl rose wearily and laid her own cold one in
+his. They proceeded thus, in silence, for the length of the square; but
+Leroy soon saw that, whether, from cold or from hunger, the girl's steps
+were growing feebler and more uncertain. Without further ado, he picked
+her up in his arms, wrapping her shawl more warmly round her.
+
+"We are nearly there," he said reassuringly, "and you are as light as a
+feather."
+
+She lay back, perfectly content, her head pressed against his broad
+shoulder, her dark eyes closed trustfully.
+
+Adrien Leroy hurried on, for the wind cut with the force of a knife; but
+his face was very thoughtful as he approached his chambers.
+
+"What else can I do?" he asked himself. "She is such an innocent child.
+Can I take her to my rooms without injury to her poor shred of
+reputation? Yet no houses are open at this hour, and I cannot hand her
+over to that drunken brute. There's no help for it!"
+
+It evidently never occurred to him to turn back and deliver her into the
+charge of Miss Lester. Indeed, he thought that would have been greater
+cruelty than to have left her in the streets.
+
+Having reached the block of buildings in which were his own rooms,
+Adrien walked up the stairs and opened a door on the first floor. In the
+hall a light was burning, held by a statuette of white marble; and
+Leroy, after gently setting the girl down on her feet, led her into his
+study.
+
+The room in which she found herself was not lofty, but the ceiling was
+exquisitely painted, while from the four corners hung electric lights
+'neath delicate shades. The furniture was rich in colour, solid as
+befitted a man's room, while on the walls were a few rare engravings. A
+couple of gun-cases in one corner and a veritable stock of fishing
+implements in another showed that Leroy was not unaccustomed to sport;
+it was one of his man Norgate's complaints that he was not allowed to
+pack them away, but must leave them there, close at hand, just as Leroy
+might want them.
+
+It was not these, however, that held the girl's attention so fixedly,
+but the cut Venetian glass on the inlaid cabinets and the gold ornaments
+on the carved Florentine mantel.
+
+"Home at last," he said with a smile; and, opening another door on the
+left, he led her unresistingly into a second room.
+
+But here the girl seemed as if struck dumb with astonishment. She was
+evidently overwhelmed by the magnificence and luxury on which her eyes
+rested, and Leroy smiled in amusement at her unspoken admiration.
+
+"Come and warm yourself," he said kindly, drawing one of the divans
+nearer to the fire.
+
+Lightly she trod over the rose carpet, and dropped with a sigh into the
+chair.
+
+"Give me your hands. Don't hold them near the fire yet," he said, and
+began to gently chafe the poor blue fingers, for he knew the danger of
+too sudden heat. "That is better--they will soon get warm. And now we
+will have something to eat."
+
+He crossed over to the bell; and in a few moments the door opened
+noiselessly.
+
+"Let us have some supper, Norgate," said Leroy; and the dignified
+man-servant disappeared as silently as he had entered, while his master
+returned to the fire-place, and stood looking down at the girl he had
+rescued.
+
+As yet she had not spoken; but her eyes had been wandering over the many
+splendours of the room. Suddenly she lifted them to the handsome face
+above her, and said in a low, awe-struck whisper:
+
+"Is this the king's palace? And are you a prince?"
+
+Adrien Leroy smiled.
+
+"By no means," he said. "Ah! here comes something you require, I know,"
+he added, as the door opened, and Norgate entered, bearing a large
+silver tray.
+
+Having set the chairs to table, and placed the wine and glasses at hand,
+the man announced respectfully that supper was served. His master
+dismissed him, guessing that the girl would be less embarrassed if alone
+with him; and Norgate retired with a face as expressionless as if the
+entertaining of "street waifs"--as he mentally termed the young
+visitor--were of nightly occurrence.
+
+Adrien placed a plate of cold chicken on a low table beside her.
+
+"You are warm there," he said, as he poured her out a glass of wine.
+
+The girl looked up into his face with a mute, questioning glance; then,
+taking courage from the kindly eyes, she picked up her knife and fork
+with long, thin, but well-shaped hands.
+
+Leroy turned to the table, and by dint of helping himself from various
+dishes, under a pretence of making a hearty meal, he gave her
+confidence; and presently he saw that she had commenced to eat. Adrien
+rose from time to time, and waited on her with a delicacy and tenderness
+with which few of his friends would have credited him; till, with a sigh
+of content, she laid down the knife and fork.
+
+"Are you better now?" he asked as he took her plate.
+
+She looked up at him in speechless adoration, and her eyes filled with
+tears.
+
+"How good you are to me," she said. "I never dreamt there could be such
+a beautiful place as this. Do you often bring people in out of the
+cold?"
+
+His face became grave.
+
+"No," he said evasively--"not as often as I should, I'm afraid. And now,
+suppose you tell me your name."
+
+"Jessica," she replied simply.
+
+"And have you no relatives--no friends to help you?" he continued.
+
+She shook her head sadly.
+
+"Only Martha and Johann," was the hopeless reply.
+
+"You poor child! And what does friend Johann do for a living?"
+
+Again she shook her head.
+
+"I don't know. He gets drunk."
+
+"An overfilled profession that," said Leroy, with a sigh. "And now, what
+are we to do with you, little Jessica?"
+
+She looked up with frightened eyes.
+
+"Oh," she cried breathlessly, "are you going to turn me out into the
+cold again? Must I go? Oh, I knew it was too good to last!"
+
+In her terror she had started up; but Leroy put her back gently into the
+chair.
+
+"No, little one, we won't turn you out to-night," he promised.
+"To-morrow, we will see what can be done to make your road softer in
+future."
+
+She did not understand half his words; but as with an almost womanly
+tenderness he placed a silken cushion beneath her head, she nestled
+down, smiling into his eyes with the gratitude of a child that neither
+questions nor doubts. To her he appeared like a being from another
+world--a world or which she had scarcely dared to dream, and her eyes
+were eloquent.
+
+Adrien Leroy stood for a little while watching her, till her gentle
+breathing showed him she had fallen asleep.
+
+"A beautiful child," he said under his breath. "She will be a still more
+beautiful woman." He sighed. "Poor little thing! Rich and poor, young
+and old, how soon the world's poison reaches us!" Then, throwing a
+tiger-skin over the slender body, he turned out the lights and left the
+room. Summoning Norgate, he gave instructions that his nocturnal visitor
+should not be disturbed in the morning by the housekeeper, but should be
+allowed to sleep on. Then he made his way to his own room, not long
+before the dawn broke.
+
+He had befriended this young human thing as he would have rescued a
+wounded bird, and with as little thought for the consequences; yet the
+day was to come when he should look back on this action as one inspired,
+in very truth, by his guardian angel.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV
+
+
+The sun had risen cold and bright when Adrien Leroy awoke, and his first
+question was for the child, Jessica. But here a surprise awaited him,
+for the bird had flown. Norgate and the housekeeper had found the room
+tenantless. For some inexplicable reasons of her own she must have
+stolen noiselessly out while the other occupants of the flat were still
+sleeping.
+
+Adrien made no comment, but proceeded to undergo the labours of the
+toilet. A cold bath is an excellent tonic; and when Leroy entered the
+dining-room his calm face bore no traces of his comparatively sleepless
+night. He sat down to breakfast, waited on by the attentive Norgate, and
+turned over the heap of letters which lay beside his plate. During his
+leisured meal he opened them. They were principally invitations, though
+a few of them were bills--big sums, many of them, for horses,
+dinner-parties, supper-parties, jewellery, flowers--all the
+hundred-and-one trifles which were as necessary to a man in his position
+as light and air.
+
+With a gesture of weariness, he pushed the pile from him, and throwing
+them carelessly into the drawer of a buhl cabinet, left them until such
+time as Jasper Vermont could attend to them.
+
+"Where do I dine to-night?" he asked presently.
+
+"At the Marquis of Heathcotes', sir--at eight," replied Norgate, who
+knew his master's engagements better than did the young man himself.
+
+Leroy nodded absently.
+
+"Order the new motor for four o'clock. I want to see how it goes."
+
+"Yes, sir." The confidential servant coughed and looked slightly
+embarrassed. "I may mention, sir, that Perrier has sent in his account
+for the costumes made for the Fancy Dress Carnival at Prince's."
+
+"Refer him to Mr. Vermont," was the calm reply. "I have sir, several
+times, but he wants to see you personally. It's a matter of
+discount----"
+
+"Send him to Mr. Vermont. I know nothing of his bill or his discount.
+Surely you know that, Norgate," Leroy interrupted impatiently.
+
+The discreet Norgate retreated silently; and ten minutes later Leroy
+started for his morning canter in the Row. Here, meeting and chatting
+with his numerous friends, the morning passed quickly enough; and when
+Leroy returned to his chambers again, Norgate was putting the finishing
+touches to the table already set for lunch.
+
+"Covers for four?" said his master, as he entered the room. "Who is
+coming?"
+
+"Mr. Shelton, Lord Standon, and Mr. Paxhorn, sir."
+
+"Ah, yes, to be sure," replied the host, who had completely forgotten
+the invitation. "I thought it was for to-morrow."
+
+The loud hoot of a motor outside told him that his visitors were
+arriving; and in another moment the door was flung open, and Mortimer
+Shelton, followed by Lord Standon, entered the room.
+
+"Well, Leroy, old man," exclaimed the former cheerily, as they shook
+hands, "you look as fresh as if you had awoke with the dawn!"
+
+"Nothing new in that," said Lord Standon, laughing. "Nothing upsets
+Leroy."
+
+"Except a bad dinner," murmured Algernon Paxhorn, the fourth member of
+the party, who had just entered the room. He was the latest literary
+lion, and a fast friend--in more senses than one--of Adrien and the
+members of his set.
+
+With jest and laughter they took their places at the table.
+
+"Well, how's the steeplechase going?" asked Leroy, turning to Shelton.
+"What do you think of my 'King Cole'? Does he stand a chance?"
+
+"A chance!" echoed all three.
+
+"The odds are four to one on him, and few takers," announced Shelton.
+
+Lord Standon set down his glass.
+
+"Ah, that was yesterday," he said. "I was there later, and the odds were
+being lifted. You can lay what you like on him, my dear fellow, and you
+will have no difficulty in finding takers."
+
+"Oh!" commented Adrien, almost listlessly. "Something better in the
+field, I suppose? I thought the roan was not to be touched."
+
+"And I, also," said Mortimer Shelton; "I can't understand it! The only
+new entry was a weedy chestnut, listed by a Yorkshireman in the
+afternoon. 'Holdfast' they call him."
+
+"He'll require more hustling than holding," returned Paxhorn
+sarcastically.
+
+Lord Standon finished his wine.
+
+"I'll back the roan while there's a penny to borrow," he said with
+sublime confidence. "There's nothing can touch him."
+
+"That's what Jasper said," remarked Leroy, "and he ought to know."
+
+"Oh, yes, he's a good judge of a horse," grudgingly admitted Shelton,
+who frankly hated him; "and of men too--when it pays him."
+
+Leroy's face darkened slightly. Vermont was his friend, and he resented
+a word spoken against him far more than he would have done one against
+himself.
+
+"You misjudge him, Shelton," he said briefly.
+
+"Possibly," retorted the other, unabashed. "What you find so fascinating
+in him I can't imagine. Still, my dear fellow, setting Vermont aside,
+there can be no two opinions respecting your chef. Sarteri is a
+possession I positively envy you. There is not another chef in England
+that understands entrees as he does."
+
+"None," echoed Lord Standon. "Leroy will be famous for one thing, at
+least, if it's only for his cook."
+
+The meal came to an end, and the table was cleared by the silent
+Norgate. Cards were produced, and the four were soon deep in the
+intricacies of bridge. They played high and recklessly; and after little
+more than an hour, Shelton and Leroy had lost over five hundred pounds.
+
+"A close run, eh, Shelton?" laughed Leroy as he took the notes from an
+open drawer. "Had they played the knave we should have won. Time for
+another round?"
+
+"Not I," replied his friend, with a regretful shake of his head. "I'm
+due at Lady Martingdale's."
+
+"Picture galleries again?" laughed Standon, who knew that lady's
+weaknesses.
+
+"Yes," Shelton confessed, "and with Miss Martingdale too."
+
+The others laughed significantly.
+
+"Say no more, Mortimer," begged Lord Standon, with mock grief. "Your
+days are numbered. Already I see myself enacting the part of chief
+mourner--I should say, best man--if you will allow me."
+
+Shelton rose, laughing good-humouredly.
+
+"Thanks, I'll remember--when it comes to that!"
+
+"You're incorrigible, Stan," said Leroy, as his guests were taking their
+leave. "You'd better settle down yourself first, and leave Shelton
+alone."
+
+When they had all gone, the host stood looking at the empty chairs. They
+seemed, as it were, typical of the weary, empty hours of his life, and
+for the first time a wholesome distaste of it all swept over him. Day
+in, day out, an everlasting whirl--wherein he and his companions turned
+night into day and spent their lives in a hollow round of gaiety, in
+which scandal, cards, women and wine were chief features. And, at the
+end! What would be the end?
+
+Then he shook himself from his unaccustomed reverie; Adrien Leroy, the
+popular idol of fashionable society, was not given long to
+introspection.
+
+"What next?" he asked himself.
+
+It was Norgate who answered the unspoken query, by announcing that the
+motor was at the door.
+
+As Adrien descended the stairs, Jasper Vermont entered the hall below
+him.
+
+"Ah, just in time!" he said with his amicable smile. "You're off to the
+Park, I suppose?"
+
+"I don't know yet," returned Adrien evasively. "What do you think of the
+motor?"
+
+"Worthy even of Adrien Leroy," replied Jasper, with the faintest
+suspicion of a sneer, which, however, passed unperceived by his friend.
+"By the way," he continued, as they walked to the door together, "I have
+just left Ada in tears, poor girl; repentance followed closely on
+repletion. She vows solemnly to refrain from onions and patchouli for
+the future, and begs for the return of your favour."
+
+Leroy smiled gravely at his companion's flippant tones.
+
+"You make an eloquent advocate; but there's little need for pity in her
+case; her tastes are natural to her class. I was to blame for not
+realising it before; but she'll be well set up for the future," he said,
+and forthwith dismissed the subject from his mind. "But Jasper, what of
+this chestnut entered the steeplechase?"
+
+Vermont's dark, restless eyes dropped for a moment; then he said
+lightly:
+
+"Do you mean that Yorkshire screw? Oh, he is all right! Can't run the
+course, I should say, let alone the last rise. Nothing can touch the
+roan. If I weren't a beggar, I'd cover 'King Cole's' back with guineas."
+
+"Do it for me," said Leroy carelessly, as he settled into the waiting
+Daimler, which was his latest purchase.
+
+"What, another thousand?" asked Jasper almost eagerly.
+
+"Two, if you like," said his friend, as the chauffeur started the car,
+and with a smile to Vermont he took his departure.
+
+Vermont stood looking after him, his gaze almost still in its fixity;
+then he turned and passed up the stairs. In the dining-room he found
+Norgate, clearing away the cards and glasses, in no very amiable humour.
+
+"Has there been a luncheon party?" queried Mr. Vermont.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Norgate aggrievedly; "Mr. Shelton, Lord Standon and
+Mr. Paxhorn."
+
+"And bridge?" murmured Mr. Vermont inquiringly.
+
+"Yes, sir; and from what I heard, I believe Mr. Leroy lost."
+
+"Ah," commented the other softly, "I fear Mr. Leroy always does lose,
+doesn't he?"
+
+"He's made me lose my time to-day with his fads and fancies," grumbled
+Norgate, removing the folding card-table; "what with bringing in street
+wenches at one o'clock in the morning; and they mustn't be disturbed, if
+you please."
+
+Jasper Vermont was instantly on the alert. He was not above encouraging
+a servant to gossip, and, although Norgate was not given to err in this
+direction as a rule, upon the present occasion his grievance got the
+better of him, and Vermont was soon in possession of such slight facts
+as could be gleaned.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V
+
+
+Johann Wilfer, Jessica's adopted father, was German by birth, and the
+son of an innkeeper in one of the tiny villages on the banks of the
+Rhine. In his youth he had studied as an art-student at Munich; but,
+finally, by his idle and dissolute behaviour, so angered the authorities
+that he had been compelled to return home. Tiring of the rural life
+there, he finally obtained from his parents sufficient money to come to
+London to try his fortune.
+
+Here he soon obtained some work from the smaller art dealers, which
+enabled him to live in comparative comfort, and had it not been for his
+unreliability and his love of drink he might have seen to be a good
+artist.
+
+Wilfer was a handsome young fellow in those days, and while on one of
+his wandering tours in Kent he met and won the heart of a simple little
+country girl, named Lucy Goodwin. Lucy believed her lover to be
+everything that was good, and, trusted him even to the extent of her
+betrayal; so that, under some pretence, young Wilfer was able to entice
+the girl to Canterbury, where, a few weeks later, he deserted her.
+
+She was the only daughter of a widower, a clerk in the employ of a
+country bank, who, broken-hearted at his daughter's ruin, threw up his
+situation, changed his name to that of George Harker, and fled to London
+with his beloved child. Here he found it extremely difficult to obtain
+work. His savings soon evaporated, and alas! further trouble was in
+store for him; for one afternoon a smooth-faced gentleman appeared at
+their quiet lodgings. This was none other than Jasper Vermont, who in a
+long private interview with the unhappy Harker informed him that he had
+heard of Lucy's escapade, and threatened to proclaim her shame, if Mr.
+Harker failed to comply with a proposition he was about to make to him.
+The business which he suggested was one entirely abhorrent to the
+ex-bank clerk; but with money running short, and the thought of his
+daughter's misery should her secret be revealed, what could the father
+do but submit?
+
+The result of this interview was that, a month or two later, a new
+moneylending firm sprang up in a narrow street in the city, under the
+title of Harker's Ltd., and none of the numerous clients who patronised
+it ever recognised that the manager, Mr. Harker, was speaking the
+literal truth when he repeatedly asserted his own impotence in the
+business. Every one believed the story to be a fictitious one, invented
+to assist him in his extortions.
+
+Time passed on, and Lucy's pretty face and modest ways, perhaps her very
+sadness, which clung to her in never-ending remorse, caught the heart of
+a simple-minded man, one John Ashford. He was a flourishing grocer in a
+village on the banks of the Thames, and was then staying in London on a
+visit. After a hard struggle with herself the poor girl returned his
+love, and ventured to become his wife.
+
+Wilfer, from inquiries made by Mr. Harker, was supposed to be dead.
+None, she thought, knew her secret except her father, for Lucy believed
+that Vermont had employed Mr. Harker out of friendship and sympathy, and
+did not know until long after her marriage that she, and therefore her
+husband, were in his power. So she ventured to grasp the happiness held
+out to her, thus strengthening the chain which bound her father and
+herself in slavery to Jasper Vermont's will. For if they feared
+disclosure before, how much more did they dread it now, when Lucy was
+married to a man who prided himself upon his good name and untarnished
+respectability!
+
+Johann Wilfer, however, was not dead, nor had he left London. He had
+become a member of a gang of ingenious rascals, who lived by imitating
+the less known gems of the old masters, and palming them off on the
+credulous public and wealthy collectors as genuine. The impostures were
+very cleverly manipulated, and quite a little system was instituted to
+bring them to perfection. Mr. Wilfer's part of the undertaking was
+"toning"; that is, bringing to the imitations the necessary mistiness
+and discoloration supposed to be produced by age.
+
+He did very well at this business; so well, indeed, that he took a house
+in Cracknell Court, Soho, and if he could have restrained himself from
+the drinking of beer and spirits he would have been in comfortable
+circumstances.
+
+This perpetual intoxication eventually made its mark upon Mr. Wilfer's
+countenance, and contorted his face into a caricature--with its mottled
+skin and bleary eyes--of the good looks which had won Lucy Goodwin's
+heart in former times. His language had also degenerated as well as his
+looks. All trace of German accent had been carefully obliterated, in
+order that no suspicion should be aroused when selling a faked picture.
+He played the part of a Cockney so frequently and so well that that
+particular accent seemed, as it were, to be his mother-tongue.
+
+As the years went by even the gang became tired of his habitual
+intoxication, and only occasionally gave him employment, so that he
+turned his attention to scenery painting for the stage. In this way,
+when engaged at the Rockingham Theatre, he met Martha Feltham, Ada
+Lester's dresser, and by means of boasting of his wealth finally
+persuaded her to marry him. It was in this manner that Jessica had first
+come under his sway.
+
+When Ada found that her sister would never recover from the mental shock
+inflicted by Jasper Vermont when he told her that their marriage was
+illegal, she had made arrangements to get the child out of the house.
+Naturally the little girl was an eyesore and an encumbrance to her;
+especially as Julia--blissfully ignorant that she herself was the
+mother--was always worrying her sister as to the reason of Jessica's
+presence. Accordingly, when Ada, by reason of her improved position and
+higher salary, moved away from the Bloomsbury lodgings into a house of
+her own, she gave the child over to the care of her dresser, Martha, now
+Mrs. Wilfer, and had always paid regularly for her board and keep.
+
+Mr. Wilfer did not object to this addition to his income, though he
+still worked occasionally for the picture gang; and it was on one of
+their jobs that he came within reach of Jasper Vermont.
+
+One day he had been sent to play the usual proceedings to Mr. George
+Harker, presuming, naturally enough, that being a moneylender he was
+rich, and hearing that he had a liking for "old masters."
+
+Johann Wilfer saw Mr. Harker, and notwithstanding the changes which time
+brings to us all, and the entire transformation of name and
+surroundings, recognised him as the father of the girl whom he had once
+so cruelly deceived.
+
+The old man never having heard the name of Lucy's betrayer--for she had
+purposely kept it from him--knew nothing of his visitor, and eventually
+purchased the picture, after consulting with Jasper, who discovered the
+imposition at a glance, but saw in the impostor a possible new tool.
+
+He instructed Harker to obtain a written guarantee of the genuineness of
+the picture, and Wilfer, being half intoxicated at the time, for once
+forgot his usual caution, and gave the required pledge. With that in his
+possession, Jasper Vermont had Wilfer in his power, and only left him
+undisturbed because he saw no present opportunity of using him.
+
+But when he wanted him he knew that he had only to exert the authority
+which the warrant gave him, and Johann Wilfer would be his obedient
+servant, as many better men were already.
+
+The picture he intended--through Mr. Harker--to compel one of the firm's
+wealthy clients to take as part of a loan, a well-known trick of the
+worst class of moneylenders.
+
+Quite unconscious of the sword that hung over him, Mr. Wilfer, after a
+bout of hard drinking, went home, and it was in his drunken frenzy that
+he had struck Jessica. She, bruised and frightened, fled into the
+streets, where Adrien Leroy found her.
+
+Left to himself--for his wife was away for a day or two--Mr. Wilfer fell
+into a deep slumber, in which he remained for the rest of the evening.
+
+Early for him, on the following morning he was roused by a loud knocking
+at his front door. Now thoroughly sobered, he hurriedly dressed,
+stumbled down the rickety staircase, and opened the door, to himself
+confronted by Miss Ada Lester. Her face was flushed, and the angry light
+Jasper Vermont had called up by his sneers at her vulgarity the previous
+evening still shone in her dark eyes.
+
+"Where is the gal?" she asked abruptly.
+
+"The gal!" he repeated, staring at her in stolid amazement.
+
+"Yes--Jessica!" retorted Miss Lester, her jewels flashing in a chance
+ray of sunlight which had found its way through the dingy court. "Where
+is she?"
+
+"She is not at home," said Mr. Wilfer. "She and Martha 'ave gone out for
+the day to Greenwich. If you'd wrote a-sayin' you was goin' to call I'd
+have made 'em stay till you came."
+
+Miss Lester looked at him keenly.
+
+"If you don't believe me," said Wilfer, "go upstairs and look at her
+room."
+
+Ada ran past him up the stairs, and quickly returned.
+
+"It's locked," she said.
+
+"Of course; she's quite the lady--keeps the keys 'erself," sneered
+Johann. "Look 'ere, 'ere's her hat and coat; there's one of 'er boots,
+so she must be comin' back afore long."
+
+Miss Lester appeared convinced. She breathed more freely, as if a weight
+had been taken off her mind.
+
+"Here," she said, putting some gold coins in his hand, "is something to
+make up for my troubling you. But I was real anxious to know if
+everything was right with the gal."
+
+Wilfer--debauched and demoralised by drink--was disposed to look at the
+worst side of things; and from this point of view thought she meant the
+reverse of what she said.
+
+"Would you be very much cut up," he said slyly, "if she wasn't able to
+trouble you any more or answer awkward questions, miss?"
+
+She turned on him with a fierceness that made him recoil.
+
+"If anything happens to that gal," she shouted, "I'll turn the police on
+you. For, mind my words--I mean them--I shouldn't have cared yesterday
+very much if I had learnt she was dead, but now I want her. Do you hear?
+I want her, and you take care she's alive and ready when I come for
+her."
+
+Then, without vouchsafing any further information, she flounced away,
+leaving Mr. Wilfer staring blankly after her, and wishing for once that
+he had stayed his hand, instead of driving the girl into the miseries
+and dangers of the streets.
+
+Little did Wilfer or Miss Lester imagine that Jessica had found safety
+and refuge in Adrien Leroy's chambers.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI
+
+
+Love is the universal epidemic, effectual in all climes and conditions;
+there is no inoculation that will secure exemption from its influence;
+only given a warm human heart, and there is the natural susceptibility.
+
+So it is from high to low. The little blind god takes no count of
+difference in fortune or rank in life. Dynasties fall, thrones totter to
+the ground, crowns tumble to dust on kingly heads; but love rules and
+lives on, immortal, triumphant, unconquerable.
+
+Jessica had never heard of Romeo and Juliet, of Faust and Marguerite, or
+King Cophetua and the beggar maid. All she knew was that she loved, was
+conscious only that for a kind word from the lips of the man who had
+befriended her, for a glance from those dark eyes; she would gladly have
+given up all the other glories the world could have put before her.
+
+Poor Jessica, how sweet and yet how bitter had been the awakening in
+that gilded cabinet. How sweet to find herself there in reality, and not
+only in a dream; how bitter to know that she had no right there and that
+she must go!
+
+That splendid golden room, with, all the wonderful undreamt-of things,
+was not for her. She looked down at her wet, dirt-stained dress, at her
+worn, ragged shoes, at her cold, red hands, and shuddered. She had no
+right there. Should she take advantage of his goodness to remain and
+sully the beauty of his palace--for to her it seemed little less--by her
+unworthy presence? No, woman-child as she was, she shrank from the
+thought; then caught up her hat and arose, resolute.
+
+"He will think me ungrateful," she murmured with half-closed eyes. "He
+will think--no matter, he will forget me before half an hour. I will go
+back to Johann and chance the beating. This is no place for one like
+me."
+
+With a little graceful gesture she bent over the mantel and pressed her
+lips to the spot where Adrien had rested his arm; then with noiseless
+steps she stole from the room.
+
+The sun was breaking through the morning mist, but she shivered as its
+warm rays touched her, and with a weary sigh turned towards Soho.
+
+It was all over, the little patch of fairy-light in the dreary darkness
+of her existence, and as she reminded herself of this fact she shuddered
+again.
+
+Looking back, she remembered but little beyond the days she had passed
+with Johann and his shrewish wife. This strange adventure had been the
+first ray of sunshine in her poor existence. No wonder that she was
+unhappy at parting with it.
+
+Suddenly as she passed into Oxford Street she stopped, struck with an
+idea that sent her blood flowing into her pale cheek, flushing it into
+living beauty. Her large eyes grew thoughtful and full of a strange
+light.
+
+"Why should I go back to Johann?" she murmured. "Can't I follow him--the
+kind gentleman? Can't I be his servant?"
+
+The answer came quick enough from her inner consciousness. No, she must
+go back. Of what service could she be to such a man as Adrien? There was
+nothing for it but to return to Cracknell Court. So, wearily, but still
+with that grace which Southern blood bestows, even though it runs in the
+veins of a gipsy, or such a street waif as Jessica, she walked on and
+reached Johann Wilfer's house.
+
+Jessica knew that the man was not her father, but she knew little more
+than that. She had never asked him or Martha for any information about
+her parentage--indeed, had scarcely wished for any; it was enough for
+her than Johann gave her sufficient bread to keep life within her.
+
+That gentleman was, at the moment of her arrival, absent, engaged on
+business concerning the sale of the faked picture to Mr. Harker, and
+Martha was still away; so Jessica, pausing at the door of the
+living-room to ascertain that it was empty, softly ascended the stairs
+leading to the garret which served as her special apartment.
+
+It was as small and as squalid as all the other rooms in that crowded
+court; but it was different from them in one respect--it was clean.
+
+A miserable chair bedstead of the cheapest kind, covered with a
+threadbare quilt; a chair with the back broken off; a washstand on three
+legs, and a triangular piece of silvered glass, the remains of a cheap
+mirror, composed the furniture.
+
+This peculiarly-shaped piece of common glass reflected the girl's
+beautiful face in all manner of distorted forms. The quilt just kept her
+from perishing with the cold. But yet the mirror, the bed, and the room
+itself were precious to her, for they were her own. Beyond its sacred
+threshold Johann or Martha never passed. She had a key to it; and to
+enter now she unlocked the door.
+
+After the luxury of Adrien's rooms the mean quality of her own apartment
+struck the girl more forcibly than usual, and sinking upon the bed, she
+covered her face with her hands and gave way to a flood of tears. But
+the weakness did not last long; and after a moment of two, with a sudden
+gesture, almost Italian in its intensity, she flung back her head and
+rose from her crouching position.
+
+"I will not think of the beautiful place. I will not think of him, she
+told herself passionately.
+
+"But oh! will he be sorry that I ran away, or will he laugh, and ask
+that proud servant to see that I haven't stolen anything?"
+
+She shook her head mournfully at her own distorted reflection in the
+cracked mirror, then she sighed and went downstairs.
+
+Johann had returned, wonderful to relate, still fairly sober; but this
+was probably due to the necessity of maintaining at least the appearance
+of sobriety in his transaction on behalf of the gang concerning the sale
+of the picture.
+
+He was counting the coins on the table, some of them gold--for Jessica's
+quick eyes caught the shimmer of it--and he looked up half fiercely,
+half contemptuously as the girl entered.
+
+"Well, where have been? You're like a cat or a policeman--never to
+be found when you're wanted. There was a fine lady came to see you this
+morning--a real swell, my girl." He laughed coarsely. "But of course,
+you were out of the way. Where had you got to?"
+
+"Anywhere, nowhere," replied Jessica, who did not fear him when he was
+sober, though she hated him always.
+
+"Ah, that's the style! The swell lady ought to have heard you talk like
+that. She'd say I was bringing you up well. Come here and let's have a
+look at you."
+
+Jessica did not move, but stared at him steadily.
+
+"What! You won't come?" he said with a grin. "Well, there's something
+for your obstinacy, you little mule!"
+
+He flung a half-crown across to her, and Jessica took it up, then looked
+him questioningly in the face.
+
+"You're thinking I'm mighty generous, eh? So I am, my girl--foolishly
+generous." He laughed mockingly, "Well, what do you say if all the lot's
+for you, eh?"
+
+"All for me!" repeated the girl, stopping short in her task of making
+the mantelshelf neat; "all for me!"
+
+"Yes, when you get it, little cat! All for you, indeed! No! it's for me;
+and I've a good mind to take the half-crown back. A fool and his money's
+soon parted; but he's more idiotic to part with other people's. I'm
+going out. I shall want some grub when I get back--'arf a pound of
+steak, an' a pot of porter, an' don't forget the gin. Mind you remember
+now, or I'll break every bone in your body." With which forcible
+admonition the man shuffled out.
+
+After a few hours he returned, not blindly drunk, but spiteful,
+ill-tempered, and stupidly brutal.
+
+
+About the same time on that day Adrien Leroy was making his way in the
+new car through the crowded thoroughfare of Oxford Street.
+
+"Soho? Yus, sir. Crack'ell Court, fust turnin' on the left. I'll show
+yer, sir," piped the ragged urchin, whose heartfelt interest Leroy had
+purchased, along with his query, by means of a shilling.
+
+Cracknell Court was small, evil-smelling, and teeming with children.
+Bidding the chauffeur wait at the entrance to the court, Adrien, to whom
+dust, noises, and evil smells were things of absolute pain, entered one
+of the dens and asked for Mr. Wilfer.
+
+"There he is," said another urchin; and Leroy turned to face that
+individual, who was leaning against an open door.
+
+"Am I speaking to Mr. Johann Wilfer?" he asked courteously.
+
+"You are," returned Wilfer, taking the begrimed pipe from his mouth, and
+staring with bloodshot eyes at the handsome, high-bred face before him.
+
+"Can you tell me if a young girl named Jessica returned to you safely
+this morning?" Leroy enquired.
+
+"My niece, Jess, d'ye mean?" replied Wilfer, eyeing him suspiciously.
+"Ain't seen 'er fer months; run away last June, after 'elping 'erself to
+some of my cash, an' ain't been back since. 'Sides, what's it got to do
+with you, Guv'nor, I'd like to know? You mind yer own bus'ness."
+
+He leered drunkenly at Leroy, who turned away with a look of disgust. He
+knew how useless it was to expect truth from such a quarter.
+
+As the gentleman stepped out into the dirty court and returned to his
+car Johann Wilfer blinked his eyes in relief; then with an oath he
+stumbled up the rickety stairs into the living-room, and confronted
+Jessica, who was standing near the window.
+
+"So that's yer little game, is it?" he said with a sneer; "you're goin'
+in for swells right away, are yer, my gal? Got your name as pat as a
+poll-parrot. Knows all my private business, I dessay; I'll break every
+bone in yer body!"
+
+He stumbled towards her where she stood--her face still transfigured
+with joy at the sound of her benefactor's voice--and made a sudden grab
+at her hair. But, alert and lithe as a leopardess, she bounded over the
+table, and slipped past him down the staircase, from the top of which he
+launched forth a long volley of curses.
+
+Quivering and shaking, both with fear of Wilfer's violence and her sense
+of injury at his denial of her presence to Leroy, Jessica ran, as fast
+as her frail body would permit her, through the intricate smaller
+streets and passages which abound in the Soho district. Having gone far
+enough, in her opinion, to be fairly safe from any danger of Wilfer's
+pursuit, she stopped to consider whether she should endeavour to find
+Leroy.
+
+"After all," she thought, "perhaps it is best as it is.  He would give
+me money, or perhaps a few kind words, and only make me long for him
+more. Let him go, believing Johann's falsehoods."
+
+As she walked wearily along dim remembrances of earlier days thronged
+her brain; of two women--one whom she knew she had called Auntie--and
+who had treated her kindly enough, before Johann had got her into his
+power. Mingled with these thoughts came those of the man who had
+befriended her and even sought her out this day. When she remembered how
+he had rescued her from cold, hunger, and the dangers of the streets her
+eyes filled with tears of gratitude. Yet, though knowing how quickly he
+would aid her were she but to return to the beautiful room from which
+she had fled that very morning, she could not bring herself to seek his
+charity or ask his pity. She realised well enough that one such as she
+could never hope to win a look of love from him; but like the moth that
+hovers round the flame which brings it danger she nevertheless
+determined to see him again.
+
+With this object in view she slowly wended her way to Jermyn Court,
+wherein was the room in which she had supped and slept so delightfully.
+Afterwards she thought she would try to gain some work that would at
+least secure food and lodging, however poor, where she could be safe
+from the cruelty of Wilfer; surely in all London there was something she
+could do.
+
+When darkness came, worn out by watching and waiting in vain for Adrien,
+she again found herself without a home and without shelter; so,
+crouching on a doorstep, as she had done the previous evening, overcome
+with fatigue, she fell asleep.
+
+In the course of the night a dark-robed woman, passing on the usual
+round of duty assigned to her, stopped and looked at her. She was one of
+the band of Good Samaritan Sisters of Mercy established in some of our
+London suburbs, who seek out the helpless and downtrodden in the race of
+life--with healing in their hands and pity in their hearts--striving to
+raise them up from their hopeless position to something better. She
+stopped, bent down, and, drawing her veil aside, looked closely at the
+motionless face. Then she sighed and turned her head away.
+
+"So beautiful! So young! Can it be possible? Sister, sister!"
+
+Jessica awoke at the gentle touch, and sprang to her feet.
+
+"Johann! Don't strike me," she exclaimed, with her eyes half closed.
+"I----"
+
+"My poor girl, no one shall beat you. Will you come with me?"
+
+"With you?" repeated Jessica, now fully awake, but still eyeing the
+Sister with some suspicion. "Where? Not far?"
+
+"No, not far. But why do you say that? Is there any one you particularly
+wish to be near?"
+
+"No," replied Jessica, adding to herself, as the sister of Mercy took
+her hand, "but she shall not take me far away from him."
+
+"A roof of thatch is better than that of heaven," is an old Spanish
+proverb, and means, doubtless, that the poorest accommodation is better
+than none, or that which the streets provide. Jessica, clinging to the
+Sister of Mercy's succouring hand, was gently led from the silence of
+the streets to the still greater silence of an attic in a quiet byway.
+
+Here, seated by the remains of a small fire in a narrow grate, she
+watched with awkward interest, that was much like indifference, the
+efforts of her rescuer to revive the dying embers. Soup was warmed for
+her, but for a time she refused to take it.
+
+"I am not hungry," she said. "Only tired--so tired! Why did you wake me,
+lady?"
+
+"I awoke you because you were unhappy, and it was dangerous for one so
+young as you to lie asleep in the streets," replied the meek-eyed woman.
+"But you must not call me 'lady'; I am not a lady. Call me 'Sister.'"
+
+"But you are not my sister," said Jessica petulantly. "I haven't any
+sister or brother, or father or mother."
+
+"Poor thing!" said the woman, who by this time had made up a bed, plain
+enough it is true, but luxurious after the cold doorsteps, and she now
+helped Jessica to undress. "Poor thing, you are quite cold; and what are
+all these bruises? Ah! why will men be so cruel, when Heaven is so
+kind?"
+
+"I don't know," said Jessica, who took the question as directed to
+herself. "I don't know anything. Besides, all men ain't cruel. _He_
+wasn't; he was kind--oh, so kind!"
+
+"He--whom?" said the Sister. Then, as the girl did not reply, she looked
+hard at her and sighed again.
+
+"Now you will sleep," she said, "Will you kiss me?"
+
+With the impulsiveness of girlhood Jessica threw her arms round the
+linen-banded neck and kissed the Sister's pale face."
+
+"Good-night," she said.
+
+The Sister smoothed the coarse pillow, covered her up, and went softly
+from the room.
+
+When Jessica awoke the woman was again beside her with a cup of tea, and
+some bread-and-butter. But the girl refused to eat.
+
+"I am not hungry. I am not tired now, either, and I will go."
+
+The Sister put her hand on the girl's arm. "Not yet," she said. "Where
+have you to go?"
+
+"Nowhere," Jessica answered listlessly.
+
+"Then stay with me," said the woman kindly. "See"--she brought a basket
+to the bedside--"here's some work. I will teach you to do this, and we
+will live together. Will you not stay?"
+
+Jessica looked at the work, and silently nodded acquiescence. But
+nevertheless she sighed. To a nature such as hers freedom was life
+itself, and she was bartering it away for mere food. Besides, how could
+she now follow the one who had been so kind to her?
+
+But she stayed, and patiently worked all day, striving earnestly to
+catch the knack of the needle, and emulating the tireless industry of
+the Sister, who worked thus during daylight that she might pursue her
+mission of mercy and succour at night. Thus passed some days, and then
+Jessica's blood grew restless; the narrow room seemed to her stifling
+and unendurable, and she pined for the open air, as a caged blackbird
+longs for its native woods.
+
+The longing grew so irresistible that at last she succumbed to it; and
+one day, finding herself alone, she threw down the piece of work on
+which she was employed, and rising, snatched up her weather-stained hat.
+
+"I can't stay," she sobbed; "I can't breathe here! I must go, or I shall
+die. I'll leave before she comes back. Oh! I wish she had not been so
+kind to me. I feel a worthless, miserable, ungrateful creature!"
+
+Then she stole down the stairs, very much as she had slipped away from
+Adrien's residence, and gained the streets anew.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII
+
+
+It was the night of the great ball at Lady Merivale's town house. A Blue
+Hungarian Band was playing dreamily the waltz of the season, to the
+accompaniment of light laughter and gaily tripping feet. The scent of
+roses filled the air. Masses of their great pink blooms lurked in every
+small nook and corner; while in the centre of the room, half-hidden by
+them, a fountain sent its silver spray into the heated air.
+
+If wealth and luxury alone could bring happiness, then surely Eveline
+Merivale should have been the most envied woman in the world. A renowned
+beauty, a leader of fashion, with every wish and ambition
+gratified--save the one which, at present, the chief object of her
+life--to enslave and retain, as her exclusive property, Adrien Leroy.
+
+Her husband, the Earl of Merivale, she regarded as a necessary
+encumbrance, inevitable to the possession of the famous Merivale
+diamonds. His hobby was farming, and he detested Society; though quite
+content that his wife should be made queen so long as he was left in
+peace with his shorthorns.
+
+Certainly Eveline Merivale was not in love with her husband; but, on the
+other hand, neither was she in love with Adrien Leroy. It simply added a
+zest to her otherwise monotonous round of amusements to imagine that she
+was; and it pleased her vanity to correspond in cypher, through the
+medium of the Morning Post, though every member of her set might have
+read the flippant messages if put in an open letter. There was a spice
+of intrigue, too, in the way in which she planned meetings at their
+mutual friends' houses, or beneath the trees of Brierly Park, or at
+Richmond.
+
+Not for worlds would her ladyship have risked a scandal. She prized her
+position, and loved her diamonds far better than she was ever likely to
+love any human being under the sun. Still, it was the fashion to have
+one special favourite; and it was a great thing to have conquered the
+handsome and popular Adrien Leroy. It was little wonder, therefore,
+that, when midnight had struck and still Leroy was absent from her side,
+Eveline Merivale beneath the calm conventional smile, was secretly
+anxious and inclined to be angry.
+
+She was looking her best to-night; and although she had already been
+surfeited with compliments from duke to subaltern, she yet longed to
+hear one other voice praise her appearance. There was, indeed, every
+reason why Lady Merivale should be lauded as the greatest beauty of her
+time, for she carried all before her by the sheer force of her
+personality. Dazzlingly fair, with hair of a bronze Titian hue, which
+clustered in great waves about her forehead; her eyes of a deep,
+lustrous blue, shading almost to violet. To-night she would have borne
+off the palm of beauty from any Court in the world, for her dress was a
+creation of Paquin, and enhanced to perfection her delicate colouring,
+which needed no artificial aids.
+
+Diamonds glistened round her perfect throat, upon her head rested a
+magnificent tiara of the same stones, her hands flashed as if touched
+with living fire. She might have stood as a figure of Undine--as
+beautiful and as soulless.
+
+All around her the little band of courtiers thronged ever-changing, and
+passing on to the ball-room as others eagerly took their place.
+Half-past twelve struck, and she grew more impatient; the blue eyes
+sparkled frostily, the red lips became more tightly set.
+
+"Lady Merivale looks riled," Mortimer Shelton said to his partner as
+they passed her. "You can see that by the sweetness of the smile with
+which she has just favoured Hadley. She wishes him anywhere--I know.
+Funny thing about you ladies! the madder you are with one poor
+dev--fellow, the sweeter and deadlier you are to the rest of us."
+
+His partner laughed; she was a bright little brunette, flushed with the
+dance, and thoroughly happy.
+
+"Why should we wear our hearts upon our sleeves for cynics such as you
+to peck at?" she replied. "The art of dissembling is one of our few
+privileges. But do you think the Countess is angry? She is so
+beautiful."
+
+"Marvellous!" exclaimed the cynic, raising his eyebrows. "Dear Lady
+Chetwold, is it possible that I hear one beautiful woman praise
+another's looks?"
+
+The little lady flushed.
+
+"It would be a greater marvel still if you men gave us credit for just a
+_little_ generosity. But, tell me Mr. Shelton, where is Adrien Leroy?"
+
+"My dear lady," said Shelton, with a wicked twinkle in his eyes, "if I
+knew that Lady Merivale would be down on me like the proverbial load of
+bricks. He was to have been here; but his movements are as uncertain as
+her ladyship's smiles. See, she has fairly extinguished poor
+Hadley--drowned in sweetness!"
+
+"You are a horror," laughed his companion as the waltz came to an end.
+"I shall be quite afraid of you in the future--I'd no idea you were so
+cynical."
+
+"I could never be cynical with _you_," he said gallantly. "By the way,
+have you seen Prince Pfowsky to-night?"
+
+"Yes," said Lady Chetwold, "I am engaged to him for the next dance--if
+he remembers it. He is always so forgetful."
+
+"'Put not your trust in princes,'" quoted Shelton. "But if his Highness
+should be so ungrateful, perhaps you will allow me the pleasure----"
+
+"Certainly not," she retorted brightly; "Cęsar or nothing!"
+
+"And here he comes," laughed Mortimer; adding softly, as the Prince came
+up to claim his partner, "and here is some one even more
+interesting--look."
+
+Lady Chetwold followed the direction of his gaze and saw Adrien Leroy
+advancing up the rose-decked room. As usual, his appearance created
+something like a stir, for he was popular with men and women alike, and
+no smart gathering seemed quite complete without him. But the young man
+appeared totally unconscious of the interest he was evoking as he bent
+over his hostess's hand with a murmured greeting, then turned to make
+his bow to the Prince, who, as firm an admirer as the rest of Society,
+had paused to exchange a word before the dance commenced.
+
+Adrien sank on to the velvet lounge beside the Countess.
+
+"Don't scold me, belle amie," he said in his soft tones; "lay the blame
+on Mr. Paxhorn. I dined with him at the club. You know what Paxhorn
+is--there was simply no getting away. But, now, have you saved me a
+dance?"
+
+"You do not deserve one," she said, all the irritation melting beneath
+the magic of his smile and the music of his voice.
+
+"It's a mercy," he retorted lightly, "that one does not get all one's
+deserts in this world!"
+
+"I saved you the next," she said, giving him her programme. "You see, I
+am as foolishly forgiving as ever."
+
+"You are gracious and sweet!" he murmured in her ear. "How could you
+ever be otherwise?"
+
+The soft phrase passed unreproved.
+
+"You have been down to Barminster again?" she inquired.
+
+"Yes," he replied, as he settled himself more comfortably.
+
+"You have been very attentive to your father lately," she said a little
+suspiciously; "I thought filial affection was not the Leroys' strong
+point."
+
+"Nor is it," he said with a laugh; "but it is business, my dear Eveline,
+odious business, into which Jasper inveigles me."
+
+"I thought Mr. Vermont was the new machine that was to save you
+trouble?"
+
+"Yes, that's what I thought," was the languid reply. "But one has to
+turn the handle, even of machines. There are signatures, and leases, and
+Heaven knows what besides."
+
+"How is Lord Barminster?" she inquired.
+
+"Splendid."
+
+"Lady Constance also well?"--with the slightest tinge of restraint in
+her voice.
+
+"Yes," he answered indifferently; adding, "but you haven't asked after
+'King Cole.'"
+
+"Ah, no, but you would have told me at first if anything had been wrong
+with him."
+
+Leroy smiled. He knew that to be true.
+
+"He will win, you think?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"Oh, yes!" was the careless reply. "Vermont says there is nothing to
+touch him."
+
+The countess raised her eyebrows.
+
+"You trust this Vermont with a great deal, Adrien. Your horses, your
+wine, and your legal business. He must be a wonderful man."
+
+"Yes," he answered confidently. "Jasper's a treasure. Nothing comes
+amiss to him. I should be in my grave if I had to face half the worries
+he wrestles with daily. Come," he added, as the first bars of the new
+waltz floated from the gallery; and with a sigh of enjoyment she rose
+for the promised dance.
+
+"No one's step suits me like yours," she breathed, when they paused for
+rest. "Adrien, shall I back 'King Cole' for another two hundred?"
+
+The two sentences were, perhaps, rather incongruous, but curiously
+characteristic of her ladyship; for, in addition to a natural love of
+intrigue, she had a partiality for betting on the turf and speculation
+on 'Change--both, of course, sub rosa.
+
+"Oh, yes," he said, as they started again. "Jasper has put two thousand
+more of mine on to-day. There he is," he broke off, as the sleek,
+carefully dressed figure of Mr. Vermont entered the ball-room.
+
+"Talk of angels," murmured Lady Merivale, but with a glance implying
+that she meant a being very far removed from that celestial grade.
+
+Jasper Vermont did not excel at dancing; yet, strange to say, he was
+invariably invited to every big function of the season. Indeed, the
+hostesses of Mayfair would almost as soon have omitted the name of
+Adrien Leroy himself as that of his friend.
+
+It was difficult to explain this other than on account of his engaging
+amiability. Probably Vermont would have transformed the famous advice of
+Uriah Heep to "Always be obliging." Certainly, no pleasanter company
+could be found, whether for man or woman; whatever the hour, however
+mixed the company, Jasper Vermont had always a smile, a jest, or a new
+and piquant scandal. In the smoking-room he would rival Mortimer Shelton
+in apparently good-natured cynicism. In a duchess's boudoir he would
+enliven the afternoon tea hour with the neatest of epigrams and the
+spiciest slander of her Grace's dearest friend. Nothing came amiss to
+him; as Adrien Leroy had once said, he was "a walking encyclopędia."
+
+Yet with all Mr. Vermont's charm of manner, he could resent, smiling
+still, an impertinence or a snub, and deal back a tongue thrust that
+would effectually put his opponent hors de combat. Truly of him might be
+quoted, "I smile, and murder while I smile."
+
+To-night he was apparently enjoying the gay scene before him. His sharp
+black eyes were like little snakes, darting here, there, and everywhere,
+while he wagged his smooth head to the time of the music, as if in keen
+enjoyment.
+
+Mortimer Shelton noticed him; "gloating over his future victims," he
+commented, almost audibly, as he and his partner passed close to where
+he was standing. Vermont, however, apparently did not hear him, but
+continued to smile, amiably as the dancers whirled by.
+
+It was nearly daybreak when the carriages drew up outside the great
+house to take the guests to their respective homes; and, having
+successfully steered a young marchioness into her electric brougham,
+Leroy found himself standing close to Vermont, not far from where his
+own motor awaited him.
+
+"They call this pleasure, Jasper," he said, almost scornfully, watching
+the struggling, aristocratic crowd with a half-contemptuous smile on his
+lips. "Why, it's hard work. They fight and push for the sake of a few
+hours spent in a crowded, poisoned room; and there's no prophet to rise
+up and proclaim it madness."
+
+"No," laughed Vermont cynically; "prophets nowadays have no liking for
+being stoned; and, after all, life would be unendurable, were it not for
+its pleasures. Let me remind you that it is nearly four o'clock, and you
+are due at Lord Standon's rooms."
+
+With a sigh Leroy turned and jumped into the motor, followed by his
+faithful squire; and the powerful car hooted its way through the
+twilight of the dawn.
+
+They reached Lord Standon's chambers, to find the finish of a theatre
+party. The room was filled with beautiful women, mostly stars of the
+musical comedy stage, including Ada Lester, who was evidently on her
+best behaviour.
+
+Here, amidst light and laughter, the goddess of pleasure was being feted
+by her youthful worshippers, and none appeared a more eager votary than
+Adrien Leroy. Yet, as he stood, champagne glass in hand, propounding the
+toast of the evening--or rather morning, for the dawn was breaking in
+the sky--there was none to tell him of the impending cloud of treachery
+that hung over his head. None who dare warn him to beware of the
+friendship of--Mr. Jasper Vermont.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+High up in the woods of Buckinghamshire stood Barminster Castle, so old
+that one-half of its pile dated back to Norman times; while the whole,
+with the wings and parts added by the successive generations of Leroys,
+might have passed for a royal palace by reason of its splendour and
+magnificence.
+
+Needless to say, the Leroys were proud of their ancestral home, for
+there had been Leroys since William the Conqueror had calmly annexed the
+land on which it now stood, and had given it to his faithful baron,
+Philip Le Roi. But they valued still more the love and respect of their
+people, who in hamlet and village surrounded the castle as naturally as
+did the woods.
+
+Yet the present Lord Barminster had done little to keep the flame of
+loyalty alight in the hearts of his tenants. He was an old man, nearing
+seventy, tall, white-headed and haughty--every feature clear-cut, as if
+carved from marble. Few people had ever seen the stern lines of that
+face relax in light-hearted laughter since the death of his young wife,
+which had occurred a few years after the birth of Adrien. None, outside
+his immediate family circle, had ever known the curtness of his speech
+to be softened unless in sarcasm; and his habitual expression was one of
+haughty tolerance.
+
+His friends feared him, even as they respected him, for if he had the
+faults of his race, he also possessed its great virtue--justice. No man,
+prince or peasant, friend or foe, ever appealed to Lord Barminster for
+that in vain.
+
+Now, in the clear brightness of the spring morning he paced to and fro
+on the south terrace.
+
+Behind him glittered the long French windows of the morning-room, one of
+which stood open, revealing the luxury of the room beyond; the table
+with its silver and delicate china service, and the purple hangings of
+the walls.
+
+Presently he stopped in his stroll and turned his stern eyes towards the
+landscape stretching beneath him. Through the confusion of the dark
+woods there lay a long line of turf, cut here and there by formidable
+hedges, and divided by a streak of glittering silver, which was in
+reality a dangerous stream--indeed, higher up it became a
+torrent--forming the final obstacle of the Barminster steeple-course.
+All the Leroys had been fond of horses. The Barminster stables had sent
+many a satin-coated colt to carry off the gold cup; and this race-course
+had been carefully kept and preserved by the family for many
+generations.
+
+While he stood gazing on it a light footstep sounded behind him, and a
+slender hand was laid on his shoulder. He turned slowly, and with a kind
+of kingly courtesy kissed the long white fingers.
+
+"You are early as usual, Constance," he said approvingly.
+
+Lady Constance Tremaine smiled as she turned with him and walked along
+the mosaic pavement of the terrace. She was little more than a girl,
+with a slim, graceful figure, and clad in a simple white morning gown,
+which served to enhance her youthful beauty. Her face was a pure oval,
+with clear-cut features and an exquisitely curved, sensitive mouth,
+while her grey-blue eyes gazed from beneath their thick lashes with a
+calm serenity that bred faith and confidence in those who looked upon
+them. Crowned with a wealth of pale golden hair, together with her
+delicate complexion, she looked as if she had stepped from one of the
+old Florentine pictures of the saints.
+
+As the two so typical of youth and age stood side by side in the clear
+morning light, the resemblance between them was marked. Indeed, they
+were related, for the Tremaines were a distant branch of the Leroy
+family, and the same proud blood ran in their veins. Lady Constance had
+been brought up in the Barminster household, and Adrien had grown to
+regard her in the light of a loved and trusted sister; but, as yet,
+nothing more.
+
+"Won't you come in to breakfast?" she said, as they reached the end of
+the terrace. "Aunt Penelope is not coming down; her nerves are bad this
+morning."
+
+Miss Penelope Leroy, Lord Barminster's only sister, was not strictly
+speaking Constance's aunt, merely a distant cousin; but as a child
+Constance had been accustomed to call her so, and the habit had grown up
+with her.
+
+Lord Barminster smiled grimly.
+
+"I advised her to let the cucumber alone last night," was his only
+comment as he turned towards the breakfast room.
+
+Constance smiled too, for she knew that when Miss Penelope complained of
+her nerves, it was in reality nothing but a case of indigestion.
+
+"How bright the course looks this morning!" she said, with a charitable
+wish to change the subject, for Lord Barminster was apt at times to wax
+caustic over his sister's small weaknesses.
+
+"Yes," he said grimly; "like all things dangerous, it is pleasant to the
+eye. I hate that strip of green--it is the grave of many a Leroys' best
+hope. The turf has always been a fatal snare to our race. But, come," he
+broke off, "let us go in. Thank goodness, Adrien arrives to-day."
+
+"To-day?" repeated Lady Constance, a delicate flush rising to her sweet
+face. "I thought he was not going to arrive until the morning of the
+race."
+
+"The race is to-morrow, but he comes to-day," answered Lord Barminster.
+"I had a note from him last night saying he would be here by lunch time,
+and was bringing a few friends down with him."
+
+"And Mr. Vermont, too?" inquired Lady Constance almost timidly.
+
+The old man's face darkened and his thin lips set in a hard line.
+
+"Yes," he said fiercely, "I suppose so. Adrien is as much in love with
+him as a young fellow with his first sweetheart. I know that he's a
+scoundrel and a rogue--but there, what would you? Times have changed
+since my day; we have replaced horses by motors, to spoil our roads and
+ruin our lands, and gentleman friends by base-born, scheming
+adventurers."
+
+"Oh, but, uncle," Lady Constance timidly remonstrated, "surely Mr.
+Vermont is a gentleman?"
+
+"Yes, by Act of Parliament!" snapped the old man, in whose aristocratic
+eyes a lawyer was but little removed from the criminal whose case he
+defended.
+
+"Certainly it is strange that Adrien should be so attached to him," the
+girl said musingly; she, herself, had little liking for the gentleman in
+question, though her sense of justice had made her speak a good word for
+him. "But he is a clever steward, at least."
+
+"A rogue's only virtue," said Lord Barminster dryly.
+
+"Amusing, too," she suggested.
+
+"We've no longer need of a court jester," returned her companion, with
+sarcasm. "But never mind, Adrien will find out his mistake for himself
+one day. Certainly, I am not going to attempt to strip the mask off his
+friend's face. Give him rope enough, and he will hang himself.
+Meanwhile, give me some more coffee, and leave the fellow's name alone;
+I hate even the thought of him."
+
+Lady Constance refilled his cup and brought it to the end of the table,
+for she loved to wait on the old man. As she did so, his sharp eyes
+caught the glitter of a piece of needlework across the back of her
+chair, and with a curt gesture towards it, he said:
+
+"What is that?"
+
+She blushed, almost deeply, then took it up, and opened it out for him
+to see. It was a silk riding jacket, in the scarlet and white racing
+colours of the Leroys, and their coat of arms, worked in silver, upon
+the breast.
+
+"For the Grand National," said Lady Constance, as she refolded the
+jacket.
+
+"You worked it yourself?" questioned the old man abruptly.
+
+"Yes," she replied, blushing again. Then, as he was silent for some
+minutes, she said almost timidly: "You do not mind, uncle, do you?"
+
+He started. "Mind! Good Heavens, child, why should I? You know the wish
+of my heart only too well. What better favour could he wear than yours?
+As far as I am concerned, you were plighted in your cradles. Leroy and
+Tremaine are no unequal match. No--no--my dear, make his jacket, and win
+his heart--if you can!"
+
+
+Some few hours later, panting and throbbing, the Daimler motor drew up
+in the Castle courtyard--Adrien and his friends had arrived for the
+great steeplechase.
+
+Attracted by the sound of the barking dogs, who apparently disliked the
+unaccustomed monster--Lord Barminster himself invariably using
+horses--Lady Constance stepped from her room on to the balcony which
+looked down upon the courtyard beneath. The gentlemen's hats flew off in
+greeting, and, as Adrien looked up, an unusual thrill ran through him as
+he noted the simple beauty of the girl above him.
+
+"We thought we'd left the sun behind us, Constance, but evidently 'she'
+is still overhead," he said, smiling.
+
+She looked down with mock reproof, playfully shaking at him a flower
+which she held in her hand.
+
+"I thought compliments were out of date, Adrien. Have you enjoyed your
+drive?"
+
+"Not half so much as the welcome," was the courteous reply, as he caught
+the rose which she had let fall.
+
+She laughed, and blushed a little, then turned to the other members of
+the party, who had now alighted from the car.
+
+"Ah, Lord Standon, I did not know you were coming." Then, as that young
+man's face lengthened, she added quickly: "Unexpected pleasures are
+always welcome. I am glad to see you, Mr. Paxhorn."
+
+After a word of greeting to Mortimer Shelton, she drew back into her
+room; while the men, laughing and chatting, passed into the great hall,
+where they found Lord Barminster awaiting them. His stern face softened
+into a welcome, as, with outstretched hand, he came forward to greet his
+guests.
+
+"Ah, Shelton!" he said, "so you keep my boy company, and you, Paxhorn
+and Standon. Gentlemen, you are welcome--though there's no need to
+remind you of that, I know. Adrien," turning to his son, "you have a
+fine day, did you drive or ride?"
+
+"We motored down, sir," answered the young man, in his soft, melodious
+voice.
+
+His father frowned slightly. He heartily detested all modern
+innovations, and would never hold that motors--or, indeed, any increased
+facilities for travelling--were improvements. "They breed discontent,
+sir," he would declaim vigorously. "In my young days people were content
+to stay in the place in which they had been born, and do their duty.
+Now, forsooth, they must see this country and that, and visit a dozen
+places in the year, where their grandparents visited one. Anything for
+an excuse to fritter away their hard-earned savings!"
+
+On this occasion, however, he made no comment, but turned to Mortimer
+Shelton.
+
+"You'll find the roads here better suited for horses than for oil-cans,"
+he said grimly. "We are primitive, as you know."
+
+Shelton laughed; but he knew his host's ideas on this subject, and was
+apt to respect them.
+
+"So much the better, sir," he said in a cheerful tone; "I am a bit tired
+of the smell of petrol myself. Give me Nature without a corset."
+
+"You'll certainly get that here," Lord Barminster replied, favouring his
+young guest with an approving glance.
+
+Shortly afterwards, they made their way to the morning-room. Here,
+luncheon had been laid, and Lord Barminster, Miss Penelope, with Lady
+Constance, were awaiting them. The little party sat down to table, each
+one secretly only too ready for the meal; for the ride through the
+fresh, country air had been a fairly long one.
+
+"I was really hungry, Constance," Adrien said, with his low, careless
+laugh. "There must be magic in the air of Barminster."
+
+"Yet still you come here so seldom," returned his cousin gently.
+
+"Business and the cares of State," quoted Adrien, with a smile. "But I
+might retaliate. Why do we not see you up in town? Society misses one of
+its brightest stars."
+
+Lady Constance toyed idly with the grapes on her plate; then she looked
+up.
+
+"Society has many brighter lights than I, Adrien," she said quietly.
+"But now, tell me about the race--auntie is terribly anxious over it;
+are you not, dear?"
+
+"Yes, my love," returned Miss Penelope, who, in reality, hardly knew one
+horse from another.
+
+"Oh, Adrien always wins," put in Lord Standon. "That's a foregone
+conclusion. Have you seen the 'King' lately, Lady Constance?"
+
+"Oh, yes," she replied, "He is exercised in the paddock every morning,
+and is in fine form."
+
+Adrien smiled.
+
+"Poor 'King Cole'; he'll be worth his weight in gold if he wins
+to-morrow! What about the other horses, Stan; are they down?"
+
+"Yes," replied Lord Standon; "my man saw some of them at the station;
+but no sign of the Yorkshire chestnut."
+
+"So much the better," said Adrien; "perhaps his owner has thought
+discretion the better part of valour and withdrawn him."
+
+The conversation then flowed into other channels; Paxhorn provoking
+roars of merriment by his stories and epigrams. Presently the ladies
+withdrew; Lady Constance to prepare for a ride with Adrien, which he had
+just suggested, and Miss Penelope to rest her "nerves."
+
+While waiting for his cousin to rejoin him Adrien crossed over to the
+window, which commanded a view of the Castle entrance, and stood gazing
+idly down. Outside stood a smart motor, and from it was alighting the
+trim figure of Jasper Vermont.
+
+"By Jove!" he exclaimed, "I had forgotten Jasper."
+
+He tapped at the window, and waved his hand in affectionate greeting to
+his friend, who looked up with his most amiable smile, as he brushed
+aside the servants who had hurried out to meet him.
+
+There are people who are served well from sheer force of personality,
+and who, though neither generous nor unselfish themselves, yet contrive
+to abstract the very essence of these qualities from those around them;
+and of these Jasper Vermont was one. His tips were few, though he was
+lavish in smiles and honeyed words; yet not one of the retinue of
+servants at Barminster Castle but would fly to attend to his wants, as
+they would those of Adrien or Lord Barminster himself.
+
+A few minutes later he strolled into the room where the rest of the
+guests were seated. As he did so Lord Barminster involuntarily drew
+himself up with a slight frown. He had hoped that the "adventurer," as
+he invariably termed him, would remain in town and not thrust his
+unwelcome presence upon the guests at the Castle. But, in another
+minute, his natural courtesy reasserted itself; and, though it was
+patent to the least observant that the new arrival was not as welcome as
+he might have been, he answered Jasper's amiable inquiry as to his
+health politely enough.
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Vermont," he said grimly, "I am quite well. But you, I
+fear, are an invalid."
+
+His sharp eyes glanced towards the closed motor, which was gliding round
+the bend of the drive.
+
+"No, sir, I am quite well, I assure you," Jasper replied, meekly, as if
+unconscious of any irony.
+
+"But I have learned enough wisdom to feel convinced that all journeys,
+including that of life itself, should be taken as comfortably as
+possible. I prefer, therefore, to have the dust and smell outside the
+car instead of in. Am I not right?"
+
+"Perfectly," returned his opponent, with a sarcastic smile; "you should
+surely know your own constitution best. It was an unfortunate error on
+my part."
+
+At this moment, Adrien, who had been listening to the point-and-thrust
+conversation, exceedingly ill at ease, intervened, and under some
+pretext drew his father out with him into the corridor.
+
+"I do detest that fellow so," said the old man apologetically, as though
+ashamed at having displayed his feelings.
+
+"It's a pity, sir," returned Adrien, respectfully; for his father was
+the only person who dared say a word in disfavour of his friend. "He
+takes any amount of pains to save me trouble."
+
+"Well, it pays him," retorted Lord Barminster dryly; then with a wave of
+the hand as if to dismiss an unpleasant subject, he added, "You're off
+to the stables, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Adrien, "I want to have a look at 'King Cole.'" With
+a friendly nod, he ran lightly down the wide oak staircase and
+disappeared in the direction of the stables.
+
+For a few moments Lord Barminster stood gazing after him, his stern face
+relaxed, his keen eyes softened. Adrien was more to him than all his
+possessions, which were vast enough to have provided for a dozen sons.
+Therefore, he denied him nothing, however extravagant or reckless in
+price, and refrained from any comment on his line of conduct.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX
+
+
+Adrien's appearance in the stable-yard was the signal for much
+excitement among the hands there; and presently the head groom made his
+appearance, struggling into his coat, while coughing with embarrassed
+respect.
+
+"Good morning, Markham," said his master with a nod; "where's the
+'King'?"
+
+"In the south stable, sir," replied the man, as he fumbled in his pocket
+for the keys. "You would like to see him, sir?"
+
+Adrien nodded, and made his way to the stable, accompanied by the groom.
+
+"No one else is allowed to enter the stable but yourself, Markham?" he
+asked, as the man unlocked the door.
+
+"No one, sir. I'm always here when he's being littered or fed. Not a
+soul touches him without I'm at his side. He's in fine condition, sir; I
+never saw him in better."
+
+Adrien passed his hand over the satiny coat of the race-horse. The
+dainty creature pricked up his finely-pointed ears, and turned to his
+master with a whinny of delight.
+
+"He looks well enough," he admitted. "Has he had his gallop this
+morning?"
+
+"Yes, sir; but would you like to see him across the paddock?"
+
+"Yes," said Adrien. "By the way, who rides him to-morrow?"
+
+"Peacock, sir."
+
+"Ah, the new jockey."
+
+"Yes, sir; Mr. Vermont's lad," returned the groom.
+
+"A good seat?" asked Adrien.
+
+"Capital, never saw a better, sir, and weighs next to nothing. I'll send
+for him." He whistled, and half a dozen stable helpers rushing forward,
+he despatched them to find the jockey. While waiting, the groom had the
+precious "King" brought into the yard and saddled; and in a few moments
+the man arrived. Markham had called him a lad; but in reality he was
+almost middle-aged, with the stunted stature of a child. Adrien looked
+him over critically.
+
+"So you ride the 'King' to-morrow?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the dwarf humbly.
+
+"Let me see you take him round the paddock," said Adrien. The man threw
+off his coat, showing himself to be in shabby riding costume; then,
+vaulting into the saddle, he took the racer to the meadow at the back of
+the stable-yard. Adrien watched the bird-like flight of the superb
+animal, and nodded approvingly when he presently returned to the
+starting-point.
+
+"You'll do," he said, as the jockey dismounted; "ride like that
+to-morrow, and we shall win. There is something for you, but no
+drinking, mind."
+
+He held out a ten-pound note as he spoke. The man stared at it for a
+moment, then crouching almost like a dog, took it gingerly by the edge.
+
+"Don't be afraid, man; one would think you expected a blow," said
+Adrien, with a smile.
+
+Touching his forelock, the man took the note, and Adrien turned away. As
+he walked out of the stable-yard he happened to glance back at Markham,
+who was re-covering the "King," and he saw that the jockey was still
+gazing after him, with a tense, almost longing expression in his small,
+deep-set eyes.
+
+"Poor devil!" said Leroy to himself as he went up the drive, "I must get
+Jasper to do something for him, especially if he wins--I only hope he
+doesn't get drunk!"
+
+In the courtyard Lady Constance's horse and his own were waiting for him
+and in a few moments the girl herself appeared, accompanied by the
+ever-smiling Jasper Vermont.
+
+Blessed by nature with a good figure, Art, as represented by French
+modistes and Redfern, had put the finishing touches, with the result
+that Lady Constance Tremaine, whether in evening dress or the blue cloth
+riding-habit of the field, was a joy to the eye. As she stood now,
+waiting Adrien's approach, he could not help mentally contrasting her
+natural, spiritual type of beauty with the made-up and coarsened charms
+of Ada Lester, and he wondered how he could have been so blind as not to
+notice it before.
+
+He was not the only one who admired her. Jasper Vermont had elected
+himself as the girl's chief slave, and whenever he was at Barminster
+Castle invariably managed to carry out her lightest whims--indeed, would
+even endeavour to forestall them. Now it was he who attended to her
+saddle, and helped her into it before Adrien had fully realised what he
+was about to do; and for once Leroy experienced just the least feeling
+of resentment towards his devoted friend.
+
+For a while the two rode almost in silence; but after the first canter
+Adrien reined up his horse close to that of his companion. Lady
+Constance purposely brought the conversation round to his estates, for,
+with all his dissipation and languor, Leroy was no indifferent landlord,
+and Lord Barminster invariably referred all complaints--such few as
+there were--to his son.
+
+"I'm sorry you would not renew the lease for Farmer Darrell,"  she said
+gently; "he is almost heart-broken at having to leave Briar Farm."
+
+Adrien pulled up his horse sharply.
+
+"Farmer Darrell to leave Briar Farm!" he said quickly. "What do you
+mean, Constance?"
+
+She looked at him steadily, as she replied:
+
+"I rode over there yesterday, and found them all in great trouble. They
+told me Mr. Vermont, acting under your orders, had refused to grant them
+new leases. I promised to speak to Uncle Phillip; but you know how angry
+he gets whenever any one mentions Mr. Vermont's name, so I thought I
+would ask you myself." She blushed crimson, as if at her own boldness.
+"Of course, you mustn't do it just on my account, but--"
+
+"Mustn't I?" interrupted her cousin, looking keenly, almost
+affectionately at the slim, girlish figure, and pretty piquant face. "I
+should certainty grant whatever you asked me if it lay in my power. As a
+matter of fact, however, I think Jasper said that, as they were unable
+to make Briar Farm pay, would I lower the rent; and as that would be
+creating a precedent for all the other tenants--I refused."
+
+Lady Constance nodded her head. "Quite right," she agreed; "but I happen
+to know that the farm does pay splendidly, and--"
+
+"In any case, Constance," interrupted Adrien, almost tenderly, "it is
+quite sufficient, if you wish it so. But I think--I am sure--Jasper must
+have made a mistake."
+
+Lady Constance did not reply, but wisely changed the subject; she was
+too clever to pursue her advantage, and she had gained her point--sown
+the least little doubt of Mr. Jasper Vermont's rectitude in Adrien's
+mind.
+
+Meanwhile, Mr. Vermont had also betaken himself to the stables; but he
+did not ask to see "King Cole"--contenting himself with beaming
+admiringly on Mr. Markham, while the head groom held forth on all the
+precautions he was taking with regard to the precious animal's safety.
+
+"An' if he's got at, Mr. Vermont, sir, I'll eat my head," was his
+parting speech.
+
+In reply to which Mr. Vermont murmured inaudibly, as he walked away:
+"It's a lucky job, my good fellow, that I shan't make you keep your
+word!"
+
+At the end of the plantation, beyond the stable buildings, there was a
+little cottage attached to the straw-yard. Having reached this, Jasper
+listened attentively; then, without any warning knock, he lifted the
+latch, and entered.
+
+To all appearances the room was empty, save for some pieces of poor
+furniture. But the visitor, blinking at the sudden transition from light
+to darkness, walked over to a rough couch, where lay the misshapen
+jockey Peacock, either asleep or deep in thought. Jasper shook him
+angrily by the shoulder, and a sullen scowl darkened the little
+monkey-like face as he recognised his visitor.
+
+"Well?" he said gruffly, without attempting to change his position.
+
+"Short, and not polite!" retorted Jasper, shaking him again. "Didn't I
+tell you I'd come here to-day, you imp of darkness?"
+
+"You did, guv'nor," the man replied sullenly.
+
+"Well, here I am. You're not drunk, are you? Here--let's look at you."
+With a cruel smile, the soft, amiable Mr. Vermont seized the ear of the
+dwarfed jockey and dragged him to the light. "No, not drunk--for a
+wonder. Well, you know what to do to-morrow?"
+
+The man nodded sulkily.
+
+"Tighten and choke off at the last hurdle. Mind you do it neatly, too.
+You _can_ do it, I know; and it won't be the first little affair you've
+sold, eh? You sold one too many, though, when you crossed my path, and
+you know what will happen if you fail me."
+
+"All right," the jockey muttered hoarsely.
+
+"I hope it will be all right," said his persecutor, shaking him gently
+to and fro by the ear. "If not, you'll find yourself in the care of a
+paternal Government--I tell you--picking oakum."
+
+The man gave a sudden jerk and released himself from the cruel grasp;
+then he looked up almost piteously.
+
+"Must we do it, guv'nor?" he said hoarsely. "I've seen 'im----"
+
+"Him! whom, you idiot?"
+
+"Him--Mr. Leroy--as we're to sell."
+
+"You're to sell, you mean, you gallows-bird," returned Jasper.
+
+The man eyed him viciously.
+
+"Yus," he growled, "you think you're going to git off scot-free, don't
+yer? What if I don't do it? He giv' me a tenner, he did. 'E's a real
+gent. What if I don't do it?" he repeated.
+
+Mr. Vermont's eyes narrowed till he looked like a snake about to strike.
+Raising the riding-whip which he had in his hand, he seized the wretched
+creature once more, and brought the whip down again and again on his
+almost skeleton body.
+
+"Play me false, you hound, and I'll kill you," he almost hissed; and,
+half beside himself with pain and rage, the jockey gasped brokenly:
+
+"Stop! stop! I'll do it."
+
+
+It was just five o'clock when Lady Constance and Leroy returned from
+their ride. During the course of it Adrien had realised something of his
+cousin's beauty of character, as well as of face. Until that day he had
+only regarded her as a younger sister, pretty, perhaps, in a quiet,
+retiring way, but nothing more. Now, as he lifted her down from the
+saddle, he could have bent and reverently kissed the little foot that
+lodged so lightly in the stirrup.
+
+Woman-like, she was quick to notice the change in him, and her heart
+beat high with hope.
+
+"He will love me yet," she whispered to herself triumphantly, as, with
+outward calmness, she bade him au revoir till they should meet at
+dinner.
+
+Adrien went straight to his own rooms. An unusual restlessness was upon
+him, and his pulses throbbed wildly, but as yet he did not understand
+what these things meant. He, who had played the lover so lightly all his
+life, did not realise that it was now his turn to feel Cupid's dart, and
+that he was becoming as deeply enamoured of his pretty cousin as any raw
+boy straight from college.
+
+As he paced up and down his luxurious study, thoughtfully smoking a
+cigar, his past life rose before him, with all its idleness and wasted
+years. He knew that with most women he had only to throw down the glove
+for it to be snatched up eagerly; women had loved him, petted and spoilt
+him ever since he could remember. But here was one who thought of him as
+nothing but a means to save her people--or, rather, his people---from
+distress. It said much for Lady Constance's powers of reserve that she
+had impressed him thus, and had she known it, nothing could have helped
+her cause more.
+
+Throwing himself into a chair, the young man reviewed again the
+incidents of their ride. How beautiful she had looked; how pointedly and
+yet gently she had reproved him for his long absences from his estates
+and the people who loved him. Well, it should come to an end now, and
+there and then he formed a resolve to return to town directly after the
+race, and go through his affairs with Jasper. His friend would help him
+to lead a worthier and more useful life, he thought--if any one could do
+so.
+
+When he went down to dinner that night few would have noticed any
+difference in his calm face and demeanour; none, indeed, save Lady
+Constance herself, who, with the subtlety which seems inbred in even the
+best of her sex, devoted her attention almost exclusively to Mr. Jasper
+Vermont. It was he who was allowed to sit next her at dinner; it was to
+him she turned when the race, with which all present were concerned, was
+the subject under discussion.
+
+Adrien noted all this, and his heart grew heavy within him. But he did
+not grudge Jasper her favour--as yet; he blamed himself too deeply for
+the neglect of his past opportunities.
+
+Jasper skilfully turned the conversation to Lady Merivale's ball, which
+he described in detail to Lady Constance; adding many little realistic
+touches concerning the fair hostess and Adrien, till he had convinced
+her--as he thought--that there was a great deal more between them than
+was really the case. For Vermont, as had been said before, was "no
+fool"; and he realised only too well in what direction events were
+tending with Lady Constance and her cousin.
+
+But she showed no signs either of understanding or misunderstanding his
+allusions to Adrien, and began to discuss a ball which Miss Penelope was
+trying to arrange.
+
+"Mr. Shelton, I am counting on you to help us," she said, turning to the
+gentleman on her other side. "Auntie has been besieging uncle for the
+last two months; and has, I think, carried the citadel."
+
+"What is the motive of the attack?" inquired Mortimer Shelton.
+
+"Aunt Penelope wants a fancy dress dance in the ball-room in the east
+wing," she returned gaily, adding, as she looked across at her cousin,
+who was listening attentively: "Adrien, if you would add your word, we
+should get it. Won't you do so?"
+
+"A fancy dress ball here?" he replied. "But if my father has refused
+you, it is scarcely likely that I shall have any more influence." He
+turned to his aunt. "Why not have Barminster House, Aunt Penelope?" This
+was the town house, supposed to be given up almost exclusively to the
+young man's use, though he generally inhabited his own chambers in
+Jermyn Street. "I will hand it over to you from cellar to attic, and
+will bind myself to be your faithful slave from early morn to dewy eve."
+
+His aunt laughed.
+
+"No, thank you, Adrien, I know your idea of slavery," she said. "You
+would hand it over to Mr. Vermont, and he does quite enough of your work
+already." Vermont was a favourite with Miss Penelope, owing chiefly to
+his frequent gifts of marron glaces--a great weakness of hers.
+"Besides," she continued, "Barminster House is too modern. I want to
+revive a ball, just as it happened two or three centuries ago. It must
+be Barminster Castle or nothing."
+
+Adrien smiled across at her.
+
+"Your word is law, my dear aunt; but if I were you, and it comes off at
+all, I'd leave the arranging of it to Jasper."
+
+Mr. Vermont beamed. Nothing seemed to please him so much as the idea of
+work, especially when it involved the spending of money other than his
+own.
+
+"I am at your service, dear lady," he said amiably.
+
+Miss Penelope rose, and gave the signal for the ladies to retire.
+
+"I shall take you at your word, Mr. Vermont," she said graciously, as
+she passed out.
+
+After the ladies had gone, the wine circulated freely, and in the merry
+badinage that followed it must be admitted that Jasper Vermont was the
+life and soul of the party. He had the newest scandal at his
+finger-tips, the latest theatrical news; and all was related in a witty
+manner that kept his listeners in a perpetual roar of laughter.
+
+Adrien, though compelled by politeness to take his share in the
+conversation, was yet glad when they adjourned to the silver
+drawing-room. This was one of the smallest of the half-dozen
+drawing-rooms in Barminster Castle, and was decorated entirely in blue
+and silver. The furniture was upholstered in pale blue stain and silver
+embroideries. Curtains, hangings, and even carpet, were all of the same
+colour, while the mirrors and ornaments were entirely of silver.
+
+To-night, Lady Constance's dress matched the room, for it was of palest
+azure silk, veiled with chiffon, on which were Etruscan silver ornaments
+and silver-thread embroidery. It was a colour which suited her
+shell-like complexion; and she looked her best in it.
+
+She was at the piano when the men entered; and Leroy, who was
+passionately fond of music, and a musician of no mean order himself,
+came straight over to her. At his request, Constance sang song after
+song; while Vermont sat a little apart, listening, and occasionally
+glancing thoughtfully at the beautiful profile of the singer. Then his
+cold, malignant eyes would wander with an almost sinister expression
+over the rapt face of his friend and benefactor, as he leaned over the
+piano. But at any movement of the other guests his countenance would
+assume its usual amiability of expression, as though a mask were
+re-adjusted, while his fat, white hand softly beat time to the music.
+
+At last Lady Constance declared she was tired, and turned to Adrien,
+begging him to sing instead. He hesitated for a moment; then, as if
+throwing off the unusual moodiness that oppressed him, he seated himself
+at the piano; and, after a few moments of restless improvisation, he
+sang song after song from Schumann's "Dichter-liebe," with an intensity
+of passion in the clear tenor notes that thrilled the soul of every
+listener.
+
+In the silence which fell on the little company when the last chords
+died away, Jasper Vermont, half-hidden by the curtain, opened the
+window, and slipped out on the terrace. The moon shone full on his white
+face, distorted with an unaccountable fury, as he muttered through his
+clenched teeth: "Curse the fellow! How I hate him!"
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X
+
+
+The morning of the race dawned clear and bright, and the Leroy course
+shone like a strip of emerald velvet in the crisp, sparkling air.
+
+Since sunrise, throngs of people, men, women, and children, had been
+streaming in from the outlying districts, some many miles away; while at
+the side of the course stretched a long line of vehicles of all kinds,
+which had already disbursed their load.
+
+In twos and threes the late horses arrived swaddled in cloths, and
+surrounded by the usual crowd of bow-legged grooms and diminutive
+jockeys; while the air reeked with the smell of the stable and the oaths
+and slang of the men.
+
+Later still came the bookmakers with their brisk, business-like method
+of entering the bets, big or small; the "swell's" thousand or the
+countryman's shilling were all one to them. And lastly, amid all the din
+and turmoil of the most crowded meeting Barminster had ever witnessed,
+came the army of the Castle servants to put the finishing touches to the
+boxes in the grand stand, over which floated the Leroy colours.
+
+Towards noon, the hour at which the first race was to be run, the crowd
+grew denser, the excitement keener.
+
+"Two to one on 'King Cole'--three to one 'Miracour'--and five to one
+'Bay Star'--six to one, bar three"--all these cries rose in a loud,
+turbulent roar. It was known to all that the "swells"--as they termed
+the Castle people--had backed their champion "King Cole" for sums which,
+as Jasper Vermont had rightly said the preceding night, would almost
+equal his weight in gold; and such was their faith in him that no other
+horse had been entered from that same county.
+
+Twelve o'clock struck, and no signs as yet of the Leroy party; that is
+to say, with the exception of one man, namely, Mr. Jasper Vermont.
+
+"Your swells are always late," said a thick-lipped turfite, biting his
+stubby pencil prior to booking a favourable bet. "They gives any money
+for style, an' plays it high on us. It ain't their way to be to time for
+anything, not they--only us poor chaps."
+
+The surrounding crowd echoed his shout of "two to one on 'King Cole,'"
+despite his diatribes against the swells; when suddenly attention was
+caught by a dark chestnut, thin in the flank, and badly groomed, which
+was led into the paddock by a dirty, close-shaven countryman, who looked
+as nonchalant and self-satisfied as if he held the bridle of "King Cole"
+himself.
+
+Presently, while the crowd pushed around the sacred enclosure, Jasper
+Vermont walked swiftly up to the Yorkshireman, and whispered behind a
+sheltering cough:
+
+"That will do. Take him off. The plant's safe without him."
+
+Three minutes later, a laugh of derision arose as the announcement was
+made that the chestnut was "scratched." But further discussion died
+down, as the Leroy carriages arrived---only just in time, for the
+saddling bell had already rang.
+
+The course was now looking its best. Long lines of glittering motors and
+smart carriages had joined their humbler brethren of traps and
+omnibuses. The seats and stands were filled with gaily-dressed people;
+women in their furs, velvets and exquisite hats, giving the impression
+from a distance of a huge living flower garden.
+
+On the appearance of Adrien Leroy, the excitement reached its height,
+for he was known to everybody by name and sight, and was, moreover, the
+owner of the favourite.
+
+The carriage containing Lord Barminster had been drawn up as near the
+course as possible, and as far from the crowd as space would permit; for
+his lordship invariably refused to mix with any concourse of people,
+even when they consisted of his own order.
+
+Adrien, having seen that he was comfortable, escorted the ladies down to
+their seats on the grand stand; then he betook himself to the paddock,
+where "King Cole" had just been saddled.
+
+At the sound of the loved voice the beautiful animal turned his head,
+with a whinny of delight. Then, as the two people he disliked with every
+fibre of his being approached him--Jasper Vermont and Peacock, the
+jockey--he laid his ears back with every appearance of alarm and
+distrust. It seemed as if his animal instincts were keener than those of
+his master.
+
+Leroy stroked the soft nose of the race-horse, while Jasper passed his
+hand admiringly over the satiny neck.
+
+"Beautiful as a daisy," he exclaimed, and as Mr. Vermont would hardly
+have recognised that humble flower if he had seen it, this was rather
+qualified praise.
+
+"Too long in the leg," murmured a man whom Jasper had previously
+introduced as a sporting friend of his.
+
+Adrien turned round and surveyed the speaker calmly for a moment.
+
+"Too leggy, you think, do you? I'll lay two to one upon them."
+
+"Done," said the man sharply. "Hundreds or thousands?"
+
+"Thousands," said Adrien quietly.
+
+Jasper touched him on the arm and whispered, in gentle remonstrance:
+
+"Steady, old chap, there's pots of money on him as it is. Don't you
+think it would be as well--"
+
+"Make it thousands," interrupted Adrien, almost haughtily, as he turned
+on his heel.
+
+The man booked the bet, bowed to Vermont, as to an utter stranger, and
+the two gentlemen passed to the weighing-seat. Peacock had already gone
+to don his riding-clothes, and without waiting to see him again, Adrien
+and his companion returned to the grand stand. Here Leroy stopped to
+speak to Lady Merivale, who, with her sister, the Marchioness of Caine,
+had motored down from London to witness the race.
+
+The marchioness was a lady with a passion for bridge, and an intense
+admiration for Adrien Leroy.
+
+"You are quite sure your horse, that pretty creature with the long neck,
+is going to win?" she inquired, as he stood by her chair.
+
+Her sister, Lady Merivale, looked up mockingly.
+
+"Of course he's going to win, Alicia. Did not Lady Constance Tremaine
+say so? Surely _she_ ought to know!"
+
+Leroy did not appear to notice the jealous sarcasm of this speech.
+
+"I hope he will win," he said gravely. "Nothing is certain in this
+world, and race-horses are said to be as fickle as your sex, dear lady."
+This was a mild thrust at Lady Merivale; but she only smiled sweetly in
+response. "Still, I think you may safely bet on the 'King'; he's in fine
+form." Then he turned to his cousin. "Here is your beau cavalier,
+Constance," he said, almost jealously, as Jasper Vermont came leisurely
+up the steps of the grand stand; then, with a swift glance at the girl
+which was not lost upon Lady Merivale, he went down once more to his
+father.
+
+"The bell is about to ring now," he said. "Are you sure you can see?"
+
+"Quite sure," replied Lord Barminster curtly. "How is the horse?"
+
+"In splendid form, sir," Adrien answered cheerfully. "I should think it
+is a safe thing. If you are quite all right, I'll get back to the others
+now, before the crush begins."
+
+His father nodded, and the young man made his way back to the stand.
+Here he found the Castle guests already seated. Harsh cries from the
+betting-ring still ascended at intervals, though the majority of the
+vast crowd had settled down to watch the race. With a thrill of
+pleasure, Adrien saw that Lady Constance had kept a seat vacant for him
+beside herself; and with a light word to Lady Merivale as he passed, he
+took his place, and unstrapping the heavy field-glasses, arranged them
+to Lady Constance's liking.
+
+"Can you see all right?" he asked.
+
+"Beautifully," she replied, as she tried them. "What excitement they are
+all in," she added, as she surveyed the seething crowd.
+
+Adrien smiled, pleased because she was pleased; for himself, except that
+he wished his horse to win in order that it should gain fresh laurels,
+he had no interest in the affair. Certainly he never gave a thought to
+the fearful amount of money involved.
+
+Then, amid a murmur of excitement, the starting-gate went up, and the
+horses were off. For a while "Miracour" led; "Bluebell" running close
+beside him; the "King" striding along in cool, quiet canter that covered
+the miles at greater speed than the little mare could hope to maintain.
+
+"There goes the 'King'!" exclaimed Lady Caine, almost rising from her
+seat in her excitement. "Oh, I do hope he will win don't you, Mr.
+Vermont?"
+
+Jasper smiled.
+
+"I do, indeed," he said, while his little steely eyes rested upon the
+shrivelled figure of Peacock, the jockey, with a keen, cold scrutiny.
+
+Meanwhile the horses pounded away over the course, still in the same
+order. "Miracour" leading, "Bluebell" falling behind, and the "King"
+creeping up easily to the second place.
+
+The first fence placed nearly half the horses out of the running; the
+next threw out two more, though the "King" cleared it in his stride, so
+close in the wake of his rival that a speck of white foam flecked the
+haunches of the leader.
+
+Adrien nodded approvingly.
+
+"That fellow knows how to ride," he said. "If he keeps the 'King' like
+that, the race is ours."
+
+"Oh yes," agreed Vermont, smiling grimly; "he understands him,
+evidently. It is to be hoped he keeps him cool till the spurt comes."
+
+"Which will be after the last jump," put in Lord Standon, as he shifted
+his field-glasses.
+
+"Exactly," purred Jasper.
+
+Hedge after hedge was cleared, and still "Miracour" was leading; but it
+was evident that the high blood of the "King" was burning to get away,
+and that his jockey was playing a waiting game.
+
+It was at the stream that the strain began to tell. "Bluebell," the
+Irish mare, had struggled on gamely; but at the last she refused to
+leap, she stopped short, and her jockey was pitched forward into the
+water.
+
+A laugh arose even in the midst of the excitement; but it was
+speedily drowned in the cries of "The 'King' wins. No! No!
+'Miracour!'--'Vicket'--beats. No! No! the 'King'--the 'King's' got
+away!"
+
+They were right, for Peacock had thought it wisest to put the spurt on
+already, and the "King," with every fibre stretched to its utmost, had
+darted ahead. "Miracour" caught up again, and side by side they raced
+over the level flat, cheered and shouted at by the frantic crowd.
+
+A roar like that of the sea broke forth as the two animals neared the
+last obstacle, a great hedge filled with thorn, and like a miniature
+mountain. Neck and neck they seemed to be, when suddenly the "King"
+darted forward, and, amid terrific shouts of astonishment, took the leap
+too short, fell sideways, and pitched his jockey into the short scrub, a
+dozen feet away.
+
+"Miracour" rose for the leap, and clearing it, cantered in the winner by
+sixty lengths.
+
+For a moment there was tense silence, broken by a roar of surprise, rage
+and disappointment, as the crowd broke away and swarmed over the course
+to the spot where the jockey still lay. A murmur of horror had also gone
+throughout the length of the grand stand; but whether of disappointment,
+or at the fall of the rider, it was hard to say.
+
+All eyes were turned on Adrien. His face was rather pale, but quite
+calm, and closing up his field-glasses he said:
+
+"'Miracour' ran finely. I can't understand the 'King' falling at the
+last jump. Jasper, let us go down and see if the fellow is hurt."
+
+Making their excuses to the ladies they hurried down the steps, and
+strode swiftly over the course, the crowd making way for them in hushed
+silence, for they recognised Leroy as the owner of the defeated
+favourite.
+
+Reaching the spot from which the crowd was being kept back, they found
+two men bending over the little heap of scarlet silk and leather.
+Shelton, who had been one of the stewards, looked up as Adrien
+approached, and shook his head.
+
+Adrien bent down beside him, and gazed at the thin, shrivelled face of
+the jockey.
+
+"Have you sent for a doctor, Shelton?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," replied his friend in a hushed voice. "But I think he will be too
+late, his spine----"
+
+At the sound of Adrien's voice, the heavy eyelids raised themselves; the
+bloodstained lips parted as if about to speak.
+
+"What is it?" said Shelton, bending closer.
+
+"Where--where is he?" gasped the man in disjointed words. "I
+want--to--see him."
+
+"Whom?" asked Mortimer Shelton gently. "Whom do you want to see, my poor
+fellow?"
+
+Mr. Vermont pushed his way forward, his face alight with eager sympathy.
+
+"Perhaps I can be of use," he said, "I know him; perhaps he wants to
+tell me----"
+
+The jockey raised his head. It seemed as if the soft, smooth voice gave
+him strength to speak. He glared at Jasper, then his glance fell on the
+pitying face of Leroy. With a sudden light in his eyes, he stretched out
+his hand.
+
+"Him--him, the swell--I tell him the race--was--sold! He--Mr.
+Vermont----"
+
+His breath came fast in great sobs; he glared from Adrien to Jasper,
+then back to Leroy, as if seeking to convey some warning, but in vain;
+with the last words, he fell back.
+
+A gentleman pushed his way forward.
+
+"Allow me, I am Doctor Blake," he said, and he knelt down beside the
+still form.
+
+"He is dead," he declared solemnly, as he placed his hand on the body.
+
+The crowd fell back still further, with murmurs of horror. There was a
+silence, broken at last by Jasper Vermont.
+
+"Dear, dear!" he exclaimed in tones in which, had it not been for the
+absurdity of the idea, one might have fancied there was almost a spark
+of satisfaction. "How very, very sad. I wouldn't have had this happen
+for _anything!_"
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI
+
+
+It was night and the race-course lay deserted and silent beneath the
+pallid moon. The noisy crowd had tramped and driven its way back to
+London. But there was one whom the noise and bustle of a race meet would
+never rouse again--Peacock the jockey, who lay dead in the stable house.
+
+His death had cast a depression over the entire Castle, and though both
+Adrien and his father--to say nothing of Jasper--had striven their
+utmost to keep the minds of the guests away from the unhappy event, it
+was yet an almost gloomy party that gathered after dinner in the silver
+drawing-room.
+
+Nearly all had lost heavily through the fall of poor "King Cole." They
+had had such entire faith in their champion, that his loss of the race
+had come like a thunder-bolt; and most of all to Adrien himself. The
+actual monetary loss did not seem to trouble him; indeed, it was
+probable that he himself was unaware of the immensity of the sum
+involved. Only Jasper knew, Jasper who wore his usual calm, serene
+smile, and certainly worked hard to banish all regrets concerning such a
+trifle as a dead steeplechaser, as well as any lingering memories of his
+dying words.
+
+"One thing is certain," said Lord Standon to Lady Constance, who had
+been sighing over the defeat. "Adrien will not allow any one to ride the
+'King' again but himself. I heard him say so."
+
+"He has lost heavily, I'm afraid," the girl said in a low voice.
+
+"Immensely," replied Lord Standon, who himself had, lost more than he
+could afford--indeed, there was little doubt that this race would almost
+prove his ruin; but, nevertheless, his inordinate good humour and
+optimistic nature triumphed above every other consideration. Certainly,
+no word of blame or self-pity would he allow to pass his lips. "Yes, he
+has lost more heavily than any of us, as Mr. Vermont knows; I'll be
+bound," he broke off, as that gentleman approached.
+
+Jasper Vermont smiled, as he did at every question or assertion made to
+him.
+
+"I'm afraid he has plunged deeply this time," was his smooth reply.
+"Unfortunately, he only has himself to blame, though I deplore the fact
+that I was not with him at the time."
+
+Both Lady Constance and Lord Standon looked up, startled by his tone as
+much as by his words; and Jasper continued glibly:
+
+"He gave the jockey a ten-pound note last night, and, of course, the man
+got drunk. Consequences--an unsteady hand this morning, a hasty push at
+the last rise, and a clear loss of the race, not to mention the colossal
+sum in bets. All his own fault! If he will be so recklessly generous,
+what is to be done? But, as I said before, I blame myself for not
+watching him more closely."
+
+"No one blames you, Mr. Vermont," said Lord Standon coldly, for even he,
+the least suspicious of men, seemed to detect the false sorrow in the
+speaker's voice.
+
+Lady Constance looked at him gratefully; and Lord Standon was encouraged
+thereby to proceed:
+
+"Adrien is generous to a fault; and if in this case it has had
+disastrous results, it is usually a fault which few imitate."
+
+Jasper raised his eyebrows; then, with a low bow to Lady Constance, and
+a gentle, deprecatory shrug of his shoulders, walked away.
+
+The girl waited till he was out of earshot, then turned impulsively to
+Lord Standon.
+
+"I hate that man," she said in a low voice; "and sometimes I believe he
+hates Adrien too."
+
+"So do I," returned Lord Standon, looking with intense admiration into
+her lovely, troubled face.
+
+"Do you?" she murmured. "Oh, if you would only try to open my cousin's
+eyes to his friend's falseness--I know he's false, but Adrien is so
+blind."
+
+It seemed as if he were blind in more than one direction; for at that
+minute Leroy himself crossed the room, with an aspect that, in any other
+man, would have been termed glum. The sight of the girl with whom he was
+so rapidly falling in love, sitting in rapt conversation with Lord
+Standon--even though that young man was his friend--had roused a strong
+feeling of resentment within his heart. He restrained himself, however,
+though it was in a rather cold, forced voice that he asked Lady
+Constance if she would sing. She rose demurely enough; for his very
+coldness and jealousy, slight as it was--careless as she knew it to
+be--proved to her that the love she so ardently desired was awakening at
+last.
+
+The evening passed quietly. Adrien himself refused to sing, though he
+stayed close by his cousin's side, and turned over the pages of her
+music with such a devoted air that at last the ladies of the party began
+to whisper knowingly amongst themselves.
+
+Luckily for Adrien's peace of mind--for he loathed and dreaded scenes of
+any description--Lady Merivale had not returned with the party to the
+Castle, much as Miss Penelope had wished it. Eveline Merivale was only
+too cognisant of what was passing between Lady Constance and her cousin;
+and though she knew that Adrien and herself had merely played at love,
+and greatly against his will, at that, still she was just as unwilling
+to see him the devoted slave of another woman, who was younger, if not
+more beautiful, than herself.
+
+After the ladies had retired for; the night, Adrien gave himself up to
+unaccustomed reverie. The tenor of his life had been changed. The inane
+senseless round of dissipation had begun to tire him; the homage and
+flattery cloyed on his palate. And now, with his newborn love for
+Constance filling his heart and mind, had come the overwhelming failure
+of his beloved horse, and the death of his jockey; the last causing him
+more pain than the light-hearted companions around him would have
+believed possible. Neither had the half-defined charge made against
+Jasper escaped his notice, though he had disdained to make any mention
+of it.
+
+Shelton noticed his absent manner, as they smoked their last cigar
+before going to bed.
+
+"Counting up the losses, Adrien?" he asked casually.
+
+Adrien started at the question, and smiled.
+
+"Not I," he said, "I leave that to Jasper--I call him my walking
+account-book. I'm sorry you fellows were let in though; I can't
+understand it; although"--with a rueful laugh--"I suppose it was my
+fault with that tenner. Yet, I must say, I noticed the man as he
+galloped past, and saw no, signs of anything wrong."
+
+"Nor I," put in Vermont. "I was in the weighting-room, and saw him
+scaled. He was all right then. He always was white and seedy-looking. I
+saw nothing wrong."
+
+"Nor I," echoed the others.
+
+Adrien lit another cigar, and the light fell full on his grave face.
+
+"The losses are heavy all round; yet, speaking for myself," he said, "I
+would have rather dropped treble the amount than that poor fellow should
+have lost his life by a horse of mine."
+
+"His own fault. It was absolutely a case of suicide," declared Lord
+Standon angrily. "He put the 'King' to that last hurdle half a minute
+too soon. The horse was not to blame; he would have taken the hedge, and
+another on top of that, but for that unlucky spurt. 'Pon my soul," he
+concluded hotly, "if I didn't know how well he'd been cared for, I
+should have said it was done on purpose!"
+
+Unlucky youth! he little knew the harm he had done his empty pockets by
+this rash speech. Jasper Vermont's eyes narrowed, as was their wont when
+anything occurred to annoy him, and he registered a mental note against
+the unfortunate peer's name.
+
+Adrien frowned, as he rose with the rest.
+
+"That is impossible," he said, almost sternly; "Jasper saw to that too
+well. But, in future, no one shall ride the 'King' but myself; he's just
+up to my weight," he concluded. "Jasper, enter him for the Cup. We will
+give him a chance to retrieve this day's failure."
+
+Jasper had risen with him, and amid a volley of good-nights, the two men
+passed into the corridor. As Adrien was about to ascend the stairs to
+his own apartment, he turned to Vermont, and said quietly:
+
+"Jasper, I should like that poor fellow to have a Christian burial in
+the private chapel; and if there are relations, find them out----" He
+broke off abruptly. "There, you know better than I what to do, and how
+to do it. Oh! just one word more; of course, I shall see that no notice
+is taken of his delirious ravings. Good-night, old man."
+
+Jasper thanked him and returned his "good-night" with sympathetic
+cordiality; then turned softly to his own apartment. Having reached it,
+he gave himself up to a spasm of silent laughter.
+
+"Christian burial!" he chuckled. "Oh, yes, he shall have Christian
+burial in the family vaults. Lucky job for me the hound died, or the
+game would have been all up. As it is, that fool--that popinjay, almost
+guessed. Well, deny everything and demand proof, that's my line. After
+all, it's the very risks and chances that make the game so fascinating."
+
+He sat down and drew out a little note-book--only a very ordinary penny
+note-book; for it was wonderful how mean this man could be when he had
+to expend his own money. Save clothes, which necessarily had to be of
+good material, though quiet in colour, he never failed to buy the
+cheapest article obtainable; unless, of course, when, on the principle
+of "throwing a sprat to catch a herring," he stood to make a profit.
+
+In this little book there lay the records of fortunes. A fortune spent
+by Leroy--a fortune gained by Jasper Vermont. He smiled to himself, as
+he closed one eye, and counted up the gains he had netted through this
+day's work.
+
+"Eight--ten, with Yorkshire Twining's last little touch--ten thousands
+pounds. Ah, if those fools knew how the 'intruder' was stripping them of
+golden plumes, how mad they would be! Ten thousand pounds! But Twining
+was too risky," he muttered, frowning at the recollection, "My grand
+knight might have smelled a rat. Just like his noble lordship; two to
+one, because some stranger doubts the strength of the animal's legs."
+
+He chuckled again as he thought how carefully he had stage-managed the
+day's comedy. Of the tragedy into which it had been turned by the death
+of his poor tool and accomplice, Peacock, he gave no thought, his whole
+mind was bound up in his jealous hatred of Leroy. Just why he hated him
+so he, himself, could hardly have explained; but with men of Jasper
+Vermont's calibre, the mere fact that one possesses so much--wealth,
+position, and popularity--while the other must perforce live by his
+wits, is quite sufficient to arouse all the evil passions of which he is
+capable.
+
+"A mighty regal way he has with him," he muttered again, as he put away
+his book. "Ten thousand pounds! Go on, Jasper, my boy--persevere! The
+game starts well, the winning cards are yours. Gentlemen, make your
+game, the ball is rolling."
+
+With this invitation to mankind in general, and his titled and wealthy
+acquaintances in particular, Mr. Jasper Vermont made his preparations
+for the night. He kept no valet; men of his type seldom care to have
+another in such close relations as must necessarily happen when one man
+holds the keys of another. It has been said by some cynic, that "the man
+who takes off your coat sees what is passing in the heart beneath it,"
+and with this statement Mr. Vermont probably agreed.
+
+"I am a simple-minded, rough-and-ready creature," he often assured his
+friends; "a man to worry my tie, and force me to buy a new coat, because
+he desires my old one, would drive me mad."
+
+So he undressed himself slowly, reckoning up his gains, smiling at his
+mask of a face in the large mirror, and hatching his little plots every
+knot he untied, every button he released. At last he got into bed, and
+slept as easily and serenely as any simple-minded farmer.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII
+
+
+But that night Adrien Leroy could not sleep. Dismissing his valet, he
+threw himself into a chair, and began to review the events of the day,
+which had affected him more deeply than he would confess to. Then the
+mere sight of Lady Constance with Lord Standon had convinced him that
+any hope of ever winning her for his wife was at an end. For so many
+years had he himself been wooed and sought after, without response, that
+he was as ignorant of the rules of the game of love as any child. Love!
+he had sneered at it, jested at its power all his life; but now he was
+beginning to suffer from its pangs himself. He rose hastily, and
+throwing open the window of his dressing room, stepped out on the
+balcony.
+
+It was an exquisite night, and the stars shone like diamonds. Yet their
+very distance and detachment from all things earthly only served to
+deepen Adrien's melancholy. Before him stretched, in seemingly endless
+vista, the woods and lands of his heritage. As far as eye could reach,
+the earth and all within it and upon it belonged to him; and yet he
+sighed for the love and devotion of one frail girl, which, had he but
+known, were already his.
+
+As he walked to and fro, he was again assailed by a wholesome distaste
+of his present empty, aimless existence, and a great longing came over
+him to break away from it and start afresh. Yes! he was very tired of it
+all. The men and women with whom he had up to this spent his time were
+becoming abhorrent to him. The thought of the soft lips and glances that
+had hitherto beguiled him, and lulled him into a state bordering upon
+stupor, now filled him with shame. Love, that marvellous panacea, had
+driven out the false, the impure visions of his heart, as surely and as
+thoroughly as ever Hercules cleansed the Augean stables.
+
+The blood of his race stirred with him; he would have liked to have
+snatched Constance, and borne her away on his trusty steed, as his
+forefathers would have done. But instead he must stand aside, and see
+her married to another. Nay, he himself would be asked to attend the
+wedding, perhaps even give her away to the man who was surely no more
+worthy of her than Adrien himself.
+
+Jasper Vermont had indeed done his work well. No sooner had he seen the
+light of love shining in his friend's face, than he had set to work;
+and, like the grim spider of evil he resembled, had filled Adrien's mind
+with the suggestion that Constance loved--in fact, was secretly engaged
+to, Lord Standon.
+
+His reasons for this were twofold. If Adrien married Constance, Ada
+Lester would--whether with or without cause--hold him responsible, and
+was more than capable of carrying out her threat to unmask him to his
+patron. Moreover, Jasper looked upon Lady Constance with an appreciative
+and covetous eye, and felt that if he could ever ingratiate himself with
+her sufficiently for her to promise to become his wife, the summit of
+his ambition would be reached.
+
+Adrien was easily deceived; for, with all his faults, he was not
+conceited. He did not guess that Constance's very openly expressed
+pleasure in the company of Lord Standon was to prevent the discovery of
+her real and passionate longing for that of her cousin.
+
+Henceforth, he told himself, he must do his best to hide the pain that
+was gnawing at his heart. Henceforward, the pleasure of life would be as
+Dead Sea fruit to him. His hand fell on the balustrade in his
+unconscious despair; and at that moment, another window farther down the
+long balcony opened, and the figure of Lord Barminster stepped out into
+the moonlight.
+
+Adrien was in no humour to meet even his father; he was too weary in
+spirit to confront the old man's satire with his usual calm; so he
+shrank back into the shadow of the buttress against which he leaned. But
+Lord Barminster's eyes were quick to perceive him; and, striding
+forward, he laid his hand on his son's shoulder.
+
+"Well, Adrien," he commenced, "what is wrong? Can't you sleep, or are
+you given to spending the small hours in star-gazing?"
+
+"I might retort in kind, sir," returned Adrien, pulling his scattered
+thoughts together, and smiling faintly.
+
+"Ah! I am old," said his father. "Age has its penalties as well as its
+privileges; and the freedom to speak plainly is one of the latter. Come,
+my boy, what is wrong? At your age I was happy enough; but you seem to
+have taken the troubles of the world on your shoulders. Are you ill?"
+
+"No, sir, I am well enough," returned Adrien quietly.
+
+"Then are you worrying over your debts through that unlucky horse?
+Because, although, as you know, I do not interfere with your money
+matters as a rule, you are quite at liberty to draw on my bank if you
+care to do so."
+
+His son turned to him affectionately.
+
+"No, no, sir," he said gratefully. "I don't suppose they are as bad as
+all that. Jasper will see to them."
+
+The words were scarcely out of his mouth when he regretted them. His
+father's face darkened; his eyes grew fierce.
+
+"Jasper! always Jasper," he snarled, even as Mortimer Shelton had done.
+"It's a pity he didn't break his neck this morning, instead of his
+miserable tool."
+
+Adrien uttered a protesting exclamation; he would have sacrificed
+anything sooner than have given his father this opportunity to revile
+his friend.
+
+"You must be blind, sir," continued Lord Barminster, now working himself
+up into a rage. "Did not you see and hear enough from that jockey this
+morning to make you realise what that precious friend of yours had done?
+I tell you, Adrien, that Jasper Vermont bribed that miserable man to
+rope your horse. For him, you have allowed your friends, my guests, to
+be swindled out of their money."
+
+It was the first time in Adrien's recollection that the proud old man
+had ever even hinted that Barminster Castle was not entirely his son's
+yet; that the guests were those of his father's choice as well of his
+own.
+
+Adrien's eyes blazed.
+
+"Father," he said in a low voice, but as hard as steel, "I know you have
+always hated Mr. Vermont, but this goes farther than hate. Forgive me if
+I ask you, but surely you have some proofs? Otherwise you would not have
+accused him of such villainy. Give them to me, and I promise you to
+punish him as severely as you yourself could wish."
+
+"Proofs!" his father repeated sternly with knitted brows. "What proofs
+would such a clever scoundrel leave about? This morning's work should be
+sufficient proof even to satisfy you."
+
+Adrien drew himself up to his full height, and confronted his father
+with a resolute air.
+
+"It is no use, sir," he said. "I cannot take a drunken jockey's
+ramblings as proof of such an awful thing as that. Jasper is my friend,
+and besides, it is more to his interest to help me than to hate me."
+
+Lord Barminster sighed deeply. The experience of age had taught him the
+impossibility of convincing youth against its will.
+
+"Well, my boy," he said, "have your own way, but mark my words, you will
+live to repent your folly! I have no more proof, and to me no more is
+needed. Men on their death-beds do not lie, and I am as firmly convinced
+that Jasper Vermont forced that man to sell the race, as though I had
+the confession on paper. Still, I will say no more; you are young, and
+'Youth knows All.' Find out for yourself the man's character, I shall
+not warn you again. You are placing your faith in a thankless cur; don't
+grumble when he turns round and bites the hand that has helped him. As
+for me, I will wait. Believe me, I would far rather know myself to be
+wrong than deal you any further unhappiness, so let us drop the subject
+for a time. I did not mean to bring up the man's name. I want to speak
+to you of far more important things."
+
+His voice grew more grave, indeed almost solemn.
+
+"Adrien, I am an old man, nearing the grave, and, as is only natural, my
+thoughts turn to the future of our race. You are the last of our line,
+it is to you I look to carry it on. You are no longer a boy, with a
+youth's follies and tastes; it is time you took up your
+responsibilities."
+
+Adrien made as if to speak; but his father checked him, with a gesture
+of his hand.
+
+"Stay, hear me out," he said. "When I was your age, your mother was at
+my side, I had given the House of Leroy its son and heir. I was married,
+and had left the lighter loves of the world for a more lasting and
+responsible one. You know I have never interfered much with your life;
+but though I am no longer of the gay world, I yet hear something of its
+doings. You 'live the pace,' they tell me, and are the idol of the smart
+set. Barminster Castle, Adrien, looks for something higher than that in
+its lord and master. I repeat, sir, at your age I was married."
+
+"And loved," said Adrien softly.
+
+"Yes, indeed," exclaimed Lord Barminster, his face lighting up at the
+thought of the woman whom he had lost, and mourned so long. "Your mother
+was that which ranks above rubies, a good and virtuous woman, worthy of
+any man's love."
+
+Adrien turned his pale face away, as if to avoid scrutiny, then he said
+gently:
+
+"I admit your right to speak like this, sir, and if it rested with me I
+would obey you at once."
+
+"It does rest with you, Adrien," returned his father quickly. "Surely
+you are blind, not to see that Constance Tremaine loves you with her
+whole heart."
+
+Adrien started up, his face alight and quivering with excitement.
+
+"Impossible, sir!" he exclaimed. "Would to heaven it were true; for I
+know no other woman to whom I would so gladly devote my life."
+
+The grim old face softened and relaxed. He had not expected such an
+overwhelming victory.
+
+"Why do you say it is impossible?" he asked.
+
+Adrien did not answer for a moment, then he slip hoarsely:
+
+"She is already engaged to Lord Standon."
+
+An exclamation of astonishment burst from the old man's lips. He put out
+his hand in involuntary sympathy, and the two so strangely alike, yet so
+wide apart in years, clasped hands. Then, as if ashamed of the momentary
+emotion, the old man turned away, saying quietly:
+
+"This is, of course, a surprise to me. Its truth yet remains to be
+proved, but I should feel inclined to doubt it myself." With which he
+went back to his own apartments.
+
+Left alone once more, Adrien walked restlessly to and fro.
+
+"If Constance really cared for me," he said to himself, "nothing else in
+the world would matter. Lucky Standon! I dare not think of the future,
+it what Jasper said was true."
+
+At last he, too, returned to his room; but it was almost morning before
+he fell into a troubled slumber.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+The morning following the disastrous steeple-chase, Mr. Jasper Vermont
+ordered his car, and then sat down to write to Adrien. He told him that
+he regretted having to leave the Castle so suddenly, but urgent business
+required his presence in London, and that he would return to Barminster
+as soon as possible.
+
+On the appearance of the motor, he took his departure, travelling direct
+to Jermyn Court, where he stayed to lunch, waited on by the attentive
+Norgate as though he had been Adrien himself. Then, having filled his
+cigar-case with his friend's choicest Cabanas, he strolled through the
+fashionable parts of the Park.
+
+The loungers and idle men of fashion who usually frequented it at that
+time of the day knew him well, and nodded with forced smiles of
+friendship--it was clearly to their interest to be on good, if possible,
+cordial terms with a man who always had the entree to the innermost
+circles, and who had won the confidence of a popular favourite like
+Adrien Leroy.
+
+Those who had not been personally introduced to Jasper, had still heard
+reports of his position, and looked after him with that half-envious air
+which says so plainly:
+
+"There goes the kind of prosperous, wealthy man I myself should like to
+be."
+
+Mr. Vermont strolled along, his face wreathed in a perpetual smirk of
+recognition, his hat off half a dozen times a minute, acknowledging the
+smiling glances accorded to him.
+
+When he had nearly come to Hyde Park Gate, he was confronted by one of
+the loungers--an old acquaintance of his--whose woe-begone countenance
+seemed expressive of acute mental distress.
+
+Jasper Vermont recognised him in spite of his altered
+appearance--usually a very gay one--and stopped him.
+
+"What, Beau!" he exclaimed with seemingly effusive warmth; "you here;
+whatever have you been doing--committing murder? Or have you married in
+haste, to repent of it at leisure?"
+
+"Neither, my dear boy," answered the well-groomed young man--a captain
+in the "Household" Guards--one of the fastest and most generally liked
+fellows in town. "Neither, Vermont; but I have just come from the City."
+
+"City of the Tombs!" drawled Jasper facetiously.
+
+Captain Beaumont laughed, but rather mournfully.
+
+"Yes," he said, "all my hopes are buried in that beastly place.' Really,
+the County Council ought to put a notice over the west side of Temple
+Bar monument instead of that heraldic beast: 'Abandon hope, all ye who
+enter here,'"
+
+Mr. Vermont laughed, in his usual quiet way.
+
+"How's that? The City is good enough in its way. What have they been
+doing to you; won't they lend you any more money?"
+
+"Worse even than that," said the young spend-thrift; "they actually want
+me to repay all that I owe them already, on short notice, with the usual
+threats if I fail to comply within their time."
+
+"Oh!" remarked Mr. Vermont simply; but his "oh" was full of meaning and
+apparent sympathy for the misfortunes of his friend.
+
+"Yes, that hard-hearted old skinflint, Harker--what a mean brute he is!
+I should like to bury him, and would attend his funeral gladly to be
+certain I had seen the last of him. He holds a pretty little tot-up in
+the way of bills of mine; and I expected, naturally enough, when I call
+on the firm, that they would renew them at the usual Shylock rates, and
+I could try elsewhere for something to go on with."
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Vermont, "of course, that's the way you have done for
+years."
+
+Captain Beaumont nodded.
+
+"Yes, that's so; but Harker only shook that long head of his, and
+refused me; and nothing I could say would change the old skinflint's
+mind either. You know that cock-and-bull story he always tells, about
+his not being the principal, but only the servant? Well, he says his
+principal has instructed him to call in my bills, and it is impossible
+for him to renew them; and that the usual steps will be taken if I am
+not able to meet them."
+
+Jasper laughed, with gentle sarcasm.
+
+"Of course, that's always the moneylender's excuse. I'm afraid he will
+sell you up, Beau."
+
+Captain Beaumont whistled.
+
+"My dear Vermont, it will be an awful shock for the guv'nor. He can only
+give us younger sons a small allowance, and he certainly won't be able
+to settle this matter; it would be altogether beyond him."
+
+"What is the amount?" inquired Jasper. He was as well aware as was the
+young captain himself, of Lord Dunford's financial difficulties.
+
+"Well, not much," replied Captain Beaumont. "Only seven thousand; but
+it's no good my going to the guv'nor for a penny piece, and how to clear
+it up is more than I can tell. But why do you ask?" he added, though
+with but faint eagerness. "Do you think you could find any one able to
+help me out of this beastly hole?"
+
+"Well, I might," said Jasper, eyeing his cigar meditatively, as if
+seeking from its fumes some inspiration as to a method of aiding his
+friend.
+
+"I only know one way to prevent Harker taking extreme measures," went on
+the troubled debtor; "that is, if I could get some one to back new
+bills. Now if, say, Adrien Leroy were to back some bills for me, Harker
+certainly would not refuse; but I am hardly in a position to ask Leroy."
+
+"But I am," said Vermont, smiling with the consciousness of power; "and I
+will do it for you, for old friendship's sake."
+
+"You will!" exclaimed the captain gratefully. "Jasper, you're a brick! I
+feel sure, somehow, he will do it for you. _I_ should stand no chance.
+You are a good fellow to come to my rescue in this fashion."
+
+"Ah," said Mr. Vermont, with a smile; "but can we be sure that Harker
+will accept Leroy's name of the bills?"
+
+"Why, of course, Harker or anybody--who wouldn't?" asked the Guardsman,
+as the cloud dispelled from his face at hope coming so quickly from this
+unexpected quarter. "Why, it's as good as the Bank of England. Harker
+take it?---he'll snap at it. Only try him and see his greedy eyes
+glisten. What could Harker get by selling me up?--absolutely nothing.
+Besides, it would do him harm by letting others know how harshly he
+served me. Oh, no, Harker will not sell me up if he can find such an
+easy, safe way out of the difficulty."
+
+"True," said Jasper pleasantly. "Well, I'll interview Leroy and see if I
+can persuade him to assist you, as a friend of mine; I believe I can do
+it for you. Going to Lady Merivale's to-night? Yes? Then we shall meet
+again; till then, au revoir."
+
+So, with a shake of his fat, smooth hand, the benevolent, unselfish Mr.
+Vermont took his departure, still smiling serenely, on the business
+which had brought him that day to London.
+
+Nobody knew Jasper's private address. He was always to be found with
+Adrien Leroy, and all letters were addressed to his club; or to Jermyn
+Court; but of the locality of that place which Mr. Vermont would
+sanctify by the name of "home," every one was ignorant. Whenever
+questioned on this subject--he never obtruded the matter on anybody--it
+was his custom to answer lightly:
+
+"Home! what does such a waif, such a jetsam and flotsam of the world's
+flowing tide, want with a home? Really, my dear boy"--or madam, if the
+speaker happened to be of the gentler sex--"if ever you have occasion to
+see me, I am sure to be at one of these three places: Leroy's chambers,
+my club--the Pallodeon, or Barminster Castle."
+
+And accordingly, to one of these places his fashionable acquaintances
+directed their inquiries for him. Mr. Vermont, however, really possessed
+a home, small, it is true, but one quite suitable to his needs, and
+absolutely secluded from the possible knowledge of his friends in the
+gay world.
+
+After leaving Captain Beaumont, he had himself driven to the City.
+Alighting in front of a large jeweller's shop, apparently with the
+intention of purchasing something, he dismissed his car; then when it
+had disappeared, walked quickly along the crowded thoroughfare for some
+distance. At last, looking round furtively--for he was ever cautious--he
+dived into one of the small entrances in Lawrence Lane, and mounting two
+flights of stairs, entered the front room. This was the home, or rather,
+perhaps, refuge from the conventions of society, that Mr. Vermont
+possessed. Here he could find shelter at any time of the night, for he
+possessed a private key; and by his orders the bed was kept constantly
+aired and ready by the housekeeper; who had her own rooms on the floor
+above. It was no unusual thing for her to leave the rooms tenantless
+late in the evening, and find them occupied when she rose in the
+morning, Jasper having arrived during the dead of night, silently as was
+his invariable custom.
+
+The second morning after his sudden return to town, Mr. Vermont was in
+his sitting-room, which was very plainly furnished indeed, partaking of
+a breakfast so simple that his fashionable friends would scarcely have
+believed the evidence of their own eyes. When he had finished, and the
+table had been cleared, he went over to the roll-top desk which stood in
+an angle by the window, and opened it, disclosing piles of letters,
+sheets, of closely written foolscap and slips of memorandum forms. On
+the corner of the desk stood a telephone, which communicated with
+Harker's private room, downstairs in the offices; they were dignified by
+the name of Harker's "Bank," and were, of course, those of the
+moneylending business which was carried on by Vermont in that name.
+Taking up the receiver now, he asked Harker to come up to him as soon as
+possible.
+
+Within the next few minutes, George Harker was standing before the
+master he both hated and feared. He was very tall, with a thin, lined
+face, from which all light and hope seemed to have fled. His whole being
+appeared wrapped up in attendance on Jasper Vermont. He watched him
+eagerly now, not speaking until he was spoken to, but simply waiting
+patiently, doggedly, till his master was ready to attend to him.
+
+Vermont drew the heap of various papers towards him--with keen eyes and
+quick brain grasped the multitude of facts they set forth, checked the
+long column of figures, struck the balances; and, with a nod of
+satisfaction, looked up at the man before him.
+
+"All right, Harker, as far as I can see--and, as you know, that's all
+the way and a little beyond. But we must do better than that. Where's
+the private account?"
+
+"Here, sir," said Harker, in a dry, rasping voice, somewhat like the
+creaking of an old, rusty-hinged door.
+
+"Where?--oh, yes, I see. Oh, Paxhorn has come to us, has he? Writing
+poetry is not a paying game, eh? Or is it the fine, grand company that
+runs away with the golden counters? Well, all fish--or idiots--that come
+to our net are welcomed, no matter what wind drives them. Thirty per
+cent. from Paxhorn. No more?"
+
+"I could not get any more, sir," said Harker earnestly; "I tried--tried
+hard--indeed I did, I assure you. I would not give in until he
+threatened to go to another office."
+
+"Hem! well, I suppose it's the truth; though, of course, all
+moneylenders are rogues--and you're only a moneylender, you know." He
+looked up for a moment to laugh at the logical joke. "Who backs his
+paper? Lord Standon. Oh, my lord is pretty deep in our books already,
+isn't he? Where are his statistics?"
+
+"Here, sir," said Harker, taking one of the papers from the heap.
+
+Jasper Vermont glanced at it, and laid it down again with an evil smile
+on his face.
+
+"Oh, he's good for more than that, Harker; but be cautious. We'll lend
+him another ten thousand; but put on five per cent. Lords must pay, to
+set the fashion to commoner folk. By the way, Captain Beaumont----"
+
+"Whose bills you instructed me to call in, sir."
+
+"Yes; well, I met him yesterday and promised to intercede for him you."
+He laughed harshly. "What fun it is, poor idiot! He shook my hand with
+profuse expressions of gratitude. Mr. Leroy will back the renewal and
+you can let it run. Beaumont's the second son, Lord Dunford is on his
+last legs, and the heir won't live another year, we can come down like
+kites when the gallant captain has the title and estates. Till then
+we'll wait; but stick out for another two-and-a-half per cent. Make the
+calves bleed, Harker; it will do them and me good."
+
+About that small matter of the young artist, Wilson, sir?"
+
+"Eh! Wilson? Oh, yes. You got instructions to proceed in the usual way
+to sell him up."
+
+"Yes, sir, that was your order. He called yesterday, and pleaded for
+another week. His wife is dying, and they are starving. He begs hard for
+another week----"
+
+Stuff, another week! the dog means another year. He should have thought
+of the time for repaying when he was borrowing. Another week--not
+another day. Start proceedings at once. Mind, I say it. Didn't I hear
+him call me a 'parasite from the pavement' one night at a ball? Screens
+have ears, Mr. Wilson, and parasites have memories. Sell him up--do you
+hear, Harker?"
+
+"I do sir; it shall be done," replied his servant meekly.
+
+"And now for Leroy's account." With a gleam of fiendish delight in his
+eyes, he scrutinized the figures and statements. "Ah! you are getting
+them in fast."
+
+"All Mr. Leroy's bills we are getting in--buying up wherever they are
+met with, sir, according to your instructions."
+
+"Right, get him into your hands--you know how. Be prepared for--you
+know!"
+
+Mr. Harker inclined his head.
+
+"Now for the women. Ah, those dear butterfly creatures will come to the
+nasty sticky papers that were meant to catch bluebottles only; well,
+then, they must take the consequences. What! Lady Merivale--the fair
+Eveline. Does she want to borrow money?"
+
+"She dabbles in the Stock Exchange. I know her business man; he owes us
+money, sir, and we know some of his secrets. She has been losing lately,
+and has deposited her diamonds, sir--"
+
+"Her diamonds? The famous Merivale diamonds? Where are they?"
+
+"Here, sir." Mr. Harker produced from his long pocket a shallow morocco
+case which he tendered mechanically to his employer.
+
+Jasper Vermont opened the case, and gazed on its contents with twinkling
+eyes; then, shutting it with a laugh, he leaned back in his chair,
+rubbing his smooth fat hands over his chin.
+
+"What will her ladyship do for them, and when were those left? I saw her
+last night and--by Heaven! she wore--"
+
+"Paste imitations, sir. I had them made up for her. Did you think the
+counterfeit good?"
+
+"Capital. Oh, isn't it rich! that old idiot must have eyed her proudly,
+gloating over his famous diamonds on his wife's fair bosom, little
+guessing they were Mr. Harker's tawdry glass mockeries. Capital, Harker,
+but take care, take care. Remember the duchess who brought her jewels to
+pledge, and discovered that they were paste already, and that the duke
+had done the transmutation before her. Beware!"
+
+"I am careful, sir, I am careful, very; I do not think--I trust--there
+have been no losses, not even small ones. I do my best to secure your
+interests."
+
+"Well, I believe you. You keep up the appearances, I hope? Never forget
+to tell people that you are only a subordinate, that you are acting for
+others and strictly on the instructions given to you by them. The more
+you assert it the more they'll think it a falsehood. Keep it up, Harker,
+and then, well, you know I keep my promises. By the way, how is the
+little Lucy?"
+
+As he spoke the name, half scornfully, half indifferently, a visible
+change came over his tool and puppet. His face became paler, if that
+were possible, his head seemed to drop, his whole figure was expressive
+of deepest dejection, fear, supplication.
+
+"Well, sir, quite well, and deeply grateful for your kindness," he said,
+wetting his dry lips.
+
+"Ah! and so she should be, young hussey. A fine thing for her. Married
+and respectable. If that soft-hearted, simple little husband of hers
+knew all I know! Strange that I should have dropped on to her and that
+first lover of hers down in that quiet place. Strange, wasn't it? Now I
+daresay they thought they were as safe as at the bottom of the sea.
+Didn't think that Mr. Jasper Vermont, a friend of the family, could be
+staying at the same hotel. He ought to have married her, of course.
+Better that he didn't, eh? Yet that weak, amiable grocer, innocent and
+unsuspecting, lets her have it all her own way, and believes her just a
+little purer and whiter than the angels. Clever little thing, Lucy.
+Makes him think she loves him, I daresay."
+
+"My poor child loves her husband better than her own life, sir,"
+breathed the father. "She is so happy, they love each other so, and she
+is my own flesh and blood. Forget that accursed night and the devil that
+led her astray. Forget that she is anything but the wife of an honest
+man. Have mercy on her, sir."
+
+"Well, Harker, I will; I am all mercy. Do your duty by me and I won't go
+down to tell the story of that night to Lucy's good, trusting husband.
+But don't ask me to forget, my good fellow, for that's folly. I never
+forget!"
+
+"Thank you, sir, thank you," Harker said, wiping the perspiration from
+his brow. "I will do my duty and work day and night in your interests,
+if you will only spare my child and keep others from knowing of that one
+false step."
+
+Mr. Jasper Vermont leaned back in his chair, and regarded his servant's
+agitation with quiet amusement for a few minutes; then he gathered all
+the papers together, put them away in his desk, and dismissed Mr. Harker
+with a nod, saying:
+
+"You can go now. Don't forget the Leroy paper, renew Beaumont, but sell
+up that artist scamp to the last stick and stone. Parasites can bite as
+well as cling, Mr. Wilson."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+The afternoon following the race the Castle guests returned to town,
+Lord Standon amongst them, and as that light-hearted gentleman departed
+without making any formal proposal for the hand of his young ward, Lord
+Barminster was greatly puzzled.
+
+All that day he had watched Lady Constance with an unceasing vigilance,
+of which, fortunately, she was unaware; but he could detect no traces of
+affection in her intercourse with Lord Standon, nor could he find any
+reason for his son's despair. Like a wise man, however, he made no
+reference whatever to the conversation of the preceding night, for which
+Adrien was exceedingly grateful, as he felt ashamed of having exposed
+his real feelings, even to his father.
+
+Instead, therefore, Lord Barminster endeavoured to find out the true
+state of the case from his sister Penelope.
+
+That lady, disturbed from her afternoon slumber, was inclined to be
+testy. As far as she was concerned, she was very much against the idea
+of Constance marrying any one, for the girl's presence saved her a great
+deal of trouble in many ways; the consultations with the housekeeper,
+the choosing of books, the writing of invitations, these and a hundred
+other trifles which in the event of Constance's marriage would be
+shifted back on to her own shoulders.
+
+Naturally, therefore, she considered the suitor who would be less likely
+to inconvenience her; and he, of course, was Adrien. For if he married
+Constance, there would be, at least, some time during the year in which
+she would be at Barminster, and leave Miss Penelope free to resume the
+novel reading of which she was so inordinately fond. She scoffed,
+therefore, at any likelihood of Lord Standon's suit, and flatly refused
+to believe a word of it.
+
+Meanwhile, Adrien was in a state of restless excitement, for which he
+himself could scarcely account, and accordingly he determined to return
+to London next day.
+
+That night they were a family party of four, and Lady Constance noticed
+that her guardian's manner was considerably more cheerful than was its
+wont, and that during dinner he glanced with even more affection than
+usual at the handsome face of his only son. Afterwards, when the old man
+had returned to his own apartments, Adrien found his cousin in the
+silver drawing-room, with Miss Penelope. The latter had taken up her
+latest novel, and was devouring it with rapt attention.
+
+Lady Constance, with a smile, beckoned to her cousin and made room for
+him beside her on the Chesterfield. He sank down with a sigh of content.
+
+"You leave us to-morrow then?" she began, in a tone of calm inquiry.
+
+He was filled with an insane longing to seize her in his arms, and cover
+her face with kisses; but he restrained himself, though he bent nearer
+to her as he said in a low voice:
+
+"Yes, I am going back to try and put my affairs in better order. My
+father has been pulling me up--quite rightly, of course. I ought to have
+seen to these things before. I am afraid I have not been a good son to
+him."
+
+"You do not see him very often, do you?" said Lady Constance, who knew
+to a day how often Adrien had visited the Castle during the last twelve
+months, during which she herself had sighed for his absence.
+
+"No," he admitted. "I always seem to have so many engagements; but now I
+am going to try a new mode of life--thanks to your words."
+
+"My words?" echoed Lady Constance, in genuine surprise. "I thought you
+said uncle had been speaking to you."
+
+"Yes," he agreed. "But it was what you said to me during our ride that
+decided me really--about the tenants, and all that."
+
+"You must not listen to all my complaints," she said, smilingly. "I am
+proud of the Barminster estates, naturally; and I cannot bear that they
+should be inferior to those of our neighbour----"
+
+"Who is that?" he inquired quickly.
+
+"Why, Lord Standon, of course," was the calm reply.
+
+He started at the sound of the name of one he deemed his rival. The
+jealous blood rushed to his face and his heart beat fast.
+
+"Naturally," he said, in tones as quiet as he could make them, "you
+would compare all estates with his--_now!_"
+
+With womanly intuition she saw his meaning, but did not choose to dispel
+his suspicions just then. Not that she was a coquette or flirt, for she
+loved this man with all the strength of her being; but, on the other
+hand, she knew, or thought she knew, his disposition only too well, and
+she feared to yield to her natural inclinations, which were to allow him
+to see that he had only to speak, and she was ready and willing to
+listen. Instead, therefore, she merely said lightly:
+
+"Yes, he makes a good landlord, for all he declares to the contrary.
+Then, too, he has a capable agent."
+
+"Like Jasper," put in her companion, trying to keep his eyes away from
+her pretty, vivacious face.
+
+Lady Constance was silent. However much she might dislike and distrust
+Vermont, she never expressed her opinion of him to Adrien. She therefore
+turned the subject quickly by inquiring after the next race.
+
+"'The Brigades'--in two months' time," he replied.
+
+"The 'King' will run, I suppose?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, and I shall ride him," said Adrien quietly. "After an accident
+such as has occurred, none shall ride him save myself; then if anything
+should happen----"
+
+"Ah! no! no!" cried Lady Constance, her face paling, and her blue eyes
+full of alarm; "you mustn't!--you shan't!" She stopped short. "I mean,"
+she went on, speaking more quietly, "you must think what it would be--to
+your father--and auntie----"
+
+"And you," he said eagerly, catching at her hands. "Would you care,
+too?"
+
+She gently drew her fingers from his grasp.
+
+"Of course I should," she replied, in her usual quiet tones. "Am I not a
+sort of cousin?"
+
+"Constance," he broke in passionately, "I have no right to speak to you,
+I know; but tell me just this, if--if----"
+
+Alas! for Adrien. Alas! for poor Lady Constance. The book in Miss
+Penelope's hand had slid quickly from her grasp, as she sat dozing near
+the fire-place. At this, the most critical moment, it came with a sudden
+crash to the floor, and Miss Penelope opened her eyes, and sat up
+briskly.
+
+Nothing more could be said under the circumstances, and Adrien was
+perforce obliged to spend the evening as best he might, turning over the
+pages of his cousin's music, and watching her with longing, ardent eyes;
+while Miss Penelope sat near by, tactlessly wide awake.
+
+Presently she glanced up.
+
+"Adrien, did you ask your father about the ball?" she asked.
+
+Her nephew looked abashed. Truth to tell, he had completely forgotten
+it.
+
+"No," he admitted candidly, "I did not. But forgive me, this time; I
+will ask him to-night."
+
+A little later the ladies rose to retire.
+
+"Good-night, my dear boy," said Miss Penelope, gathering up her precious
+book and chocolates. "You go to town to-morrow? Oh, then, I shall not
+see you again. Good-bye; and don't forget about the ball."
+
+Adrien held the door open for her, and she passed out; then he closed it
+again.
+
+"Good-night, Constance," he said, gazing longingly into his cousin's
+face.
+
+"Good-night," she said, giving him her hand. "Good-night, and a pleasant
+journey."
+
+"Will you not wish me a speedy return?"
+
+"That might be an ill wish," she answered lightly--"if you did not care
+to come."
+
+"You know I do," he whispered, and he raised her fingers to his lips.
+
+With a vivid blush, Lady Constance withdrew her hand from his grasp, and
+left the room. Going straight up to her own apartment, she flung herself
+on her knees. The kiss he had impressed on her fingers seemed to burn
+them; the sound of his voice rang in her ears; yet, with a strength of
+mind extraordinary in a girl so young, she put away the sweetness of his
+half-formed declaration, hoping that his journey to town meant the
+cutting free of all entanglements, and the settling of his affairs.
+
+Early the following morning, the sound of a motor, and the barking of
+dogs, brought Lady Constance to her window; below her was Adrien,
+followed by a servant with the travelling case, which was placed beside
+the chauffeur.
+
+Adrien had already entered the car, and was about to have it set in
+motion, when a sudden idea seemed to strike him, and he glanced up at
+Lady Constance's window. Seeing this, she opened the casement and stood
+framed by the surrounding greenery.
+
+Adrien waved his hand to her; then, hastily scribbling something in a
+note-book, he tore the page out, and evidently despatched it by one of
+the waiting servants.
+
+She watched every movement, with eyes shining with eagerness, and could
+have cried bitterly at the thought of his absence. She knew, too, that
+she was playing a dangerous game, when she allowed him to return to
+town, his passion still undeclared; yet she felt that this was the only
+means of holding his affections; for she was a firm believer in the
+adage--"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." She sighed deeply,
+however, as with a parting wave of his hand, and bareheaded, Adrien was
+rapidly driven away.
+
+A few minutes later the servant brought her the hastily written note. It
+was only a scrap of paper, and unfolding it, she read the two lines:
+
+
+"My father grants us the ball. We will make it an eventful
+one.--ADRIEN."
+
+
+Her face glowed. "We will, indeed," she murmured. "It is a high stake I
+play for; but it is worth the struggle. Heaven grant me his whole heart!
+I ask nothing else."
+
+Carefully locking the scrap of paper away, she descended into the
+morning-room, where Lord Barminster was already seated at the
+breakfast-table. His grim face softened at the entry of the girl he had
+always looked upon as a daughter, and loved even more intensely--if that
+were possible--now that he meant to win her for his son's bride.
+
+"So Adrien has left us again?" he began, as she poured out his coffee.
+
+She flushed slightly at his significant tones.
+
+"Yes," she replied. "Uncle, thank you so much for letting us have the
+ball----"
+
+"Nonsense, my dear" he returned. "Adrien told me you wanted it, and that
+was sufficient. Why didn't you ask me yourself? Have I been such a cruel
+guardian?"
+
+"No, no," she cried, and coming round to him impulsively, she pressed
+her lips to his forehead. "You've been the dearest uncle in the world.
+Indeed, no father could have been better."
+
+He smiled at her earnestness.
+
+"I've done my best, my dear, though I admit I'd like you for my very own
+daughter-in-law."
+
+Lady Constance blushed scarlet. This was carrying the war into the
+enemy's camp with a vengeance.
+
+"'Nobody axed me, sir, she said,'" she sang gaily.
+
+"Ah, but whose fault is that?" asked Lord Barminster, pleased that she
+had not refused to discuss the question.
+
+"Please, Uncle Philip," she said, with a sudden quiver in her voice,
+"I'd rather not talk about it--if you don't mind."
+
+"Quite right, my dear," replied Lord Barminster, patting her hand
+reassuringly.
+
+For a few minutes there was silence. His lordship drank his coffee,
+while his companion stared dreamily through the window at the
+magnificent view of park and woods. The old man was the first to speak.
+
+"We shall miss Lord Standon," he said, with a meaning glance at her.
+
+Lady Constance looked up with a start; then, as she realised the
+significance of this simple statement, she smiled. She knew she could
+trust her uncle not to betray her woman's secret; and, though she had no
+scruple in using Lord Standon as a means to spur on Adrien, she would
+not allow the old man to be worried unnecessarily by doubts of her
+fidelity to his beloved son.
+
+"Yes," she answered, quietly. "But he only came down for the race; and I
+daresay he was anxious to rejoin his fiancee."
+
+It was her uncle's turn to start, and his intense surprise told Lady
+Constance only too well that her speculations were correct. Adrien had
+believed her in love with Lord Standon, and his father had undertaken to
+find out the truth. She was not afraid of Adrien's being undeceived now;
+for, even if Lord Barminster wrote--which was very unlikely--the spur
+would have done its work.
+
+"I did not know he was engaged," the old man exclaimed.
+
+"No, the news has not been made public; but he told me in confidence,"
+Lady Constance returned calmly, as she rose from the breakfast-table.
+Then, having seen her companion installed with his newspaper, she passed
+out to the terrace.
+
+To the astonishment of every one in Barminster Castle, some few hours
+later, Mr. Vermont reappeared.
+
+In his turn he seemed quite as surprised when he learned that Leroy had
+already returned to London.
+
+"Gone," he echoed, "just a few hours ago? Dear! dear! I must have missed
+him by telling my chauffeur to take the road across the moor."
+
+He entered the Castle while he was speaking, and the servants hastened
+to learn his commands; for, next to the sun, there is nothing better
+than the moon--next to the Hon. Adrien came his friend and agent, Mr.
+Jasper Vermont. But Jasper waved them amiably aside, as he entered the
+dining-room.
+
+"You would like some luncheon, sir?" inquired the butler, coming forward
+respectfully.
+
+Jasper nodded.
+
+"Just a snack, Judson. Don't put yourselves out for me, I'm off again
+directly."
+
+While the estimable Judson went off to get this snack--which resolved
+itself into an exquisitely-laid lunch--Mr. Vermont dropped into a chair,
+and surveyed the scene through the open window. Strange to say, his
+thoughts seemed to run similarly to those of Lady Constance, earlier in
+the day; for he exclaimed under his breath:
+
+"It's a large stake, worth playing for. Awkward my missing him." He
+smoothed out a pile of deeds and documents and replaced them in his
+leather bag. "He would have signed these without a word here; at his
+chambers, he'll amuse himself by reading them, confound it!"
+
+A rustle of silken skirts attracted his attention; the scowl vanished,
+and he readjusted his smiling mask as the door opened and Lady Constance
+entered the room.
+
+She had been informed of his sudden arrival; and, though heartily
+disliking him, she was yet bound to play the part of hostess while her
+aunt was resting.
+
+Mr. Vermont bowed low over her extended hand, as over that of an
+empress.
+
+"I hope your ladyship is well?" he asked.
+
+"Quite, thank you, Mr. Vermont," she said with cold indifference. "I
+suppose you have come down to see Adrien? He started for London before
+breakfast this very morning."
+
+"So I have just heard," he returned sweetly.
+
+"I am not greatly surprised, as Lady Merivale was asking after him last
+night. I expect she summoned him."
+
+The girl's face paled ever so slightly, though she strove to give no
+sign that his shaft had hit home. Adrien had received a letter that
+morning, as she knew, one having been brought up to her by mistake.
+
+"Very likely," she said imperturbably. "I daresay he had to attend to
+some business too."
+
+"Adrien is very changeable," Vermont said reflectively, "one can never
+count on his movements; following him is like wild duck shooting, down
+the river on Monday, and up the Fens on Tuesday. I'm sorry I missed him,
+though, for I have several papers which he must see."
+
+Lady Constance tried to appear sympathetic.
+
+"It is a pity you weren't earlier," she said with a smile. "Still, I
+daresay you know where to find him."
+
+"Oh, yes," returned Mr. Vermont, glancing at her from the corner of his
+eye, as he aimed his second shaft. "He will be either with Miss
+Lester or her ladyship; he fluctuates between these two points of
+happiness as a rule."
+
+Lady Constance did not appear perturbed in any way by this news.
+
+"Lady Merivale is a charming woman," she said briefly. "But who is Miss
+Lester?"
+
+"She is also a charming woman," was the smooth reply; "but with the
+difference that she is unattached--save to the theatre."
+
+"Oh! an actress!" exclaimed his companion with patrician contempt. "That
+reminds me," she continued. "What is your last success at the Casket?"
+
+"_My_ success," echoed Mr. Vermont, with an air of pained astonishment.
+
+"Yes, are you not the manager of that building?" she asked simply.
+
+He bowed and smiled.
+
+"No, Lady Constance," he said. "I fear the world gives me too much
+credit. I have nothing to do with this whim of Adrien's save to pay out
+the salaries for the company. The management is his--or rather, perhaps,
+I should say, Miss Lester's; and I am not answerable for its failure or
+its successes. I believe, too, he is about to give the whole place to
+Miss Lester."
+
+Lady Constance started almost unconsciously, and Jasper knew that his
+words had hit home at last.
+
+"I am sure you do your best to help him," she said, after a moment's
+pause.
+
+"You are most kind," he returned with a bow and an ironic smile. "I
+trust you will let me prove my friendship both to Adrien and yourself."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV
+
+
+It was the night on which Adrien had returned to town. Jessica, ignorant
+that he had ever left it, had found her way to his chambers, and waited
+there patiently and hungrily in the hope of once more seeing him. As the
+clock struck eight she decided that it was useless to remain any longer,
+and accordingly retraced her steps through the crowded thoroughfares.
+
+Anything would be better than waiting like this, she thought
+despairingly.
+
+After the silence of the deserted street, the crowds, pushing and
+jostling her, brought her almost a feeling of satisfaction. Even if she
+were alone, at least she could not be solitary while the world rushed
+past her, in its eager search for pleasure.
+
+At one point near Charing Cross a few curious loafers had collected on
+either side of the brilliantly-lit facade of a theatre, over which, in
+coloured lights, was the name, "The Casket."
+
+As Jessica stood watching listlessly, indeed almost unconsciously, a
+handsome motor rolled up before the imposing entrance. The little group
+surged back before the white-gloved commissionaire, who hurried forward,
+but the door of the car had already been thrown open by the chauffeur,
+and a gentleman and lady stepped out.
+
+At the sight of one of them, Jessica's indifference became changed to a
+feverish eagerness. The colour left her face, her eyes dilated, her lips
+parted. She swayed back, half fearful, half desirous that he should see
+her; for it was he, the man for whom she had waited so long, the man she
+had enshrined within her heart.
+
+Adrien, all his doubts as to the possibility of winning Constance's love
+returning to him in full force once he had left her presence, had come
+down to the theatre with two objects. One to distract his thoughts from
+his hopes and fears, the other to arrange with Jasper for the entire
+transfer of the theatre to Ada. He meant this to be the last night as
+far as the Casket and Ada Lester were concerned.
+
+Absorbed in his own reflections, he hardly saw the group of humble
+spectators, and did not appear to hear their murmurs of recognition, but
+turned and held out his hand to assist the lady who accompanied him.
+
+Jessica's eyes flashed fiercely as they wandered from his face to that
+of the woman beside him.
+
+"She is beautiful," she murmured beneath her breath. "She is beautiful,
+and with him!"
+
+All the love which had been aroused in her passionate heart surged up,
+and, for the minute, almost turned to jealous hate. "Beautiful, and with
+him." It was agony to her to see him as he bent down to catch some light
+words of his companion, whose perfumed satin cloak swept by the
+crouching girl, as the pair passed into the theatre.
+
+Full well she knew that she herself could never hope to hear his voice,
+or feel the pressure of his hand; yet it was with the bitterness of
+death that she saw him pass her by in the company of this beautiful
+woman. Mingled also with her jealousy was another feeling, that of
+partial recognition. For the moment--she could not remember where--but
+at some time in the past, she fancied she had seen that dark,
+highly-coloured face, and heard the harsh vulgar voice.
+
+As Leroy turned from the motor, she heard him say to the chauffeur:
+
+"Be here at eleven."
+
+"At eleven," she thought, "then I will be here too, and see him once
+more."
+
+She hung on the outskirts of the group and listened with greedy ears for
+any chance word that might arise about her idol.
+
+"A reg'lar beauty, I should just think so," said a man, addressing
+another who had passed a remark on the lady in question. "She's the
+biggest star on the stage, you bet! Ada Lester knows her value, and
+ain't likely to forget it neither."
+
+The other man ventured a remark concerning the lady's escort.
+
+"Him? That's Leroy--son of Lord Barminster--the richest of 'em all. She
+belongs to him, she does; so does the whole theatre. Costs him a pretty
+penny, you bet. But lor' bless yer, he don't mind! Can't spend his money
+fast enough. My brother's one of the shifters; and the things he cud
+tell yer about 'er, and 'er temper, 'ud make yer 'air stand on end."
+
+Jessica moved away, while members of the group aired their knowledge of
+the rapidly entering, smartly-dressed audience.
+
+"That's Mr. Leroy's friend, Mr. Vermont," commenced the first speaker
+again. "I've 'eard tell 'e does all the work and pays out all the other
+one's money; but he ain't no class himself--he's not a real tip-top
+swell like them others." He pointed to a little group of
+white-waistcoated, immaculately-dressed men, now standing on the steps
+of the vestibule. "Lord! this 'ere Casket'll be crammed with all the
+swells to-night--'cos it's the fashion."
+
+"So Ada Lester is the fashion now, eh?" commented his companion, who had
+probably known her in her poorer days, and therefore was inclined to be
+interested in her.
+
+"Not 'arf, she ain't," agreed the man, with the Londoner's pride in
+laying down the law on the subject. "She's got a house like a duchess,
+and can eat off gold or silver if she chooses; an' all for her face, for
+she can't act for nuts. I've seen 'er so I know!" With which lordly
+criticism, he closed the subject.
+
+As for Jessica, sick at heart with jealousy, she turned up one of the
+side streets to commence her long wait for Adrien Leroy; while the group
+dispersed, laughing and chattering.
+
+The Casket was filled now to its utmost capacity. It was the first night
+of a new piece. The unfortunate comedy which Ada had so strongly
+condemned had been withdrawn, and a so-called musical farce--consisting
+of very bad music, and still worse comedy--hastily put on in its stead.
+As usual, no expense had been spared in the mounting, and Adrien's money
+had been poured out like water on extraordinary costumes, gorgeous,
+highly-coloured scenery, and a hundred embellishments for this new piece
+of elaborate and senseless burlesque, Prince Bon-Bon. But with all its
+deficiencies as regarded culture, the piece appeared to be a success.
+
+Ada Lester could dance, if she could not act; and she could shout a
+vulgar patter song, if she could not sing; therefore after a tumultuous
+first act, during which she had been "Hongkored"--as she expressed
+it--to her heart's content, she was standing in the wings, with a
+cigarette between her painted lips, radiant with content and gratified
+vanity.
+
+"Well, Shelton," said Leroy, as his friend approached him, where he
+leaned against a stack of scenery. "What do you think of the show this
+time?"
+
+"As beautiful as it is senseless," was that gentleman's sarcastic reply.
+"Heaven alone knows what it cost you," he added.
+
+"I certainly don't know myself," admitted Adrien, knocking the ash from
+his cigarette. "Ask Paxhorn--he wrote the lyrics, and had the
+management; or better still Vermont, whom I'm going to see myself
+presently. But this will be a success, Mortimer, and I shall make a
+fortune."
+
+"Yes," said Shelton quietly, "for Paxhorn and Vermont. Well, it's no
+business of mine, of course."
+
+He turned to Ada, who had been tapping her foot angrily during this
+little conversation. "Well, Miss Lester," he said, "haven't you a word
+for me to-night?"
+
+She glared at him viciously, for Mortimer was not a favourite of hers.
+
+"Yes," she snapped. "I hate the sight of you!"
+
+Both men laughed as though amused.
+
+"That was a fair hit," said Shelton, with mock grief in his voice.
+"Don't kill me right out, Miss Lester. Let me open a bottle of champagne
+for you."
+
+"I don't want it," said the popular dancer, her eyes flashing angrily.
+Then, turning her back on him, she said to Adrien, "Ain't you going to
+the front to see me dance?"
+
+"I can see you from here," was his answer. "You look charming, my dear
+Ada; doesn't she, Mortimer?"
+
+"Yes, and as good as she is beautiful," declared that gentleman, making
+her a low bow.
+
+With a furious glance at him, and a furtive look at Adrien, she passed
+them, and, accompanied by a burst of music from the orchestra and a
+storm of clapping from the audience, she commenced her dance.
+
+Shelton watched her with a sneer.
+
+"Hark! how they applaud," he said, glancing up at the crowded and
+delighted house. "They seem to admire her, anyway. Long live Miss Ada,
+Queen of dancers. Adrien, why do you put up with that painted vixen?"
+
+Leroy smiled at his sudden change of tone.
+
+"Don't let her hear you," he said. "And don't worry yourself about me,
+old fellow."
+
+"You're afraid of her," continued his friend. "Oh, yes, you may think it
+an impertinence if you like, but I know you are. You'd face a cannon's
+mouth sooner than that woman's angry abuse. You dread a scene as a
+musician does a false note. For me, I'm sick of the whole world."
+
+"Why do you remain in it, then?" asked Adrien, laughing.
+
+"For the same reason as yourself," replied the cynic. "Neither of us
+know what the next will be like."
+
+Adrien laughed, but before he could explain to his friend his plan with
+regard to Ada, a crowd of pretty dancers in silver gauze surrounded him,
+begging for real bon-bons, instead of the painted property sweets given
+out to them.
+
+"Do you girls think I am made of bon-bons, like the piece?" he said,
+waving them back. "Why, you'll make yourselves ill."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Leroy," pouted one, "we've danced so hard, too!"
+
+"Go to Mr. Vermont, then," was the indolent reply; "he'll give you what
+you want," and with a rush they swept back on to the stage.
+
+"Always Jasper," murmured Shelton sadly, as his friend, with a genial
+wave of the hand, picked his way past cardboard castles and paper trees,
+till he disappeared through the door that would lead him to his
+stage-box.
+
+At eleven o'clock the play was over; the superbly-dressed women, with
+their escorts, were descending the wide staircase, laughing and
+discussing the piece, which seemed likely to become the success of the
+season. Outside, the pavement was filled with the gay, excited crowds.
+Whistles resounded for taxis hovering in the immediate vicinity, like
+steel-plated birds of prey. Carriages were being shouted for, and
+throughout all the bustle and excitement, a slight girlish form doggedly
+kept its vigil near the main entrance.
+
+The crowd of pleasure-seekers and onlookers had melted away, and the
+attendants were busy turning out the lights, when the glass doors swung
+open again, and three or four gentlemen came out, laughing and talking.
+
+"Quite a success," said one of them.
+
+"Yes, indeed," from another. "Paxhorn, I congratulate you again, old
+man."
+
+"Thank you," replied the author, his face beaming with satisfaction.
+"Thanks to Leroy, it will run for a hundred nights, and my name will be
+made."
+
+"On Bon-bons," sneered Shelton; "what a thing it is to be a popular
+playwright."
+
+"Better to be a popular dancer," whispered Paxhorn, as the door swung
+open again, and Adrien came out, with Ada Lester on his arm, Mr. Jasper
+Vermont following behind them.
+
+"All here?" asked Leroy in his clear voice, as they descended the steps
+to where the motors stood waiting. "Come along"--turning to the rest of
+the party--"we are all going to supper to celebrate Ada's triumph.
+Paxhorn, dismiss your car, old man, and come with us; we want to hear
+the rustle of your laurels."
+
+Laughingly, they entered the vehicles, while, above all the others, rang
+the harsh voice of the woman, and Jessica, hearing it, shuddered
+involuntarily. Then they were gone.
+
+Suddenly, while the girl's eyes were straining after them, the last
+motor stopped, and Jasper Vermont jumped out and hastened back into the
+theatre. More out of idle curiosity than anything else, or perhaps again
+prompted by the guardian angel of Leroy's honour, she waited to see him
+come out again. In a few minutes he re-emerged, bearing in his hand a
+small roll of papers, one of which he was reading, with a malicious
+smile on his face.
+
+Jessica unwittingly stood in his path, and he crashed into her with such
+force as to knock his hat to the ground. With an oath he struggled to
+regain it, pushing her roughly aside.
+
+"Out of my way, girl," he exclaimed, thinking she was about to beg from
+him. "I have nothing for you."
+
+At the sound of his voice Jessica's face whitened, and she turned away,
+frightened, and trembling; as she did so, her foot struck against
+something light lying on the kerb. She stooped and found it was a small
+roll of papers, part of those which had been in the gentleman's hand,
+and which he had been studying so attentively.
+
+She did not trouble to open it, but slipped it into the bosom of her
+dress and walked dreamily away.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+"Is it a Rubens, or is it not? That is the question," drawled Frank
+Parselle, as he dropped his eyeglass.
+
+On an easel in Lady Merivale's drawing-room, stood a picture, before
+which were grouped a small assembly of her friends, including one or two
+artists and connoisseurs.
+
+Lord Merivale was also present, having been dragged away from his
+beloved farm, and worried into the purchase of this picture--the usual
+"Portrait of a gentleman"--by his beautiful wife. He himself knew
+nothing whatsoever about it, either as to its value or its genuineness;
+it was worn and dirty-looking, and, in his opinion, would have been dear
+at a five-pound note.
+
+"Yes, that is the question," echoed Lord Standon. "It's not a bad face
+though. I should vote it genuine right enough."
+
+"It's extremely dirty," yawned Lord Merivale, casting a longing look at
+the green grass of the park opposite and thinking of his new shorthorns
+in Somersetshire.
+
+"Philistine!" exclaimed his wife, tapping him playfully on the arm. "You
+are incorrigible. Dirty! why, that is tone."
+
+"Ah," returned her husband, turning away and gazing admiringly at a
+bull by Potter. He was as wise as he had been before; for the jargon of
+Art and fashionable society was not one of his accomplishments.
+
+"I tell you who would be a good judge," put in Mr. Paxhorn.
+
+The rest turned inquiring eyes on him.
+
+"Who?" asked Lord Standon.
+
+"Adrien Leroy. He is an artist, though he keeps his talents as secret as
+if they were crimes. It was he who did the designs for my last book."
+
+A murmur of astonishment ran through the room. Nearly every one knew
+that it was to the illustrations the book owed the greater portion of
+its success.
+
+"A modesty quite unfashionable," exclaimed Lady Merivale, whose
+beautiful face had flushed ever so slightly at the mention of Adrien's
+name.
+
+"Yes," admitted Paxhorn. "Men have to proclaim their gifts very loudly
+in the market-place, before they sell their wares nowadays."
+
+"Oh, Adrien is a veritable Crichton," put in Lord Standon. "There is
+very little he does not know, and even that is made up by the estimable
+Jasper."
+
+"Yes, I saw them together got half an hour ago," said Paxhorn. "If I had
+known of this picture, I would have got them to come with me; for
+Vermont is a genius at settling any question under the sun."
+
+"He's not always right, though," put in Lord Merivale, quietly. "What
+about that horse of Leroy's? Wasn't it Vermont who was so sure of his
+winning the race? Yet his Majesty did not win, did he?"
+
+"No, I know that," said Standon, with a rueful smile, as he thought of
+his added debts.
+
+"That was not Vermont's lack of judgment," put in Paxhorn, who, for
+private reasons of his own, always stood up for that gentleman. "I am
+sure the horse would have won had it not been for Adrien's ill-timed
+generosity."
+
+"What was that?" inquired Lady Merivale, looking keenly over at him.
+
+"He gave the jockey a ten-pound note the night before the race; and, of
+course, the fellow got drunk and pulled the 'King' up at the last
+fence."
+
+"And lost his life, did he not?" asked one of the artists.
+
+Lord Standon nodded, thoughtfully. He was attached to his friend Leroy,
+and did not see why he should be blamed unnecessarily.
+
+"Yes," he replied; "the strangest part of it all was the way the poor
+fellow raved at Vermont."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Lady Merivale, sharply.
+
+"We were all standing round him," explained Lord Standon, "and when
+Vermont came up the man seemed to go off his head, and practically said
+he had sold the race. Of course, it was all nonsense, though I believe
+Lord Barminster is having some inquiries made."
+
+"But why should Vermont have sold the race? Really, it's too absurd,"
+put in Paxhorn scornfully. "Especially as he'd backed him for five
+hundred pounds himself. It's hardly likely he'd do such a thing for his
+own sake, apart from his sense of honour, and his friendship for Leroy."
+
+Lady Merivale glanced sceptically at the speaker. Her faith in Jasper's
+sense of honour was not very strong. Then she gave a deep sigh.
+
+"Why, Eveline," said her husband, looking up, "you seem quite grieved.
+Not on your own account, I hope?" The idea of his wife betting was very
+repugnant to him, and Lady Merivale always endeavoured to keep her
+little flutters, whether on 'Change or on the turf, entirely to herself.
+She laughed lightly, therefore, as she answered:
+
+"Oh, no, indeed; I lost a dozen of gloves, that was all." A vision of
+the cheque for five hundred pounds, which she had drawn, arose before
+her as she spoke.
+
+"I'm afraid it will take a little more than that to settle Leroy's
+book," said Lord Merivale carelessly.
+
+At this moment the door opened and Adrien Leroy himself was announced.
+There was the usual buzz of welcome, and her ladyship's eyes flashed
+just one second, as he bent over her hand.
+
+"I am so glad you have come, Mr. Leroy," she said. "You can settle a
+knotty question for us. This is my latest acquisition. Now have I been
+deceived, or have I not? Is it a Rubens?"
+
+Adrien smiled at the two artists, who were slight acquaintances of his.
+
+"You ask me while such judges are near? Cannot you decide, Alford--nor
+you, Colman?"
+
+"Well, I say it is," said the first.
+
+"While I think it is forgery," laughed the second; and thereupon ensued
+a lengthy and detailed criticism.
+
+Adrien bent nearer to the picture under examination; then he said
+quietly:
+
+"Where two such lights cannot discover the truth, who may? I agree with
+you, Alford, and so I do with you, Colman. Both your arguments are so
+convincing that if Rubens had painted it, and were present, to hear you,
+Colman, he'd be persuaded he hadn't; and if he had not painted it, you,
+Alford, could almost convince him that he had."
+
+There was a general smile at the artists' expense; and Adrien continued:
+
+"Rubens' touch"--examining the face--"but--what is this?" He pointed to
+a small weapon thrust into the girdle of the figure.
+
+"That is a dagger," said Alford. "Here, where are the glasses?"
+
+"Thanks," said Adrien, "but I don't require them. It is a dagger, and a
+Florentine one at that. Ah! Lady Merivale, I'm afraid your picture is
+more a specimen of what a modern impostor can rise to than that of an
+old master. That dagger is of comparatively modern fashion, certainly
+not earlier than the eighteenth century, while Rubens died in 1640."
+
+The two artists stared, as well they might, but were neither
+sufficiently acquainted with Leroy to express their surprise at his
+knowledge, nor had knowledge enough themselves to challenge his dates.
+
+It was Lord Standon who spoke first.
+
+"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "Adrien going in for history! Who would have
+thought it? My dear fellow, why not give a lecture?"
+
+"On the vanity of human hopes and the folly of friendship?" inquired
+Adrien, so coldly as to startle both the company and Lord Standon
+himself, who not being in Lady Constance's confidence, was naturally at
+a loss for the reason of this sudden anger on the part of Leroy. He drew
+back in surprise, but any further reference to the matter was stopped by
+the entry of Jasper Vermont. As a matter of fact, he had arrived just in
+time to overhear Adrien's last words.
+
+"What's that?" he cried, after he had greeted Lady Merivale. "Was that
+Leroy declaiming against the world? It's for those in his position to
+bewail its vanities, while poor dev--I beg your pardon, Lady
+Merivale--poor men like myself can only cry for them."
+
+Adrien smiled.
+
+"Quite right, Jasper. I'm wrong, as usual.
+
+"Mr. Vermont," said Lord Merivale, "you remind me of the clown in the
+beloved pantomime of my youth."
+
+"An innocent memory that, at least, my lord," returned Vermont, who
+never stayed his tongue in the matter of a repartee for lord or
+commoner. "May I ask why?"
+
+"You always enter the room with a joke or an epigram," was the answer.
+
+Mr. Vermont smiled.
+
+"'All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players,'"
+he quoted lightly, as he turned his attention to the unfortunate
+"Portrait of a gentleman." "Ah, what have we here--another picture? An
+old master, I presume?"
+
+The artists looked pleased; it would seem as if even the great
+connoisseur himself was liable to make mistakes.
+
+"It is ugly enough, in all conscience," he continued bluntly. "For my
+part, I am an utter philistine, and like my art to be the same as my
+furniture--new, pretty to look at, and comfortable, and, for the life of
+me, I can't fall in love with a snub-nosed Catherine de Medici, or a
+muscular apostle. What is this?" He bent down to read the title. "Ah!
+'Portrait of a gentleman of the sixteenth century.' Very valuable, I
+daresay, Lady Merivale?"
+
+Lady Merivale, who looked upon Mr. Vermont as one of her ancestors would
+have regarded the Court jester, smiled indifferently.
+
+"It all depends on the point of view," she said. "I have paid three
+hundred pounds for it."
+
+Mr. Vermont looked up with an air of innocent surprise; but a keen
+observer might have been tempted to regard it as one of satirical
+enjoyment.
+
+"Three hundred pounds! I daresay these gentlemen, good judges all, have
+declared it a bargain?" He motioned to the little group on the other
+side of Lord Merivale.
+
+"Not at all," returned his hostess. "On the contrary, Mr. Leroy declares
+it an imposture."
+
+Vermont raised his eyebrows.
+
+"Indeed," he said. "How did he detect the fraud?"
+
+"By the one weak point," said Colman. "That dagger; Rubens never lived
+to see such a dagger as that, so could not possibly have painted it!"
+
+Mr. Vermont smiled, an approving smile that seemed to mock the picture
+as if it were a living thing.
+
+"Capital," he said. "The rogue who palmed this forgery on you was
+evidently not a student of the antique. Poor fellow, how was he to guess
+who was to be his judge? You will, of course, institute proceedings
+against him, or send the picture back?"
+
+"Impossible," said Lord Merivale, with a rueful smile; "I wrote the
+cheque last night; by this time it will have been cashed, and so the
+swindle is complete."
+
+"Dear! dear!" ejaculated Mr. Vermont, in tones of the deepest
+commiseration, though he smiled as he added: "There's only one thing to
+be said, my lord. If that picture is clever enough to deceive such great
+experts, surely it has achieved its object. It certainly looks old
+enough to satisfy the most exacting of second-hand furniture shops."
+
+He turned to Lady Merivale.
+
+"Before I forget," he said, "let me discharge the object of my visit.
+Melba sings to-morrow at the Duke of Southville's party."
+
+Her ladyship's face lighted up with real gratitude. Music was her one
+sincere passion; and, as she had been unable to hear that divine
+songstress during the season owing to various engagements, this news was
+welcome.
+
+"Thank you," she said warmly. "How good of you to find out for me. It
+was kept such a secret. How did you discover it?"
+
+"Ah!" said Mr. Vermont, raising his eyebrows. "If I tell you that, it
+would be bad policy. I may have discovered it so easily that my services
+as a solver of mysteries would sink to insignificance, or again I may
+have had to commit a crime; in either case, it is best to 'draw a veil
+of silence,' shall we say; sufficient be it that Melba sings, and Lady
+Merivale deigns to listen."
+
+"Flatterer," she said lightly, as he rose, hat in hand. He glanced
+across at Adrien, who was talking to Lord Merivale. "I am off on another
+mission," he said, lowering his voice. "I fancy my friend must be
+thinking of his honeymoon."
+
+Lady Merivale started violently. "What do you mean?" she asked, striving
+to maintain her usual cool, indifferent tones.
+
+He looked down at her in innocent surprise.
+
+"I am commissioned to buy a residence in the Swiss Lakes district for
+Leroy; and as I happen to know Lady Constance Tremaine is devoted to
+mountaineering--most exhausting work, I consider--well, there is only
+one construction to be laid. But, of course, this is in strictest
+confidence; you will not betray me, I know."
+
+"Of course not," said her ladyship mechanically; her mind was working
+rapidly, so that she hardly heard the rest of Jasper's purring speech;
+and that gentleman, highly pleased at the pain he had so evidently
+inflicted, made a parting epigram and left his poison to do its work in
+Lady Merivale's mind.
+
+One by one, the others followed; and Lord Merivale, with an apology to
+Leroy, returned to his study and the Agricultural Gazette, having his
+wife and Adrien alone.
+
+With flushed face and outstretched hands, she turned to him
+reproachfully.
+
+"I thought you had forgotten me."
+
+"Impossible," he murmured, as he raised her hand to his lips. "I have
+been so bothered with various business matters, and have had so many
+engagements----"
+
+"But yet had the time to go to the theatre with that awful creature,"
+she retorted. "Then you have been spending a day or two at Barminster."
+She bit her lip savagely in her jealous pain and wounded vanity.
+"Adrien," she entreated, "tell me it isn't true."
+
+"To what do you refer?" he asked steadily.
+
+He knew that the struggle had commenced, and he was determined to bring
+this mock phantasy of love to an end. If he could not marry the one
+woman who had shown him what love really meant, he would at least have
+done with this foolish dalliance.
+
+"Your engagement to that pink-and-white cousin--Lady----"
+
+"Be silent," he commanded, more sternly than he had ever spoken to any
+man, woman or child in his life. His face had paled; his eyes were like
+steel. The very thought of hearing her name reviled by the jealous woman
+before him filled him with wrath.
+
+She stood silent, but with flashing eyes, her breast heaving with
+excitement.
+
+"It is true, then?" she panted. "You are going to marry her--tell me the
+truth----"
+
+"I did not say so," he returned, slowly and painfully.
+
+"Then you don't love her. Ah, I knew it!" she cried triumphantly.
+
+He did not reply; and she read in his silence the confirmation of her
+fears.
+
+"Adrien, is it possible--you love her, and she----"
+
+"Eveline," he said, "for the sake of our past friendship"--she started
+at the words--"do not say any more. You know we have only played with
+the divine passion. It has beguiled many a pleasant hour, but I do not
+think it has been anything more than a pastime."
+
+"Not to you," she said almost sullenly. "But how dare you doubt my
+feelings? How dare you insult me?"
+
+"I did not mean to hurt you," he said gently, and her voice softened at
+his tone.
+
+"Ah, Adrien," she cried beseechingly, "you do hurt me when you treat me
+like this. Try and forget her, unless"--she broke off abruptly--"unless
+you are really going to marry her. Is that so?"
+
+"I told you," he answered wearily. "I shall never marry Constance. She
+is engaged to another."
+
+"Thank Heaven!" was her, ladyship's mental ejaculation, but she said
+nothing aloud.
+
+Leroy roused himself. "I must go," he said.
+
+"So soon?" she asked tremulously. "Where are you going?"
+
+"To the theatre."
+
+She frowned, and, seeing it, he stopped to explain.
+
+"It is no longer mine," he said with a faint smile.
+
+"Not yours!" she cried in surprise.
+
+"No, it belongs to Miss Lester."
+
+Her quick intellect grasped his meaning at once.
+
+"Henceforth, you mean to retire from the gay world, then?" she said,
+with a faint sneer, adding quickly, as his face darkened, "Ah, forgive
+me, if am bitter! I hate to see you unhappy. Try and forgive my
+ill-humour."
+
+"You are, as ever, my queen," he said, "and can, therefore, do no
+wrong."
+
+Lifting her hand to his lips, he turned and strode hastily from the
+room.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+Adrien Leroy dined alone that night--a most unusual occurrence; but the
+scene with Lady Merivale moved him, and still troubled his mind. He had
+hitherto only regarded his love-making with her as part in the comedy of
+life, wherein he played the lover, to her lead; doffing and donning the
+character at will. That she had taken either him or herself seriously
+had never entered into his mind. Believing also in the hopelessness of
+his love for Lady Constance, he regretted bitterly having allowed his
+secret to escape him; yet so unaccustomed was he to the conventional and
+inevitable lying of the world in which he moved so serenely, that it had
+never occurred to him to deny the charge, and swear everlasting devotion
+to the countess alone.
+
+Norgate, who waited on him as usual, noticed his abstraction.
+
+"We're getting tired of London again," said that astute servant to
+himself, as he changed the dishes. "We're thinking of going East again
+or my name ain't what it is." For Adrien had spent the preceding year in
+Persia.
+
+After dinner Leroy lingered in the comfortable, luxurious room, as if
+loth to start out again on the weary round of amusement. To youth and
+the uninitiated, pleasure, as represented by balls, theatres or
+feasting, seems to be an everlasting joy; but to those born in the midst
+of it, trained and educated only to amuse or to be amused, it becomes
+work, and work of a most fatiguing nature. To dance when one wishes to
+rest; to stand, hour after hour, receiving guests with smile and bows,
+when one would gladly be in bed; to eat, when one has no appetite for
+food; all this, continued day in day out, is no longer a pleasure--it
+becomes a painful duty.
+
+Unlike the majority of his set, Adrien Leroy was never lonely; indeed,
+solitude to him was a pleasure, and one--the only one--which was
+difficult to obtain. Endued with a fine intellect and highly cultivated
+mind, even at college he had succeeded in studying when his companions
+had spent their time in "ragging," and other senseless occupations of a
+like nature. Thrown on his own resources, therefore, Leroy could have
+become a power in almost any of the artistic professions. Instead, his
+time, his youth and his faculties were being wasted in the ordinary
+pursuits of the people amongst whom he lived. Had he been a poorer man,
+he might have risen to any height by virtue of his own talents; but,
+lapped in luxury, lulled by the homage of society, he remained
+dissatisfied, discontented, and apathetic.
+
+The clock, striking eight, aroused him. Throwing aside the cigar which
+had burnt itself out, he rose. He had promised Jasper to come down to
+the Casket Theatre; and, however weary he might be of the tinsel and
+glitter, yet he never thought of making an excuse, or of breaking his
+word.
+
+He was about to set forth, when Norgate announced "Lord Standon," and
+though Adrien's greeting was as courteous as usual, the old genial
+warmth was gone. Lord Standon perceived this, and knew that he had not
+been mistaken in his belief that he had somehow angered Adrien.
+
+Directly Norgate had closed the door behind him, therefore, he dashed,
+as was his wont, straight to the heart of things.
+
+"Leroy," he said abruptly, "what's wrong with you?"
+
+Adrien stared at him.
+
+"Wrong!" he echoed. "What on earth do you mean? What should be wrong?"
+
+"I don't know," returned the other bluntly; "but I seem to have rubbed
+you up the wrong way somehow----"
+
+"Nonsense," said Leroy, trying hard to resume his usual warmth of
+manner. "What a ridiculous idea! Have you dined, or shall I ring?" He
+crossed the room almost hurriedly.
+
+"No, no, thanks," interrupted Lord Standon. "I'm just off again; it was
+only a passing idea. Sorry to have mentioned it."
+
+He turned, as if to go; and Leroy made no attempt to restrain him.
+
+"I have to congratulate you, I suppose, on your engagement?" he said
+coldly, when the young man had almost reached the door.
+
+Lord Standon turned sharply, and stared at him. He grasped the situation
+at once, but was still greatly puzzled, for he knew Leroy was but
+slightly acquainted with Lady Muriel Branton.
+
+"Thanks, old man," he returned, rather awkwardly. "But it's a dead
+secret, really; I suppose Lady Constance told you?"
+
+Leroy frowned.
+
+"Yes," he said simply, "Why not?"
+
+"Oh, no reason at all," said Lord Standon, flushing like a boy; "only
+it's got to be kept quiet, you know--my affairs are in such a beastly
+state."
+
+"I wonder you----" commenced Leroy.
+
+"Dared to ask her," put in Standon, laughing a little confusedly. "Yes,
+it was a bit of cheek on my part, but 'faint heart never won fair lady,'
+you know, and by Jove! if I hadn't, some other lucky devil might have
+slipped in and carried her off by sheer force!"
+
+Leroy winced; for he himself would have endeavoured to "slip in and
+carry her off" had it not been for his friend.
+
+"I don't see the need of secrecy," he said coldly. "Have you spoken to
+her guardian?" meaning, of course, Lord Barminster.
+
+Unfortunately, to Lord Standon, being in love, there was only one woman
+in the world, and therefore only one guardian, and that one, her father,
+the Earl of Croywood.
+
+"Good gracious, no!" he exclaimed. "He's such an old curmudgeon--that
+until I get over that beastly race----" He broke off, scarlet with
+confusion. Absorbed in his own affairs, he had completely forgotten that
+he was speaking to the owner of the unlucky horse.
+
+Leroy was pale with anger; the reference to the race annoyed him, but
+still more the expression of "curmudgeon" as applied to his father.
+Naturally, if he had stopped to consider, he would have realised that
+there must be some mistake; for Standon would hardly have spoken thus of
+Lord Barminster in his son's presence. But what lover ever does use his
+common sense? He drew himself up sternly, and Standon could have kicked
+himself for his unfortunate speech.
+
+"I don't mean--that is--it's not your fault----" he stammered.
+
+"Thank you," said Leroy ironically.
+
+"Oh, you know what I mean. Don't pull me up like that, Adrien. I wasn't
+thinking of its being you--and you know what it is when a fellow's in
+love with the sweetest, dearest----"
+
+Leroy turned sharply. It was more than any one could be expected to
+bear; insult to his father, blame to his horse, and now praise of the
+woman he himself loved.
+
+"Excuse me, Standon," he interrupted curtly, "I'm afraid I must ask you
+to spare me your rhapsodies--I am due at the theatre."
+
+It was Standon's turn to be offended, and his good-tempered face
+hardened.
+
+"Certainly. Pray accept my apologies for having detained you.
+Good-night," he said coldly, and before Leroy could even answer, he was
+gone.
+
+Adrien strode restlessly up and down. For the first time in all his
+easy-going life trouble had touched him. He determined to forget it at
+whatever cost; so telling Norgate not to wait up for him, he set out for
+the Casket. It was such a lovely night that he dismissed the motor which
+was awaiting him, deciding to walk across the park to Victoria Street,
+and call in on Shelton, who had a flat there.
+
+The park was beautifully silent, and still stood open to the public.
+Absorbed in his reflections, therefore, he left the main track and
+wandered down one of the by-paths, in which stood several wooden
+benches. Big Ben struck the half-hour. There was just time for another
+cigar, and Leroy sat down. He was in no humour yet to endure the heat of
+the theatre, or the chaff and vulgarity of Ada Lester.
+
+He lost count of time, in the pleasant quietude of the spot; and his
+cigar was burnt down to an inch when, with a half-sigh, he arose to
+exchange the hard seat amidst the cool trees for a lounge and a crowd of
+ballet girls at the theatre.
+
+As he picked up his stick, he heard a footstep behind him, and turning,
+saw an ill-dressed, sullen-looking man. The light from one of the lamps
+near by shone full on him; and something about the stout, shambling
+figure, or the dirty evil-browed face, seemed dimly familiar.
+
+To his surprise, the man nodded at him with a sulky frown, and said, in
+a thick voice:
+
+"Good-evening! Don't remember me, I s'pose?"
+
+"No, I do not," admitted Leroy, as he scanned the bleared, swollen
+countenance before him.
+
+"Ah! you swells 'as bad memories; I ain't forgotten you, so don't you
+think it!"
+
+Leroy gazed at him calmly; he thought the man was intoxicated.
+
+"Do you want anything of me?" he asked, as he pulled on his glove.
+
+"That depends," responded the man, moving forward so that he stood right
+in Adrien's path. "You're Mr. Leroy, ain't you?"
+
+"I am," said Leroy. "What is it you want?"
+
+"I wants to ask you a question," returned the other, bringing his face
+closer to Adrien, who recoiled involuntarily--the very smell of the
+fustian clothes offending his delicate nostrils.
+
+The man noticed this, and frowned even more heavily.
+
+"You're a gentleman," he said, "leastways I s'pose you calls yourself
+such--p'raps you'll act like one."
+
+"Kindly make haste and tell me what you want, my good fellow," said
+Adrien impatiently. He did not know but that this was a preliminary to
+an attempt to rob him, and he was in no mood for a brawl.
+
+"Oh, I'll be quick enough for you," was the sullen reply. "You don't
+remember me, you say; p'raps you'll remember my name--Wilfer--Johann
+Wilfer."
+
+"Johann Wilfer," repeated Adrien, thoughtfully and slowly, wondering
+where he had heard the name before.
+
+"Yes, Johann Wilfer, Picture Restorer, Cracknell Court, Soho."
+
+"Oh!" said Adrien, as a burst of memory dawned on him. "I remember you
+now. What is it you want? But tell me first, has the girl Jessica
+returned yet?"
+
+"That's just like you swells," growled the man. "Nothing like getting
+your word in first. Has she returned to me? You know jolly well she
+ain't. She won't come back to me till you've done with 'er, I'll be
+bound."
+
+Adrien started, as the significance of the accusation dawned on him. He
+had thought more than once of the girl, with her dark eyes and silken
+hair. What had become of her? What, alas! could have been her fate, if
+she had not returned to this man, her guardian?
+
+"What do you mean?" he said now, sternly.
+
+"What I say," retorted Mr. Wilfer. "She ain't returned to me, an' that's
+my question to you. Where is she, an' what 'ave you done with her?"
+
+"How should know what has become of her?" answered Leroy, genuinely
+startled. "Do you dare to insinuate that I know where she is? I have
+neither seen her nor heard of her."
+
+"That's a lie," said the man shortly.
+
+Leroy surveyed him for a moment.
+
+"You are impertinent," he said, in his clear tones. "Stand aside, and
+let me pass."
+
+Mr. Wilfer thrust his hands into his pockets, and stood his ground.
+
+"That won't go down with me," he said insolently. "I want to know where
+my niece is; and by Heaven, I'll know too!"
+
+Leroy stopped short.
+
+"She was your niece, you say?"
+
+"She was," said the man, "though it's no business of yours; she belonged
+to me."
+
+"So I presume, or you would not have ill-treated her," retorted Adrien
+dryly. "When did you see her last?"
+
+"Over a month ago--as well you know," returned Wilfer coarsely. "She ran
+off the morning you came gallivanting after her."
+
+Adrien could have knocked the man down, but he restrained the longing,
+and said instead:
+
+"I thought you told me she'd robbed you, and had run away? That was a
+lie, I suppose?"
+
+"'Course it was. Who wouldn't lie to save his gal from such as you fine
+gentlemen? I know yer, so it's no use coming this talky-talky surprise
+with me. You just tell me where she is."
+
+"I tell you," reiterated Adrien, "I have never seen the child since the
+night I took her from the cold. Stand out of my path, or I shall hand
+you over to the police."
+
+Mr. Wilfer laughed.
+
+"So that's your answer, is it? Call away, my fine gentleman, call away."
+
+He glanced round the deserted path from the corner of his shifty eyes;
+then, with a snarl of a savage beast, he sprang upon Leroy, and strove
+to bring him to the ground.
+
+But he was no match for Adrien, who beneath all his listless mannerism
+possessed a grasp of steel and the strength of a gladiator. Almost
+shuddering at the touch of the man's greasy clothes, Leroy seized his
+arms, and lifting him off the ground as though he were a terrier, gave
+him a good shake; then he dropped him, lightly and easily, over the park
+railings, which edged the by-path, where they stood.
+
+Johann Wilfer was too astonished for a moment to do anything but recover
+his breath, and Leroy, settling his disarranged cuffs, walked calmly
+away.
+
+With a furious oath Wilfer sprang up, jumped back over the railings, and
+was about to pursue Leroy, when from behind him a hand was put on his
+collar, and he was borne rapidly and silently to the ground.
+
+Meanwhile, Adrien, all unconscious of his deliverance from further
+disturbance, pursued his way to the theatre.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+Mr. Johann Wilfer glared vengefully at the smooth face of his assailant,
+and, struggling still, breathed out, with a choice assortment of oaths,
+the question:
+
+"Who are you? What do you want?"
+
+"Questions we will leave for the present, my friend," was the reply.
+"Are you going to struggle much longer? because if so, I shall be under
+the painful necessity of using still greater force."
+
+Mr. Wilfer lessened his movements.
+
+"Ah!" continued the suave voice. "So you decide to take things quietly.
+Wise man! Now have the goodness to rise and let me see to whom I have
+the pleasure of speaking."
+
+Whereupon our friend, Mr. Jasper Vermont, released Johann's throat from
+the pressure of his knee--for it was by this means he had controlled the
+other's movements--and allowed him to rise to his feet. It was a very
+sullen and altogether puzzled individual that stood waiting, uncertain
+whether to listen to his captor's next words or to make his escape.
+
+Jasper eyed him as a cat does a mouse, on the watch for the slightest
+attempt to move.
+
+"So!" he said, as he took out his cigar-case, and drew forth one of
+Leroy's choice Regalias. "So! Now we are on our feet again, we
+look--well, I must say, none the less a ruffian."
+
+The man turned savagely as if about to run away, but Jasper was too
+quick for him; with a grip of steel he caught hold of the other's arm.
+
+"Not so fast," he said quietly. "What is your name, my friend?"
+
+"What's that to you?" queried Mr. Wilfer naturally enough, as he settled
+his ragged scarf, which, during the struggle, had become uncomfortably
+tightened.
+
+"That is my affair," replied his opponent politely; "perhaps it is
+merely curiosity. But as a matter of fact, I think I have had the
+pleasure of meeting you before, and I never like to forget old friends."
+
+Mr. Wilfer grunted.
+
+"Come, let me think," Vermont continued, "were you ever at Canterbury?"
+
+Mr. Wilfer started violently.
+
+"Ah! I am on the right track. Yes, I remember now; it was a little inn
+in the summer time, a beautiful moonlight night."
+
+"Wasn't me," snarled Wilfer, though his face was pale.
+
+"I thought you were there," said his tormentor as cheerfully and
+triumphantly as if the other had admitted it. "You're not a good liar,"
+he continued. "If a man can't do that sort of thing well, he'd better
+stick to the truth. At a little inn in Canterbury. Yes, I remember it
+all now. I'm glad my memory does not play me tricks." His grasp
+tightened on Wilfer's sleeve. "I don't like tricks," he purred. "How
+strange that we should meet again. I think at that time you were an
+artist; yes, that is what you called yourself, and there was a pretty
+little girl with you, and you called her your wife. Oh, yes, my friend,
+you were good at 'calling' things."
+
+"Look here," growled Wilfer, getting his word in at last. "You just stow
+it, I don't know you----"
+
+"No, I know you don't," said his companion imperturbably, "But you will;
+oh, yes, you will! Let us go back to Canterbury, where you manufactured
+such beautiful pictures."
+
+Wilfer moved uneasily.
+
+"Beautiful pictures," continued the mocking voice, "all by Rubens and
+Raphael and Titian. I shouldn't be surprised if that was one of yours I
+saw at the Countess of Merivale's to-day, the 'Portrait of a gentleman,'
+sold for 300 pounds. There was a warranty with it, signed, sealed and
+delivered by a Mr. Johann Wilfer."
+
+"I didn't, it wasn't," the man stuttered, his face almost green in hue,
+his voice trembling with anger and fear.
+
+Mr. Vermont smiled. He had his man safe and sound.
+
+"Who the fiend are you?" commenced Wilfer, recovering himself; but
+Vermont's smooth voice interrupted him.
+
+"I was right, I see! What a strange coincidence, Mr. Wilfer, that I
+should see your really admirable Rubens in the afternoon, and run
+against--or perhaps I should say, knock you down--in the evening."
+
+Mr. Wilfer was goaded to desperation.
+
+"Look here," he almost shouted, "I don't care if you're the old 'un
+himself; but that's enough of your jaw. What's your game anyhow? S'pose
+you did see me in a pub at Canterbury along of a young party, s'pose I
+am an artist, an' I did sell an old master, that ain't no business of
+yours; that don't give you the right to knock me down or interfere with
+me, so now then!"
+
+"Finished?" inquired Vermont, pleasantly. "I quite agree with you, Mr.
+Wilfer--on some points; but it is greatly my business, as you will see.
+Had I not come up at that moment, I wonder if my friend would be as safe
+as he is now."
+
+"Your friend," echoed the other.  "Is Mr. Adrien Leroy your friend?"
+
+"He is indeed," replied Jasper with a grin. "Now suppose you tell me
+what you two gentleman were discussing."
+
+"Suppose I don't?" retorted Wilfer insolently. "You find out for
+yourself, if you're so clever, Mr. Know-all; I'm off."  He tried to push
+past Vermont and thus effect his escape; but he was not to get off so
+lightly.
+
+Jasper removed his cigar, which he had been puffing, and dropping his
+soft, mocking tone, said sternly:
+
+"Stand back; go and sit on that bench. I haven't done with you yet,
+Johann Wilfer."
+
+"I shan't," was that worthy's prompt answer.
+
+"Then I shall call the police," returned Vermont, pulling out his silver
+cab-whistle.
+
+Wilfer started back.
+
+"Call 'em," he said defiantly.  "I don't care. What's the police to me,
+as I should be scared of 'em?"
+
+"A great deal," was the calm answer.  "If you are mad enough to disobey
+me, I shall whistle for the police; they will find me struggling with a
+most villainous-looking ruffian, whom I instantly give in charge for
+assault and robbery of my dear friend, Mr. Leroy, who has gone in search
+of assistance."
+
+"It's all a lie," shouted Wilfer furiously.
+
+"Appearances would be too strongly against you, my friend. The law is 'a
+hass,' as doubtless you have heard before; and when it comes in the
+shape of a blue-coated, helmeted and thick-headed policeman, whose word
+do you think would be believed, yours or mine?--to say nothing of this
+evidence." Stooping, he picked up Leroy's gold watch and chain, which
+had fallen from his pocket during his struggle with Wilfer. "I found
+this is your hand. A clear case of assault and robbery, with penal
+servitude to follow."
+
+Mr. Wilfer, dazed by the thickly-meshed net drawn round him, eyed the
+watch and yielded.
+
+"Curse you!" he said. "You're a knowing one an' no mistake."
+
+Jasper smiled.
+
+"Thank you," he said; "a genuine compliment, and a candid one. Now then,
+to business. What did you want with Mr. Leroy?"
+
+The man looked up at the smooth, masterful face, and inwardly
+acknowledged his opponent's power.
+
+"I'm thinking, guv'nor," he answered slowly, "you heard all there was to
+hear, and saw all there was to see; an' a bit more besides," he added,
+as he thought of that precious gold watch he had so stupidly failed to
+see. "Any'ow, if you're so anxious for me to go over it all again, I
+wanted to know the whereabouts of a niece of mine--a young girl he took
+to 'is 'ome, some weeks ago."
+
+Mr. Vermont's eyes gleamed and his hand shook slightly with excitement,
+as he lit another cigar; for evidently this was the girl at whom, he
+remembered, Norgate had grumbled. If she could only be kept out of
+sight, Jasper thought he saw a way to getting his beloved friend into
+even deeper trouble than he had ever dreamed possible.
+
+"You can prove it, I suppose?" he asked.
+
+"I can," said Mr. Wilfer; though, as a matter of fact, he would have
+found this rather a difficulty.
+
+Mr. Jasper put his hand into his pocket; as we have said before, he was
+not very generous when it came to spending his own money, but there were
+occasions when it was necessary to buy fresh tools, and this was one of
+them. He drew out some gold, which Mr. Wilfer eyed as greedily as a dog
+would a bone.
+
+"Now," said Vermont, "your address?"
+
+"Cracknell Court, Soho, guv'nor," returned the man, his manner visibly
+altering at the sight of money.
+
+"Well, don't you alter it without my permission," Jasper said sternly.
+"I may want you to do something for me; and, if so, you can get your
+revenge. Meanwhile, here's something to keep you out of mischief, that's
+to say, in drink; you'll be safer like that." He handed over the
+money--about three pounds.  "Mind! don't go selling any more forged
+pictures, like the one the bond of which I hold, or you'll get caught.
+They make the sentences for fraud pretty heavy nowadays."
+
+Mr. Wilfer shivered. Up to now, he himself had never been imprisoned;
+but other members of the gang had served various sentences, and their
+reminiscences were not comforting.
+
+"I understand, guv'nor," he said; "but what of the gal?"
+
+"All you've got to do is wait till she comes back; or if you find her
+about, let me know," replied Jasper.  "Now, be off, and remember I can
+lay my hands on you--and so can the police--any minute I like, so don't
+play me any tricks. Good-night."
+
+With that, Mr. Vermont turned on his heel and strode swiftly and
+silently away.
+
+Wilfer looked after him with a scowl.
+
+"He's a clever devil," he said, as he, too, went on his way.
+
+Clever, Mr. Vermont most undoubtedly was. His worst enemies would not
+have denied him that virtue; but in this case his cleverness had
+over-reached itself.  It had so amused him to torment his victim, that
+he had never questioned Wilfer's statement that the girl, Jessica, was
+his niece. Had he known her identity, subsequent events might have
+proved far different; but man, with all his gifts, is blind as to the
+future; he sees as in a glass darkly, trusting and believing in his own
+feeble powers, as if he were omnipotent.
+
+Meanwhile, Jasper trudged gaily along.
+
+"Strange," he murmured, "how things work round for me. That princely
+idiot plays into my hands at every turn. What luck that I should just
+have followed him to-night--I'll live to see him humbled and disgraced
+yet!" With which pleasant thought he hummed Miss Lester's latest song
+and pursued his way to the theatre.
+
+Some few hours later, he stood beside Adrien before the latter's motor.
+
+"Are you coming with me, Jasper?" said Leroy heartily. "I'm afraid I've
+taken up a lot of your time to-night."
+
+"My dear Adrien, does not my whole life belong to you?" replied the
+arch-hypocrite.
+
+Adrien waved the suggestion aside.
+
+"By the way, what is the time?" he said, feeling for his watch.
+
+"I don't know," answered his friend, "mine has stopped."
+
+"Well, mine has gone," said Leroy quietly. "I remember now; it was in
+that affair in the park."
+
+"What?" exclaimed Jasper, in tones of the deepest sympathy. "Not that
+valuable repeater, surely?"
+
+"Yes," said Adrien. "I must get another one."
+
+Jasper smiled, as his fingers touched furtively the watch and chain in
+question.
+
+"Did you find your papers?" inquired Adrien, as they rolled through the
+streets. "Jackson told me you lost them coming out of the theatre one
+night."
+
+"No," answered Vermont, a flush of annoyance crossing his brow. "I have
+not. But it's of no consequence; Jackson need not have bothered you
+about such a trifle. Merely accounts. I dropped them somewhere between
+the stage and Ada's motor, and I suppose I must look upon them as gone
+for ever."
+
+"I hope not," said Adrien sympathetically.
+
+"They are of no consequence," said Vermont again, as they reached Jermyn
+Court.
+
+Nevertheless, Mr. Vermont would have given many pounds of his
+dearly-beloved money to have had those papers safely clutched in his
+hand. But at present they were lying on the bosom of a wandering,
+homeless girl, and it was well for Jasper that he could not foresee when
+she was to cross his path again.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+On the following morning, as Adrien stood before a mirror, putting the
+finishing touches to his toilet, carefully supervised by Norgate, his
+thoughts went back to Jessica. The idea of the child wandering about the
+streets, homeless and penniless, filled him with a supreme pity. He had
+meant to have spoken to Jasper about it, but he felt half ashamed;
+besides, he rather dreaded to see Vermont's cynical smile at the idea of
+his turning philanthropist to street-waifs.
+
+He had just finished his breakfast when a servant appeared, with a
+dainty little note marked "Immediate."
+
+The envelope bore no crest; for Lady Merivale used none in her
+correspondence with Adrien Leroy, from prudential motives. But he
+recognised the handwriting, and the faint Oriental scent her ladyship
+invariably used, and hastened to open it, fearing a lengthy epistle full
+of hysterical reproaches. To his intense relief he found that it
+contained but two lines.
+
+
+"DEAR ADRIEN,--I shall spend the day with Aunt Rose at Hampton. Do you
+care to accompany me as you promised?"
+
+
+"Indeed I do," murmured Adrien.
+
+He recollected that on the day of the race he had promised Lady Merivale
+that, when next she visited her aunt, Lady Rose Challoner, at Hampton
+Court, he would meet her there, and row her to some of the pretty
+islands further up the stream, and there spend the day in delicious
+idleness.
+
+So far, engagements on both sides had prevented this plan being carried
+out; but now Lady Merivale was evidently free, and he decided to cancel
+any existing arrangements, and fulfil his promise. Accordingly, sitting
+down at his desk, he dashed off a note:
+
+
+"DEAR LADY MERIVALE,--I am motoring down to Hampton, and will gladly
+meet you there. I shall wire for the skiff and lunch. Au revoir."
+
+
+Having despatched this, he gave instructions to Norgate with regard to
+all his engagements, and ordered the car.
+
+It was a splendid spring morning, just bright and hot enough to make the
+vision of the cool, broad river particularly tempting; and Adrien
+determined to put aside all cares, and take the day as it came. Lady
+Merivale had evidently decided to set at rest her jealous fears; and, he
+told himself, as Constance was not to be his, there was nothing else to
+do but to pass the time as best he might.
+
+Whatever happened, he was glad to be done with Ada Lester. He had tired
+of her almost before the first month of their so-called friendship; but
+he had not had the courage--or rather the energy--necessary to relieve
+himself of her.
+
+At any rate, Eveline's day should not be spoiled. It should be one to be
+marked with a white stone. He little thought with what danger the trip
+was to be fraught, or that it would prove the most momentous one of his
+pleasure-filled life.
+
+Directly the motor appeared, Leroy dismissed the chauffeur, preferring
+to drive himself, as procuring greater safety against a breath of
+scandal touching her ladyship's name.
+
+Through the crowded streets Leroy went steadily enough; but once clear
+of them, he put on speed, exhilarated by the rush through the pure
+morning air. So fast was the run that, on reaching Hampton Court, he
+found it would be a good half-hour before Lady Merivale was even due to
+arrive; and as punctuality was not one of her ladyship's strong points,
+he knew he had almost an hour to spare.
+
+Having put up the motor at a local garage, he strolled down to the
+river, where he found his dainty little skiff, Sea Foam, ready and
+waiting for him. It was just big enough to contain two, and its
+upholstery of cream leather gave it the light effect which rendered its
+name so appropriate.
+
+In order to while away the time, he rowed gently down to Richmond and
+back, and on his return found Lady Merivale awaiting him on the steps
+that led to the Court. She was exquisitely gowned, as usual, and in her
+favourite colour, pale blue, which suited her delicate colouring to
+perfection. She greeted him brightly and unrestrainedly. Evidently she
+had put all thoughts of Lady Constance from her mind, and, like Adrien
+himself, was determined to have the memory of at least one happy day.
+
+"How is Lady Rose?" asked Leroy, when he had assisted his fair companion
+into the boat.
+
+She smiled at him. As a matter of fact, she had barely spent five
+minutes with that invalid lady.
+
+"Oh, just the same as usual," she replied. "It is quite safe; I told her
+I was going further up the river to visit some friends; so we'll enjoy
+our day--such a beautiful one, too. I am so happy! It was good of you to
+come, Adrien."
+
+Leroy's face lightened at her words, for he had expected sulks, tears,
+and remonstrances, and here were only smiles and thanks. He did not
+appreciate Lady Merivale's ability. Had she been a general, never a
+battle would have been lost through wrong tactics. She knew Adrien too
+well to attempt to hold his allegiance by force; hers were silken
+strings with which to chain him to her side. She recognised well enough
+that any abuse or jealousy of Lady Constance Tremaine would only send
+him further from her.
+
+Responding to these tactics, Leroy took up the sculls, and with the long
+swinging strokes which had gone so far towards helping the crew of his
+college to win their contests, sent the little boat quickly up the
+river.
+
+Few men of his temperament and training could yet boast of such
+proficiency as this man seemed to possess. Rowing, skating, dancing,
+riding, and just lately motoring; at all he excelled, yet no living
+being had ever heard him pride himself on what he could do.
+
+About an hour after Adrien had started, Jasper Vermont ascended the
+staircase to his chambers, to be informed by Norgate that his master was
+out for the day, and all arrangements were to be cancelled.
+
+"Oh!" said Jasper quietly, inwardly irritated that his dupe should be
+absent, even for a day, without telling him of his intention and plans.
+"Oh! Where has he gone? He did mention it last night, but I have
+forgotten." He put his hand to his forehead as if trying to recall it to
+his mind.
+
+But Norgate was too sharp to be caught by this time-honoured manoeuvre.
+He knew very well that the whole outing had been too hurriedly decided
+upon for Jasper to have been told on the preceding night; and he had no
+intention of allowing his master, to whom he was sincerely attached, to
+be worried by Mr. Vermont.
+
+"I don't know, sir," he replied stolidly. "He did not leave word."
+
+As the letter had been brought round quite openly by one of the Merivale
+servants, needless to say, he could have given Jasper a very fair idea
+of where he had gone; but he preferred to keep his own counsel.
+
+"Oh, very well. I'll just go up and write a few letters, Norgate," said
+Jasper, making a pretence of indifference; and he passed into the study,
+Norgate returning to his own quarters.
+
+Mr. Vermont waited until his retreating footsteps had died away, then
+with a quick hand and a keen eye he turned over the letters which lay
+where Adrien had carelessly thrown them. Amongst them was one which had
+been evidently overlooked, for it was unopened. It bore the Barminster
+postmark, and Jasper's eyes shone. Could he but learn its contents? He
+picked it up; turning it over and over in his hand. To his intense
+delight it was but lightly sealed, and by dint of a little care the
+letter was safely opened, uninjured and unsoiled.
+
+It was from Lady Constance, stating that she and Miss Penelope were to
+spend the day shopping in London, and would be at Barminster House at
+eleven o'clock.
+
+It was quite a short note, and Jasper, smiling wickedly, sealed it up.
+He knew there was no fear of discovery, for there was not a more
+unsuspicious man living than Leroy. His mind was working rapidly,
+seeking to mature a plan by which he could separate Leroy and Lady
+Constance still further.
+
+First of all, he continued to search through the letters, pocketing
+those which were obviously bills. He looked at the last one with a sigh.
+
+"Not here," he mused. "I should know her handwriting in a moment. Yet I
+am positive he has gone with her. She must have let him know by letter
+this morning. Can he have taken it with him?"
+
+His eye caught a scrap of torn paper in the fireplace. Like a bird of
+prey, he pounced on it, and untwisting it, his small eyes glittered as
+he read.
+
+"Ah!" he muttered. "Lit his cigar with it, and burned all save one
+corner--Hampton. Yes, that's it; under cover of Lady Rose they've
+betaken themselves to the river. Now what shall I do? Follow them, or
+see Lady Constance, or do both?"
+
+Placing the scrap of paper carefully in his pocketbook he left the flat,
+and made his way to Barminster House. He had called presumably in order
+to see after some slight alterations then being made, and his surprise
+on finding Miss Penelope and Lady Constance established there was
+beautiful to witness.
+
+On his entry into the drawing room, Lady Constance sprang up eagerly,
+regarding him as the forerunner of the man she loved; and Jasper smiled
+as he greeted them respectfully.
+
+"This is an unexpected pleasure, Lady Constance," he exclaimed. "I had
+no idea you were coming to town."
+
+"It's only for the day, Mr. Vermont," she returned as calmly as
+possible. "But I wrote to Adrien, for auntie, telling him all about it."
+
+"Dear, dear!" ejaculated Mr. Vermont sympathetically. "I have just come
+from his chambers. I learned that he had gone out for the day."
+
+"For the day," said Miss Penelope, "after reading our letter!"
+
+"Perhaps he didn't get it in time," suggested Lady Constance.
+
+"Poor Adrien," said Jasper with apparent reluctance. "I'm afraid I
+cannot even allow him that excuse; he had evidently taken away all his
+correspondence this morning."
+
+"Oh, it's of no consequence," said the girl lightly, though her face was
+pale, and her eyes shone, as if through a mist of tears. "We are only
+going shopping for the ball, and that is dull work for a man."
+
+"Can I be of any assistance, Miss Penelope?" enquired Mr. Vermont. "Do
+let me help; I love shopping!" But this neither of the ladies would
+allow; and with a parting shot on the subject of Adrien's whereabouts,
+Vermont took his leave.
+
+His next move was to Waterloo Station, where he took a train to Hampton;
+and a little after noon, Jasper Vermont was strolling along the side of
+the river, smoking his cigar.
+
+Very amiable he looked, and exceedingly interested in the boats, and
+therefore it was not surprising that the man who let them out on hire
+readily answered his questions as to the best season of the year, the
+approximate number of customers, etc., all leading up to the main
+question, had a boat with a lady and gentleman gone out that day?
+
+"No," the man said. "Curiously enough, sir, no boat has gone out to-day
+with a lady and a gentleman in it, like what you describe."
+
+"Oh," said Mr. Vermont. "It was my mistake. I thought I saw a gentleman
+rowing a lady down the river--rowing very well, too, in a light skiff."
+
+"Ah!" said the man, puffing a cloud of smoke from his rough clay pipe,
+"I know who you mean, now; a gentleman--regular swell, and a lady in
+blue. Lor' bless yer, that ain't one of mine, that's a private boat
+that's kept up at the Court, I think. Oh, yes, he's all right; gone up
+stream, they have, and a nice day they've got."
+
+This was what Jasper needed; and after strolling about among the boats
+for a few minutes more he started off along the bank, keeping at such a
+distance from the stream that, though he could see all who passed in the
+boats, no one on the river could see him.
+
+The beauty of the day, the shimmer and sparkle of the river, with the
+soft lap of its waters, the singing of the birds over his head, all had
+no effect on him. His dark, beady eyes noted nothing but the boats that
+passed, none of which, as yet--though the afternoon was waning
+fast--contained Adrien and Lady Merivale.
+
+Yet he knew that he had not missed them, for he had taken his lunch on
+the balcony of an inn commanding a view of the river, which he had kept
+under survey from the time he had reached Hampton earlier in the day.
+
+Steadily, with the persistence of a bloodhound tracking its prey, he
+walked on and on, until he came to a village, or rather a collection of
+homesteads. Very small it was, consisting only of an inn, a house, half
+cottage and half shop, and a few red-tiled cottages wherein the bargemen
+lived, when they were at home, which was seldom. In the bright sunlight,
+the blue sky overhead and the shining river in the foreground, it formed
+a pretty enough picture.
+
+In the little shop parlour now sat a woman and her husband, at their
+five-o'clock tea.
+
+"John Ashford, Grocer," was the inscription over the shop door; and
+these were John Ashford and his wife Lucy. They had two children, now
+playing by the river side; and were, as the bargemen's wives expressed
+it, "doing comfortable."
+
+The man's face was a good-humoured one, round, honest in expression, and
+commonplace. His wife was not so ordinary; a fair-haired, small-figured
+little woman, she showed traces of having been a "village beauty" in her
+young days, of the pink-and-white, shallow type. But in her eyes, and
+along the corners of her somewhat weak-looking mouth, there were signs
+of an ever-present fear.
+
+Even now, as she sat pouring out her husband's tea, her habitual
+nervousness showed itself in the restless movements of her unoccupied
+hand, and the sudden start with which she would greet the slightest
+unexpected sound, or the knocking of a customer on the little counter.
+From where she sat she could see her children, and once or twice she
+smiled gently as she waved her hand to them, where they were playing
+with an elder girl who was in charge of them.
+
+"I say, Lucy," said John, as he drank his tea noisily, "how's the girl
+going on? Getting over her shyness a bit, ain't she?"
+
+His wife started; but he was evidently too accustomed to this to notice
+her.
+
+"Yes," she said, reaching out for his cup. "Poor girl, she's seen some
+trouble, I'll be bound; and for one so young, too, and innocent. The
+world's a hard place!"
+
+"Yes, indeed," agreed John Ashford, with a glance through the window,
+where the little group of three were playing. "Let me see, she's been
+here a matter of four weeks, hasn't she--since I went over to Walton.
+Rum thing me finding her at all. If I hadn't come across the moor
+instead of along the road, she'd 'ave been in that furze bush still."
+
+Mrs. Ashford shuddered at the suggestions of his words.
+
+"She hasn't given us no account of herself now," he continued in his
+hearty, good-tempered voice. "Not even her name, 'cept--what d'ye call
+it?"
+
+"Jessica," put in his wife. "I call her Jessie, sounds more homelike."
+
+"And hasn't she told you anything more as to why she tramped out of
+London?"
+
+"No, nothing more," said his wife, "except that she couldn't bear the
+crowds. I haven't asked her either, John. She's a good girl, you can see
+that; and penniless as well as homeless. I should hate to send her to
+the workhouse, or perhaps worse," she half whispered. "If she's got a
+secret in her heart, we'll let her keep it, dear. Perhaps we all have a
+little corner in our hearts marked 'Private,'" she added in a low voice.
+
+"Excepting you and me, my dear!" said John, wiping his mouth as he rose
+from the table, and coming round to kiss her.
+
+She started again and paled a little.
+
+"Of course, dear," she said; "I wasn't thinking of us."
+
+"We've no secrets," said the good-natured grocer, as he took down his
+hat and coat from behind the door. "Our hearts are open like them
+clocks, with all the works outside, eh, Lucy, my dear?" Laughing at his
+own simile, he kissed her again.
+
+"If you'll take care of the shop," he went on, as he opened the door,
+"I'll just run over to Richmond for those jams and things. Old Tucker's
+cart is going over, and he'll lend me a hand."
+
+"Get along, then," replied his wife, "and don't forget we want some more
+spices."
+
+"Right you are," said the husband, and with a wave of his hand to her he
+went down the path, the two children running to meet him.
+
+Lucy Ashford stood at the door and looked after him wistfully.
+
+"Poor John," she murmured, as she went back to clear away the
+tea-things. "What would he do to me, if he knew?"
+
+Her thoughts went back to the great secret of her life. It was that
+which caused her strange nervousness. She had repented of the past truly
+enough, and no better wife could have been found throughout the kingdom;
+but the secret had eaten into her life. She strove now to put it away
+from her; for she knew she was in reality safe enough. Only her father
+and Mr. Vermont knew--and the latter she had not seen for years.
+
+Now, therefore, she put away her cups and saucers and called gaily to
+the children, as they came running back. The girl who had been playing
+with them came too; and as she approached the cottage she raised her
+head and smiled. Lucy Ashford stooped to kiss the children, then said
+kindly to Jessica--for it was indeed she:
+
+"I expect you are tired with them now, my dear. Come and sit down with
+me for a little while."
+
+Jessica raised her dark eyes gratefully.
+
+"No, ma'am, thank you. I'm not tired. I love the children; they are so
+good to me."
+
+Lucy's eyes shone. What mother does not believe that her children are
+the best in the world? She had been like an angel of mercy to the tired
+girl when her husband had brought her into the little home. She had put
+her to bed, fed her, and clothed her in old things of her own; and she
+had neither questioned nor worried her since.
+
+Jessica, only too thankful to find a home for the present, and realising
+the hopelessness of her strange passion for Adrien Leroy, had done what
+she could to repay her benefactress by helping her in the little shop,
+and playing with and taking care of the children. Now, at their request,
+she took them back to the river side again, while Lucy sat down at the
+table before a pile of sewing.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX
+
+
+Meanwhile, Adrien's skiff was moored at the landing-place of an old inn,
+some distance further up the river. Under a rustic porch Lady Merivale
+was finishing her tea, while her companion enjoyed a cigarette.
+
+Alas! for the irony of fate! This day, during which he had strenuously
+endeavoured to forget Constance, had only shown him more plainly the
+utter impossibility of doing so. If he had but known the opportunity he
+had missed with that letter, his mortification and despair would have
+been even greater.
+
+Constance had regretted her policy in sending Adrien from her almost
+before the day was over, and had purposely planned this way of seeing
+him. Deeming his outing--thanks to Jasper's clever insinuations--to have
+been undertaken on purpose to avoid her, the girl's heart was heavy
+within her, and filled with something very like resentment too.
+
+Adrien, on the other hand, all unwitting of the harm this excursion had
+done his cause, had talked long and quietly with Lady Merivale. He had
+made up his mind to break away even from these silken strings.
+
+"So you have determined to leave me?" she said sadly.
+
+He nodded.
+
+"You know I must," he replied. "For your sake, as well as mine, it is
+best."
+
+"Perhaps you are right," she said in a low voice. "So this is the last
+happy day we shall spend together?"
+
+"Yes," he answered with a sigh. "Now, standing here, I see only too well
+that we ought never to have spent any at all. I dread lest I have spoilt
+your happiness, Eveline, lest a breath of slander should touch your
+name. I will not deny that I had of late hoped to marry and settle down
+as my father wishes, but it is not to be. Don't laugh at me when I tell
+you I am going to turn over a new leaf. After this ball at Barminster, I
+shall go abroad for awhile. That will give the world time to forget we
+have ever had more than a passing acquaintance."
+
+Tears rolled down Eveline's face as she listened to his words. She had
+played her last card, and she knew the game was lost; though it was her
+vanity that suffered more than her heart. She was too clever and too
+proud to resist any further, however, or sue for his favour. Presently
+she rose, and said, as steadily as usual:
+
+"Come, Adrien, let us turn down stream and retrace our way while we can
+see. It is dusk already--I had no idea it had grown so late."
+
+He helped her into the little skiff in silence; and as the Sea Foam
+glided over the rippling waters a profound stillness seemed to descend
+over the darkening landscape.
+
+Presently Lady Merivale peered forward.
+
+"This half-light is so deceptive," she said, in a rather nervous voice;
+"I nearly steered you into the bank then."
+
+"Can you see?" he asked. "Put down the lines and let me guide the boat."
+
+"No, no," she replied. "I can see well enough."
+
+"Just as you like," he said gently. "I will row quicker. It's time we
+were in Hampton. For what hour did you order the car?"
+
+"I came by train," she answered.
+
+"I have my motor," said Leroy; "I suppose you would not return in that?"
+
+"Good Heavens, no!" she exclaimed. "Whatever would people think? No,
+I'll return by train, and take a taxi from Waterloo. I shall even then
+be in time to dress for Lady Martindale's 'At Home.'"
+
+He did not seek to alter her decision, but sent the boat along with
+rapid strokes, which broke up the placid water into ripples at each
+plunge of the oars.
+
+Lady Merivale leaned forward and gave a sudden start.
+
+"Look, look!" she cried in terror-stricken tones. "What is that?" She
+pointed to a sheet of spray rising and falling a few yards from them, or
+rather below them. Adrien turned his head to see the cause of her alarm,
+and his very heart seemed to stop beating.
+
+"Sit still," he cried, "for Heaven's sake. You have steered us near the
+weir!"
+
+With all his strength he started to row back. The strain was tremendous.
+That line of silver spray marked their fall to instant and certain
+death. No aid was possible; the solitude of the woods and lands was as
+absolute as if they had been in an unknown country. All he could do was
+to keep the woman in whose safety he was concerned quiet, if not
+reassured, while he exerted every nerve in his body to withdraw the
+little craft from the danger line.
+
+"Cling to the boat," he shouted loudly, for the falling water rang in
+his ears with a deafening roar.
+
+As he spoke, the frail craft capsized, and its occupants were plunged
+into the foaming, churning water. Leroy made a frantic grasp at his
+companion's dress, but missed it. A second later, he saw, in the midst
+of the foam, her slight form being carried down to the weir. With a cry
+of horror he struck out, in an attempt to rescue her.
+
+In those few awful seconds he prayed that the punishment of their
+light-hearted folly might not fall on the woman, but on him; that his
+life might be lost, sooner than her good name.
+
+Luckily, he was an expert swimmer; and aided by the stream, which was as
+swift as a mill-race, he soon managed to get within reach of Lady
+Merivale. With a great effort he grasped her firmly, and, turning slowly
+and painfully, swung aslant the stream to the opposite bank.
+
+Her face was white, as if life were already extinct. Her eyes were
+closed.
+
+"Heaven grant me her life!" he groaned, as, panting and nearly
+exhausted, he dragged himself and his precious burden up on the bank.
+
+He laid her down and felt for some signs of life; to his intense
+gratitude, she still breathed; and with a silent prayer of thankfulness,
+he turned to look for assistance.
+
+At a little distance a light burned in a window. Without pausing an
+instant, he took the still form in his arms and hastened towards it.
+
+
+All unconscious of the struggle for life going on so close to her, Lucy
+Ashford sat working busily, her pretty face lifted to the clock every
+minute or so, as she waited for her husband to return.
+
+The children were in bed, and Jessica was just coming down the tiny
+staircase when a sharp knock sounded at the outer door, causing Lucy to
+drop her work in her usual terror at any unexpected sound.
+
+The shop had been closed, it was too late for rural customers, and
+wondering who it could be, she took up her candle and went to the door.
+
+Timidly she pulled back the latch and peered out. A gentleman stood on
+the threshold with his face towards the river. At the sound of the
+opening door, he turned. Down went the candle with a crash and splutter;
+up went the two hands to her face.
+
+Mr. Jasper Vermont stood looking down at her with a cruel, amused smile
+for a moment; then in his soft, purring voice he said:
+
+"I'm afraid I've startled you, Miss--Mrs. Ashford. Pray let me recover
+the candle. There that's better." As he spoke he pushed past her into
+the dimly lighted shop.
+
+"Quite startled, eh?" he continued blandly. "Unwelcome visitor, I
+suppose?"
+
+"No, no!" breathed the poor little woman, who at the moment resembled a
+sparrow in the clutches of a hawk, or a mouse beneath the paw of its
+enemy, the cat. "No, no, I--I am very glad to see you, sir. Will you
+come in?"
+
+At this faint welcome Mr. Vermont smiled still more.
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Lucy," he said, "I think I will," and he followed her
+into the spotless sitting-room.
+
+Meanwhile, Jessica, at the first sound of a strange voice, and afraid of
+being sought for by Wilfer, had concealed herself at the back of the
+house.
+
+Jasper looked round the room in mock admiration.
+
+"What a delightful little place you have here," he continued. "Most
+charming! Commerce and romance mingled together, I declare. And now,"
+sinking into a seat and fixing his eyes upon the white, frightened face
+of his victim, "how is your husband, Mr. John Ashford?"
+
+"Very well, sir," faltered the miserable woman, praying with all her
+heart that John might not come home.
+
+"And the children," continued her persecutor; "two, are there not?
+Pretty little dears! I'm so fond of children, you know, Mrs. Lucy. Quite
+a happy woman you must be. A most comfortable little house, I never saw
+anything like it, excepting once, and that was at Canterbury."
+
+The poor woman, her worst fears realised, fell down on her knees, and
+turned up her white face piteously to the cruel, mocking one above her.
+
+"Oh, sir, kind, good sir," she implored, "spare me! You will not, say
+you will not ruin me? We are so happy; it will break his heart if he
+learns my secret. He is so good. The children! Have pity on them at
+least, sir, and do not betray me."
+
+Jasper smiled, and Lucy became even more incoherent.
+
+"Oh, sir," she cried, the tears streaming down her white face unheeded.
+"I was so young, so giddy and thoughtless, and that man was so wicked.
+He tempted me. Oh, Mr. Vermont, sir, I will pray every night for you as
+I pray for John and my little ones, if you will but spare me and keep my
+secret."
+
+She might just as well have prayed to the wooden table, as expect any
+mercy or pity from this man, to whom such abject misery was better than
+meat and drink.
+
+With a contemptuous gesture, as if to spurn her from his sight, he said:
+
+"Get up, my good woman. I shall keep your secret as long as it pleases
+me. Perhaps for ever, who can tell? Good John, simple John," he laughed
+maliciously. "He little thinks his wife was given to taking trips to
+Canterbury with handsome young men. There! There!" he added, as a moan
+of anguish burst from the dry lips of the tortured woman. "That will do.
+I shan't enlighten good kind John, as long as you do what I want. I need
+a bed. I'm going to sleep here to-night. Hullo! who's that?" He broke
+off suddenly, as Jessica, tired of waiting outside for his departure,
+entered the room, her dark eyes dilated with anxiety.
+
+She paused at the sound of his voice, and stared at him. She recognised
+him as the man she had seen with Leroy, and some subtle instinct seemed
+to tell her that he was evil. Jasper, too, stared at her uneasily. A
+memory of another person, strangely like her, crossed his mind, but he
+was too full of his knowledge concerning Leroy to consider any fresh
+train of thought.
+
+Mrs. Ashford hastily composed her features.
+
+"Only a girl stopping here," she said hurriedly; then, turning to the
+silent spectator, she said, "Go, my dear, I shall not want you at
+present," and Jessica gladly left the room, while Jasper, taking her to
+be a servant, gave no more thought to her.
+
+"Now what about a room?" he said imperiously, as he took off his light
+overcoat.
+
+"You shall have the best, sir," replied Lucy, only too eager to
+conciliate him. "Anything--everything we have is yours."
+
+"Very kind of you, I'm sure," yawned Jasper. "Set about it then."
+
+He was tired, for he had done a great deal of walking for him, who was
+accustomed to use his own or his friend's motor for every journey, great
+or small. Besides, he had somehow missed Adrien despite his care, and
+was greatly puzzled and irritated.
+
+He was turning to follow Lucy, when there came a sound of footsteps,
+followed by another loud knock at the door, and a man's commanding
+voice:
+
+"Help! Quick here with a light!"
+
+Lucy screamed, and Jasper Vermont turned rather pale, for he instantly
+recognised the voice as that of the man he had sought so diligently all
+that day. But he had no desire to be discovered just then, so, taking
+the frightened woman almost savagely by the arm, he whispered fiercely:
+
+"You may let him in--I know him. But if he finds out that I am here, I
+will tell John all to-night; remember that. Hide me somewhere where I
+can see--do you understand? Quick!"
+
+The knocking commenced again, and under its cover, Lucy, trembling like
+a leaf, opened a door, the upper part of which was glazed, and which led
+from the small room to the kitchen. Into this ambush Mr. Vermont
+hurried, while Lucy ran to the other door and threw it open to admit
+Adrien Leroy, who staggered into the room with his dripping burden in
+his arms.
+
+"I'm sorry to knock you up," he said, trying to reassure her, "but this
+lady is nearly dead; our boat upset."
+
+"Bring her in here, sir," said the good little woman, her courage and
+self-possession returning under the emergency. "She had better come up
+to the bedroom, poor lady."
+
+Adrien carried Eveline up the narrow staircase, followed by Lucy, who
+had hastily produced some spirits with which to restore consciousness.
+
+"You had better fetch a doctor, sir," she called after Adrien, as he
+came down again.
+
+Leroy hesitated. He knew that Lady Merivale valued her reputation more
+than her life. To fetch a doctor might save the latter, but would most
+certainly ruin the former; for no medical man would permit her to return
+to London that night, and, in that case, discovery would be inevitable.
+
+Troubled and worn with anxiety, he paced to and fro in the room behind
+the shop, regardless of his own dripping clothes, while Jasper, behind
+the little window curtain, watched him sardonically, his lips wreathed
+in a smile. He was well content with this finish of his day's
+holiday--if such it might be called; for he knew that he held Lady
+Merivale in the hollow of his hand. She, who had sneered at his
+position, while yet making every use of his services, would in the
+future be but another of his puppets; and he foresaw a goodly profit
+from the outlay of this day's time and money.
+
+Presently Lucy ran down.
+
+"Where's the doctor, sir?" she asked. "Oh, didn't you go after all?
+Well, it doesn't matter, for the lady is alive and better."
+
+"Thank Heaven!" ejaculated Leroy fervently.
+
+"She says she doesn't need one."
+
+"I understand," replied Adrien. "Is she well enough to sit up, or move?"
+
+"Yes, sir--at least, she says so," answered Lucy. "She is changing her
+clothes for some of mine, sir; and she says that if you get a
+carriage--"
+
+Adrien nodded.
+
+"I understand," he said again. "Is there an inn near here where I can
+hire one?"
+
+"Oh, yes, sir," replied Lucy. She quickly directed him to the tiny river
+hostel not far off, and Adrien disappeared.
+
+Had it not been for that grim presence behind the door, whom, in her
+excitement, she had nearly forgotten, Lucy would have wished John to
+come home quickly; as it was, she trembled at every fresh sound as she
+went upstairs again to her patient.
+
+By means of that most potent magic--gold, Leroy quickly procured a
+carriage, old and dusty; but a veritable thing of beauty in such a
+strait as this. He meant to get to Hampton, and from there use his own
+motor. He hastened back to the little shop, and, summoning Lucy, sent
+her up with a message.
+
+"Tell the lady," he said quickly, "I have a carriage waiting, and if she
+is strong enough, we can start at once."
+
+The news acted like a tonic; for in a marvellously short time Lady
+Merivale, pale but resolute, came downstairs into the little
+sitting-room.
+
+She was wrapped up in shawls, and a long cloak covered her from head to
+foot. Too upset to speak, she motioned with her hand to Adrien to open
+the door; and, laying a ten-pound note on the table, he said a few words
+of thanks to Lucy, then led the unhappy countess to the carriage.
+
+No sooner had the horse started than her calmness gave way. She covered
+her face with her hands and burst into tears.
+
+"Adrien," she sobbed, "I am ruined."
+
+"No," said Leroy reassuringly, "you are safe, now. This man is promised
+ten pounds if he reaches Hampton in half an hour. My motor is waiting
+there. I myself will drive you to Waterloo Station; there you can get a
+taxi, without attracting any attention, and you will reach home before
+ten. Your husband will think you stayed to dine with Lady Rose."
+
+"But you--you!" she wailed, "Will you promise----"
+
+"I," he said, with a laugh of scorn at her doubt of him. "This day of my
+life is yours; none will ever hear from me how it was spent, and you
+know it."
+
+"You swear?"
+
+"I give you my word," he said simply. "I can give no stronger oath than
+that."
+
+Lady Merivale sank back with a sigh of relief.
+
+Alas! Leroy did not pause to reflect that, let happen what might, there
+was one day of his life he could not account for--one whole day of which
+he had sworn to keep silent.
+
+Faster and faster went the great car, at a pace that would have shocked
+chauffeur and policeman alike, but Leroy was reckless; a woman's honour
+and his own were in imminent peril. Death were sweeter than his failure
+to save it.
+
+It was not much after nine when the car rolled into Waterloo Station,
+and Leroy assisted his trembling companion to alight. Wrapped up in
+Lucy's big coat, she stood quietly by while Leroy left his car in the
+care of an outside porter, then led her apparently towards the booking
+office. Passing through this, they manoeuvred to reach the outside,
+where a taxi was hailed, and the address given.
+
+Thankful at their escape, Leroy stood bareheaded till it disappeared in
+the throng of vehicles; then he returned to his own motor, as he
+thought, unseen and unnoticed.
+
+Alas for his vain hopes! Miss Penelope and Constance, after a long day's
+shopping, had come to Waterloo on their way back to Barminster. The
+sharp eyes of Lady Constance, quickened by love, recognised the figure
+of Adrien from afar; and, making some excuse to Miss Penelope, she
+followed and watched the departure.
+
+She did not recognise the lady, it is true; but she saw sufficient to
+realise that her worst fears were fulfilled. Adrien had neglected her
+letter for the sake of another woman.
+
+
+Jasper waited patiently until the sound of the carriage wheels had died
+away into the distance, then he came out of his hiding-place, his face
+pale, his eyes shining.
+
+"Lucy Ashford," he said, sinking into a chair, and holding up one finger
+in solemn warning, "you may be asked some day to give an account of what
+has taken place to-night. Remember this; you know nothing, you
+recognised no one--till I give you leave. Disobey me, and the story of
+your Canterbury trip becomes the property of the whole world. I'll
+proclaim it through every newspaper in the world."
+
+Trembling and crying, and too ignorant to realise the absurdity of this
+threat, Lucy swore to be silent; and then, to her intense relief, Mr.
+Vermont changed his mind as to staying the night, and announced his
+decision of returning to London.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+On the night of that fateful trip, when Leroy returned to his chambers,
+he found Lady Constance's letter. Already tired with the events of the
+day, and the struggle in the water, this proved an overwhelming blow.
+The thought that he had spent the day in idle dalliance, when he might
+have been with the woman he truly loved--might have basked in the warmth
+of her presence, even though she would never be his, drove him almost to
+madness.
+
+Jasper Vermont, who had followed him back to town by the first train
+obtainable, called in at Jermyn Court, and found him pacing up and down
+the room, more troubled and unhappy than he had ever been in the whole
+course of his pampered, shielded life. Vermont listened and sympathised,
+and stabbed afresh, with his artful accounts of Lady Constance's anger
+at the fancied slight. He was altogether delighted at the way in which
+things had turned out, though he did not know how Fortune had aided him
+still more at Waterloo Station.
+
+On the following morning Leroy received a cypher note from Lady
+Merivale, saying that she had arrived home safely, and unnoticed; and,
+with a sigh of relief, he turned his attention to his own affairs. To
+Jasper's supreme annoyance, he insisted on going through a pile of
+papers which Vermont had only meant him to sign; and to that gentleman's
+chagrin he actually dared to interfere in the matter of rents and
+leases; which proceeding, naturally, did not tend to make Jasper feel
+the more kindly disposed to the world in general, and Adrien Leroy in
+particular.
+
+When he had taken his departure, Adrien ordered the motor, and drove
+down to Barminster with the intention of offering an apology for his
+seeming discourtesy. He found all in confusion and excitement in view of
+the coming ball; and, whether by accident or design, he found it
+impossible to get a single word with Constance alone.
+
+The two ladies received the explanation of his absence--a river-trip
+with a friend--with chilling indifference. To Miss Penelope nothing was
+of any importance except the decorations of the banqueting hall, while
+Lady Constance had the evidence of her own eyesight. He was compelled,
+therefore, to return to London the next day in the same unhappy state of
+mind. To distract his thoughts, he threw himself heart and soul into the
+preparations for the festive event; and even Jasper Vermont himself
+could not have worked harder.
+
+The announcement of the fancy dress ball to be held at Barminster had
+made something like a sensation; for not only was the magnificence of
+the Castle well known, but the fact that it was so seldom used for
+festivities of any kind lent importance to the occasion, and had roused
+society, both in town and country, to the height of expectancy.
+
+Preparations were carried on apace. The whole Castle was to be lighted
+and decorated, regardless of expense, while even the servants' dresses
+were to be manufactured by the masters of their craft, and approved of
+by heraldic authorities, in order that the right effect of the period,
+that of two hundred years back, might be maintained. Never had a ball
+been carried out with such a wealth of detail.
+
+Throughout all this, and during the many visits which Adrien found
+necessary to make to Barminster, journeying backwards and forwards in
+his great car, Lady Constance maintained a smiling, gentle demeanour;
+but she allowed him no opportunity for explanation, seeming rather to
+avoid his presence. Even Lord Barminster, watching his two dear ones
+closely, was not blind to the gravity of the situation; but he trusted
+to Constance's love to make matters right in the end.
+
+At last the eventful night came. The temporary stables which the village
+carpenters had been erecting close to the ordinary ones were rapidly
+filling. Cars and carriages stood side by side, as guests from town and
+the surrounding districts arrived; and the air resounded with the
+clatter and rattle of the horses' hoofs and carriage wheels, mingled
+with the hooting of motor horns.
+
+Within the Castle all was light and mirth. Ripples of laughter and the
+buzz of conversation went on incessantly, as the guests arrived in their
+varied and gorgeous costumes.
+
+The walls of the great reception rooms had all been covered with
+priceless tapestry, and as far as possible made to represent the
+ball-room of Antony Leroy, two hundred years ago. But the guests
+themselves had not been asked to keep to any period of history or
+fashion, and, therefore, it was the most incongruous crowd that had ever
+gathered within the walls of Barminster Castle. Never were dresses more
+regal or more magnificent, alike in materials, colour and decoration.
+Cavaliers in silks and satins, with plumed hats and jewelled swords;
+Crusaders in glittering mail and silver armour. Alsace peasant girls
+mingled with Carmelite monks and Sicilian nuns. Shakespeare's characters
+were legion--Portias, Cymbelines, Katherines and Shylocks, all laughed
+and jested together, their identity concealed beneath their black velvet
+masks. It seemed as if every character and fable had risen to throng the
+halls of Barminster Castle that night.
+
+Up in the gallery above the great ball-room a famous orchestra poured
+forth melody, and the guests were awaiting the entrance of their host as
+a signal to start dancing.
+
+The last visitor had arrived, when Lord Barminster and his sister came
+from the entrance hall, where they had stood so long. The old man had
+merely donned a domino over his evening dress and carried his mask in
+his hand; but Miss Penelope had had her elaborate dress copied from a
+picture of Lord Antony's wife, which hung in the Picture Gallery. The
+gown was composed of soft grey satin, over which hung a veil of gold
+chiffon embroidered with pearls. An embroidery of gold wheat-ears sown
+with pearls decorated the bodice and the long, grey satin train; this,
+together with the family diamonds, made Miss Penelope an imposing
+figure, even in that bevy of fair women and gorgeous gowns.
+
+Immediately behind them came Adrien and Lady Constance. The latter had
+chosen to represent "Miranda," and her loveliness seemed almost
+supernatural. The pale gold of her hair and the perfect shell-pink of
+her complexion were set off to advantage by her gown, which, simple as
+it was, yet showed by that very simplicity the hand of the master by
+whom it had been designed. It was of palest green satin, edged with
+chiffon in such a way as to represent the crested waves, relieved here
+and there by pink sea-shells and tiny wreaths of seaweed; while her only
+ornaments were pearls, the gifts of her guardian. It was little wonder
+that Adrien had been unable to express the admiration he felt, when he
+looked upon her fair beauty, which was now, however, covered by a velvet
+mask.
+
+He himself had taken the character of Charles the First, and, with his
+dark, deep eyes and melancholy face, fully looked the part of the
+unhappy monarch. There was a faint murmur of admiration as he entered,
+for every detail had been so carefully copied, from the lace collar to
+the jewelled order across his breast, that it was as if Van Dyck's
+famous picture itself had stepped down from its frame.
+
+Unconscious of the attention they provoked, Adrien led Lady Constance
+out to the first dance, and opened the ball with her.
+
+Miss Penelope was in the seventh heaven of delight, when some little
+time later Adrien came up to her.
+
+"What a magnificent sight, is it not, Adrien?" she said excitedly. "I
+knew it would be a success; but really the dresses are wonderful. Then
+the mystery is so delightful. I can't recognise any one now under the
+masks. Look, who is that?" She glanced towards a lady dressed as Undine,
+who seemed to float by them, so light were her movements, on the arm of
+a Mephistopheles.
+
+"That," said Adrien, whose quick eyes readily penetrated the majority of
+the disguises, "that is--yes, I cannot be mistaken--Ev--Lady Merivale."
+
+His voice dropped slightly as he spoke the name; for he had not expected
+that she would accept Miss Penelope's invitation, and was surprised by
+her presence.
+
+"Who is the Mephistopheles?" asked his aunt.
+
+Adrien glanced after the couple rather puzzled.
+
+"I don't know," he admitted frankly.
+
+"It is something, a shadow only, like Mr. Vermont," suggested Miss
+Penelope.
+
+"It cannot be he," said Adrien, "he is not coming to-night."
+
+Lord Barminster, who had approached in time to hear this speech, looked
+affectionately at his son, and Adrien caught the glance and understood
+it. But without making any comment, he went in search of his partner for
+the next waltz.
+
+Meanwhile, Undine and Mephistopheles had seated themselves in the deep
+recess of one of the alcoves.
+
+"May I get you an ice, madam?" asked the Mephistopheles in a queer,
+strained voice.
+
+Undine turned her face towards him, and her eyes flashed curiously
+through the mask.
+
+"You may," she replied, also disguising her voice, "if you will tell me
+who you are."
+
+"That I dare not," was the guarded reply. "My name is never mentioned in
+ears polite, you know."
+
+Undine smiled.
+
+"Since you will not tell me your name, perhaps you can tell me mine
+without the asking."
+
+"I can, madam. You are--Lady Merivale, who is so fond of the river."
+
+Undine started, her face turning suddenly pale.
+
+"I--what do you mean? Who are you?" she asked, as she peered at him with
+straining eyes, seeking to pierce the clever disguise.
+
+"Mephistopheles!" was the calm retort. Then, as if to turn the subject,
+he continued lightly: "It is a fair scene, and a fabulous one."
+
+Undine began to have a slight suspicion as to whom her companion might
+be, and was far from comfortable in her mind. The hit at the river might
+have been only a chance one; but this was doubtful, if Mephistopheles
+turned out to be either Mortimer Shelton or Jasper Vermont, as she half
+feared.
+
+She strove to conceal her uneasiness.
+
+"The best should be happy and satisfied to-night," she said; "it is a
+great success."
+
+"Yes, happy!" agreed the demon, nodding his horned head, "but not
+satisfied. That will never be till he sees the marriage of his beloved
+son----" He stopped short.
+
+"With Lady Constance Tremaine," finished Lady Merivale, in a low voice,
+from which all attempt at disguise had gone.
+
+Mephistopheles nodded again.
+
+"You have guessed aright, my lady," he said. "See! there they are
+together. A handsome pair; an admirable match. Yet it is sad to
+think----" He stopped again.
+
+"What?" cried Lady Merivale, grasping his scarlet-clad arm in a fierce
+grip.
+
+"It will never be!"
+
+His companion trembled with suppressed eagerness.
+
+"What do you meant?" she exclaimed. "Can you prevent it?"
+
+"I both can and will," was the quiet answer. "But, come, let us seek a
+more retired spot."
+
+He drew her almost forcibly out of the recess into the shadow of some
+palms, as Adrien Leroy, with a partner on his arm, approached the
+alcove.
+
+"Oh! Mr. Leroy," said Lady Chetwold, as they passed, "can you tell me
+who this latest arrival is?"
+
+"I have not seen her," said Adrien rather wearily; his eyes were bent on
+Lady Constance, who had left him and was now dancing with Lord Standon.
+
+"Oh, there she is!" exclaimed his voluble little companion. "Such a
+magnificent Cleopatra, isn't she?"
+
+She drew his attention to a tall lady who was looking rather anxiously
+and constrainedly about her. Her dress certainly deserved the name of
+magnificent. It was made for the greater part of apricot-coloured satin,
+with gauze and tinselled chiffon fulled over it; from the shoulders was
+suspended a long train of imperial purple velvet, on which was
+embroidered in dull green, various Egyptian symbols.  Her jewels too,
+which were abundant, consisting chiefly of diamonds and large emeralds,
+made her a regal, though almost theatrical figure. Yet, as her eyes met
+the steady regard of Adrien's, she looked nervously round as if to make
+her escape.
+
+Lady Chetwold felt Adrien give a slight start, and looking up, she saw
+that his lips had grown stern, and even through the mask detected the
+angry gleam in his eyes.
+
+"Do you know her?" she whispered.
+
+"Yes!" he said. "But it would be a breach of confidence to betray her,
+Lady Chetwold."
+
+At the close of the dance he surrendered the little lady her next
+partner, and went in search of the Cleopatra. He soon espied her, seated
+in one of the recesses, and strode across to her. She started to her
+feet as Adrien approached, then sinking back into her chair, she looked
+up at him defiantly.
+
+At that moment the band struck up the music for the cotillion, and the
+mass of colours shifted in dazzling movement, as, amid the rustle of
+silks and the ripple of laughter, the dance commenced.
+
+Adrien was engaged to Lady Constance for it; but in the height of his
+anger he had forgotten the fact.
+
+"Ada!" he exclaimed in a low voice full of suppressed indignation. "What
+is the meaning of this intrusion? You've no business here."
+
+"No business here! Oh, haven't I?" she answered harshly, her bosom
+heaving, and her bejewelled hands clenching.
+
+"No," he continued, standing in front of her so that she should not be
+seen by the dancers. "You know that as well as I do. How did you come?"
+
+"On my legs," retorted the lady defiantly. "They're good for something
+else besides dancing in your theatre, Adrien. You're an unfeeling brute
+to speak to me like that after the way you've treated me. Do you think
+I'm going to be thrown aside like a worn-out glove, just because you
+want to marry that grand swell of a cousin."
+
+"Silence!" said Adrien in a tense whisper, and grasping her arm almost
+savagely. "Keep your mask on, and come with me. If you are discovered, I
+will not answer for the consequences."
+
+She rose sullenly, but abashed by his unusual vehemence, for never yet
+had she seen him moved from his polite calm; and opening the door at the
+end of the room, he led her away from the brilliant ball-room.
+
+"Now," he said as he closed the door and removed the mask from his face,
+"what does this mean? There is something more in your presence than I
+can understand. Whether I marry or not, it can be nothing to you, Ada;
+you have the money, which is all you care for."
+
+"No, I haven't," she retorted loudly, "and you know it!"
+
+He held up his hand with a gesture of contemptuous command.
+
+"Speak quietly, if you can," he said, "or I leave you at once. Do you
+mean to tell me you have not received the deeds?"
+
+"I do," she replied sulkily. "It ain't no use your carrying it off in
+this high-handed way, because I ain't going to be deceived by it! You
+promised me that you'd make me an allowance of a thousand a year, and
+give me the theatre when you left me. Well, you've left me right enough,
+but where's the money? That's what I want to know."
+
+"I gave the deed to Jasper," said Adrien, looking down upon her with
+distaste, and vaguely wondering how he could ever have endured such a
+woman near him.
+
+"You gave it to Jasper, did you?" said Ada, pulling or rather tugging
+off her mask viciously, as she spoke. "Hang me if I didn't think so all
+the time!" she exclaimed with a sudden change of tactics. "That Jasper's
+a thief. I heard you say something about those deeds, and Jasper told me
+a long rigmarole that you wouldn't sign them. Whether that's true or
+not, Heaven only knows. Jasper's a bad one, an' he's sold me. He's got
+the coin, and I'll split on him, as I threatened. No, it's no use your
+trying to make me hush up, I will speak out. I'll show you what a fool
+he's made of you, you who have been so good to him; I'll tell you a
+thing or two as will open your eyes a bit wider than they are now.
+I'll--"
+
+"Be quiet!" said Adrien. "Not another word--there is some mistake.
+Jasper has forgotten, he has some reason for not giving it to you. He
+shall explain directly I can reach town. You shall have the money and
+the theatre, that I promise you; you know I have never broken my word
+yet. Now you must go. Every moment you stay increases your danger. My
+father is old-fashioned perhaps, but he would regard this as the
+greatest insult, and would punish it severely. You are no fool, Ada. How
+could you have done such a mad thing? Hush! slip on that domino." He
+pointed to a black masque cloak, and rang the bell. "Get away as quickly
+as possible," he went on as, now thoroughly subdued, she put on the
+cloak. "You shall have the money, I swear it."
+
+On the servant entering, he hastily gave directions for her to be driven
+to the station; then without another word to her, he returned to the
+ball-room, just as his father's voice was heard inquiring for him.
+
+"Ah! there, you are, my boy. I wondered if anything had gone wrong. Are
+you ill?" He gazed keenly at Adrien's pale, unmasked face.
+
+"No, sir, it is rather hot though in this dress," he returned hurriedly,
+hating even the very semblance of a lie. "I believe Constance is waiting
+for me," he continued. "Ah, yes, there she is. The ball is going off
+well, don't you think so?"
+
+His father nodded.
+
+"Yes," he said, "your friends are pronouncing it to be a success. Mr.
+Paxhorn declares it is a vision of the period. But Constance is
+waiting."
+
+Replacing his mask, Adrien made his way to his cousin, who, as usual,
+was surrounded by a small group of courtiers. She glanced up as he
+approached and, with a smile to the rest, took his proffered arm. As he
+looked at her sweet face, a thrill ran through him at the purity of her
+beauty--so great a contrast to that of the woman he had just dismissed
+that he loathed the very thought of ever having touched her hand. In
+that moment, the love he bore Constance welled up passionately in his
+heart, refusing to be suppressed, and again he tore off the velvet mask.
+
+When the girl raised her calm eyes to his face, the ardent look in his
+startled her, and she determined to at least listen to any explanation
+he wished to give her. "Where have you been, Adrien?" she said gently.
+"I thought you had forgotten me."
+
+"No!" he answered sharply, "that would be impossible; but I was called
+away. Do you care for this dance? Or, would you give me just a few
+moments with you alone on the terrace?"
+
+Her eyes softened.
+
+"Yes, if you like, Adrien," she said gently. "I am really tired now, and
+longing for the air."
+
+"Come, then," he said; and catching up a silken wrap that lay on one of
+the seats, he threw it tenderly over her.
+
+Together they passed out on to the terrace, and seemed to have slipped
+into another world, so great a contrast was the peaceful moonlit valley
+beneath them to the brilliant, heated ball-room they had just left.
+
+As the curtained door swung behind them, Jasper Vermont, alias
+Mephistopheles--his scarlet costume now changed to ordinary evening
+dress, and covered with a long black domino, similar to that which Ada
+had donned--shot a sharp glance after them; then, with a sinister smile,
+he left the room by another exit, and made his way into the grounds.
+Keeping well within the shadow of the trees and shrubs, he crouched
+down, directly under the terrace where Adrien had led Constance; here,
+motionless and scarcely breathing, he listened with eager ears.
+
+"It is hot," said Constance, removing her mask, and letting the wrap
+fall back from her shoulders.
+
+"All the more reason you should be careful," said Adrien, replacing it
+gently.
+
+She smiled, as she gazed up at him.
+
+"You look very tired," she said softly. "This ball has been a strain on
+you, has it not?"
+
+"Not more than usual," he returned. "At any rate, it will be my last for
+some time to come."
+
+"Your last!"  she echoed, looking up at him with wide, startled eyes.
+"What do you mean, Adrien?"
+
+"I am going away after to-night," he said hoarsely; for the sight of her
+beauty was goading him almost to despair.
+
+"Going away!" she hardly breathed the words; her face had paled in the
+moonlight, till it looked almost unearthly. "Why?"
+
+"You ask me why?" he murmured, his forehead damp with the force of his
+emotion. "You, who know how I love you--worship your very shadow!"
+
+She trembled under the passion of his gaze.
+
+"Adrien!" she exclaimed, in low, reproachful tones. "Why do you speak to
+me like that, when I know how little your words really mean?"
+
+"Little!" he cried with suppressed passion. "Ah, Constance, why are you
+so cruel to me? Why do you so misjudge me, when I would gladly die to
+serve you?"
+
+The earnestness in his tones was unmistakable; but she kept her face
+turned from him, and he knew only from the quick-drawn breath that she
+had heard him.
+
+"Constance," he pleaded, "look at me, dear. Give me this one chance. I
+shall never trouble you again."
+
+"You have no right----" she began tremulously.
+
+"No right to tell you I love you. Do you think I don't know that?" he
+burst out. "It is just that very knowledge which has burnt itself into
+me, and seared my very soul."
+
+"What knowledge?" she asked, forgetful, in the suddenness of his attack,
+the tactics she had adopted with regard to Lord Standon.
+
+"The knowledge of your engagement," he answered hoarsely. "Ah,
+Constance, be merciful. Surely not even Standon himself would grudge me
+these last few moments."
+
+"What has Lord Standon to do with me?" she asked, looking him full in
+the face with steadfast eyes.
+
+He stared at her in amazement.
+
+"Is he not your accepted lover?"
+
+His voice betrayed his agony of spirit; and, hearing this, she relented.
+Holding up her left hand, the third finger of which was bare of rings,
+she said quietly, almost, indeed, demurely:
+
+"This does not look like it, does it?"
+
+The light of hope, new-born, flashed into his face. He sprang forward
+eagerly.
+
+"Constance!" he cried. "My darling! You will try to care for me
+then----?" He would have taken her in his arms; but she held him off at
+arm's length.
+
+"No! no, Adrien," she interrupted sadly. "Because I am not engaged to
+Lord Standon, is that any reason why I should love one who treats me so
+lightly?"
+
+"I treat you lightly, you--the one woman I have ever truly loved?
+Constance, whatever sins I may have committed, you are my first love,
+and you will be my last. I am not worthy to touch your hand, as pure as
+it is white, but will you not forgive me the folly of my past life, and
+let me live in hope that I may do better? I swear from this day forth to
+cast off the old life, with all its emptiness and folly, and lay the
+future at your feet."
+
+As his passionate words ceased, she turned to him.
+
+"Adrien, I do not know what to think," she said in low, troubled tones.
+"I wrote to you last month--that day we came up to London, believing
+that perhaps you had learned to care a little for me; but when you
+deliberately spent the day with another woman, sooner than with me, what
+am I to think?"
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked hoarsely.
+
+"I saw you," she returned simply, "when we were at the station, auntie
+and I, on the twenty-second----"
+
+"The twenty-second!" he echoed, through blanched lips.
+
+"Yes, you were at Waterloo Station with some one, I did not see her
+face. But what does it matter now? If you had cared----" She stopped
+abruptly.
+
+"I do care," he reiterated passionately. "Heaven above knows that; but I
+do not hope to make you believe me. Constance, I can give neither you
+nor any living being the explanation of that awful day. But I swear to
+you that the meeting was unsought by me. I could not help myself. I do
+not know how all this has come about. I understood from Standon
+that--that he was engaged to----"
+
+"Muriel Branton," interrupted Constance softly. "He told me himself."
+
+For a moment Adrien stared at her in stupefaction.
+
+"If I had known we were at cross-purposes!" he exclaimed. "I see it all
+now--when it is too late," and sinking down on the stone seat he buried
+his face in his hands.
+
+For a minute there was silence, broken at last by the rustle of Lady
+Constance's dress as she came timidly towards him.
+
+"Adrien," she murmured, very low indeed, but not so low that he did not
+hear.
+
+He looked up, gave one swift glance at her blushing face, then, with an
+incoherent cry of delight, caught her in his arms.
+
+"My darling!" he cried. "I love you. Believe that, though I failed you
+so."
+
+No further words were spoken--none were needed; then Adrien said gently:
+
+"Darling, before we return, tell me, just once--let me hear it from your
+own lips, that you love me; for I can scarcely believe I am awake."
+
+"It is no dream, Adrien," she said, her face flushing and quivering with
+pent-up emotion. "I love you, dear."
+
+Again he clasped her in his arms and neither heard a step behind them.
+It was not until a warning cough roused them, that Adrien started, and
+became aware of the presence of Mr. Jasper Vermont.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXII
+
+
+While the preparations for the ball at Barminster Castle had been going
+on apace, trouble and confusion reigned in the little village on the
+banks of the Thames.
+
+No sooner had Mr. Jasper Vermont taken his departure, than poor Lucy
+Ashford sank on the floor of the shop, and burst into a flood of tears.
+So great had been the strain that she was completely unnerved, and had
+quite forgotten the likelihood of her husband's return from Richmond, as
+well as the mysterious disappearance of Jessica, who had not been seen
+in the house since the arrival of Adrien Leroy and his unconscious
+burden.
+
+This sudden realisation of all the presentiment of evil which Lucy
+Ashford had ever in her mind, had burst on her like a thunderbolt. She
+had known always that the man, Mr. Jasper Vermont, who knew her secret,
+was alive; but never before had she been actually threatened with its
+betrayal. Her father, Mr. Harker, had always stood between her and that
+dreadful possibility.
+
+Presently, she jumped up and called to Jessica. Then she remembered that
+the girl had disappeared from the time she had sent her from the room.
+Fearful that Vermont might yet change his mind and return for the night,
+she ran to the door, calling out Jessica's name in a paroxysm of nervous
+terror, which finally, on receiving no reply, ended in a severe attack
+of hysterics, in the midst of which her husband returned and found her.
+
+With an exclamation of alarm, he raised her from the floor and bore her
+upstairs to the bed on which Lady Merivale had lain such a short time
+ago. He was greatly puzzled by the disordered appearance of the room,
+and his first thought was of burglars. He gave no time to this, however,
+but hastened to get his wife into bed, then rushed out for a doctor.
+When he returned with him it was found that Lucy had relapsed into a
+state of fever, and was talking deliriously, of an inn at Canterbury, an
+individual of the name of Johann Wilfer, and most of all, making
+plaintive appeals to Jasper Vermont not to betray her.
+
+As the next day Jessica had not returned, Ashford found all his work cut
+out for him, to see after the shop and the children, as well as his
+wife. A kindly neighbour came to his rescue; but John insisted on
+nursing Lucy himself, while the woman remained downstairs.
+
+At first, the husband paid little attention to the wandering, incoherent
+sentences of his wife; but as the first excitement died down, and they
+began to take distinct form, he bent over her, and learned the one error
+of her life. Naturally, poor John recoiled in horror; the whole thing
+seemed so incredible, so impossible to  believe. Yet, when he had had
+time to reflect, he saw that this explained all the little strangenesses
+in his wife's conduct and manner; her intense nervousness at the sight
+of any stranger; her reticence as to her youthful days; all this was
+borne in on his mind, and he realised that he had been deceived. His
+wife, in whom he had so trusted, had loved another before him; and at
+the bitter truth, John Ashford utterly broke down, and, hiding his face
+in the counterpane, sobbed like a child. Tears sometimes are Nature's
+own medicine, and do more to soften the heart than any words. After the
+first shock had worn away, Ashford commenced to look back on the happy
+days he had spent with Lucy; the way she had worked with him, and for
+him. These thoughts did their healing work, and accordingly, a few days
+later, when Lucy Ashford returned to consciousness, she found her
+husband's eyes gazing into hers with only pitying tenderness in their
+depths.
+
+"John," she said faintly, "have I been ill?"
+
+"Yes, dear," he replied gently.
+
+Something in his saddened tones, or perhaps strange intuition, told Lucy
+that her secret was no longer hers alone.
+
+"John!" she cried, her voice shaking with terror and weakness. "You know
+all!" And she hid her face in her hands.
+
+Her husband bent over her tenderly and kissed the thin cheek.
+
+"Yes, dear," he said. "You've told me all. Why didn't you trust me
+before?"
+
+She looked at him in wonder, hardly believing the evidence of her own
+ears. Was this all the reproach and anger he would deal out to her?
+Could it be possible that, knowing all, the man she had loved, yet
+feared, solely on this account, would not only forgive but take her into
+his heart again? As if in answer to her bewildered thoughts, John's arm
+was around her neck, and his kiss of forgiveness fell upon her lips.
+
+Presently, she looked up, with a look of ineffable peace and gratitude
+on her face.
+
+"John," she said, "send for poor father; it will be new life to him to
+know that this dreadful weight is off my heart, and that you, knowing
+what a bad woman I have been, will still call me your wife. Oh, fetch
+him to me soon, dear, that he may be happy too."
+
+Her husband kissed her again, and without another word left the room.
+Giving some directions to the neighbour who was still in the shop, he
+set out at once on his journey. He drove into Hampton and took the first
+train to London, where he intended to tell his father-in-law the whole
+story, and learn what details he could; for he did not wish ever to
+bring up the subject again, so far as Lucy was concerned.
+
+Now it happened that Mr. Harker was late at the office that night,
+bending, sad and wrinkled, over his interminable papers; the whole
+business connected with which was so repugnant to him. Sigh after sigh
+escaped his thin lips, as he read the piteous appeals, and knew that he
+must refuse them; must deal out fresh misery against his will. It was
+hard to be the tool of such a merciless fiend; to be the servant of such
+a master of deceit, villainy and fraud; but so greatly did the father
+love his child that he would scarce have hesitated in committing a
+murder had Jasper Vermont set that crime as a price of his forbearance
+and silence. He would have purchased his daughter's safety and happiness
+with his heart's blood, if need be.
+
+Unconscious of the release that was so fast approaching, he worked on,
+setting in order the various accounts which Vermont would require to be
+laid before him on the following day; and entering in a book concise
+histories of the debts and difficulties which placed dozens of Jasper's
+acquaintances within his power.
+
+A knock at the door startled him, and roused him from his task. Hastily
+shutting the ledger before which he was seated, and covering the deeds
+and documents with a large sheet of paper, the old man rose and opened
+the door.
+
+It was his son-in-law, John Ashford, and at the sight of his round,
+kindly face, Harker staggered back, and clutched at the table.
+
+"Lucy!" he gasped out. "Is she ill?"
+
+"All right! All right!" said John reassuringly, but in a quieter voice
+than his usual jovial one. "Don't be frightened. But when she says 'Go
+and fetch father,' you see, I come and fetch you directly."
+
+Mr. Harker was not to be deceived by this attempt at a jest.
+
+"She is ill!" he cried, the perspiration breaking out on his forehead.
+
+John nodded.
+
+"She is better now," he said. "But I should like you to come down at
+once. We shall catch a train to Hampton Court, and I have a trap waiting
+for me there." Without any further explanation--for after thinking the
+matter over, he had determined that Lucy herself should break the news
+to her father--he helped the old man, still trembling and shaking, to
+put on his coat, and to lock up the office; and it was not until they
+were well on their way, that John told him how he had found his wife a
+fortnight ago, lying unconscious on the ground.
+
+Mr. Harker's troubled face darkened, and his thin hands clenched and
+unclenched themselves, for he knew Mr. Vermont only too well, and the
+thought had already crossed his mind that this sudden illness was in
+some way due to that gentleman's interference.
+
+Outside Hampton Court station they found the horse and cart for which
+John had arranged; and the two men got in silently and started off once
+more. They were within a short distance of their destination, when John
+pulled up the horse with an exclamation of astonishment. They were in a
+narrow lane, with barely room enough for the cart to pass along, and
+almost within a yard of the horse's hoofs stood the figure of a young
+girl.
+
+Ashford recognised her in an instant; with a shout of warning, he threw
+the reins to his father-in-law and, leaping to the ground, caught the
+girl by the arm.
+
+"Jessica!" he cried reproachfully. "What are you doing here?"
+
+She looked up at him in silence, and her eyes filled with tears.
+
+"I am coming back to you," she said at last, in a low voice, "if you
+will have me? There was some one I wanted to see again in London, or I
+would never have gone; for, oh! sir, I know how good you and Mrs.
+Ashford have been to me."
+
+John appeared relieved.
+
+"I thought you weren't one of the sort to go off and leave my Lucy just
+because she was ill and wanted extra help," he said, in a tone of
+relief.
+
+"Ill," repeated Jessica, with a look of bewilderment. "She was not ill
+when I left her. It was the other lady who was ill."
+
+John, of course, knew nothing of Lady Merivale, and gazed at Jessica as
+though she had taken leave of her senses.
+
+"I don't know what lady you mean," he said; "but my wife has been very
+ill for the past two weeks, and asking for you often. You see, I thought
+you had run away and left her."
+
+"I will drive back with you, please, sir, if you have room for me. I
+didn't know Mrs. Ashford was ill," said the girl, humbly following him,
+as he turned towards the trap.
+
+He lifted her up, and fastened her in securely.
+
+All this time Mr. Harker had taken no notice of the little episode, save
+to wonder slightly at the delay. But directly he caught sight of the
+vivid, dark beauty of the girl, he started.
+
+"Who is this?" he asked John, who was hurriedly driving on again.
+
+"A poor girl whom Lucy has befriended," he replied. "Why, did you think
+you recognised her?"
+
+Mr. Harker shook his head. She strongly resembled some one he had seen;
+but, for the moment, he could not call to mind who that person was.
+
+"What is her name?" he inquired.
+
+"Jessica," replied his son-in-law. "She doesn't seem to know any other."
+
+They drove on in silence, broken presently by Mr. Harker, who had stolen
+another glance at the silent girl.
+
+"A wonderful likeness," he murmured. "I could have sworn that was Ada
+Lester, the actress, as she used to be."
+
+He relapsed again into silence, and John was too much wrapped up in his
+own thoughts to question him further.
+
+They reached the little shop at last, and Jessica ran lightly and
+quickly up to the bedroom. She was welcomed warmly by Lucy, who had
+grown to like the girl, and had been greatly upset by her absence.
+
+"I'm glad you have come back, dear," she whispered, as Jessica bent over
+her. "Where have you been?"
+
+"To London, dear Mrs. Ashford. I did not know you were ill. I came back
+with Mr. Ashford."
+
+"John!" exclaimed Lucy, the colour rising in her face. "My father as
+well?"
+
+"Yes," said the girl. "I will call them."
+
+She did so, and a moment later John and Mr. Harker entered the room.
+
+"Here he is, dear, you shall tell him the news yourself, while I take
+the horse back," said the kindly John. He bent over and kissed her; and
+Lucy followed him with wistful, adoring eyes, as he went out accompanied
+by Jessica.
+
+The next half-hour was an affecting one for father and daughter. Harker
+could hardly believe the good news; for so long had they tried and
+succeeded in keeping the truth back from Ashford, that it seemed
+incredible indeed that he had forgiven freely and wholly. Mr. Harker
+looked a different being when, after kissing his daughter
+affectionately, he left her and went down to the little parlour.
+
+John was sitting smoking his pipe; but he started up when the old man
+entered.
+
+"What is the matter?" he said, as he looked at his pale face. "Is she
+worse?"
+
+"No," said Harker. "She is better, thank Heaven! John Ashford," he
+continued humbly, "I have come to beg your forgiveness for the pain we
+have caused you. I knew my girl to be a good girl, although she had once
+been so foolish. I knew she would make you a true loving wife, in spite
+of her sin. It was I who overcame her scruples, and bade her marry you.
+I did it for the best. I did it that she might be happy; for I knew how
+she loved you, and she so feared to lose your love and respect. She
+tells me you have forgiven her, but can you forgive me?"
+
+John grasped his hand.
+
+"Of course I do," he said heartily. "You did it for her so I have
+nothing to forgive. If my poor darling had only plucked up courage and
+told me all, the hour we were man and wife, she would have learned how
+dearly I loved her, and it would have saved you both many unhappy
+years."
+
+Tears of gratitude stood in Harker's eyes, as he returned the handclasp.
+
+"Heaven bless you, John," he murmured. "Not many men would be so
+merciful. We will never speak of this again. You will not repent your
+generosity."
+
+"What are you going to do?" asked Ashford; struck by something unusual
+in the old man's voice.
+
+"I am going back to London," said Harker, smiling grimly, as in
+anticipation of a pleasant task. "I have work to do, an account to
+settle now--for Lucy and myself. You don't know all yet, John; you don't
+know, you never will know, all that Lucy and I have suffered."
+
+He paused as if overcome by his emotion; then continued in trembling
+voice:
+
+"We have been slaves all these years, trembling and shrinking under a
+villain's nod and frown. I've sold myself to a demon, who, in
+consideration of my services--of my body and soul--promised to keep his
+talons from my poor Lucy. He discovered her mistake; and he threatened
+to let the whole world know, to tell you all, if I did not bind myself
+to do his villainous work. I have done it for years. I have endured
+shame and agony unspeakable, that my darling's secret might be safe. I
+have been his tool and his scapegoat. I, an old man, on my way to the
+grave, have earned--and rightly earned--the names of usurer and thief.
+All this I have done and suffered that he should never blight my child's
+happiness by his presence. He has broken the contract. He came down here
+that night you went to Richmond, and, with his fiendish ways and
+threats, nearly killed her. Well, now his power has gone. Thanks to your
+generosity, your forgiveness, Lucy is free, and I am free. Now I take my
+turn, and for every tear he has wrung from my darling's eyes, I will
+wring a groan from his black heart."
+
+John had listened to him with intense surprise. He knew his
+father-in-law was in business in the City; but he did not know that the
+business of "Harker's," for which he had a great respect, had anything
+to do with moneylending. Still he refrained from asking any questions;
+and seeing that Mr. Harker was practically exhausted by the excitement
+and the news, persuaded him to spend the remainder of the night with
+them, and travel back to town in the morning.
+
+After reflection the old man agreed to this; and it was a very happy
+little party that met at the breakfast-table next day.
+
+Mr. Harker, unable to sleep, had let his thoughts go back to Jessica;
+and in the silence of the night a picture had arisen before his eyes; a
+theatre in which a dark-eyed young girl was dancing, amidst a crowd of
+others. In his delight at having a clue he cried aloud, "Ada Lester, at
+the Rockingham!" The more he thought of it the more sure he felt that
+this girl must be the daughter, or at least some connection, of the
+well-known actress.
+
+On questioning Jessica, all the information he could obtain from her was
+that which she had given Adrien Leroy. Johann Wilfer was the boundary of
+her existence. Harker remembered the name as that of the man from whom
+he had bought the picture, and he also knew now that he it was who had
+been responsible for Lucy's early sin. But he was not to be shaken from
+his belief that in some way Jessica must be related to Ada Lester, and
+he asked the girl whether she would travel up to London with him, and
+trust herself to his care.
+
+Jessica looked up into his lined face.
+
+"Yes," she said simply, "if you won't give me back to Johann."
+
+Harker readily promised this, and, amid many smiles and wavings of hand
+from the assembled Ashford family, the two started on their way.
+
+On reaching London, Mr. Harker's first visit was to the Casket Theatre,
+which Jessica at once remembered as the one before which she had kept
+watch for Adrien Leroy; and with that recollection came the memory of
+the roll of papers which she had picked up. She related this little
+incident to Harker; and undoing the bag in which kind-hearted Lucy had
+put some clothes for her, she found the papers and gave them to him.
+
+Harker looked them over, and gave a cry of joy; for he realised at once
+that they delivered his arch-enemy into his hands--no miracle from
+Heaven itself could have done more. Jessica did not understand the
+reason for his excitement, but she was quite content to let the papers
+remain in his keeping.
+
+At the theatre he inquired for Miss Lester; and, it being matinee day,
+he found that the popular actress had already arrived. It took time and
+money to convince the military-looking door-keeper that it was
+absolutely necessary to take an urgent message to Miss Lester, but
+eventually this was done, and Mr. Harker, with Jessica---who was almost
+dazed by the strangeness of her surroundings--found themselves in Miss
+Lester's dressing-room, a few minutes before she was due on the stage as
+Prince Bon-Bon.
+
+Mr. Harker at once hastened to apologise for the intrusion; but, in the
+midst of his words, he broke off short, for Jessica and the actress were
+gazing at one another in a mutual recognition. Jessica remembered her at
+once as the lady who had been with Adrien Leroy; then came the earlier
+memory, which had so puzzled her on the night she had seen the actress
+entering the theatre.
+
+"Jessica!" exclaimed Miss Lester, blankly, and she turned on the
+astounded Harker. "What's the meaning of this?"
+
+The few minutes were nearly up, and the call-boy and the dresser had met
+in several consultations with regard to the difficulty of getting Miss
+Lester on to the stage in time, before Mr. Harker's explanations were
+through.
+
+Ada, now thoroughly assured as to her own future, thanks to her recent
+visit to Barminster, was quite willing to look after her niece better
+than in the past; especially as her presence formed a strong link in the
+chain of evidence the actress intended shortly to bring against Jasper
+Vermont. She assured Harker that she would take care of the girl, and
+with this he was content; then, leaving Jessica in her aunt's charge, he
+made his way to his own office, prior to taking a journey down to
+Barminster Castle.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXIII
+
+
+The unexpected appearance of Jasper Vermont startled both Lady Constance
+and Adrien.
+
+"Jasper!" exclaimed Adrien, almost sternly, drawing the silken wrap
+around Lady Constance as if to shield her from all eyes but his own. "I
+did not expect you here to-night."
+
+"No," answered Jasper. "I have travelled post-haste to try and save you
+from heavy trouble; the matter is so pressing that you must give me my
+way and attend to it at once. I am sure Lady Constance would forgive
+this intrusion, if she only knew of what serious importance it is to
+you, and, indeed, to us all."
+
+He moved forward as he spoke; and the light of the full moon falling on
+his smooth, clean-shaven face, showed it so ghastly white, so moved by
+strong emotion that Lady Constance started back a step, while Leroy
+himself stared in surprise.
+
+"Good Heavens!" he said, "whatever is the matter to make you drive down
+in such a state? What is wrong? Is it the theatre?" A faint contemptuous
+smile crossed his face as he thought of Ada.
+
+"Pshaw!" exclaimed Vermont, scornfully. "The theatre! No, Adrien,
+there's not a moment to be lost. I must speak with you at once. Don't
+look at me like that. You do not grasp what imminent peril is hanging
+over you."
+
+"Peril!" gasped Lady Constance, springing forward and placing her hand
+on Adrien's arm, her movement showing, perhaps unconsciously, the state
+of her feelings towards him more than anything else could have done. It
+was as if she wished to share with him any approaching pain.
+
+Jasper glanced at her from beneath his lowered lids--the sort of hungry
+look one would imagine a starving wolf might cast at a lamb.
+
+"Serious peril!" repeated Lady Constance.
+
+"Of what kind?" asked Leroy, still with that faint smile on his lips,
+and quite unmoved by Jasper's solemn face. Then, without waiting for an
+answer, he continued scornfully: "Peril! My dear Jasper, what danger can
+I be in? This is not the Middle Ages, and there are no assassins waiting
+around, are there? However, let me take Con--Lady Constance back to the
+ball-room again, and then I will enjoy, or at any rate listen to all you
+have to tell me."
+
+Jasper Vermont smiled bitterly, and took out his watch, which had been a
+present from Leroy.
+
+"Adrien," he said slowly, "you have ten minutes between you and
+dishonour!"
+
+Adrien turned round sharply, and half raised his arm as if to strike,
+while such a stern look crossed his face that Lady Constance scarcely
+recognised it as the same which, but a few minutes ago, had gazed on her
+so lovingly.
+
+"Adrien!" she cried, almost shuddering at the tense anger shining in his
+eyes. "He must be mad!" She turned proudly on Jasper. "That is
+sufficient, Mr. Vermont. Pray leave us at once. If this is a jest, I
+consider it is in extremely bad taste."
+
+Jasper bit his lip at her words, but did not shift his ground.
+
+"No," said Leroy, "it is no jest, dear; there is something wrong, I feel
+sure. I will have a few words with him in private." He led her gently
+towards the door, and with pale face and trembling heart, Lady Constance
+re-entered the ball-room she had left so happily, seating herself near
+the entrance in one of the many alcoves. She was overcome by a nameless
+fear, and that horrible feeling of utter helplessness which overwhelms
+one as in a heavy cloud, and darkens the horizon for us all when weighed
+down by suspense.
+
+Suddenly she determined to seek Lord Barminster, and had risen to do so,
+when she heard not only the voices of Adrien and Vermont, but another
+also, a strange one, talking not loudly but very sternly. Hardly knowing
+what to do, she was about to return to the terrace to ascertain what was
+happening, when fortunately her uncle approached with Mortimer Shelton.
+She went quickly to meet them, and told them her fears.
+
+Much surprised, both Lord Barminster and Mr. Shelton accompanied her;
+and they found the voices were issuing from one of the small anterooms
+adjoining the terrace. Within this room, which was far removed from
+where the dancing was going on, they discovered Adrien Leroy, unmasked
+and very pale, staring at a blue paper which had evidently been given to
+him by the man standing at his side--an inspector of police.
+
+"What is the matter, Adrien?" asked his father, and seeing that Jasper
+Vermont was also present, he turned his eyes to him inquiringly. But
+Jasper seemed wishful to avoid his glance, and only shook his head.
+
+Adrien handed back the blue paper, still without speaking, then turned,
+as if to address his father, who was looking sternly from one troubled
+face to the other, while behind him stood Lady Constance and Mortimer
+Shelton. But before any one could utter a word, the inspector came
+forward, and addressing Lord Barminster, said quietly:
+
+"Sorry, my lord, to have to do this at such a time but I am here in the
+performance of my duty. I should be glad if we could go to a more
+private room, where I could explain to your lordship without your guests
+being informed of the matter."
+
+Lord Barminster was about to sharply retort when Shelton, who seemed to
+realise the seriousness of the affair, touched him lightly on the arm.
+
+"I think, sir," he said earnestly, "it would be as well to hear what
+this man has to say quietly, as he suggests."
+
+Lord Barminster controlled his feelings, recognising the good sense of
+the suggestion, and turning coldly to the inspector, said:
+
+"Perhaps it would be best, Inspector. Kindly come this way."
+
+At the end of a small passage outside the anteroom, the door opened into
+a smaller room, which at one time had been used as a study, and was
+noted for its impenetrability as to sound. Here they entered; and Lord
+Barminster, asking all to be seated, bade the inspector proceed with
+such explanations as he had to offer.
+
+"My lord," he said respectfully, "the explanation is a very simple one,
+and in deference to your lordship, to make it as private as possible, I
+have left my men outside the Castle. I, unfortunately, hold a warrant
+for the arrest of Mr. Adrien Leroy on a charge of forgery."
+
+An exclamation of horror burst from all, except Adrien and Jasper; but
+the speaker continued:
+
+"In performance of my duty, I arrest him, in the King's name." He
+touched Adrien lightly on the arm as he spoke.
+
+Lord Barminster drew a long breath, but still hoping against his better
+judgment that the affair was what its originators considered, a
+practical joke, he restrained all appearance of anger.
+
+"Come," he said, "this may be an excellent jest; but whoever is
+responsible for it must surely realise that it has gone far enough."
+
+"This is no jest, sir," said Adrien, and he looked at Mortimer Shelton,
+who sat, white and bewildered, opposite to him.
+
+"I am arrested on a charge of forging Shelton's signature to a bill for
+ten thousand pounds."
+
+"Good Heavens!" exclaimed his friend, starting up in horror. "But it is
+impossible that they should think you--"
+
+"Shelton," continued Adrien steadily, "has written a letter saying that
+the signature is a forgery."
+
+"I wrote last week, not knowing; but, of course"--he laughed
+scornfully--"it is all a mistake, which can soon be rectified. The idea
+of coming to you for such a thing! I hope you don't believe, my dear
+Adrien, that I had any hand in this monstrous accusation?"
+
+"Of course, I know that," replied his friend, holding out his hand. "But
+the writing has a distinct resemblance to mine, I admit; and two
+witnesses are ready to prove, so the inspector tells me, that they saw
+me enter the office of a certain 'Harker's,' I think it is, where the
+bill was signed, and also that my motor was standing at the door. While
+a third witness, a clerk at the office, has filed an affidavit that he
+actually saw me writing on the bill, there. All this, father"--turning
+once more to the old man--"passes a jest."
+
+"Yes, indeed," replied Lord Barminster sarcastically; "for a Leroy, who
+can command a hundred thousand pounds by a stroke of his pen, to forge a
+bill for ten thousand pounds is not a jest, but simple madness. The
+charge is some insolent conspiracy."
+
+Almost unconsciously, he fixed his glance on Jasper Vermont, who, during
+the whole time, had sat motionless and silent.  It seemed as if he
+guessed, intuitively, that that smooth individual was at the bottom of
+it all. Then he turned his grey eyes to Adrien's calm face, and from his
+to the white one of Lady Constance, whose eyes were flashing with anger
+at the mere idea of any one doubting Adrien's honour.
+
+There was a moment's silence, broken by Shelton, who rose and grasped
+his friend's hand.
+
+"Adrien," he said, in a voice charged with emotion, "Adrien, I can bear
+this no longer. Give this foul accusation the lie. I know, my dear
+fellow, as surely as I know that I did not write it myself, that you had
+nothing to do with the accursed signature. But, for Heaven's sake, tell
+the others so too."
+
+Adrien returned the friendly clasp with a smile that lit up his whole
+face; then looking round, he said quietly:
+
+"I did not write it; I know nothing of it."
+
+Lord Barminster rose from his seat at the sound of his son's voice, and
+put his hand on Adrien's shoulder; then, as if half ashamed of his
+pardonable emotion, he turned to the inspector.
+
+"You hear, sir, Mr. Leroy knows nothing of the matter."
+
+"That, my lord," returned the inspector respectfully, "would not justify
+me in leaving here without him. I fear he must accompany me; my
+instructions under the warrant are too strict. Mere denial is, of
+course, a common matter, and a usual one--begging your pardon, my
+lord"--for the old man had started indignantly.
+
+"I should suggest, my lord," continued the inspector hurriedly, "that an
+alibi would be of the most service. I do not say for one moment that Mr.
+Leroy did commit the forgery; but, of course, he will be able to prove
+where he was on the twenty-second of last month, at three o'clock."
+
+Shelton's face brightened. He wheeled round on his friend.
+
+"Adrien," he exclaimed, "tell us where you were on that day; not to
+satisfy me, you know that, but to get this folly over."
+
+Leroy gazed sadly at him, but remained silent; and Shelton grew hot, and
+then white with irritation, at this inexplicable silence.
+
+"Think, my dear Adrien," he said in a quick, impatient voice. "Were you
+at the club, or your chambers, or Park Lane--where were you? Come, you
+can't have forgotten."
+
+He stamped his foot in his impatience; for although he would have
+laughed to scorn any assertion of his friend's guilt, it annoyed him
+that a shadow should remain on Adrien's name for a single instant, and
+especially when a few words from Leroy himself would end the matter.
+
+But Adrien made no indignant protest, such as might have been expected.
+
+"No," he said at length, "I have not forgotten where I spent the day of
+the twenty-second----"
+
+"Then, for Heaven's sake, man, speak out," exclaimed Shelton in
+excitement.
+
+"I cannot," answered Adrien with a sigh. "I gave my word to keep secret
+certain events that happened on that day. They took place far away from
+the City, but I cannot reveal where. Those who say they saw me in London
+are lying, and I could easily disprove their statements; but you would
+not have me break my word?"
+
+There was an awful silence, as he finished speaking. Not one present but
+realised the gravity of the situation, and the futility of putting
+further questions.
+
+At this point the inspector turned to Lord Barminster.
+
+"My lord," he said almost gently, "I'm afraid I must ask Mr. Leroy to
+come back with me--and at once; but for the sake of all here, it can be
+arranged so that your guests shall remain ignorant. There are not many
+hours before the morning now."
+
+This was indeed true, for time waits for no man, be it spent in pleasure
+or in crime. "I would suggest that Mr. Leroy and myself return to
+London; and if he will give me his word of honour not to attempt any
+escape, I will dismiss my men, who were sent down with me altogether
+against my will."
+
+"Certainly, you may rely on my not offering any resistance," was Leroy's
+reply, with a faint smile at the idea called up by the inspector's
+words. "I should like to change my things to something more suitable."
+He glanced down at the velvet and lace of his King Charles costume; all
+this seemed like a dream from which he must awake to find himself back
+in the ball-room.
+
+"Certainly, sir," agreed the inspector, who seemed honestly reluctant to
+make the business any more unpleasant than necessary.
+
+"I will come with you," put in Lord Barminster suddenly.
+
+"I also," said Mortimer Shelton. "I will come up with you, and change
+into something more fitted for the journey."
+
+Turning to Lady Constance, her uncle besought her to return to the
+ball-room, and thus prevent any remarks being made as to the absence of
+himself and Adrien. Bravely, as was to be expected of her, she turned
+obediently; and with a few whispered, loving words to Adrien, left the
+room, followed, almost unnoticed, by Jasper Vermont. He was quite
+satisfied with the success of his plot, but had no desire to come into
+contact with Lord Barminster, if he could avoid it.
+
+Meanwhile, having ordered refreshments for the inspector, Lord
+Barminster prepared to accompany his son to London. The arrangements
+took but a short time; and when the three men, accompanied by the
+inspector, silently entered the car which had been brought round, the
+ball was drawing to an end. Carriages and motors were driving away,
+filled with tired but happy guests, who little guessed that their host
+and his son were also being driven away--but to a police-station.
+
+Outside the Castle gates the inspector stopped to dismiss two or three
+plain-clothes officers who were awaiting him, telling them to return to
+London by the first train.
+
+"I would suggest," he said quietly, as the car rolled through the quiet
+country lanes, "that we wait together in London until the court opens;
+and when I have delivered up my charge, you can go before the
+magistrate, and obtain bail, in whatever amounts are required. Mr. Leroy
+would then be able to return to Barminster until the actual trial--if,
+of course, such should be necessary."
+
+"A very sensible idea," agreed Shelton. "Thank you, Inspector. When this
+matter is satisfactorily cleared up, you will not lose by your sympathy,
+nor by the way you have conducted the business."
+
+Lord Barminster was also pleased at this suggestion, and, on their
+arrival in London, the whole party went straight to Barminster House for
+breakfast, after which the four walked down to the court, where
+application for bail was made and accepted in two sureties of ten
+thousand pounds each from Lord Barminster and Mortimer Shelton; then
+Adrien found himself free until the day of trial.
+
+They returned to their town house, where his father telephoned to the
+family solicitors. Within half an hour the head of the firm arrived, and
+was put in possession of such meagre details as Adrien could furnish,
+without disclosing his doings on the fateful date, the twenty-second.
+The lawyer's face was very grave as he listened.
+
+"It will not be an easy task, my lord," he ventured to say to Lord
+Barminster as he took his departure, "but I will do my best, and will
+have opinion of the highest counsel obtainable."
+
+They were soon ready to undertake the return journey, and before parting
+with the kindly inspector, Lord Barminster very warmly thanked him. All
+felt that they had been spared a great deal of humiliation by the way he
+had so far conducted the case. At the Castle they found that nothing was
+known of the affair. Miss Penelope had retired to her own rooms to
+recover from the fatigue of the ball, while Constance was quite serene,
+strong in her loving faith in Adrien and content to ask no questions.
+
+Jasper Vermont had also left Barminster, but had sent a note in which be
+stated that he was working in his friend's interest, and hoped to
+unearth the mystery of the conspiracy. This sounded plausible and meant
+nothing--which was thoroughly characteristic of Mr. Vermont.
+
+The cases at the Central Criminal Court were fortunately light ones, and
+did not take long to settle, so that the interval between the acceptance
+of bail and the date of the trial was a short one. There was, of course,
+great excitement in the fashionable world over Adrien's sensational
+arrest, but this the young man wisely ignored; taking refuge at
+Barminster Castle from the curiosity and sympathy of friends and
+reporters alike, and resolutely refusing to be interviewed.
+
+One thing--so characteristic of him--Adrien did at once. Notwithstanding
+his own cares, he remembered his promise to Ada Lester at the ball, and
+instructed the solicitors to prepare a deed by which the money and the
+rights of the Casket Theatre should be made over to her, and settled on
+her at once; at the same time, ordering that the papers should be handed
+to her personally, thus providing against any mistakes or interference
+on the part of Jasper.
+
+This kindly thought completely turned the scale of Ada's gratitude in
+his favour. Rejoicing at the blow which she knew this would be to Mr.
+Vermont, and in ignorance of his last treachery to Adrien, she
+determined to show him up in his true colours at the first opportunity.
+
+Meanwhile, as the day of the trial approached, Lord Barminster and
+Mortimer Shelton became more and more anxious.
+
+The solicitors had briefed the finest and best known barristers for the
+defence; but one and all agreed that unless Adrien could prove an alibi,
+only a miracle could save him from conviction.
+
+On the actual day Adrien Leroy took his place in the dock, listening
+through the day with unwearied calm to the long speeches made by the
+counsel on both sides.
+
+Witness after witness was called; but none could shake the evidence of
+Harker's clerk, who swore to seeing Leroy actually sign the bill in
+question, on the twenty-second of the preceding month.
+
+Towards the end of the case, when both judge, jury and counsel were
+tired out by the conflicting statements, a note was sent to the
+barrister for the defence by a veiled lady, who had sat in the back of
+the court during the whole day's proceedings.
+
+He opened it carelessly, but after a swift glance at the few lines which
+it contained, his face brightened. Resuming his usual confident tones,
+he desired that a new witness might be called, namely Lady Merivale.
+
+At the name Adrien started forward, but it was too late. A lady in
+black, pale but composed, entered the witness box, and was duly sworn.
+Calmly she gave her evidence, stating that she had visited her aunt,
+Lady Rose Challoner, at Hampton Court on the twenty-second of the
+previous month, and while there had met Mr. Adrien Leroy. He had rowed
+her up the river, and as an additional witness she could produce one of
+the boatmen to whom she had spoken while at Hampton, and who had watched
+them start.
+
+After this there was little more to be said. The miracle had indeed
+happened! It was clearly a case of perjury on the part of Harker's
+clerk, for whose arrest the judge ordered a warrant to be issued.
+
+On the delivery of the verdict in Adrien's favour, Lady Merivale left
+the court. She did not glance at Leroy, nor indeed anyone present, but
+walked blindly out. She knew that not only had she restored the man she
+loved to freedom and to honour, but in all probability ruined her own
+social position. For Jasper Vermont's veiled threats at the Barminster
+fancy dress ball could not be ignored, and now that she had deliberately
+gone contrary to his wishes in disclosing where Adrien had spent the
+fateful twenty-second of May, she could not but doubt that Vermont would
+make use of the mysterious power which he had hinted he held over her.
+What this power was she could only surmise, for, of course, she was in
+ignorance of Jasper's connection with "Harker's Ltd." But she had an
+uncomfortable feeling that Adrien's freedom had been purchased at
+considerable danger to herself, and the thought haunted her
+unpleasantly.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXIV
+
+
+Mr. Harker, having arranged things to his liking at Lawrence Lane,
+returned to Miss Lester and reminded her of her promise to assist him to
+unmask Jasper Vermont. He found her more than willing to accompany him
+to Barminster, and accordingly it was arranged that they should travel
+down together on the following day, accompanied also by Jessica. Upon
+the rare occasions that Vermont and Harker had met during the past week
+the latter had made no sign of his recently acquired emancipation from
+Jasper's rule, and that gentleman was in blissful unconsciousness of the
+sword hanging over him.
+
+Arrived at Windleham, the nearest station to Barminster, Mr. Harker left
+the two women at the little hotel facing the railway, there to await his
+return or instructions to come on to the Castle. Then he made his way to
+Barminster. Here he delivered a note into the care of the footman,
+bidding him to take it to his master without delay. In it he had begged
+Lord Barminster to grant him an interview on important personal
+business, hinting that by so doing he might avert future peril for
+Adrien and himself.
+
+In a very short time the man returned, with the message that Lord
+Barminster would see him at once; and Mr. Harker was shown into the Blue
+Room, in which Adrien Leroy had been arrested little more than a week
+before.
+
+"His lordship will be with you in a few moments," said the man as he
+left the room.
+
+Almost immediately Lord Barminster appeared, accompanied by Mortimer
+Shelton. Harker rose respectfully and rather nervously, but Lord
+Barminster at once put him at his ease.
+
+"Pray be seated, Mr. Harker," he said politely, as he and Shelton set
+the example. "This is my son's friend, Mr. Shelton, and I should like
+him to be present at our interview."
+
+Mr. Harker bowed.
+
+"I presume you are the Mr. Harker into whose possession came the forged
+bill?" continued his lordship.
+
+"As a mere servant--yes, my lord," answered Mr. Harker. "I have become
+aware of the identity of the man who committed the actual forgery, and
+also of the fact that he is now preparing to bring further trouble on
+yourself and Mr. Adrien Leroy."
+
+Lord Barminster started as if to speak, but Mr. Harker continued:
+
+"Fortunately, I am able to avert this, because I have brought the forged
+bills with me; and I will explain all fully, if your lordship will hear
+me through. It will take some little time, but I ask your patience."
+
+Lord Barminster nodded and said quietly:
+
+"Go on."
+
+With a dry cough, Mr. Harker opened the little black bag he invariably
+carried with him, and drew from it a roll of papers. With slow
+precision, the old man unfastened it and looked across at his listeners.
+
+"Five years ago," he commenced, "my master--for, as I said before, I was
+merely a servant, a machine, acting under instructions--ordered me to
+buy up any bills bearing your son's name. Furthermore, I was to lend the
+money to any amount within my master's credit to those who brought his
+name as guarantee. I did so, and every bill and liability which was
+contracted either in his own name or in yours, my lord, by Mr. Leroy,
+fell into the hands of this man, who carried on the business under cover
+of my name. He posed as the friend of Mr. Leroy, and by means of
+forgeries, and cooked accounts, he has managed to acquire control of
+your entire revenue."
+
+"Jasper Vermont!" exclaimed Shelton involuntarily; while Lord Barminster
+leaned forward eagerly.
+
+Mr. Harker bowed his head. "You are aware," he continued, "that all
+matters of business, even the tradesmen's bills, passed through his
+hands. That confidence he has abused, to how great an extent I alone can
+prove; for I was his tool and slave, and held his secrets. Not a bill
+was paid without his receiving his commission and adding to its amount.
+He it was who lent the money to Mr. Leroy's friends, after he had
+procured his name with which to back them; and he it was who, behind the
+screen which I supplied, gradually, yet surely, drew your son into his
+net. What object he had, besides that of gain, I know not; but he
+certainly desired his utter ruin in wealth and honour, and compelled me
+to help him in his schemes. Among other bills we held was one,
+presumably, indorsed by Mr. Mortimer Shelton----"
+
+Shelton started up; but Lord Barminster said quietly:
+
+"Let us hear the whole story first, Mortimer."
+
+"That signature was a forgery," continued Mr. Harker, "double forgery
+indeed; for it imitated Mr. Leroy's handwriting as well as that of Mr.
+Shelton."
+
+"I knew it," murmured his lordship in a low tone. "But pray continue,
+Mr. Harker."
+
+"The double forgery," went on the dry voice, "I now know was executed by
+my employer's hand; but instructions were given in the name of the firm
+to charge Mr. Adrien Leroy with the crime. The particular day was fixed
+on the twenty-second simply because my master had found out that Mr.
+Leroy had been somewhere else, and in the company of a lady whom he knew
+Mr. Leroy would never betray. But this part you already know from
+yesterday's trial. False evidence was brought to bear, in the statement
+that your son had been in our office, and it was only owing to a plea of
+illness that I escaped being made a witness also. This was but one
+forgery, and I have here large numbers of bills all forged by the same
+hand, and which, if presented, will amount to more than the sale of
+three such estates as this could liquidate."
+
+Lord Barminster uttered an exclamation of horror.
+
+"I will leave them here with you," went on Mr. Harker, "and when the
+scoundrel has been unmasked, you need have no fear of any future danger.
+In my master's chain of villainy there was a single flaw; but that flaw
+has broken the whole chain. The poor tool, whom he had had so long
+beneath his thumb, whom he had trodden under his foot remorselessly,
+suddenly regained his freedom--which he had bartered for the safety of
+his only child."
+
+He raised his head and looked steadily into the stern eyes of Lord
+Barminster.
+
+"My child and I," he continued, "are now freed from the chains that
+bound us, and are willing to bear any results that may follow from this
+exposure. Besides these bills, my lord, I have additional proof. A young
+girl whom I have brought with me was fortunate enough to see Mr.
+Vermont----"
+
+Lord Barminster's face shone with triumph, as the actual name of his
+master at last fell from Harker's lips.
+
+"--My master--drop a roll of papers. These she picked up, and later,
+when by a strange coincidence she was befriended by my daughter, showed
+them to me. They clearly prove, by the many attempts to imitate the
+writing, whose hand it was who eventually committed these forgeries."
+
+"I knew it!" cried Shelton, unable to keep silence any longer. "I knew
+we should catch the snake! But, pardon my interrupting you, Mr. Harker;
+you see, Mr. Leroy is my best friend."
+
+Mr. Harker inclined his head and proceeded steadily.
+
+"These forged deeds I will now, my lord, hand over to your charge, if
+you prefer it. But if you will have sufficient confidence in my efforts
+to save you from further trouble, I will hold them at your command until
+after Vermont is dealt with, in order not to implicate you in any way;
+for, of course, these bills belong to Vermont, until either he gives
+them up voluntarily, or they are confiscated by law."
+
+"Keep them in your possession," said Lord Barminster quietly. "It would
+not do for them to be in my hands just at present. I will have
+confidence in you, and you shall have no cause to regret this day's
+work, I assure you."
+
+Mr. Harker looked at him gratefully.
+
+"Thank you, my lord," he said. "Your confidence is not misplaced;
+indeed, it is not my fault that you have not been placed in possession
+of the real facts of the case before this. I certainly think it would be
+best for me to retain them for the present. I would suggest now that we
+arrange a plan by which Jasper Vermont shall expose his villainy in the
+actual presence of your son; otherwise, we shall have difficulty,
+perhaps, to convince him on my bare word."
+
+"That's true enough," put in Mortimer Shelton. "Adrien is so set on the
+man, that even with these proofs we shall hardly convince him of his
+treachery other than from Vermont's own mouth."
+
+"Yes," said Lord Barminster with a sigh. "I think you are right. But how
+is this to be managed?"
+
+"I have brought with me the girl, Jessica, to whom I referred just now,
+and her aunt, Miss Ada Lester," said Mr. Harker. "Both of them will be
+able to assist us, and I would suggest to your lordship that they be
+sent for, and brought into the Castle quietly. We should then be able to
+confront Vermont."
+
+"Certainly," agreed Lord Barminster; and, crossing the room, he rang for
+his own confidential man.
+
+"Simpson," he said, when the servant appeared, "I want you to drive
+down, yourself, to the station."
+
+"The Windleham Hotel, your lordship," interrupted Mr. Harker
+respectfully. "I think, too, if your lordship would have no objection, a
+short note from me would be advisable."
+
+"Certainly," agreed Lord Barminster. He directed Harker to a small desk,
+then turned once more to the waiting servant. "Bring the ladies back
+with you. Take them into the Octagon Room, and ask them to wait there."
+Then, as Mr. Harker came forward with the note, he added, "Give this to
+a Miss Lester."
+
+"Yes, my lord," said Simpson, and taking the letter with a deep bow, he
+departed on his mission.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXV
+
+
+Lord Barminster conducted Mr. Harker to the Octagon Room, so named from
+its peculiar shape.
+
+"If you will wait here," he said courteously, "I will have some
+refreshment sent up to you and the ladies, when they arrive."
+
+"Thank you, my lord," returned Mr. Harker gratefully.
+
+Seating himself, he waited patiently for the arrival of Miss Lester and
+Jessica, secretly congratulating himself on the success of his
+interview. The time passed quickly; and, while waiting, Lord Barminster
+and Mortimer Shelton held a hurried consultation with him as to the best
+method of exposing Vermont. Long before they had finished, Miss Lester
+and her niece had arrived, the former flushed with excitement and
+triumph at the prospect of at last, as she expressed it, "getting her
+own back" with Jasper.
+
+Lord Barminster and Shelton descended to the terrace, where they found
+Lady Constance; and almost immediately after came Adrien, with his
+inevitable companion, Jasper Vermont.
+
+Lord Barminster had already arranged for his three visitors to be in the
+morning-room, which opened on to the terrace, as they would there be
+within call, and also within earshot.
+
+"A word with you, Mr. Vermont," began Shelton sternly.
+
+Jasper smiled, as usual, and turned towards him.
+
+"As many as you like, Mr. Shelton," he said smoothly.
+
+Mortimer looked at him steadily; then he said in a voice which was hard
+as steel:
+
+"Mr. Vermont, Lord Barminster has kindly allowed me to speak first. We
+have every reason to believe that you have had some connection with this
+affair of Harker's notwithstanding your profession of friendship for
+Adrien."
+
+Mr. Vermont drew himself up proudly.
+
+"I?" he said indignantly. "What should I have to do with moneylending?"
+
+"Be careful," said Shelton sternly, "there are not people wanting who
+will fight for Leroy's honour even as it were their own."
+
+Vermont smiled cynically.
+
+"Indeed, Shelton," he said, "it is hardly for you to speak. After all,
+it was you who nearly ruined Adrien by your denial of the bill, not I."
+
+Lord Barminster strode forward.
+
+"You cowardly rascal," he exclaimed furiously; but Mortimer placed
+himself between them.
+
+"My lord," he said, "leave him to me. If force is necessary, I will
+punish him."
+
+Jasper smiled.
+
+"You wrong me, Shelton," he said gently; "and not only me, but Adrien,
+whom you pretend to care for. I have stood his true friend, as he knows,
+and have done my best to keep trouble from him, when, indeed, none other
+could have done so. But I suppose this is all the gratitude I can expect
+from you for the discharge of friendship's duties. Adrien will no longer
+be of the fashionable world, you think, after yesterday's case; and it
+is high time to get rid of his humble friend, Jasper Vermont."
+
+Adrien, who had been talking to Lady Constance, now glanced appealingly
+towards Mortimer; but with a gesture, as if to silence him, Shelton
+turned to Vermont again.
+
+"Friend!" he exclaimed bitterly. "A pretty friend!  But no more of this.
+I advise you to leave the Castle while you are safe, for we have
+sufficient proof here to send you to penal servitude."
+
+"Yes," Lord Barminster repeated, "leave the house at once. If I find you
+within my grounds an hour hence, I will thrash you within an inch of
+your life, old man as I am."
+
+Jasper Vermont's face grew livid with anger, and something approaching
+fear as well; he clenched his hands so tightly that the carefully
+manicured nails dug deep into his flesh. But with characteristic
+insolence he tried to brazen it out.
+
+"Your grounds?" he exclaimed, in virulent scorn. "Your grounds, my lord!
+First tell me where I shall find them. You have no grounds. Barminster
+Castle is in the hands of a moneylender; these lands, as far as the eye
+can reach, are the property of Mr. Harker, the City capitalist, by right
+of countless bills and deeds which your precious son has made over to
+him."
+
+With an exclamation of pain and astonishment, Adrien gazed on the man
+whom he had so loved and trusted. There was no mistaking the bitter
+hatred that was in Vermont's tones. At last, his eyes were being opened
+to the man's true character.
+
+Lord Barminster regarded him steadily.
+
+"You're mad!" he said quietly.
+
+"Oh, no, no!" laughed Vermont. "It is not I who am mad, but you, who
+foolishly handed over your wealth to your son before it was his by
+right. You should have let him wait till death had removed you, before
+you gave him full power over Barminster. Such lavish expenditure as his
+would empty the coffers of a nation. His folly has melted every stone of
+your precious Castle in the cup of pleasure, and has poured out the
+costly draught at the feet of his friends and parasites. Friends? He has
+never had any--leeches, perhaps, who have sucked him dry of all his
+possessions, and then deserted him."
+
+"Speak for yourself, you cur." cried Shelton, "since it is you, and your
+dishonest management of his estates, that have brought him to this
+pass."
+
+Jasper smiled sardonically.
+
+"Say rather that it is I who have constantly warned him against every
+fresh extravagance, knowing full well what must happen. Ask him
+yourself, if you doubt my word; ask him whether I have not implored him,
+time and time again, to relinquish at least some of his many ruinous
+pleasures and follies; to deny himself at least one expenditure."
+
+Adrien turned his dark eyes to his father's stern face.
+
+"Sir," he said gently, "I really do not see why this scene should
+continue. If any explanations are necessary, Mr. Vermont shall give them
+to me."
+
+Vermont turned away with a scornful laugh, but Shelton grasped his arm.
+
+"One minute," he said, "before you sneak away."
+
+"Keep your hands off me, you moneyed fool," cried Vermont, wrenching
+himself free from the other's grasp. "I know nothing about this City
+business, you must apply to Harker himself. It is your name that is
+forged, not mine--though I suppose you want to screen the real criminal
+and fix on me as a scapegoat."
+
+Shelton was about to retort, but Adrien intervened.
+
+"Tell me one thing," he said quietly. "What has been your motive for all
+this? I cannot believe that gain was your sole object. What harm have I
+ever wrought you, Jasper? Something else must have inspired your
+conduct. I ask you to give me the reason."
+
+There was a dead silence as the gentle words were spoken. Jasper raised
+his eyes to the pale face of the man he had so basely betrayed, and bit
+his bloodless lips in dogged silence.
+
+At this moment a commotion was heard at the lower end of the terrace.
+Some of the servants were trying to prevent the approach of a man, who
+was striving to get nearer to the little group. But he was too strong
+for them; with a bound he had freed himself from their restraining arms,
+and sprang forward, as if about to strike at Adrien. But Shelton thrust
+himself forward and bore him back.
+
+"Who is this? Are we to have all the scum of the earth in here? Do you
+know this man, Leroy?" he asked hotly.
+
+"Yes, I do," answered his friend in the low, restraining tones so
+habitual to him.
+
+"Yes, I should just think you do!" exclaimed the man, struggling to push
+past Mortimer's outstretched arm. It isn't likely as you'll forget
+Johann Wilfer, Adrien Leroy, nor me you either."
+
+"This is too much!" cried Shelton, now thoroughly enraged at this fresh
+interruption, and again he made as if to thrust the man away.
+
+"Stop," said Adrien, glancing almost sadly at Constance, who smiled
+lovingly back. "Let him speak, since he is here. Come, sir, why have you
+forced your way in like this? What do you want of me?"
+
+"What I asked a month ago," replied Wilfer. "I want my niece, Jessica. I
+want her, an' I'm agoin' to have her, so you'd better own up where she
+is."
+
+Adrien turned to the others, who were standing silent in their
+astonishment.
+
+"This man," said Leroy, "has a fancied grievance against me; I know
+nothing of where this girl is, or what has become of her."
+
+"That's false!" retorted Wilfer. "He does know where the girl is; he
+took her from her home, and she hasn't been seen since."
+
+Lord Barminster glanced at him coldly.
+
+"My good man," he said, "you heard what my son said just. You had better
+make inquiries of the police. Mr. Leroy has not seen your niece."
+
+"That is not quite true," put in Adrien gently, "I have seen her."
+
+Lady Constance raised her pale face, and looked at him with startled but
+trusting eyes.
+
+"P'raps you'll say you didn't take her to your rooms next," said Wilfer.
+
+"I don't deny it," replied Adrien calmly. "I found her on a doorstep,
+starving with hunger, fleeing from a drunken uncle, as she said. There
+was nowhere else to take her, being late at night; so I took her to my
+chambers and fed her, then gave her into the charge of Norgate and the
+housekeeper until morning, when I learned that she had disappeared. That
+is all I can tell you about her; for I have not seen her since."
+
+"But I have," came a voice--a woman's voice--behind them, "and I have
+brought her here."
+
+The little company turned round, and Adrien started as his eyes fell
+upon the three new-comers.
+
+"Ada," he cried. "What is the meaning of this intrusion?"
+
+"No intrusion this time, Mr. Leroy," she said firmly. "I am here by your
+father's own invitation."
+
+Jasper, who during Wilfer's outburst had made no effort to go away, now,
+at the sight of Miss Lester--who looked around her triumphantly, for
+this was just the kind of scene she enjoyed--made an effort to slip
+past; but he was held prisoner by Shelton.
+
+"Quite right, Miss Lester," said Lord Barminster, courteously. "Perhaps
+you will tell us what you know of the young lady." He glanced kindly at
+the shrinking figure of Jessica, who stood with adoring eyes fixed on
+Adrien.
+
+"Well, I ought to know something of her," was that lady's retort. "I'm
+her aunt. I paid that man"--pointing at Wilfer--"to look after her, and
+a nice way he's done it, turning her out to starve, while he got drunk
+on my money. You get off," she turned on the astounded Johann, "and
+don't you let me hear any of your complaints, or I'll have something to
+tell the police."
+
+At the sound of the hated word "police," Wilfer turned, and mumbling
+some incoherent words, slunk away. His game was up, and seeing him
+vanquished, Miss Lester now took the centre of the stage, as it were,
+and turned her attention on the scowling Jasper.
+
+"You waste your breath with that skunk," she exclaimed, pointing a
+bejewelled finger at him. "He's too tough a fox for you gentlemen. I'm
+one of his own sort, and I'll show you what he's made of. Jasper, my
+fine friend, you sold me as well as Mr. Leroy there, and I'm going to
+cut up a bit rougher than what he has." She turned to Adrien, who had
+been standing bewildered by this fresh interruption. "You want to know
+what his little game is? Well, I'll tell you. He wanted your money
+first; then, having ruined you and put you out of the running, he meant
+to have a try for your sweetheart."
+
+Adrien turned on her almost fiercely, and glanced at Constance, who
+motioned him to be silent.
+
+"That surprises you, does it?" continued Ada. "Some of you ladies and
+gentlemen are as blind as bats. I could see his little game months ago.
+That was his object; and he didn't care what he did to gain it. But he
+went a bit too far when he tried to do me!"
+
+She turned to Jessica, and, laying her hand on the girl's shoulder, drew
+her forward.
+
+"You want to know who this is? Well, it's just as I said before. She's
+my niece. I don't think anybody, looking at the two of us, will deny the
+relationship, either. She takes after her mother. And now you want to
+know who her father is?"
+
+Again she paused to heighten the effect of her words; but before an
+answer could be given, a girl's cry of horror rang out, and Jessica
+suddenly flung herself in front of Adrien. Jasper Vermont, for the first
+time catching sight of Harker, and realising at last that the game was
+up, indeed, had made a sudden movement, once more wrenching himself free
+from Shelton. Something glittered in his hand; then came a flash, a
+report, and with that one scream of agony, the lifeless form of Jessica
+fell into Adrien's arms.
+
+In an instant, all was in confusion. Jasper Vermont, with a mocking
+laugh, had sprung over the stone balustrade, and was running across the
+turf in the direction of the stream which, lower down, spanned the
+race-course, and, even at this time of the year, was almost a foaming
+torrent. Attracted by the sound of the shot, the servants had
+approached, and now set off in hot pursuit.
+
+But Jasper Vermont was fleet of foot, and when he had gained the top of
+the rising ground he turned for one second to laugh again. But the laugh
+died on his lips, as a voice--audible even above all the hubbub and
+confusion--the shrill voice of Ada Lester, screamed:
+
+"You villain. You have murdered your own child!"
+
+Those who were in pursuit saw him suddenly stagger, as he realised that
+the girl, whose identity he had that day learnt for the first time, had
+received the bullet he had intended for Adrien Leroy.
+
+With a short, sharp cry, like that of a wounded animal, he missed his
+footing, fell backwards into the stream, which at this point was both
+wide and deep, and was carried away; drowning before the very eyes of
+the man who had so loved and trusted him, and whom he had so bitterly
+wronged.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXVI
+
+
+The suddenness of the tragedy which had taken place postponed all
+further discussion.
+
+The sunlight, streaming through the latticed windows of one of the rooms
+in the Castle, shed its rays on the still form of the young girl, who
+had given her life for the man she loved so well.
+
+Beside the bed knelt Adrien Leroy, his face buried in one hand, the
+other resting upon the still one that lay, white as marble, on the
+silken coverlet. He had come, overwhelmed with pain, from the scene on
+the terrace, to pour forth a passionate grief and remorse over this
+young life that had been so generously given up to save his.
+
+It mattered nothing to him that the dead girl was the daughter of the
+man whom he had befriended, and who had used his generosity only as a
+means by which to betray him; it mattered nothing that his grief might
+even now be misconstrued by the tongues of the uncharitable. He knelt in
+the deepest humility by the dead girl's side, deeming his life all
+unworthy to have been saved at such a cost; and while he implored the
+pardon of the great Creator for the follies of his past life he called
+on the Almighty to hear the vows which he now made--that for the future
+his steps would be in wiser paths.
+
+When he arose from his knees his face had lost all its old languid
+self-possession; there was a graver, more earnest light in his eyes, and
+as his lips pressed the hand of the dead girl they muttered a farewell
+vow, which was never to be forgotten from that hour till his last.
+
+Lady Constance, bravely overcoming her own pain and horror at the double
+tragedy--for Jasper's body had been recovered and brought back to the
+house an hour after the death of Jessica--had retired with poor,
+remorseful Ada to her own rooms, where she did her best to soothe and
+comfort the unhappy woman. Overwhelmed with remorse at her previous
+neglect of the girl, Ada blamed herself bitterly for not watching her
+enemy more closely, and thus protecting all concerned from danger.
+
+Meanwhile, the last painful duty had to be done. In the Blue Room were
+seated in expectant silence Lord Barminster, Mortimer Shelton, and Mr.
+Harker. On the table lay the papers which Mr. Harker had brought with
+him, amongst them the all-important roll which Jessica had rescued from
+the streets. The three men were waiting now for Adrien, with patient
+respect, knowing the cause of his absence.
+
+Presently the door opened, and the young man entered. Lord Barminster
+held out his hand without a word, and his son, as silently, grasped it;
+then, with a sigh, he seated himself at the table, prepared to learn to
+what extent he had been robbed by the man he trusted so fully.
+
+Without comment, Shelton passed him paper after paper, all drawn up in
+the clear writing of Mr. Harker; Adrien, with deep humiliation,
+examining them all. With another sigh he dropped the last one upon the
+table and looked up.
+
+"It is like some hideous dream," he said in a low, shocked voice.
+"Jasper Vermont, then, was not a traitor to me, but a forger and thief.
+I can scarcely believe it--though, of course, it is impossible to get
+away from these proofs. He must have even bribed that jockey to lose the
+race, as the man hinted. That he could so have used my trust and
+confidence to gain money, and by crime, when he could have had it for
+the asking, seems past belief."
+
+His father looked pityingly at him; he knew only too well what a blow
+this was to the young man.
+
+"I believed in him to the last," continued Adrien, in the same low
+tones. "I believed him true, in spite of all your warnings."
+
+He turned to his friend.
+
+"Shelton," he said, "I cannot thank you as I should like, nor indeed you
+either, Mr. Harker. I am deeply grateful to you all for what you have
+done for me. Truly a man should take heed of his self-conceit, lest he
+fall, as I have done."
+
+He dropped his head on his hands, and his father turned to him
+affectionately.
+
+"You do not ask if the evil this man has worked can be remedied,
+Adrien," he said, in a softer tone than he had ever been known to use.
+"You do not ask whether anything can be regained?"
+
+"I am willing to pay the penalty of my folly," said Adrien, in a low
+tone; "and if only it can be arranged that you, too, do not suffer, I
+shall not mind."
+
+"Not even if it should leave you penniless?" asked his father.
+
+Adrien raised his head with a mournful smile.
+
+"But for one reason, I am indifferent," he said.
+
+His father's face lit up.
+
+"Yes," he said, "I think I know that reason. Mr. Harker, will you be so
+good as to place Mr. Leroy in possession of the facts which you have
+already given me. I am almost too tired to speak, after the strain of
+these last few hours."
+
+Adrien looked at him remorsefully; for the old man had indeed undergone
+much suffering during the last eventful weeks.
+
+Mr. Harker laid a small book upon the table.
+
+"This will do so better than I can, gentlemen," he said. "It is a list
+of the various investments in which Mr. Jasper Vermont placed the wealth
+he had so fraudulently amassed. His expenses were small; and the
+investments which were made with Mr. Leroy's money, and which he had
+hoped, of course, to put to his own use, amount to a large sum. When
+realised, they will cover the enormous embezzlements, when the forged
+bills are destroyed."
+
+Adrien took up the book and glanced through it.
+
+"Is this true?" he said, with an earnestness that all present
+understood. "Am I still a rich man?"
+
+"The statement is correct, sir," returned Mr. Harker respectfully. "You
+will find that you have in reality benefited by his cunning and
+astuteness, even after the racing debts are fully paid."
+
+Adrien laid the book on the table.
+
+"I am grateful," he said gravely. "But I would leave this room
+penniless, and gladly, if by so doing I could bring one life back to
+us." Then, almost overcome by his emotion, he abruptly left the room.
+
+On the morrow, despite all efforts to hush the matter up, the news went
+flying through the land. Adrien Leroy, the well-beloved of Vanity Fair,
+had been betrayed by his friend and confidant. Great was the sensation
+when all the facts came out into the full light, and it was known that
+Adrien had been saved by the traitor's own daughter, who had given her
+life that his might be spared.
+
+Mr. Harker was well rewarded for the part he had taken in exposing
+Jasper Vermont, and preserving the Leroys from the pitfalls and ruin he
+had dug for them. All the forged bills were promptly burnt, and there
+remained only those real amounts that Adrien had signed, and which, all
+put together, only amounted to but a minute fraction of the supposed
+sums owing by the young man.
+
+Jessica was buried in Windleham churchyard; the funeral was attended by
+all the Leroys, as well as by many of the countryfolk, for her sad
+little story had become known. Ada Lester was also present; she paid her
+last visit to the neighbourhood of Barminster on that day, and, with a
+tact most unusual to her, refrained from attracting any attention so far
+as the Leroys were concerned.
+
+Well placed now in money matters, and proprietress of the Casket
+Theatre, she settled down to learn the art of acting as well as dancing,
+and eventually married her business manager.  She also undertook to look
+after her sister, who, however, died shortly afterwards, without ever
+regaining her memory, or learning of the fate which had befallen the man
+whom she had once loved, or the daughter of whose existence she had
+forgotten since the day of her birth.
+
+It took some time to settle up all the details of "Harker's Ltd." Jasper
+Vermont had died intestate; and although advertisements were inserted in
+various papers, seeking his next-of-kin, no answers were received. The
+money, therefore, reverted to the Crown; and Mr. Harker, taking up his
+real name of Goodwin, settled in Kingston with his daughter and her
+husband, who now, thanks to Lord Barminster, owned a flourishing
+business.
+
+Lady Merivale never visited Barminster Castle again. She had succeeded
+in convincing her husband of the harmless nature of her flirtation with
+Adrien, and patiently bore the brunt of his very natural resentment at
+the publicity accorded to his name at the trial; though he acknowledged
+that under the circumstances she could have done nothing else but come
+forward to exonerate Leroy. Then her ladyship retired into the country
+with her husband, who was greatly gratified in the dutiful interest she
+showed in him and his farm. All love of intrigue seemed to have died out
+when her flirtation with Adrien ended, nor was it ever revived.
+
+Society also lost its fashionable monarch, as far as Leroy was
+concerned. The vow that he had registered beside the dead body of the
+girl who had so loved him, was religiously kept. He disappeared from his
+former place in the world of amusement, and the devotees of pleasure
+knew him no more.
+
+After the funeral, he stayed on at Barminster Castle for a time, with
+his father and Lady Constance; but, with the consent of both, he
+departed a few months later for Africa, on a big-game shooting
+expedition. Living the simple but arduous life of the hunters and
+trappers, he sought to bury the folly of the past, and restore his hopes
+of a brighter and better future.
+
+
+One day, about six months after the death of Vermont, Lord Barminster
+sat in the dining-room of Barminster Castle. His eyes, their expression
+no less keen, but far more gentle than in former years, were bent,
+sometimes on the cheerful fire, sometimes on the calm face of his ward,
+where she stood in the deep embrasure of the window, gazing out over the
+snow.
+
+A book was in her hand, but it was closed; and the wistful look in her
+sweet eyes showed that her thoughts had flown from the pages of fiction
+to the realities of the past and the future.
+
+Suddenly Lord Barminster raised his head.
+
+"Constance, what does Lady Ankerton say in her letter?"
+
+The girl took it from the rack on the writing-desk.
+
+"She says," replied the sweet, musical voice, "that the Ashfords are
+well and thriving. She has taken quite an interest in them. Mr. Harker
+is rather weak, but cheerful, and so happy in the love of his
+grandchildren."
+
+"Ah!" said Lord Barminster, "I am glad they are happy, they deserve all
+the pleasure they can get."
+
+He sighed. "When does the African mail come in, my dear?" he asked as
+Lady Constance put away the letter she had been reading.
+
+"To-night, usually," she returned with a sigh. A sudden flush rose to
+her cheek, rendering her face still more lovely while it lasted, but
+leaving her paler than ever when it had gone.
+
+"Still wandering," said her uncle sadly; "surely, by now, Adrien ought
+to have forgotten the past."
+
+"He'll never come back until he does," said Lady Constance softly.
+
+"No," said her uncle, with a touch of pride. "He will not come back
+until he can take up a worthier life with a worthy love, Constance. Ring
+the bell, my dear, and inquire for the mail."
+
+She obeyed him and returned to the fire again, placing her hand upon the
+old man's shoulder. Very beautiful she looked, as the bright gleam of
+the firelight illumined her face, more lovely now because of its tender,
+womanly expression; and the old man's gaze rested lovingly on her.
+
+"When he comes back," he said musingly, "Adrien will find a sweet prize.
+He loves you, and his love will increase and endure."
+
+Almost before he had finished speaking there came the sound of
+footsteps, and the door opened. The girl barely turned.
+
+"Has the mail come in?" she asked, thinking it was a servant.
+
+But there was no answer. The footsteps came nearer, and some one bent
+down over the old man's chair.
+
+"Father!" exclaimed a manly voice.
+
+Lady Constance uttered a low cry, and Lord Barminster sprang to his feet
+exclaiming.
+
+"Adrien, my boy!"
+
+"Yes, father, it is I," said Leroy, his voice hoarse with emotion. Then
+he turned to Constance, who was gazing at him with tears of joy in her
+eyes.
+
+"Constance, my darling," he said gently. "Will you forgive me my long
+neglect of you? My eyes have seen you through all the darkness of these
+weary months. I have hungered for you all the time, and now I have come
+into the light, I want you for my own."
+
+As he spoke he drew her unresistingly within his arms, and the old man,
+with one loving backward look, stole silently away to apprise Miss
+Penelope of the joyful news.
+
+A month later the church of Windleham was all ablaze with winter
+flowers, while crowds of happy, rosy-cheeked children thronged the steps
+and porch, for it was the marriage day of Lady Constance Tremaine and
+Adrien Leroy.
+
+There were no fashionable silk and satin-clad guests, or a body of
+mighty ecclesiastics to perform the ceremony. The old rector, who had
+known them both from childhood, made them man and wife, while Lord
+Barminster gave the bride away. She had chosen to be but simply dressed,
+and followed only by two bridesmaids--sisters of Mortimer Shelton, who
+acted as best man. Among the few guests there, were also Lord Standon
+and Lady Muriel Branton, soon now to be wedded themselves.
+
+Adrien had explained the reason for his anger long ago, and Lord Standon
+too fully understood to continue the coldness which had nearly spoilt
+their life-long friendship.
+
+Happy was the bride, that bright winter morning, and Adrien, as he felt
+her loved arm against his side, was filled gratitude and love.
+
+"My darling," he murmured as they emerged from the church, "we do not
+need the world, you and I. We have each other, that shall be world
+enough for us."
+
+"Not to the world do I owe you, Adrien," said Lady Constance gravely,
+"but to another woman." Drawing him to the marble slab, which stood
+close to the porch, she bent down and placed her bridal bouquet of white
+roses on the grave of Jessica. "But for her, life would have ended for
+both of us that summer day."
+
+Adrien was deeply moved by her remembrance of the child.
+
+"My darling," he said tenderly, "we have passed together through the
+dark shadows. Let us enter now into the sunlight of our love."
+
+
+
+                              THE END
+
+
+
+ PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY RICHARD CLAY & SONS, LIMITED, BRUNSWICK ST.,
+           STAMFORD ST., S.E. 1, AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Adrien Leroy, by Charles Garvice
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