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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Daisy Ashford: Her Book, by
+Daisy Ashford and Angela Ashford
+
+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: Daisy Ashford: Her Book
+
+Author: Daisy Ashford
+        Angela Ashford
+
+Release Date: May 31, 2008 [EBook #25658]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAISY ASHFORD: HER BOOK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Emmy and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note on the Text:
+
+This book was written by a young girl. There are many spelling and
+punctuation errors that have all been retained with the rare exception
+of clear printer's error such as He,en on page 164. These three
+corrections are listed at the end of the text. For each story, the title
+was written on a separate page and then repeated on the next page. The
+second of these was omitted to avoid redundancy for the reader. The
+remaining text is intact, for example, on page 335, the chapter MR. HOSE
+MAKES ENQUIRIES starts with a small letter, most dialogue has no
+punctuation at the end and is often missing at least one quotation mark.
+Missing letters in the original are denoted by asterisks in the text.
+
+
+
+
+DAISY ASHFORD: HER BOOK
+
+
+
+
+  DAISY ASHFORD:
+  HER BOOK
+
+
+  A COLLECTION OF THE REMAINING NOVELS
+  BY THE AUTHOR OF
+
+"THE YOUNG VISITERS,"
+
+TOGETHER WITH "THE JEALOUS GOVERNES"
+
+BY ANGELA ASHFORD
+
+WITH A PREFACE BY
+
+IRVIN S. COBB
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          NEW YORK
+          GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY
+
+          _Copyright, 1920,
+          By George H. Doran Company_
+
+          _Printed in the United States of America_
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+BY IRVIN S. COBB
+
+
+The role of discoverer is pleasing, nearly always, and more especially
+in its reactions is it pleasing. The actual performance of discovery may
+be fraught with hardships and with inconveniences and even with perils;
+as witness Christopher Columbus making his first voyage over this way in
+a walloping window-blind of a tub of a ship and his last one back with
+chains at his wrists and ankles; as witness Hendrick Hudson; as witness
+Dr. Harvey's unfortunate position in the eye of constituted authority
+after he had discovered the circulation of the blood; as witness the
+lamentable consequences to whoever it was who, probably by the process
+of eating a mess of miscellaneous wild fungoids, disclosed to a bereaved
+family and a benefited world the important fact that certain mushrooms
+were nourishing and certain toadstools were fatal.
+
+To your true discoverer the compensations of his trade come when he
+points with pride to the continent or the great natural fact or the new
+author he discovered and cries aloud before all creation: "See what I
+have found!"
+
+So, aside from the compliment and the honor of it, I feel added
+gratification and added pleasure that I should be invited to write a
+foreword for the first American edition of Miss Daisy Ashford's second
+book. You see, I claim the distinction of having been the first person
+in America other than its publisher and my friend Mr. George H. Doran to
+read the manuscript of that immortal work "The Young Visiters." If I did
+not actually discover Miss Ashford, at the age of nine when she wrote
+"The Young Visiters"--for indeed no one appears to have discovered her
+then excepting perhaps her parents--at least I had a hand in discovering
+her on this side of the Atlantic ocean at a time when mention of her
+name, which now is so famous a name, meant nothing to the casual hearer.
+
+After the lapse of nearly a year the event stands in my memory as
+marking one of those hours of pure and perfect joy which come but too
+rarely to human beings. At the request of Mr. Doran I read the
+manuscript which he had just brought with him from Europe. I read the
+story itself first and afterwards the preface, or foreword. This, I
+think, was as it should be. By rights a preface however sprightly and
+well done--and a preface by Sir James Barrie would have to be well
+done--should be served with a book as cheese is served with a dinner: at
+its finish and not at the beginning.
+
+When I had read the story through to the last delicious sentence of the
+last delectable paragraph and when I had caught up with my breath which
+I had lost by laughing or rather when my breath had caught up with me, I
+sapiently said to him:
+
+"Publish it? Of course you ought to publish it. Aside from such sordid
+considerations as the profits which are certain to accrue you owe it to
+yourself as a responsible member of the human race to give this glorious
+thing circulation among the reading public of North America. If I were
+you I'd print thirty thousand copies in the first batch before I
+released any copies among the reviewers or sent any copies as samples to
+the trade. And after that I'd keep the presses running steadily in the
+hope of being able to keep up with the demand which is sure to follow on
+the heels of publication. This is almost the funniest book that was ever
+written and it is all the funnier because the writer was so desperately
+in earnest, so tremendously serious all the while she was writing it."
+
+"It has made a big hit in England already," he said. "But over there
+some people are saying that the author must have been a grown-up
+person--that no child of nine could have written such a thing. The
+suggestion is even being advanced that Barrie himself wrote it. I know
+better, because I have seen the original script in a child's handwriting
+on old and faded paper, and I met Miss Ashford some weeks ago in London
+and I have had all the proof one needs that this is the authentic
+product of a nine-year-old mind."
+
+To which I said:
+
+"No doubt some people will be saying the same thing over here and
+they'll be wrong just as these English skeptics are and if they'll only
+stop to think for a moment they'll know why they're wrong. No grown
+person, not even the creator of a Wendy and a Peter Pan, could have
+done this thing. It exhales the perfume of an authoritative genuineness
+in every line of it. It had to be a child who wrote it--a child with a
+child's imagination and a child's viewpoint and a child's ignorance of
+the things she wrote about. In a way of speaking it is like those
+unintentionally humorous obituary poems which appear in the papers. No
+professional humorist can hope to equal them because when he writes one
+he does it with deliberate intent to be funny and invariably he betrays
+his hand. It is when some poor mourning amateur dips a 'prentice pen in
+the very blood of his or her heart and writes such a poem that it
+becomes so pathetically and so tragically side-splitting."
+
+This was what I said. Not in these words exactly, but to this effect.
+
+Mind you, I am not proclaiming that I am the only person who has said
+this. Between chuckles thousands and thousands of others since that day
+have thought and have said it. What I am proud of is that I was the
+first person in America to say it, and so to this extent I count myself
+a discoverer and I feel a sort of proprietary sense in being permitted
+here to introduce "Daisy Ashford: Her Book." I am mindful of the
+distinction because of the reason I have just stated and because also in
+a way of speaking it qualifies me for some sort of literary kinship with
+Sir James M. Barrie.
+
+Even so I do not aspire to the presumptuous hope that any one may say
+"Well, I see this man Cobb is doing for Miss Ashford's second book what
+Barrie did for her first one." I have no such ambition. A minnow always
+errs when he undertakes to swim in the company of a whale. If he tries
+to swim alongside he is unnoticed; if he swims in the wake he is
+swamped. He makes other minnows jealous or contemptuous as the case may
+be, and he is properly ignored by the whale.
+
+Miss Ashford's own preface, accompanying this volume, gives the
+chronological sequences of its contents. The first story of all, "A
+Short Story of Love and Marriage," she wrote when she was eight years
+old. "The True History of Leslie Woodcock" was written three years
+later, after "The Young Visiters" had been written. "Where Love Lies
+Deepest" trickled from the busy pen of the young person when she was
+twelve years old; and "The Hangman's Daughter," the most pretentious of
+them all and to my way of thinking the best of her preserved works next
+only to "The Young Visiters," was undertaken when she was about
+thirteen, she says, and finished in the following year. Also included in
+this book is a story by Miss Ashford's sister Angela, done at the age of
+eight and entitled "The Jealous Governes; _or_ The Granted Wish." In
+this we learn the real facts regarding the coming of babies. Babies are
+not fetched by storks. Medical men bring them in boxes and afterward
+render bills for the same, as note the following: (page 330) "Miss
+Junick Dr. to doctor Paulin for one baby delivered as per agreement L1,"
+a low enough price truly. If a child of eight (who in point of years is
+so very much closer to being a baby than most of the writers on the
+subject are) cannot be trusted to recall the circumstances of this
+mystery, who can? We can only regret that a second sister, Vera, the
+artist of this talented nursery, did not save her one contribution to
+the literary output of the Ashford family. It was entitled "Little Mary
+and The Angle." _Angle_ did not refer to a worm but to a visitor from a
+celestial domain; we have the word of Miss Daisy Ashford for it that
+this story was of a pious character. What a wonderful household the
+Ashford household must have been with Daisy and Angela writing romances
+and Vera illustrating them and between times doing a bit of writing
+herself. Can't you see the pencils flying? Can't you see three little
+pink tongues sticking out from between three pairs of purposeful lips
+and wriggling in time to the pencils? Can't you see the small brows
+furrowed with thought? And the proud parents? And the startled
+nursemaid?
+
+To my mind the very finest thing about Miss Daisy Ashford's present book
+is the opportunity it gives us, reading it, to follow the growth of her
+genius for observation. For surely the faculty to observe and, having
+observed, to set down in words the results of that observation is a
+genius. It is more than that, it is two phases of genius harmoniously
+coupled.
+
+At the age of eight, as we shall note, she begins her career as a writer
+by knowing very little of certain phases of life largely dealt with by
+older writers; and this little she knows by reason of what she has read
+or by reason of what she has heard read. Rapidly, though, she progresses
+to the point where, along with these borrowed second-hand impressions,
+she incorporates impressions which are all her own. Reading what she
+wrote in the first year of her authorship, we can figure, approximately,
+when she learned her first French word; when to her there came those
+vague appreciations of the Roman Catholic faith which are so fascinating
+to the children of non-Catholics--or perhaps the Ashford family were
+Romanists. Influenced by these alluring ecclesiastical mysteries, we
+find her causing a prospective bridegroom to address the Rev. Father
+Fanty as "your kindness" and begging the reverend gentleman "to excuse
+my craving for matrimony." Through these pages one sees how travel
+broadened the young person's fund of experience, which in her favored
+case meant her fund of material, for unlike many writers, old enough to
+know better, little Miss Ashford was, by the virtue of a miraculous
+intuition, inspired to write, sometimes at least, of things that she
+actually knew about, rather than to deal exclusively with topics which
+other writers before her had professed to know about. Early in her
+opening story she speaks of "Cracknels." Reading this word, my memory
+ran back to my own childhood when we knew but three standard varieties
+of crackers--soda-crackers, animal crackers and cracknels which last
+were round, slickish objects rather like glazed oak-galls, somewhat
+dusty to the taste and warranted to create a tremendous thirst for
+licorice water and lemonade. I had entirely forgotten cracknels until
+Miss Ashford came along yesterday and reminded me of them.
+
+In "A Short History of Love and Marriage"--and how woefully short
+sometimes is the history of a love and how short too, perhaps, the
+history of a marriage!--she shows to us that for all its admitted
+shortness the narrative is properly rounded out. For on page 24 we learn
+that the happy couple went on a bridal tour to India and "seven hours
+after they got there had two twin babies." Seven hours and two twin
+babies, a magnificent showing surely and the prevalent rage for
+shortness maintained to the very end! Page 24 is one of the very best
+pages in this book, containing, as it also does, a painstaking
+description of perhaps the most striking and interesting marriage-morn
+costume worn by any bridegroom in the Christian era.
+
+It is not my intention to quote over-liberally from the contents of this
+volume. To my way of thinking the trick of inserting copious extracts
+from a novel into the foreword of that novel is as great a mistake as
+though I invited you to my house for dinner and before dinner gave you
+tidbits and choice bites from each course. I should merely be dulling
+your appetite, without satisfying your hunger.
+
+My aim is to direct your attention, if I may make so bold, to certain
+pages, specifying them by their numbers and trusting that when you have
+progressed so far you will, in the reading of them, find the same joy
+and the same zest that I have found there. For example, on page 46 I
+respectfully invite your consideration to the pains taken in enumerating
+the various articles of one Sylvia's running-away or elopement
+trousseau. There was a thorough young woman for you, and a provident.
+
+On page 87 occurs mention of two sisters and here, despite my promise of
+two paragraphs ago, I cannot resist the temptation to quote one short
+but tremendously illuminating line. The author is speaking now of two
+sisters and of the elder she says, she "was by no means beautiful but
+she was intensely good." How often it happens that those who are by no
+means beautiful are intensely good--how often and sometimes oh, how easy
+for them to be so good. But most of us, even those who educate our
+faculties of observation the better to earn a living thereby, are very
+much older than eleven years before we discern this great truth.
+
+I think the brightest gems of all this collection are to be found, in
+the greatest profusion, in "The Hangman's Daughter." The ill-fated
+gentleman hangman, Mr. Winston, who moved to Kenelham "where only about
+two people were hung a year" is in my opinion worthy to be rated with
+the deathless and ever-to-be glorious Mr. Salteena. Miss Ashford says
+she was shocked when her brothers on hearing the trial scene read (pages
+150, 151, 152) laughed at what she had conceived to be a tragic and
+dramatic passage in the action of her tale. Later, no doubt, she has
+come to realize how dangerous a thing it is for one to acquire, either
+intentfully or otherwise, the reputation of being a humorist; for when
+he who has been branded as a humorist says a thing with desire to be
+serious his friends laugh at it as a most rare whimsicality and when, on
+the other hand, he deliberately sets out to be humorous, his enemies
+very likely will declare that never before in all his life was he quite
+so serious. And had her brothers been older, had they been of an age to
+appreciate the unconscious comedy that marked the Dreyfus trial, say, or
+had they ever had opportunity to hear the proceedings in sundry murder
+trials in America, when learned counsel was asking questions and learned
+alienists were making answers, they would have been able to appreciate
+the fact that no burlesque description of a murder trial can ever be
+quite so utterly comic as a real murder trial sometimes is.
+
+A flashing jewel of dramatic intensity awaits you (pages 229 to 234
+inclusive) when you come to read of the rescue of Gladys and Helen from
+the grasp of the murderer of Helen's own dear father and of the method
+employed by Gladys' heroic brother for detaining the miscreant Likewise,
+I pray you, reader dear, that you linger on page 257 wherein the "menu
+of the table d'hote" which was "of nightly recurrence" at Lord
+Beaufort's castle, is printed in full. In my mind's eye I see little
+Miss Daisy Ashford, twelve years old going on thirteen, carefully
+bearing away with her the card of the first meal she ever ate in a
+regular restaurant and taking it home and treasuring it up against the
+time when she might insert it into her greatest story, then in process
+of incubation, at exactly the appointed spot to create the most telling
+effect, under the most appropriate possible circumstances. Could a
+proper respect and a proper instinct for local color rise to greater
+heights? I deny it. So too will you deny it when you arrive at page 258
+and read the words emphasized by being displayed in capitals that are on
+that page at the end of the menu.
+
+Personally I do not think that as a whole this book is equal to "The
+Young Visiters." Only once in a decade or so is it vouchsafed the
+writing craft that one among us shall create a masterpiece, destined in
+time to become a classic and a thing immortal. Only once in an eon or so
+is it vouchsafed a writer to write a masterpiece at the age of nine
+years. Very few among us ever produce a second perfect work on top of a
+first one. But this I will say--every line in this book is worthy to
+have been written by the same hand that wrote "The Young Visiters" and
+that, I think, is praise enough for any writer.
+
+  _New York, April, 1920._
+
+
+
+
+AUTHOR'S FOREWORD
+
+
+The publication of these stories gives me an opportunity of expressing
+my thanks for the very cordial reception which was given to "The Young
+Visiters." I only hope that those who have been amused at the adventures
+of Ethel and Mr. Salteena will not be disappointed in those of Helen
+Winston, Leslie Woodcock, and the others whose histories now appear.
+
+"A Short Story of Love and Marriage," I wrote at eight years old. It was
+dictated to my father, who took it down faithfully word for word. My
+very first story, "Mr. Chapmer's Bride," which was also dictated, is
+among those that have been lost. "The True History of Leslie Woodcock"
+was a later production, and was written at about the age of eleven as a
+surprise for my mother on her birthday--it was originally entitled "The
+Q. I. B." (our family word for a secret)--but after the secret was out I
+changed the title. "Where Love Lies Deepest" was written when I was
+twelve, and dedicated to our governess of whom I was very fond.
+
+"The Hangman's Daughter," started at the age of about thirteen and
+finished the following year, I always consider the greatest literary
+achievement of my youth, for the reason that I put so much more effort
+into it than any of the others. By this time I had really determined to
+become an authoress (an ambition which entirely left me after my school
+days), and I put solid work into "The Hangman's Daughter" and really
+tried to write well. I shall never forget my feeling of shock when I
+read it aloud to my brothers and they laughed at the trial scene! A
+great friend of mine whose Christian name was Helen, was the heroine
+(Helen Winston) of this story. She was really a little younger than I
+was, but was far more "grown-up" in every way, a fact of which I was
+secretly rather "jellus," and it did not require much imagination on my
+part to picture what she would be at nineteen. I told her she was to be
+the heroine of my new novel, which I truly thought would thrill
+_anyone_, and I must say she was as excited as I could have wished. She
+will be amused now when she reads this book!
+
+My sister Angela's story, which she wrote at the age of eight, will
+certainly be voted the most amusing of this collection. It was the first
+she ever wrote, and it was followed by "Treacherous Mr.
+Campbell"--another lost manuscript. A great deal of "The Jealous
+Governes" she wrote herself, as will be noticed by the spelling. Other
+portions were dictated to my father and mother, and I think the nurse
+had a hand at it too.
+
+My second sister, Vera, was the artist of the nursery, and drew a
+wonderful poster to the only play I ever wrote, "A Woman's Crime." She
+wrote one story, however. It was of a pious nature, profusely
+illustrated, and entitled "Little Mary and the Angle."
+
+Since the publication of "The Young Visiters," I have often been asked
+if I don't myself think it funny. When I first discovered it--not having
+seen it since it was written--I certainly did. That is one of the most
+curious things about it--to be able to laugh at what one wrote in such
+solemn seriousness--and that is why I can never feel all the nice things
+that have been said about "The Young Visiters," are really due to me at
+all, but to a Daisy Ashford of so long ago that she seems almost
+another person. It has all been like a fairy tale, from the accidental
+finding of the original note book to the day when, at her request, I
+left a copy with my friend Miss Margaret Mackenzie, for it is to her I
+really owe the publication of the book. She showed it to Mr. Frank
+Swinnerton, and thus I was lucky enough to have it brought to the notice
+of my present publishers in England and America.
+
+But the real success of the book I owe to the great kindness of Sir
+James Barrie in writing such a wonderful preface, and I am glad to have
+this opportunity of thanking him publicly. His name gave "The Young
+Visiters" a send-off and a reading which it could not have gained on its
+own account and of this fact I am most deeply appreciative.
+
+                                                       DAISY ASHFORD.
+
+  _March, 1920._
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+                                                           PAGE
+
+          PREFACE BY IRVIN S. COBB                            v
+
+
+          BY DAISY ASHFORD
+
+          AUTHOR'S FOREWORD                                 xxi
+
+          A SHORT STORY OF LOVE AND MARRIAGE                 15
+
+          THE TRUE HISTORY OF LESLIE WOODCOCK                27
+
+          WHERE LOVE LIES DEEPEST                            67
+
+          THE HANGMAN'S DAUGHTER                            105
+
+
+          BY ANGELA ASHFORD
+
+          THE JEALOUS GOVERNES, OR THE GRANTED WISH         303
+
+
+
+
+A SHORT STORY OF LOVE AND MARRIAGE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 1
+
+LOVE
+
+
+The house in which Mr. and Mrs. Molvern lived was one of the usual kind,
+with its red painted door and small garden looking out on a very dreamy
+park. The bed-room windows which all looked out on the front, had half
+dirty white curtains in them, above which could be seen dark red silk
+sashes of the same dirtiness.
+
+Mr. Molvern was a red haired quick tempered gentleman, with very small
+grey eyes and a clever looking pink face. He would always wear brown
+suits, but as everybody said he looked much better in black. Mrs.
+Molvern was quite on the contrary. She had indeed a quiet temper, with a
+pale delicate looking face with large brown eyes that looked at people
+with great interest, and her fair hair glistened in the sun. She
+usually wore half dirty white dresses, and in going out she wore a dark
+blue velvet jacket with black fur and a brown hat with red poppies. She
+never wore gloves except on Sundays and then she wore yellow cotton
+ones.
+
+At the present time they had a young gentleman staying with them, who
+lived in the neighbourhood. He was sitting in his room waiting for the
+town clock to strike four, because when it did he had to go out and meet
+his truelove, whose name was Edith Plush. His own name was Thomas
+Henrick, but he was known as Burke in that family. At last hearing the
+hour strike, he snatched up a felt hat, and putting it on his greasy
+head started off to meet his truelove.
+
+When he reached Mionge Lane he met his pretty truelove skipping along
+most lady-like and primly. She was dressed in a light blue dress with a
+white sash tied at the side in two knots. Her long fair hair hung down
+her back tied with a pink ribbon, and her fringe was fluttering in the
+breeze. Behind her fringe she wore a wreath of green ivy. In one hand
+she carried a leghorn hat with red and blue ribbon, and in the other a
+silken bag filled with a threepenny bit and two biscuits, and her age
+was nineteen.
+
+"Well my pretty bird," she said as she approached Burke, "I hope you
+will like to 'manger' a biscuit with me," (I may add that she was fond
+of French).
+
+"Thank you Edith," he said, "I will have one if it is a cracknell."
+
+Then Edith burst into a fit of tears and howled out, "Oh but they are
+Osbornes."
+
+"Well to dry up those moist tears, I will eat one," said Burke.
+
+"You dear!" said Edith like sunshine after rain, for the smiles had come
+on her face, as she opened her silken bag and popped one into his
+blistered hand. After this Burk and Edith walked along down the lane,
+which I forgot to say was shaded by trees all along.
+
+"Burke," said Edith after a long pause, "you have talked often enough
+and said we shall be married one day, but when it is going to come off I
+am sure I don't know."
+
+"Well my dear Edith you must recollect I am not a good dancer and have
+no nice suits, and you must recollect my people are not in this
+neighbourhood and I can't write marriage letters, and to begin with I
+don't think my people would like me to be married just yet as I am not
+quite twenty nine."
+
+"Well it is silly of you," said Edith, "after having talked to me so
+often about it, and bothered to come into my house, and sat on the
+drawing room sofa to make arrangements, and now you seem not to care for
+it a bit, just because your people are not in the neighbourhood; and
+besides I was getting quite excited about it!"
+
+"If you had only a little more reason in you," said Burke, "you might
+take it all in and understand a bit, but you are such a great stupid, so
+I must leave it alone and wait till I get a chance to speak to Mrs.
+Molvern about it--she has got a bit of sense in her if you haven't," and
+his revengeful face made poor little Edith shudder. Indeed she was now
+too frightened to answer, and she kept on trying to go home every time
+she got a chance, but Burke's quick eye caught her every time.
+
+Edith walked on slowly in front thinking what was the best way to cheer
+Burke out of his most moodful mind. At last she hit on a plan. "Burke,"
+she said "I have painted such a pretty little tray, it will just hold a
+cup of tea and a plate of toast and the paint is quite dry now, if you
+will come in and have a cup of tea with me to-day, I will gladly show it
+to you."
+
+This short but cheerful conversation of Edith's, made Burke quite forget
+their quarrel, and he turned round and said, "I will willingly come
+Edith, I know your good painting,--hark, there is four o'clock striking
+now."
+
+"So it is," said Edith pulling her hat more over her fringe.
+
+Burke and Edith walked down the quiet little village in which both their
+houses stood. At last they arrived at Edith's house which was much
+prettier than Mrs. Molvern's.
+
+"Don't you think," said Burke as he advanced to it with firm stride,
+"that you had better ring the bell, as you have a visitor with you?"
+
+"Oh, no," said Edith "my mother would be sure to say if she knew it was
+I, that I was never to ring again, giving all that trouble to the
+servants; it isn't as if you were alone."
+
+"Very well," said Burke, "I only thought perhaps it was best."
+
+Edith smiled at him as she went up the front door steps. She led him
+into her pretty little bed-room to take off his things while she took
+off hers.
+
+"How very comfortable all looks" said Burke, "I feel quite inclined to
+write a note at that pretty little table there."
+
+"Oh indeed but you shan't," said Edith just beginning her snappy temper,
+but Burke forgot to reply to her.
+
+They then went down and had some tea and Burke much admired the pretty
+tray of Edith's. They had for tea some cold ham (the remainder of the
+luncheon) some toasted buns, a sago pudding, a dried bloater and a
+couple of shrimps.
+
+After this Edith threatened to hate Burke if he would not arrange about
+the marriage.
+
+"Look here, I wish you would talk of something else," said Burke, "I
+have a good mind not to marry you at all."
+
+But at this Edith clung so wretchedly to his knees that he had to say,
+"well, to-morrow morning."
+
+So that next morning Burke walked along down the village trying to make
+out where his own dear Edith could be.
+
+Just as he was thinking of going up to her house he saw Norah Mackie
+and Evelyn Slattery coming along together.
+
+"Your friend," they said chaffingly, "is picking some old geraniums in
+the front garden."
+
+Burke stared at them straight and putting out his tongue once or twice,
+walked on to find his darling pet.
+
+"I wish my sister Mary was here," echoed Evelyn, "she would soon strike
+out at you." And they walked on grumbling at his impudence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 2
+
+MARRIAGE
+
+
+"Well pretty dear," said Burke as he approached Edith's garden.
+
+"Angel! I have been waiting for you to come and talk about the wedding."
+
+"Yes I am perfectly settled," said Burke, and he began: "I have written
+to my people and they have written back to say yes I may marry you, and
+kind Mrs. Molvern is having such a nice wedding suit made for me, and I
+think we will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony next
+Thursday."
+
+"Thank you so much," said Edith "suppose we talk about it now here on
+this sunny bench."
+
+Burke lifted up his coat tails and squatted himself down. "The first
+thing to find out about," he said, "is about asking Father Fanty to
+marry us."
+
+"Yes, now I have hit upon a plan this very minute," said Edith, "you
+will write a letter to him. I have got a rather crumpled bit of paper in
+my pocket, and as most men have got a pen in their pockets most likely
+you have got one."
+
+"Indeed I have," said Burke, "and a threepenny blotter too."
+
+As for ink, Edith had a halfpenny bottle in her pocket. So Burke began
+like this:
+
+             "DEAR REV. FATHER FANTY,
+
+          I hope your kindness does not mind marrying us
+          Miss Edith Plush and myself. We are both capable
+          of receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony on
+          Thursday next if quite convenient to you. Hoping
+          you will excuse my craving for Matrimony,
+
+                                 Your sincerely,
+                                          THOMAS HENRICK."
+
+Burke told Edith's maid to run to the Presbytery with the letter and
+wait for an answer. About a quarter of an hour afterwards this exquisite
+and most graceful letter came from Father Fanty.
+
+             "MOST DEAR T. HENRICK,
+
+          On Thursday I am free from all engagement and am
+          most willing to marry you, and give a charming
+          wedding breakfast in my lovely harmonium room. So
+          with my best congratulations on your coming
+          marriage,
+
+                              I am,
+                     Your affectionate priest,
+                                         FATHER FANTY."
+
+So on the following Thursday Burke and Edith were dressed as I shall
+mention now. The timid darling lady had on a most lovely sky blue
+coloured dress with a high bustle, and it was blossomed over with sham
+daisies tied on with green ribbon. On her head she wore a wreath of
+yellow roses, and her white veil reached down to the top of her stays.
+White kid gloves, and as the sleeves of her dress were rather short, her
+red beef coloured hands showed between. She had pretty white velvet
+boots with grass green buttons, and washed out red stockings. In her
+hand she held a bunch of green ivy.
+
+The strong and bold bridegroom wore a red swallow tailed coat, with a
+green silk sash tied in front. He had black knickerbockers and white
+woollen socks, and black dressing slippers, and he carried a bowler in
+his hand.
+
+When they arrived at the church the marriage was splendid, but the bare
+legs of Burke were not much appreciated.
+
+For the wedding breakfast they had several cups of Bouillon Fleet, and
+eight of Bovril. They had six Vanilla cream puddings and strawberry ices
+by the score; but they kept the blinds drawn down in case vulgar little
+boys should loom in and say "give us a slice," while the leg of pork was
+being cut.
+
+For their honeymoon, they went to the south of India, and seven hours
+after they got there they had two twin babies, a boy and a girl which
+they called Abraham and Sarah, because they were fond of those holy
+saints.
+
+So we will say goodbye to this two chaptered story.
+
+
+
+
+THE TRUE HISTORY OF LESLIE WOODCOCK
+
+
+
+
+To
+
+DEAREST MOTHER
+
+FROM
+
+DAISY ON HER BIRTHDAY
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 1
+
+INTRODUCING THE FAMILY
+
+
+"Sylvia Sylvia" cried a man's voice in the hall. "Where is that child?"
+
+"Coming" answered the child for so she was always called by her Uncle
+Richard although in years she was close on 19.
+
+And she turned to obey the summons, a deep flush mounted to her usually
+too pale cheeks, and lighted up her whole countenance.
+
+Sylvia Monton was little more than a baby when her parents were both
+drowned whilst on their way to India where Captain Monton was to join
+his regiment. So little Sylvia was left an orphan and her mothers only
+brother Richard Earlsdown came forward to take charge of her being a
+bachelor and possessing no children of his own.
+
+At the time our history opens Sylvia was a tall thin girl with a fair
+and saddened face, which was only enlivened by the sky blue of her
+eyes--she had golden hair which she wore combed back from her white and
+noble forehead and arranged in heavy waves round her small and shapely
+head--a small rosebud mouth which when wide open displayed 2 rows of
+pearly white teeth. Small white hands adorned by 3 golden rings and a
+tiny round nose which she daintily touched now and again with a lace
+hankerchief.
+
+It was 3 oclock on a dismal afternoon late in February and the place was
+on the boarders of the Sussex downs.
+
+"What a rainy day for our walk Uncle" sighed Sylvia as she approached
+her uncle who was still waiting in the hall.
+
+"I wish it were finer my dear" said Mr. Earlsdown opening a large
+unbrella manfully.
+
+Mr. Earlsdown was an elderly man between 50 and 60, he had iron grey
+hair and a long bushy beard to corrospond, sharp grey eyes and a would
+be handsome face but for a stern forbidding expression it habitually
+wore. He was broad and stout and had a manfull way of carelessly
+swinging his arms that gave him many friends. Not only this but he had a
+loud hearty voice that he knew how to use with a will.
+
+Here Mr. Earlsdown proceeded to turn up his trouser tips and offering
+his large umbrella to his niece cried in his hearty voice "let us brave
+the storm."
+
+Just then a gust of wind blew Sylvia's dainty toque down a side street.
+"Oh uncle" she gasped dropping the gingham in her dismay "do go and
+fetch it," but ere she uttered the words a tall handsome fellow
+approached bearing his head and displaying the lost hat in his hand.
+
+"Oh thank you" cried Sylvia a beautiful blush mounting her fair cheeks
+"I am so very grateful to you."
+
+"I am afraid it is rather dusty" said the newcomer taking out a lovely
+silk hankerchief and preparing to wipe the charming object
+
+"Don't trouble sir" said Mr. Earlsdown and taking out a large red
+kerchief he seized the hat in his huge hand and pounded it vigorously.
+"Oh uncle gently" cried Sylvia "you will spoil my feathers
+
+"I know what I am about my dear" said Mr. Earlsdown "and you sir come
+and see us to-morrow, my child will be glad of a caller."
+
+"Oh indeed I shall" cried Sylvia blushing.
+
+And Leslie Woodcock, for that was the handsome fellows name raised his
+hat and bowed low saying "I shall be delighted my dear sir, but might I
+ask what your address is.
+
+"Certainly my man" exclaimed Mr. Earlsdown as with a hearty laugh he
+produced a little card on which was written
+
+                                  R. EARLSDOWN ESQ,
+                                         Yellowflower Hall
+                                                    Mayfield Sussex
+
+Leslie bowed once more and taking the card moved gently away. What took
+place after this will be reserved for our next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 2
+
+LESLIE WOODCOCK
+
+
+The hero of my story I will now describe.
+
+Leslie Woodcock was about 6 feet in his stockings and fine and well
+built. He had very dark brown hair neatly parted at one side, a curly
+moustache of the same shade and deep brown eyes always half shut. He had
+a large straight nose and mouth to correspond and white well shaped
+hands and feet, that set off this good looking young man.
+
+It was about half past 3 oclock on the following afternoon when Leslie
+Woodcock dressed in a light grey suit and crimson tie, black felt bowler
+and fur lined overcoat, started for Yellowflower Hall.
+
+Sylvia who had been expecting him all the morning was pleased to hear
+the front door bell ring, and hurried to the window to wave her hand, as
+she knew it _must_ be the good looking stranger.
+
+Just then the drawing room door was flung open and the butler announced
+Mr. Woodcock "Oh good afternoon" said Sylvia rushing from the window to
+greet the visitor "how good of you to come in all this pouring rain."
+
+"It was a bad day to come, but I was true to my word" answered our hero
+warmly shaking hands.
+
+"Yes indeed how wet you must be" said Sylvia and then turning to the
+butler she added "Johnson inform Mr. Earlsdown that Mr. Woodcock is
+here."
+
+In about 3 minutes a heavy step was heard and Mr. Earlsdown came
+bounding into the room laughing loudly.
+
+"How do Mr. Woodcock" he gasped between his peals of laughter "I didn't
+at all expect you, in fact I forgot all about you" and here he sank into
+a chair and offered a snuff box to his friend.
+
+"Thanks" said Leslie streching out his long thin fingers and taking a
+small pinch which he silently dropped on the floor as being so young he
+was afraid it would make him sick.
+
+"You'll stop to tea wont you?" asked Sylvia arranging the folds of her
+green silk dress.
+
+"Thank you I will if it is no trouble" said Leslie and a smile passed
+over his thin lips.
+
+In a few moments Johnson and another footman brought in tea from the
+conservatory on a silver tray.
+
+"Now Mr. Woodcock please to help yourself" said Mr. Earlsdown offering
+him three or four plates of sugar and other cakes. Leslie took a small
+jam wafer and proceeded to nibble it quietly. "How far did you come?"
+asked the girl as she was busy pouring out tea.
+
+"Not very far" responded Leslie lifting his full brown eyes to her face.
+"I live in Astma House upon the high road.
+
+"Oh I see" replied Sylvia with a nod of her fair head, "you have sisters
+and brothers then? for I have seen them coming in and out."
+
+"I have two sisters and a cousin" replied Leslie.
+
+"_Oh_ what are their names? asked Sylvia who had a very curious nature.
+
+"My sisters are Violet and Hilda and my cousin is Albert Morris."
+
+"Oh what sweet names" cried the girl "I wish you would bring them here
+some day."
+
+"Perhaps I will" said Leslie "but Albert does not care for calling he is
+a very quiet fellow.
+
+"I am sure I should like him. I love boys" said Sylvia.
+
+Here Leslie thought he had better be going so taking his hat and gloves
+he shook hands after first promising to bring his family the next time
+he came.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 3
+
+THE BALL
+
+
+About 3 months after the events recorded in our last chapter Mr.
+Woodcock decided to give a ball in honour of his daughter Violets
+coming of age. So he sent out about 20 invitations and Leslie made quite
+sure that Sylvia was amongst the list of invited people.
+
+At last the happy day arrived and as the carriages drew up in front of
+Astma House Leslie's form might be seen standing on the door step
+looking out for when Sylvia would arrive. At last she came and Leslie
+offered his hand to help her up the steps.
+
+Sylvia was attired in costly white satin with an edging of beaver round
+the skirt. The body was trimmed with real Venetian Point. Upon her hands
+she wore pink kid gloves and in her hair a pink may blossom. Her small
+well formed feet were clad in white high heeled shoes and silk
+stockings.
+
+"I am afraid I am late Leslie" she said as she entered the hall "but I
+had such a bother to fix my hair, my maid was out you see" she added
+blushing
+
+"Oh never mind" said Leslie taking Sylvia's cloak and hanging it up "let
+us come into the drawing room and join in this walse.
+
+Sylvia's programme was soon filled and she danced till she was tired and
+at last while resting in an arm chair she was not sorry to see Hilda
+Woodcock approaching her with a strawberry ice.
+
+"Leslie is going to bring you some jelly or cream pudding in a minute"
+she said handing Sylvia the tray.
+
+In an instant Leslie came up to her and handing her a jelly retired
+quickly saying he would be back soon.
+
+At that moment Sylvia felt a touch on her arm and looking round found
+herself face to face with Albert Morris, a short red haired young man
+about 22.
+
+"Oh what is it?" cried Sylvia jumping up from her seat.
+
+"Nothing much" replied Albert quietly "only as you are disingaged will
+you have a valse with me."
+
+"I really can't" answered Sylvia hotly "I _am_ so tired. I have been
+dancing all the evening."
+
+"Very well" said Albert and he went away and Sylvia turning round saw
+Leslie sitting beside a young lady gently fanning her and talking to
+her.
+
+An angry flush mounted to her fair cheeks and for a moment she could
+barely keep her temper, then without a minutes hesitation she walked
+boldly towards Leslie and his friend. Leslie jumped up when he saw her
+approach "I was just coming to look for you Sylvia" he said and getting
+up he followed her to the end of the room.
+
+"Who was that person I saw you talking to so lovingly?" asked Sylvia.
+
+"Oh that was Isobel May Saunders, a great friend of mine" replied Leslie
+with a short laugh.
+
+"So I should think a _great_ friend" answered Sylvia angrily "and by the
+way you were talking to her I should think you were engaged to her."
+
+"Look here Sylvia don't be angry" said Leslie slowly "but I _was_ going
+to have made her my wife once but since I met you I have thought better
+of it--please don't say any more about it."
+
+"Oh Leslie" cried Sylvia in surprise "but does the poor girl believe
+that you love her
+
+"To tell you the truth Sylvia" replied Leslie getting very red as he
+spoke "my belief is that Isobel thinks I love her and as I can not throw
+her over altogether that is why you saw me speaking to her just then."
+
+"But what is your reason for not marrying her?" cried Sylvia.
+
+"Well because I thought I would rather marry someone else" said Leslie
+blushing and looking straight into her face.
+
+"But who do you want to marry?" said Sylvia blushing in her turn.
+
+"You dearest" he replied in an undertone "ever since the day I came to
+call upon your uncle I have set my heart on making you my wife. Do you
+think you love me enough to marry me?"
+
+"I think I do Leslie" said Sylvia getting very hot "but I must speak to
+uncle about it first."
+
+"Don't forget" said Leslie in a beseeching tone "and let me know as soon
+as possible."
+
+So the whole of that evening Leslie and Sylvia kept together but as
+Leslie was helping Sylvia on with her cloak, Sylvia saw Isobel Saunders
+gazing at Leslie with a look which went straight to her heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 4
+
+AFTER THE BALL
+
+
+Before we go on any further we had better say a word about Isobel
+Saunders.
+
+She was the only daughter of Colonel Saunders of the 159th who having
+lost a lot of money in the army was now in very poor circumstances. His
+wife had died five years previously and left him with three sons and a
+daughter. The eldest son William was a tall stout elderly man of about
+25 who followed his father's profession. Robert the next was fair and
+delicate looking taking after his mother and lived very much at home and
+was just 21 years of age. The youngest son Frederick who was Isobel's
+junior by 4 years was still at school.
+
+Isobel, who at the time my story opens had just attained the age of 20
+years was 5 feet 3 inches in height, she had thick dark hair fashionably
+dressed and a massive fringe over her stately forehead. She had
+bewitching brown eyes from which long lashes swept her cheeks. She had
+an aqueline nose and a bright complextion. She had nice feet and was
+fairly podgy.
+
+It was 10 o'clock on the morning after the ball, when Colonel Saunders
+came into the breakfast room with an open letter in his hand.
+
+"Here is some news for you Isobel" he said "Your aunt Miss Vickers
+intends favouring us with one of her weekly visits she will arrive this
+afternoon by the 3 o'clock train, so mind and have everything ready or
+there will be a fine fuss."
+
+"Oh dear" exclaimed Isobel preparing to pour out the whisky for her
+father. "I always dread Aunt Sophia's visits."
+
+"Yes indeed she is an old nuisance but we must make the best of her and
+after all a week is not long."
+
+"That is true" replied Isobel "but still it adds to my other troubles."
+and with a sigh she ran up to prepare the bedroom.
+
+The town clock was striking 4 when a cab drew up at Vebena Villa and
+Isobel flew to open the front door.
+
+"How are you dear Aunt! she exclaimed.
+
+"Well my dear I am not as well as might be expected. I have had a severe
+cold and my servants have worried me so much I thought a week's rest
+might do me good" answered the fidgety dame hastening into the drawing
+room and taking a seat she proceeded to give Isobel a list of all her
+complaints and when she had come to an end of them she turned to her
+niece saying "Please tell Jane to take my box up and then after I have
+had some tea I will go to bed, I have had a long and fatiging journey."
+
+Here will be a good time to explain Miss Vickers, she was tall and
+angular and thin with black hair slightly grey which she wore in an
+untidy nob behind, she had dark piercing eyes that always seemed to find
+out other people's business.
+
+Isobel smiled as the door closed on the tall and portly frame of her
+aunt and she began to re-arrange the room which already in 10 minutes
+Miss Vickers had turned upside down.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 5
+
+AFTER THE BALL (_continued_)
+
+
+Whilst this scene was taking place at Vebena Villa, a very different one
+was going on at Yellowflower Hall.
+
+While sitting at the breakfast table Sylvia Monton was wondering how to
+ask her uncle if she might come to terms with Leslie Woodcock.
+
+Presently Mr. Earlsdown rose from his chair and seizing his pipe he
+entered his study roaring 'Private Tommy Atkins' at the top of his loud
+voice.
+
+"I am afraid my uncle is in one of his boisterous moods" sighed Sylvia
+finishing her coffee, "but he does get so excited poor uncle especially
+when he has been out the night before. I don't remember seeing much of
+him at the ball. I was so taken up with Leslie. I am rather glad I did
+not see him though for nothing would induce him to wear evening clothes
+or a shirt front and he insisted on going in his bicycling suit and such
+a soiled red tie and _oh_ his hair it was really like a crows nest, I
+don't know what Mr. and Mrs. Woodcock would have said if he had suddenly
+burst out with that dreadful 'Tommy Atkins.' but there poor uncle he
+_has_ such spirits."
+
+So saying Sylvia skipped into her uncle's study.
+
+"Hullo hullo my lassie" he cried tossing down last week's 'Pick me up.'
+
+"I wanted to speak to you Uncle" said Sylvia putting her trembling hand
+on Mr. Earlsdown's shoulder.
+
+"Talk away then" said Mr. Earlsdown "I am prepared for the very worst
+news."
+
+"It's nothing much" said the girl "only--
+
+"Wake up wake up my child" said her uncle "only what?"
+
+"Only that Leslie Woodcock has asked me to marry him and with your
+permission I will accept."
+
+"I dare say you will" said Mr. Earlsdown "but I am not going to give my
+consent" replied the excitable gentleman "I am not going to see you
+marry a begger."
+
+"But uncle he is not a begger" cried Sylvia "he is well off, honest and
+dependable"
+
+"I dare say he is all that" said Mr. Earlsdown "dependable indeed! why
+ten to one when you have been married to him a month he will devoice you
+for some other girl he is silly enough to prefer; no no you shall marry
+a lord, that is what I want for my money, so next time you see young
+Woodcock just send him about his business, impudent young fellow!!"
+
+"Uncle have _some_ mercy" here burst from Sylvia's pale lips "I'll
+never marry any one else" and with a cry of "Leslie _my_ Leslie" she
+fled from the room and flinging herself on her own bed gave way to
+bitter tears.
+
+But finally taking heart of grace she siezed her blotting book and
+poured forth these heart rending words.
+
+             MY OWN,
+
+          Owing to my merciless uncle I am forced to give
+          you up as he thinks to marry a lord, but _no
+          never!_ my Leslie and although I may never see you
+          again think of me always as I shall of you and
+          believe me to be
+
+                                Yours and yours alone
+                                                   SYLVIA.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 6
+
+THE ELOPEMENT
+
+
+It was past 2 o'clock before Leslie received Sylvia's wretched appeal.
+
+It was brought to him in his room whilst dressing for an afternoon
+party. Leslie read it carefully through and then throwing it on the
+floor seezed his head in his hands and thought it over.
+
+Presently he looked up with, a determined expression on his face "I must
+marry her" he cried, and then sitting down he picked up a sheet of
+writing paper and prepared to answer the note and this was what he said.
+
+             MY BEST LOVED
+
+          If you will agree to this plan I will marry you
+          yet. Have all your wants packed up this evening by
+          6 o'clock and we will elope together dearest and
+          when we are one, we will go to America and make
+          our fortunes.
+
+                                  Ever dearest
+                                        YOUR OWN LESLIE.
+
+He then told one of the servants to take the above to Yellowflower Hall
+and give it into Miss Monton's hands, and wait for her answer.
+
+The servant soon returned to say that the young lady would agree to the
+plan.
+
+Leslie then began to collect his stockings and under garments and whilst
+rummaging in his wardrobe he heard something drop on the floor. He
+stooped to pick it up, it was a photograph of Isobel Saunders.
+
+"Poor Isobel" murmured Leslie and wrapping the photo up he put it in his
+pocket. "I wonder what she will think of me when she knows."
+
+At 5 o'clock the housemaid came to tell tea was ready.
+
+"Oh bring me a cup of tea up here, "I am not feeling very well" said
+Leslie as she closed the door.
+
+At 1/4 to 6 Leslie slipped out by the back door. He was attired in a
+long old fashioned ulster, a deer stalking cap, large golosha boots, and
+a hunting suit as he had gone to hunt for Sylvia. On his right arm he
+carried a bag containing clean under linen and other odds and ends also
+his money consisting of L40 in ready gold. He entered the garden of
+Yellowflower Hall and stole up unseen to Sylvia's room. He found her
+standing by the table buttoning her jacket with nervous trembling
+fingers.
+
+"Oh Leslie!" she cried as he entered the room "I am so glad you have
+come" and saying this she fell back in a chair and fainted dead away.
+
+Leslie caught hold of the water jug and wetting a sponge applied it to
+her white face, and by this and the aid of smelling saults, Sylvia soon
+revived.
+
+"I am so nervous" she said "Oh Leslie shall we ever get away in safety?"
+
+"Yes dearest yes" whispered the lover, "trust me darling and you will be
+alright."
+
+"I am ready now" said Sylvia in a weak voice as she put a packet of
+biscuits into her bundle.
+
+"I'll carry your luggage" said Leslie picking up her bundle which was
+tied in a white tablecloth.
+
+Sylvia had been more particular than Leslie as to her luggage. Besides
+all her under-linen she had with her two pairs of clean sheets and
+pillow cases, some bath towels and soap, likewise a sponge and a yard of
+flannel (in case she lost any) a flask of brandy, some new potatoes and
+a tooth brush.
+
+Sylvia's window opened into the lawn so it was easy to escape and once
+off the high road she and Leslie felt safe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 7
+
+THE LODGINGS
+
+
+Leslie and Sylvia having tramped until midnight found themselves weary
+and footsore at London.
+
+"I can't afford very good lodgings" said Leslie "my money must last
+until I get employment.
+
+"Where shall we go then?" said Sylvia.
+
+"To some common lodging house" said Leslie "you see _you_ have clean
+sheets if they are needful--ah there is the lodging house."
+
+So he and Sylvia approached a filthy house at the end of a narrow
+street, Leslie knocked at the door and after waiting 10 minutes a dirty
+old woman with a candle in her hand, opened the door.
+
+"What is it you want? she said, "disturbing me this time of night!"
+
+"We have come for a lodging" said our hero "how much would it be?"
+
+"4d a night single" said the old woman "and 2d extra if you want a drop
+of water to wash with."
+
+Leslie's heart sank within him at these words but he felt bound to
+accept saying "I hope the beds and the water are clean."
+
+"Clean enough I'm sure" said the old woman "considering they have only
+been used a few times." so saying she led them up a rickety stair case
+into a shabby little room.
+
+"The bed ain't made yet said Old Nan pointing to a heap of rags in the
+corner.
+
+"Thank you" said Leslie and locking the door he turned to Sylvia who by
+this time was wandering hopelessly about the filthy garret.
+
+"We'll make the bed anyhow" said Leslie "get out your sheets Sylvia."
+
+She obeyed and Leslie kneeling on the floor began to sort out the rags.
+He found an old blanket which being a shade cleaner than the others he
+laid upon the floor covering it with a clean sheet; then stuffing his
+jacket inside the pillow case he made it into a pillow, he then laid
+another sheet over that and covered it with his and Sylvia's overcoats,
+he pronounced the bed made.
+
+"How very dreadful!" gasped Sylvia "I can not sleep upon that bed."
+
+"You must" said Leslie throwing open the window to air the room.
+
+The next morning Leslie, who had sat by the open window all night began
+to collect the bed clothes and turning to Sylvia said "we will get out
+of this as soon as ever we can."
+
+Then finding a drop of filthy water in a cracked basin he proceeded to
+wash his face and hands, though Sylvia said she would rather go dirty
+than use such water.
+
+Just then Old Nan entred and looking round said "well now I hope you
+have had a pleasant night."
+
+"Oh very" stammered poor Leslie.
+
+"I think we are going now, if you will tell me what it comes to."
+
+"Well let me see" said Old Nan
+
+"2 beds and 2 washes--
+
+"But I didn't wash" said Sylvia
+
+"And _I_ didn't go to bed" said Leslie
+
+"Then it will be 6d growled Old Nan. and after paying their landlady
+Leslie and Sylvia fled for their lives.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 9
+
+THE MARRIAGE
+
+
+"I Wonder where we can find a church to be married in" said Sylvia.
+
+"We dont look as though we were _going_ to be married" said Leslie "and
+I feel so soiled after sleeping in that lodging house."
+
+"I should think you do" said Sylvia "I never felt so dirty in my
+life--why there is a church Leslie"
+
+"Yes I know but I mean to buy you a white veil and a piece of lace" said
+Leslie "here is a shilling get what you can"
+
+Sylvia hurried across the road and soon returned with a yard of book
+muslin for a veil and 1/2 a yard of furniture lace.
+
+"That will do" said Leslie and they entered the church.
+
+A middle aged man was busy lighting the church lamps and stared
+hopelessly as the couple entered.
+
+"Please are you the clergyman?" asked Leslie.
+
+"No" said the man "Mr. Roberts who is sorting surplices in the vestry is
+the parson."
+
+"Can we speak to him" said Leslie quietly
+
+"Yes sir" replied the man opening the vestry door.
+
+"Oh are you the clergyman?" said Leslie to a tall dark man who was just
+folding up some clean linen.
+
+"Yes I am" replied the said gentleman "can I do anything for you?"
+
+"Well we wanted to be married" said Leslie bashfully "if this young lady
+may put her veil on in the vestry we could then wait in the church till
+you are at leisure."
+
+"Yes I think I have time" said Mr. Roberts glancing at his watch "please
+sign your names in this book and I will ring the bell for the acolyte"
+
+So saying he touched a spring bell and very soon a small fair-haired boy
+appeared in the door way.
+
+"Take two lighted candles into the church Tommy" said Mr. Roberts "and
+place two kneeling chairs in the aisle."
+
+Tommy obeyed and very soon Sylvia and Leslie were kneeling side by side
+in the church.
+
+About 5 minutes afterwards our hero and heroine walked out husband and
+wife!!
+
+"Let us have our wedding breakfast at the Gaiety restaurant" said Leslie
+and hailing a handsom the married couple stepped in.
+
+"What would you like my dear" said Leslie sitting down at a ready laid
+table.
+
+"I'd like rabbit pie and apple fritters and a cup of coffee please" said
+Sylvia throwing off her gloves and displaying her newly put on wedding
+ring.
+
+"Very good my dear" said Leslie "and I will have a slice of roast pork
+and suet pudding and treacle and beer and soda mixed that is a mild B
+and S my dear"
+
+Half way through his pork Leslie pulled out a letter from his pocket and
+after piercing at it for two or three minutes he read as follows.
+
+
+                                  Homer Villa, Margate.
+
+            DEAR SIR,
+
+          I shall be very please to acomodate you for a
+          fortnight. You can have a good sized bedroom,
+          parlour and dining room for 3 guineas per week
+          including everything else. I shall expect you
+          tonight so
+
+                     Believe me to be
+                                 Yours very truly
+                                            MARY MASON.
+
+"This _is_ good news my dear" said Leslie "if you have done your pie we
+will take the first train to Margate, hand me your bundle and we will
+start."
+
+It was not a very long journey but Sylvia who was very tired was not
+sorry to hear the porters screaming "Margate station."
+
+A pony cart from Homer Villa was waiting for them and Leslie and Sylvia
+were soon at their lodgings.
+
+A fat good tempered looking woman showed them into a comfortable
+parlour where a lovely tea consisting of ham sandwiches, poached eggs,
+tea and bread and butter was waiting for them. And here we will leave
+them to enjoy it while we take the train back to Mayfield.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 10
+
+THE CONFUSION
+
+
+About 1/4 to 8 o'clock the dressing bell at Yellowflower Hall pealed
+forth its usual summons.
+
+"I am glad dinner is so nearly ready" said untidy Mr. Earlsdown
+straightening his tie and running a comb through his hair "I'll go and
+have a quiet glass of claret while I am waiting--perhaps Sylvia will
+appear by then."
+
+Mr. Earlsdown had just drained his glass when Johnson brought in some
+pea soup, bacon and green cabbage, merangues and chocolate pudding.
+
+"Don't trouble about ringing the second bell Johnson" said Mr. Earlsdown
+"just call Miss Monton and I will begin."
+
+So saying he began to serve out the bacon on a golden plate.
+
+"Where is that child" said Mr. Earlsdown after having 3 serves of the
+bacon.
+
+Just then Johnson entered with a very long face "If you please sir" he
+said "Miss Monton is nowhere in the house and her room Mary says is
+_that_ untidy, you'd think a wild menagerie had been there."
+
+"Bless my life" exclaimed Mr. Earlsdown throwing down his fork and
+tossing his table napkin to the butler.
+
+Forthwith he rushed upstairs to his niece's room and the sight which met
+his eyes was enough to astonish even Mr. Earlsdown. A pile of linen
+stood in a corner of the room, hats, jackets and various articles of
+clothing were scattered in every direction and at last on the bed a
+letter adressed in Sylvia's hand to himself and this is what it said.
+
+              UNCLE,
+
+          Please do not worry yourself about me. I am quite
+          safe under the charge of Leslie Woodcock. We shall
+          be in London to-night but from that day forth I
+          dont know where we shall be. My name from now is
+
+                                     SYLVIA WOODCOCK.
+
+As Mr. Earlsdown read this coldly worded epistle he flashed his eyes and
+stamped heavily on the floor.
+
+"Why bless the girl" he screamed "I'll have her back within an inch of
+her life" so saying he tore out of the bedroom and called for Johnson.
+
+The butler came running upstairs to receive his orders.
+
+Johnson take the first train to London and search everywhere for traces
+of Mr. and Mrs. Woodcock" and handing the butler 2/6 he sent him off by
+the 8.8 to London.
+
+Meanwhile there was also great confusion at Astmer House. On the summons
+to dinner Leslie was found missing.
+
+"Dear me" exclaimed Mrs. Woodcock jumping up and knocking over a soup
+tureen "Albert go and look for your cousin."
+
+"Oh _he_ is alright" answered Albert "there is no need to fuss."
+
+"Yes there is you heartless boy, go and look for my son at once."
+
+"Oh bother" said Albert flinging down his book.
+
+"Dont snap" said Mrs. Woodcock as Albert dashed furiously out of the
+room.
+
+He returned within 1/4 of an hour to say he could find no traces of
+Leslie except his tooth-brush in the back garden and a pocket
+handkerchief on the stairs.
+
+"Oh I hope he is not lost" cried Mrs. Woodcock "my dear son, where can
+he be?"
+
+"Oh but you have me" said Albert with a faint smile.
+
+"What do I care for you?" said Mrs. Woodcock bitterly.
+
+Albert immediately began shuffling about and took a drink of water to
+hide his blushes.
+
+"As you are so _very_ stupid" continued Mrs. Woodcock "perhaps you can
+_manage_ to walk ** far as Yellowflower Hall and see if you find any
+traces of Leslie."
+
+Albert pushed on his hat and stamped out and returned in 1/2 hour in a
+rather more excited mood than he went out.
+
+"I say Aunt" he cried running into the dining room "would you believe it
+just by that railing near Yellowflower Hall I found Miss Monton's shoe
+and Leslie's watch key, I brought both back to show it is true."
+
+Mrs. Woodcock uttered a terrified "Oh" and sank nearly unconscious on
+the sofa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 11
+
+JOHNSON'S SEARCH
+
+
+Johnson arrived in London at 25 minutes to ten. It was a dark foggy
+night and the air was cold. Johnson gave a shiver as he wrapped his
+ulster round him.
+
+He wandered hopelessly about for an hour or two and oddly enough he took
+the very same lodgings as Sylvia and Leslie had spent their first night
+in London; being in that part of the city and too tired to look for
+better apartments.
+
+Towards noon on the following day Johnson encountered a friend, Thomas
+Bench by name, and forgetting all about his errand he turned into a
+public house close by to enjoy a quiet drink with his friend.
+
+"What are you up here for Jim?" said Thomas Bench.
+
+"Well" said Johnson stirring up his hot whisky and water "its rather a
+serious matter, my master's niece has gone and run away with her young
+man and I am on the look out for her."
+
+"Aye aye" answered Bench scratching his oily head "what sort of a young
+miss is she eh?"
+
+"Well she's a pretty sort of girl with plenty of fair hair and blue eyes
+there is no mistaking she belongs to the upper ten my man"
+
+"Oh indeed" replied Bench taking a piece of blue paper from his pocket
+"what is the young lady's name?"
+
+"Miss Morton by your leave" roared the butler.
+
+"Well" replied Bench "look here." Johnson snatched the bit of crumpled
+paper and read it through. On the paper was written
+
+                   MISS SYLVIA MONTON.
+                      Homer Villa, Margate.
+
+"Mercy" screamed Johnson "wherever did you find it?"
+
+"Well" replied Thomas Bench "I was walking in Orange Alley where old Nan
+lives and outside the door I found this scrap of paper, what do you
+think it means old pal?"
+
+"I should say" said Johnson biting his lips "it looks as though it meant
+that our young lady had taken up her abode there."
+
+"So should I" said Bench with a broad grin and so saying the two men
+walked out arm in arm. Outside they parted and Johnson took the first
+train for Margate and whilst waiting at the station a telegram was
+brought to him by dirty old Nan.
+
+Tearing it open he found it was from Mayfield saying Mr. Earlsdown was
+dying and he was wanted at once.
+
+"Oh lor!" ejaculated the butler making a rush for the ticket office.
+Johnson did not arrive at Mayfield till 4.0 o'clock, then he instantly
+made his way to Mr. Earlsdown's bedroom.
+
+All the servants in the household were standing round the bed and on it
+lay the unconscious figure of Mr. Earlsdown.
+
+"What is it?" cried Johnson pushing his way through the crowd.
+
+"Appoplexy" answered Susan the housemaid holding her apron to her
+streaming eyes "the poor dear master was so excited thinking about Miss
+Monton and then all of a sudden he received a note telling of the
+engagement of Mr. Albert Morris with Miss Saunders and then that sent
+him off because he always wanted Mr. Albert to marry Miss Monton, and
+when Mary went into the drawing room, there he was in a fit."
+
+Just then the door opened and in walked Doctor Mason. The result of his
+visit will be seen later on.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 12
+
+SYLVIA'S RETURN
+
+
+It was a beautiful morning about 3 or 4 days after our hero and
+heroine's arrival at Margate. Leslie was just finishing his coffee and
+toast and Sylvia was sitting near the window glancing over the morning
+paper.
+
+Suddenly her rosy face turned deadly pale and the paper nearly dropped
+from her trembling fingers.
+
+"What is is dearest?" asked Leslie placing his arm around her waist and
+kissing her pallid forehead "has anything in the paper shaken your
+nerves?"
+
+"Oh Leslie Leslie" shrieked Sylvia falling into his arms "read this and
+be satisfied that my nerves _are_ shaken."
+
+Leslie siezed the paper and read as follows:
+
+          "Mayfield Sussex. Last Tuesday Mr. Richard George
+          Earlsdown of Yellowflower Hall was siezed with
+          appoplexy. On that same day he had prevented his
+          neice from marrying a certain gentleman of the
+          neighbourhood and _she_ has run away with her
+          intended, viz Mr. Leslie Alexander Woodcock.
+
+          Mr. Earlsdown is now repenting that his consent
+          was not given to his heartless niece and that if
+          she comes back before he dies, married or
+          unmarried, she will receive his love and
+          forgiveness for ever; he is now in a dying state
+          and we fear that unless his niece soon returns he
+          will decidedly expire."
+
+"Shall you go home" asked Leslie quietly.
+
+"Yes yes" exclaimed Sylvia "Oh Leslie help me to pack, I feel too weak."
+
+The trunks were soon packed and the heart broken couple were on their
+way to Mayfield. Arriving at the Hall Sylvia flew up to her uncle's room
+and throwing herself on the floor shook the room with ear piercing sobs.
+
+"Who is crying?" presently asked Mr. Earlsdown.
+
+"It is me uncle--your repentant niece."
+
+Mr. Earlsdown gave a contented smile and turned away his head.
+Presently he turned round and his eyes fell upon Sylvia's white hand on
+the counterpane.
+
+"Mrs. Woodcock I see" he said with a smile looking at the golden wedding
+ring on Sylvia's third finger.
+
+"Yes Uncle" said Sylvia in a low tone "But you wont leave me till I am
+better will you child" said her uncle.
+
+"Never uncle" said Sylvia "never to your dying day."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 13
+
+HOW IT ENDED
+
+
+Seven years have elapsed since the events told in our last chapter and
+our scene once more changes to the ball room at Asmer House. Leslie and
+Sylvia no longer newly married people are sitting by the piano and
+opposite to them on the sofa are Isobel Saunders and Albert Woodcock.
+Presently Albert advances to the piano and asks Sylvia to sing a song.
+
+"Yes if I can get anyone to play my accompaniment" says Sylvia.
+
+"I only wish I could play" said Albert rubbing his face and looking
+with sad eyes at Mrs. Woodcock. Immediately Isobel seated herself at the
+piano and ran her fairy like fingers over the notes while Sylvia's
+melodious voice kept time to the music; and as the beautiful words of
+"See the conquering hero comes" rang out like a peal of thunder, Mr.
+Earlsdown come bounding in.
+
+Here the band struck up God save the Queen and everybody stood up in
+respectful silence; and as the last notes of the German band died away
+Mrs. Woodcock took leave of her friends as we will do of the characters
+of this book.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+WHERE LOVE LIES DEEPEST
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 1
+
+
+The silvery moon rises slowly above the mountains of white clouds and
+sheds its quiet light upon one of the most beautiful scenes of the
+sheltered nooks in the picturesque county of Devonshire. The tall green
+hills, so thickly covered with wild thyme rise clear and high against
+the blue sky above. The rippling waters of a little streamlet glide
+softly upon its way through lovely banks of sweet green moss. Presently
+a white cloud envelopes the pale moon and all is darkness!
+
+Only for a moment, the cloud passes away and the bright light pours down
+upon two figures. The one the tall slim figure of a young girl, the
+other the broad well built figure of a richly dressed man. He wore a
+beautifully made blue serge suit and a white tie fastened with a gold
+and diamond pin. His felt hat fitted as though it had been made for him
+and his light overcoat and kid gloves were like the rest of his toilet
+well made and of a rich material. His black hair grew thickly on his
+head and his brown eyes glared fiercely, his brown skin was red with
+rage and his white teeth were clenched.
+
+The girl on the contrary was poorly dressed and did not seem at home in
+the presence of the rich man. She wore a pale grey dress trimmed with
+green velvet. It had seen its best days for it was worn in many places.
+She wore a straw hat and a white scarf round her neck. She was a lovely
+girl!! Her plentiful golden hair was coiled into a knob behind and cut
+in a small fringe in front. Her large blue eyes spoke of many mysteries
+and were fringed by golden lashes. Her cherry coloured lips were small
+and pressed together in her nervous state. Her white teeth were clenched
+and she trembled under the viscious glare of her companion.
+
+"I tell you Beatrice you are out of your senses, you must be, there is
+no doubt of it, how can you refuse such an offer?" said the man
+fiercely.
+
+"Oh Lawrence do listen to me," said the unhappy girl, "it is impossible,
+it cannot be. You are very kind, and I always had and always shall have
+a very great respect for you, but I cannot marry you, indeed I cannot!
+we are no match, I am poor and you are rich. Besides I have a reason for
+not accepting you for my husband. Oh Lawrence you make me so unhappy!"
+and here the poor girl stopped short, gave a hurried look round and
+pressed her hand to her heart.
+
+"Beatrice Langton you are a lunatic" cried the man, "give me an answer
+straight out--yes or no. Will you be my wife? Speak out and dont go
+jibbering on in that sentimental fashion; say yes and you will live in
+luxury and riches for the rest of your life, say no and you go home poor
+and degraded. Now give me an answer Yes or No!"
+
+The girl raised her head and spoke thus--"Lawrence I am very sorry to
+say it but my answer is No! Goodbye Mr. Cathcart, goodbye Lawrence,
+perhaps we shall never meet again. What? you will not even shake hands!
+Very well, goodnight Lawrence, goodnight."
+
+She turned and went away leaving him in the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 2
+
+BEATRICE LANGTON'S HOME
+
+
+When Beatrice went away she made straight for her home for it was close
+on nine and her mother would be anxious. Her heart was heavy and her
+eyelids were wet with fast falling tears as she made her way accross the
+desolate moor. Presently she came to the stream and after crossing the
+bridge she made for the common. On the outskirts of the village stood
+her home. A little brown cottage with carefully trimmed roses and
+jasmine creeping up the porch and a neat little garden in front. She
+opened the gate, walked up the path and opened the door.
+
+What a pleasant scene was there before her! A bright fire was burning in
+the well kept hearth and an old lady sat beside it knitting stockings
+for the coming winter. Many pictures adorned the walls. A gentleman was
+writing at a table in the window. Three little girls all in red frocks
+and white pinnafores were employed in different ways. The eldest was
+some ten years old with curly hair and blue eyes and was busy with some
+corn-flowers and poppies in a glass vase. The other two who looked about
+eight and six had brown eyes and very fair hair (and) were looking at a
+book at the middle table. They all jumped up as Beatrice entered.
+
+"Why Beatrice dear how late you are!" said Mrs. Langton "I sent your
+supper down. "Mary, ring the bell, Beatrice must be hungry."
+
+"No I am not," answered Beatrice smiling wearily and seating herself in
+the chair her sister had placed for her, "I am only very tired and would
+like to go to bed."
+
+"Oh you must have something," said Mr. Langton, "Cook made some lovely
+cheese cakes for supper, and you shall have some wine to drink."
+
+Just then the maid entered, and in spite of herself Beatrice was soon
+enjoying a hearty meal.
+
+"Oh there is half past nine!" cried Mrs. Langton, "Lily and Tina go to
+bed at once, Mary can wait up for Beatrice if she likes."
+
+The two little children ran off hand in hand murmering "lucky Mary."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 3
+
+
+It was eight o'clock next morning when Beatrice opened her weary eyes
+and look round her little room. She jumped up immediately and ran down
+to breakfast.
+
+Her father had just gone off to his farming, but her mother was sitting
+in her accustomed place by the fireside reading a letter which was
+evidently causing her some anxiety.
+
+"Well Mother" cried Beatrice, "what is the matter?"
+
+"Well dear" replied Mrs. Langton, sipping her tea as she spoke, "I have
+had a letter from Mrs. Vindsor who went abroad last year, and she wants
+you to go and spend the winter with her in Paris. I would like you to go
+dear, but you are my eldest child and you are by no means strong."
+
+"Oh Mother do let me go, I should enjoy it, and you know I am much
+stronger since I took to eating Mother Segul's Syrup."
+
+"I know my love" said Mrs. Langton, "I will speak to your father about
+it, and in the meantime pour me out another cup of tea please."
+
+Beatrice caught hold of the teapot smiling happily as she did so; her
+father was not the man to say no, and what he said her mother seldom
+differed from; so she cut her bread and carved her bacon singing a merry
+song through it all. After breakfast Beatrice dusted the room, got the
+children ready for school, and then adjusting a straw hat upon her
+golden tresses she prepared herself for a saunter through the beautiful
+fields fresh with the smell of new mown hay and Alderny cows. She
+gathered flowers as she went and though she felt bright and happy by the
+news the post had brought there was a sore corner in her heart--she had
+quarrelled with Lawrence Cathcart, and there was not a man in Senbury
+Glen who did not know his temper! As she strolled along she caught sight
+of Mr. Langton who was discussing the subject of Welsh sheep with a
+tradesman. He saw Beatrice and walked towards her.
+
+"Well Bia," he cried, "looking at my cows? aren't they lovely?"
+
+"Beautiful Father," cried Beatrice, "but do you know Mrs. Vindsor wants
+me to go to Paris and spend the winter with her family, and may I go?"
+
+"Yes certainly," said Mr. Langton, "and I suppose that means you would
+like a pound or two to buy dresses and hats?"
+
+Beatrice bit her lip and smiled, "I suppose so father," she said gazing
+placidly at her worn elbows.
+
+"Very well," said her father, "I will give you L10, I should advice a
+blue serge dress and a yellow hat."
+
+"Oh no father!" shrieked Beatrice, "I will get a green dress and a hat
+trimmed with roses."
+
+"Very well," said Mr Langton kicking the hay with his feet "do as you
+please my dear, by the bye when are you expected in Paris?"
+
+"Tomorrow week father," said Beatrice, "at least so Mother says."
+
+Mr Langton whistled and then turning to his daughter he said, "I tell
+you what Bia, you had better call at the dressmaker on your way home, I
+hate a bustle at the last moment." so saying Mr Langton gave his
+daughter L10 in ready gold! Beatrice took them home and put them in her
+purse till the afternoon when she paid a long visit to the dressmaker.
+She invested in a lovely green silk dress trimmed with a delicate shade
+of rose pink, and the dainty little hat was of the same picturesque
+colours. She likewise bought a costly diamond brooch and two silver
+bangles to make up the L10.
+
+On coming out of the shop she turned on to the moors for a last walk
+before going to Paris, for there would be plenty to do at home such as
+darning stockings, mending clothes, etc: She called for Nelly Reeves (a
+friend of hers); it would be a good chance to outdo her thought
+Beatrice, for Nelly had been to Italy the year before and did nothing
+but boast of it all day. So the two girls arm in arm started for the
+moors. Nelly Reeves was a tall good looking girl, slightly pretty, but
+with none of the wistful beauty about her that was so clearly stamped on
+all Beatrice Langton's features. She had black hair and what she
+considered beautiful eyes, though they really were small and vacant in
+their perpetual stare.
+
+"Well I hope you will enjoy yourself" she remarked briskly when Beatrice
+told her of the invitation to Paris.
+
+"I am sure I shall," said Beatrice, gently feeling her hair behind,
+"only think of the delights of it! The Vindsors live in a Chateau you
+know!"
+
+"Yes, I suppose it will be jolly for you," said Nelly "who are the
+Vindsors?"
+
+"Oh dont you remember Clara Vindsor?" said Beatrice, "she was so very
+pretty and polite in her ways."
+
+"I recollect her," said Nelly gazing on the far away blue hills, "oh
+Beatrice how lovely that view is!"
+
+"Yes," said Beatrice sadly, "I came up here last night for a walk."
+
+"Alone?" asked Nelly.
+
+Beatrice wished she had not spoken then, but being frank and
+straightforward she replied "no I was not alone."
+
+"Who with?" enquired Nelly.
+
+"Never mind," retorted Beatrice.
+
+"Oh Beatrice do tell me" coaxed Nelly, I'll not tell a soul."
+
+"I dont care if you do," said Beatrice coldly.
+
+"Well let me see if I can guess" said Nelly artfully "was it Mr
+Cathcart?"
+
+"What makes you guess him?" asked Beatrice angrily.
+
+"Why because he has been paying attentions to you lately, and I thought
+he might have come up here to propose" said Nelly.
+
+"You have most silly ideas!" retorted Beatrice, "if you dont leave off
+please to go home, what if he did propose?"
+
+"Oh nothing at all," replied Nelly, "if you are so disagreeable I _will_
+go home," so saying Miss Reeves tucked up her dress and walked home.
+
+"Life is hard!" sighed Beatrice, "nothing seems to go right, first I
+quarrel with Lawrence and then with Nelly--why what is that?" she cried
+as she caught sight of something gold glittering in the pathway.
+
+She stooped to pick it up; it was a gentleman's gold link, beautifully
+carved and engraved with the initials L. C.
+
+"L. C." repeated Beatrice handling the link pensively "why they are his
+initials, can it be his I wonder? why yes" she continued, "here is the
+name Lawrence Cathcart; His Links! yes they are his, I will keep them
+and I may some day have occasion to return them to him," so saying she
+put the articles in her leather purse and turned towards home.
+
+In some unaccountable way Beatrice turned into the High Street and had
+to pass Lawrence Cathcart's house, a splendid white stone building
+standing apart from the other houses in a beautiful garden of well
+tended blooms.
+
+"What riches!" sighed Beatrice pausing at the iron gates, and as her
+blue eyes searched the lovely grounds her glance fell upon Lawrence
+Cathcart. He was standing under a tree with an open book in his hands.
+He wore a light fawn suit and his black curly hair was exposed to the
+Autumn sun; and as Beatrice gazed on this good looking young man she
+wondered why she had not noticed before how exquisitely curly his hair
+and moustache was, how fine his nose and eyes, and how beautifully his
+mouth was curved.
+
+But she did not talk to him or try to attract his attention, and sad and
+disheartened she walked home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 4
+
+
+Tea was ready when Beatrice returned home and she drew in her chair and
+clustered round the table.
+
+"Well, what is your dress like?" asked Mrs Langton as she passed the
+butter to her husband.
+
+"Oh it is lovely Mother" answered Beatrice, "and oh Father" she
+continued, "I bought some jewellry too!"
+
+"Jewellry" cried Mr. Langton stirring his tea very hard, "with my
+money?"
+
+"Well yes father," sighed Beatrice, "I hope you are not angry?"
+
+"What did you buy" enquired Mr Langton.
+
+"Two bracelets and a brooch" said Beatrice sadly.
+
+Mr. Langton coughed and helped himself to some strawberry jam.
+
+"I have been very busy putting some embroidery on your white petticoat
+all the afternoon," said Mrs Langton trying to change the subject, "you
+know I had a telegram to say you are expected on Thursday instead of
+next week."
+
+"Oh Mother" said Beatrice, "I must begin to pack at once!" so saying she
+flew up to her bedroom, and ten minutes later the floor was littered
+with as many articles of clothing as you could wish to see, and when Mrs
+Langton came up after tea she found her daughter seated on the bed amid
+stockings of every shade, curling some crimson feathers.
+
+"My dear Beatrice!" cried that good lady in astonishment, "what are you
+doing?"
+
+"Well I was trying to pack mother" answered Beatrice calmly.
+
+"I see" said Mrs Langton folding up a blue skirt as she spoke, "if you
+will allow me to help you I think you will manage better."
+
+"Very well," replied Beatrice, "there are the trunks."
+
+"Yes I see them" said Mrs Langton, "I think your new dress and hat had
+better go in the basket trunk dont you?"
+
+"Perhaps so" said Beatrice gathering the stockings off the bed, "Oh
+mother, to think that the day after tomorrow I shall be going to Paris!"
+
+"Yes indeed dear" replied Mrs Langton glancing round the littered room,
+"you have plenty of work to do, just darn these stockings will you,
+while I collect your hats."
+
+Beatrice threaded her needle and once she was seated in the big
+arm-chair, her busy tongue began to go.
+
+"What time do you suppose I shall arrive at Paris mother?" was the first
+question.
+
+"Let me see, the boat starts from Newhaven at 11 in the morning," said
+Mrs Langton slowly, "I think you get to Paris about ten in the evening
+though I wont be sure."
+
+"How nice!" said Beatrice, "is the Vindsor's house very grand?"
+
+"I believe so" replied her mother "at least they keep fifty servants and
+nearly everything is either gold or silver!"
+
+"Gracious!" exclaimed Beatrice.
+
+"Yes," said Mrs Langton, "now Beatrice bring that darning downstairs, we
+must finish packing tomorrow, I will mend that skirt for you," and so
+saying Mrs Langton left the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 5
+
+
+At last the eventful day came and found Beatrice up at six o'clock,
+putting the last articles in her hand bag. By eight o'clock she was at
+the station taking the last farewells.
+
+The little ones crowded round her, giving her chocolate and various
+sweets to eat on the way. Mrs Langton sobbed copiously, and Mr Langton
+as he kissed his daughter pressed a sovereign into her hand. But at last
+the guard waved his flag, the porters slammed the doors, and Beatrice
+found herself spinning away through fields of every shade, fast leaving
+Senbury Glen behind and approaching Newhaven Harbour. Beatrice gave a
+little sigh half of joy and half of fear, and then subsided into her
+novel and refreshments till the train stopped and she found herself in
+the aforesaid harbour. There were a great many passengers going by the
+Dieppe boat, and Beatrice had some difficulty to declare her luggage and
+smuggle the packet of coffee her thoughtful mother had put in the sponge
+bag. But at last she got on the boat and once she was seated in her deck
+chair gazing on the rough sea, she could not help shedding a few tears
+as she thought of the little brown cottage standing alone on the
+outskirts of Senbury Glen. But she soon cheered up and asked the
+stewardess to show her to her cabin. The woman obeyed and walked along
+the deck till she came to a battered looking door, which she opened
+saying--"Here is your cabin miss, your berth is number 10 and you will
+find some water to wash in."
+
+Beatrice thanked her and entered the room. A woman five children and a
+nurse were seated round the room. The nurse had two small babies on her
+knee which she was trying to hush to sleep in vain. The mother was
+attempting to comb the hair of a very frantic little boy and scolding
+two girls who would insist on unfastening all the trunks and scattering
+the contents on the floor. Beatrice took no notice of the noisy party,
+but went to her corner of the cabin and did her hair and washed her face
+in some hard salt water. The stewardess then brought her some tea and a
+bit of cake and Beatrice took the opportunity to ask her if she was to
+share the same cabin as the children and their elders.
+
+"Well," whispered the stewardess, "I'm sorry to say you must, but I
+expect they will go on deck soon and then you will be alright miss."
+
+Beatrice smiled and tried to read her book amidst the deafening roars of
+the babies. But in a little while the nurse marched them all up on deck,
+and the mother soon followed with one fat baby and a basket of
+refreshments in her arms. Then there was peace and Beatrice quite
+enjoyed her little dinner of ham sandwiches and a cold custard. But
+about 2 o'clock she began to feel drowsy and enjoyed a pleasant sleep,
+and at the end of half an hour was surprised to find she was in Dieppe.
+
+She gathered her luggage together and a good natured sailor helped her
+off the steamer. She again declared her luggage and went to the station
+where she awaited the arrival of the train to Paris. At last it came up,
+and Beatrice found a comfortable carriage well padded with cushions and
+rugs, and a fat sulky looking girl in one corner who was busily engaged
+sucking lemons and studying Bradshaw.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 6
+
+
+It was close on ten when the train stopped at Paris, and Beatrice and
+the fat girl alighted to the platform.
+
+"Do you reside here?" asked the girl in broken English.
+
+"I am here on a visit," replied Beatrice.
+
+"I see; is it not cold mademoiselle?" said this friendly girl.
+
+"Very," answered Beatrice buttoning the collar of her coat.
+
+"Yes very," continued the girl, "ah Mademoiselle you have no wraps; take
+my shawl," and without another word the girl pulled off her shawl and
+flung it round the shoulders of the astonished Beatrice, and then
+disappeared into the refreshment room from which she did not reappear
+again in a hurry. Beatrice was too astonished to speak and hardly liked
+the coarse woollen shawl which had been so hospitably flung on to her
+shoulders.
+
+Just as she had with some difficulty found her luggage a very grand
+footman dressed in green plush came up, and touching his hat said "Pour
+le Chateau?"
+
+Beatrice said "Oui" in a very vague manner, and soon found herself
+rumbling along the streets of Paris in a very comfortable carriage with
+her luggage piled round her in a kind of pyramid and the friendly girl's
+shawl still clinging to her shoulders.
+
+Soon the vehicle reduced speed and all at once Beatrice found herself at
+the great entrance porch of "Le Chateau!"
+
+The footman rang the bell and then went away leaving Beatrice in a
+transport of fear and joy on the steps. Soon the door was opened by a
+very fat butler with powdered hair and a green plush uniform.
+
+"What can I do for you?" he asked with the air of a king.
+
+"Oh please I have come to stay" said Beatrice nervously.
+
+"Step inside," said the courtly butler.
+
+Beatrice did as she was bid and found herself in a most magnificent hall
+hung with rich velvet curtains and paved with Turkish carpets, and
+supported by gold and silver pillars.
+
+"What name?" enquired the butler.
+
+"Miss Langton," said Beatrice.
+
+The butler then lead her along costly corridoors and majestic looking
+passages and at last stopped at a door which he flung open and called in
+a powerful voice "Miss Langton!"
+
+A murmur arose at this announcement and in less than a minute Beatrice
+was in Mrs. Vindsor's arms being hugged to death almost. "My dear
+Beatrice!" she gasped when her kisses were exhausted "how pleased I am
+to see you! the steak has just gone down to be kept hot, come and see
+Clara."
+
+These comforting words soothed Beatrice, and then Clara came forward to
+greet her friend.
+
+Clara was a slight thin girl about 19 with very fair hair and blue eyes,
+she wore a blue satin dress trimmed with real Brussels lace in keeping
+with Le Chateau, and a spray of blue flowers in her hair.
+
+"My sisters will be down in one minute" she said kindly "their maids
+are doing their hairs."
+
+"Oh I see," said Beatrice rapidly taking off her gloves and displaying
+with some pride her white smooth hands.
+
+"I suppose you are very tired," said Mrs. Vindsor giving the fire a poke
+with the toe of her shoe.
+
+"Yes I am," said Beatrice "it was very rough crossing."
+
+Just then the door opened and two girls entered about 22 and 24 in age.
+The eldest was by no means beautiful but she was intensely good. She had
+small black eyes and black hair which she wore in a most peculiar
+manner, it was cut in a fringe in front and gathered into a huge knob
+behind all except one piece which hung down her back and on the end of
+which a single red rose was attached. She was attired in yellow silk and
+was by no means courteous to Beatrice, her name was Honoria.
+
+The other girl was the most beautiful of the three. She had lovely brown
+hair and soft blue eyes fringed by sweet long lashes. Her nose and mouth
+were enough to attract an artist towards her; she was dressed in a
+lovely pink silk dress and her knob was arrayed by a pink feather. Her
+name was Margaret and she was known through all Paris as the "sweet
+young lady with the pathetic blue eyes!" and on the 20th of August (her
+birthday) not a single person omitted to give her a present. Beatrice
+thought her lovely and kissed her on both cheeks with hearty good cheer.
+
+And so ended Beatrice's first night at Le Chateau.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 7
+
+
+The next morning Beatrice had a slight headache and did not rise till
+the breakfast gong sounded through the walls of the great castle.
+
+Just as she was ready her bedroom was opened and Margaret appeared.
+
+"Oh Beatrice," she cried, "isn't it a lovely morning? Mama has just had
+a note asking us all to Mrs. Middle's garden party this afternoon, there
+will be a lot of English people there just arrived like yourself."
+
+"Yes very nice," said Beatrice and the two went down to breakfast
+together.
+
+Mrs. Vindsor and Honoria were already seated at the table enjoying the
+fragrant meal, but Clara had not yet come down.
+
+"How late you are Margaret" protested Mrs. Vindsor.
+
+"I am sorry Mother" said Margaret cracking her egg.
+
+"So I should hope" said Honoria shaking her head so that the rose at the
+end of her tail swayed to and fro also.
+
+After the meal was over Clara proposed to take Beatrice for a walk in
+the gay town as Margaret was going to trim a hat for Mrs. Middle's
+garden party, and Honoria always did the housekeeping.
+
+Beatrice was delighted at the offer and soon joined Clara in the
+spacious hall.
+
+"We must go this way" said Clara "as I have to go the Bank for Mother."
+
+"Oh alright" said Beatrice taking Clara's arm.
+
+Then followed a little conversation about nothing in particular, and by
+the time they reached the Bank Beatrice had quite decided that though
+Clara was very pleasant and cheery she was not as nice as Margaret who
+was kindness itself to the strange English girl.
+
+"Would you like to walk up and down while I go into the Bank?" asked
+Clara.
+
+"Yes please," said Beatrice who by no means appreciated Banks, and so
+saying she left Clara in the office and walked along the gay street. She
+seemed very strange as she walked through the strange streets and was so
+taken with the fancy shops that she forgot all about Clara in the bank.
+
+"Dear me! what lovely gloves" she said as she stopped outside a large
+drapers shop "we dont have such things in England!"
+
+Just then somebody passed behind her and in so doing brushed against her
+dress. Beatrice at once looked round and there walking quietly in front
+as though nothing had happened was a man!
+
+Beatrice looked in amazement at the gentleman calmly receding up the
+road, and as she looked the form seemed to grow familiar in front of her
+eyes. Surely she had seen that navy blue suit before, that brown hat and
+those boots! Yes! the very walk was familiar to her. She knew that black
+curly hair and that well formed back again!--it was Lawrence Cathcart!
+
+Beatrice gave a low cry and covered her face with her hands.
+
+The man looked round and his eyes fell upon the figure of the unhappy
+Beatrice. He evidently recognized her for with a little hesitation he
+advanced towards her and taking her arm said not unkindly--"Come with
+me."
+
+"I can't" groaned Beatrice.
+
+"You must," said Lawrence.
+
+Beatrice could do no more but slowly and sadly she followed her enemy.
+
+Many thoughts flashed through her mind during that walk, thoughts that
+Beatrice will never forget.
+
+At last Lawrence stopped at an Inn door and he mounted the steps and
+walked in. Beatrice followed in silence.
+
+Presently Lawrence opened a door and the two went into a small but
+pretty bedroom.
+
+"Now," said Lawrence, turning the key in the door and looking kindly at
+Beatrice, "have you changed your mind since we last met?"
+
+The tears welled into Beatrice's blue eyes and rolled down her now
+death-like cheeks. "Lawrence," she sobbed at length, "I wish I could say
+I had, I almost love you Lawrence but I cannot marry you."
+
+"Very well" answered Lawrence drawing his lips tightly together, "I see
+my journey to France has been made in vain; I may add," he continued
+"that I came here purposely to encounter you but all in vain! You have
+no real reason for not wishing to become my wife--it is not possible;
+but I will now flee from you and perhaps when I am laid upon my bed for
+the last time and Death has siezed me in its jaws you will repent of
+your past wrongs!!"
+
+"Oh Lawrence!" Beatrice almost screamed in her agony "just one word
+before you go!"
+
+"Not one," replied Lawrence, and with these words upon his lips he left
+the unhappy Beatrice in a swoon upon his floor.
+
+Beatrice had given one hoarse scream as she fell to the floor, and it
+brought a couple of waiters to the room.
+
+"What is it?" asked one.
+
+"A young lady has fainted" said the other "run for the doctor quick."
+
+The next instant there was a regular crowd round Beatrice all intensely
+interested, and in less time than it takes to tell old Doctor Holden was
+bending over Beatrice's white rigid face.
+
+"She has had some shock I fear" said he feeling the thin white hand "can
+anyone in the crowd tell me where this lady lives?"
+
+There was no sound of a reply for the first few seconds and then came a
+faint "yes" from the back of the throng.
+
+"Come forward" cried the doctor. A rustling and a murmering of voices
+ensued and then the figure of a young girl rushed forward. It was
+Margaret Vindsor who had come out in search of Clara and fearing her to
+be lost had set out to find her.
+
+"Now" said Dr. Holden giving Margaret a chair, "are you any relation to
+this young lady, and where does she live?"
+
+"Oh Dr. Holden!" cried Margaret "she is a friend of ours and is on a
+visit to us--oh what shall I do? Oh poor Beatrice!!"
+
+"Why Miss Vindsor is it you?" Asked Dr. Holden in surprise "Waiter run
+for a cab, we must take these ladies back to Le Chateau."
+
+It was not long before the cab stopped at the Inn door and Dr. Holden
+assisted by two waiters lifted Beatrice into the cab and laid her
+gingerly on the seat, while Margaret speedily followed, and then the
+doctor himself jumped in and the downcast party drove back to Le
+Chateau.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 8
+
+
+Mrs. Vindsor together with Honoria and Clara were waiting breathlessly
+in the hall when the cab drove up. Honoria flew to the door and the
+minute she caught sight of the unconscious Beatrice and her sister's
+pale face she gave a loud scream and tore rapidly to her bedroom.
+Beatrice was carried to her bedroom at once and the doctor soon left
+after leaving his directions.
+
+Margaret was in a great state of anxiety, but possessing more self
+control than the rest of the family she was appointed nurse. Beatrice
+with the aid of salts and mustard plasters soon came to herself, but
+Lawrence Cathcart had done his work--rheumatic fever set in and for many
+days Beatrice hung between life and death. Mr. and Mrs. Langton were
+sent for and duly arrived but to no one would Beatrice confide the
+mystery of her illness. The more she thought of it the more ill she
+became and Honoria prayed a good deal. By the time she was able to get
+up her mind was made up. She would look for Lawrence Cathcart, ask his
+pardon and become his wife. Life offered naught else.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 9
+
+
+Ten years have passed since the events recorded in my last chapter took
+place, and Beatrice now a woman of 28, is fair and blooming as ever but
+with an anxious care-worn expression round her face. She no longer lives
+in the pretty cottage in Senbury Glen for Mr. Langton has lost a great
+deal of money farming, and he and his family have changed their quarters
+and live in a dingy little house in a London back street. It would take
+too long to relate all that has happened in the last years, so I will
+describe the events as briefly as possible. To begin with little Tina
+who was always a delicate child has died within the last four years and
+rests in the churchyard at Senbury Glen. Mary and Lily have had to leave
+school early and Mary, a girl of twenty is taking lessons in painting
+while Lily stays at home.
+
+One thing I must not omit to mention is that Beatrice is still on the
+look out for Lawrence Cathcart but fears she will never find him.
+
+One Spring morning Beatrice comes down to breakfast and finds Mrs.
+Langton busy with some papers.
+
+"Well mother" she says sadly for her merry tone has completely deserted
+her, "have you heard of anything I can do to earn my living?"
+
+"Yes dear I think so" replies Mrs. Langton glancing nervously at the
+manuscript in her hand, "you were always fond of nursing were you not
+Beatrice?"
+
+"Yes mother, ever since I had that illness" answeres Beatrice "it was
+poor Margaret Vindsor who put the idea in my head."
+
+"Poor Margaret" says Mrs. Langton, for Margaret may be numbered among
+the dead.
+
+"Well mother what about me?" asks Beatrice presently.
+
+"Oh I was forgetting" answers Mrs. Langton "I have heard from Captain
+Harsh and he says if I care to let you go to India he has a capital
+place for you as a military hospital nurse."
+
+"To attend to the soldiers wounded in battle?" asks Beatrice.
+
+"Yes dear" replies Mrs. Langton, "I will read you the letter--"Madam;
+Hearing of your daughter's wish to become a hospital nurse, I beg to
+offer my services. If you do not object to soldiers I have a lovely
+place out here in India where her only work will be to attend to the
+soldiers in their bungalows either in the night or day as her turn comes
+round. She will live with the other nurses in a comfortable house not
+far from the battle field. She will be expected to bring her own
+clothes, cups, plates and knives etc: She must be cheerful and kind and
+must make herself obliging to the soldiers. I will expect her by the
+next mail.
+
+                      Believe me, Madam,
+                                Yours very sincerely,
+                            GEORGE HARSH (Captain of the 109th
+                                                         Regiment.)
+
+"That sounds very nice mother" answers Beatrice "I think I will go."
+
+"What about the character you are expected to have?" says Mrs. Langton
+artfully.
+
+"I think I am both cheerful and kind" says Beatrice hotly "and as to
+being obliging to the soldiers, anybody could do that."
+
+"Perhaps so," smiles Mrs. Langton, "then I will write to Captain Harsh
+and say you will go by the next mail."
+
+For many days after this Beatrice is busy preparing for the voyage. And
+at last the eventful day arrives and Beatrice clad for the first time in
+her nurse's costume steps on board the Victory which is to take her to
+the wonderful city of Calcutta.
+
+"Poor Mr. Langton gets quite frantic as he waves his red pocket
+handkerchief wildly to his beloved daughter for the last time, and Mrs.
+Langton faints on the pier and has to be carried away, which sets the
+helpless Beatrice sobbing as though her heart would break and she shouts
+messages till she is hoarse and then sheds many tears which continue on
+and off till she reaches Calcutta, when the sight of two pleasant nurses
+dressed like herself, quite cheers her up.
+
+She advances bashfully towards them and says in meek submissive tones
+"if you please are you military hospital nurses?"
+
+"We are," replies the tallest of the two "our names are Nurse Elsie and
+Nurse Brandon; of course there is no need to say that I am Nurse
+Brandon."
+
+"Of course not" say Beatrice.
+
+"And you are Nurse Mildred I presume" asks Nurse Brandon, gently nudging
+Nurse Elsie to join in the conversation.
+
+"No my name is Beatrice Langton" replies Beatrice.
+
+"I know" says Nurse Brandon, "but you will be known as Nurse Mildred in
+the wards."
+
+"Oh I see" answers Beatrice glancing at Nurse Elsie whom she thinks she
+will like better than the former.
+
+"And now" says Nurse Brandon "we will take you to the Residency; Nurse
+Elsie kindly lead the way."
+
+The nurse does as she is told and the three walk on together. At last
+they reach a large building of yellow brick with a placcard on the door
+on which is engraved "Nurses' Residence." Nurse Elsie opens the door and
+leads the way to a large airy room in which some dozen nurses are having
+tea.
+
+"This is Nurse Mildred," announces Nurse Brandon in loud tones, and then
+seating herself at the table she continues "Nurse Mildred you will sit
+next Nurse Helen tonight."
+
+Beatrice gazes vaguely round the room wondering which is Nurse Helen,
+when suddenly a pretty nurse with chestnut hair and blue eyes jumps up
+and announces that she is Nurse Helen and takes Beatrice to her place.
+The tea is good and there is plenty of it, and together with thick bread
+and butter and coffee if preferred to tea, Beatrice thinks it is not a
+bad meal. After tea Nurse Brandon shows Beatrice to her room and tells
+her she need not begin work till to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 10
+
+
+The time speeds rapidly on and Beatrice is now counted as quite an old
+nurse. She finds her work in the bungalows very pleasant and the
+soldiers find her most obliging. She works hard and is never tempted to
+grumble.
+
+One day just as she is settling down to write after tea, after a hard
+day's work, Nurse Helen looks in at the door. "Nurse Mildred," she
+exclaims "you are to go at once to Bungalow number 5; a wounded soldier
+has just been taken there and is very ill I fear."
+
+Beatrice jumps up and putting on her bonnet walks quickly to the 5th
+bungalow. It is a little white one on the outskirts of the jungle and
+close to the battle field, and in it there is a bed, two chairs, a jug,
+basin and table. Beatrice takes hold of a small cup and measures some
+ointment into it, and then taking a sponge bathes the man's wounds. He
+is a very thin man with long slender hands and black hair and eyes, and
+at a first glance Beatrice sees that he is on the point of death. She
+does all she can for him and then at his wish reads some Holy Scriptures
+to him. Then seeing his eyes droop she goes to the other end of the
+bungalow and waits.
+
+Presently she hears a weak voice say "Beatrice!"
+
+She starts, it is a long time since that name has fallen on her ears.
+"Beatrice, dont you know me?" says the voice once more.
+
+In a minute Beatrice is at his side clasping his hand in hers. "Oh
+Lawrence, Lawrence!" she cries.
+
+Then there is silence. "Lawrence can you ever forgive me?" moans
+Beatrice at last.
+
+"Forgive you my darling? It is the one thing I have lived for" says
+Lawrence.
+
+"Accept me as your lawful wife," cries Beatrice bending over him.
+
+"Yes darling, yes," says Lawrence faintly. He then tells her in a few
+words how in despair he had given up everything and gone into the Army
+and lived only long enough to forgive Beatrice, for that day he had
+received his death wound in a sharp battle with the enemy.
+
+"And now," he adds, "I shall die happy, and will you remember in after
+years (for I shall not live to) how here it was our hearts were
+re-united--once more joined together, here it was I accepted you for my
+wife, and here it is therefore that Love lies Deepest!"
+
+"Oh my dear!" groans Beatrice heavily, "Lawrence, here is what I was
+going to have given you at the French Inn," and she presses a pair of
+gold links into his dying hand.
+
+He smiles back at her and says "keep them darling as a remembrance of
+me."
+
+Beatrice's only answer is a wild kiss, the last Lawrence will ever
+receive, the memory of which follows him to Eternity, the next minute he
+falls back with a groan.
+
+Beatrice stands for a rigid moment and then falls prone beside the bed.
+
+And there is only one in all this wide world who knows for certain if
+Lawrence Cathcart died a happy death.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+THE HANGMAN'S DAUGHTER
+
+
+
+
+PART I
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 1
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+
+John Winston had entered into manhood with every prospect of a bright
+and brilliant future.
+
+His parents had died leaving him a nice little legacy and a great deal
+of land for farming But with all this good fortune, things did not seem
+to go right with him.
+
+To begin with, he was idle and did not care for farming, so he let land
+waste away till it was good for nothing, and was forced to sell it. He
+then encountered a severe loss of money, and by degrees sank lower and
+lower in the world till he at last found himself a penniless man with
+barely enough to keep a roof over his head.
+
+His only resourse then was marriage. There were plenty of rich girls
+about whose parents would be glad to find a suitable husband for them.
+John Winston was suitable enough, for he was good looking, witty, and
+had a certain amount of good sense; but his kind heart would not allow
+him to fall in love with these girls merely on account of their riches,
+so had to look out for someone he really loved.
+
+During these explorations he met Helen Carline, a young girl, poor, and
+with no relations in the world. She was wondrously pretty with a
+profusion of fluffy golden hair and sad blue eyes which spoke all their
+thoughts.
+
+Of course John Winston fell in love with her at once and proposed
+accordingly. After a little hesitation she accepted and John Winston's
+joy was beautiful to witness.
+
+The married couple took a little cottage on the outskirts of the Malvern
+Hills and engaged one servant Jane Marshland, by name, about whom we
+shall hear more later on.
+
+In the spring of the following year a little girl was born as a crowning
+joy to the young husband and wife.
+
+But three months afterwards Mrs. Winston died of fever, which she caught
+when visiting a gipsy encampment near her home. So at an early age,
+little Helen, (for that was the child's name) was left without a mother,
+but she lacked no love or tenderness, for Mr. Winston's only care was
+for his beloved child, and Jane Marshland now the nurse, did every thing
+she could for the child's health and comfort.
+
+Mr. Winston had to give up his dear little home, and retire with Jane
+and his baby to lodgings in London till he heard of some employment.
+
+At last he found something not very satisfactory, but as nothing else
+offered he decided to take it. It was to perform the office of hangman
+in a small country town in Hants by the name of Kenalham.
+
+It was not a nice position to be in certainly, and Mr. Winston's nerves
+were not strong, but the payment was good, and after all only about two
+people were hung a year at Kenalham.
+
+So with a sinking heart Mr. Winston packed up his goods and departed
+with his child and servant to the little cottage in Kenalham, already
+furnished for him. It was a nice little house and Mr. Winston smiled as
+he entered the drawing room, "after all" he said to Jane, "so few people
+are hung here that nearly all my time will be devoted to my darling
+Helen," and he kissed the rosy face of the child.
+
+So, now having explained the position of my story I will skip over a few
+years and go on again at the time when Helen had grown up into a
+charming sweet mannered girl.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 2
+
+THE COTTAGE BY THE HILL
+
+
+The little village of Kenalham was situated in the south of Hants and
+lay at the bottom of some picturesquely grouped hills.
+
+No river watered the little town, but a broad stream wound through the
+neighbouring medows giving a rich green shade to the grass on its banks;
+the high green hills stood out clear and tall against the blue sky, and
+the ruins of an old castle on the top of one of the heights gave a
+strange weird appearance. To add to the strangeness of this little
+scene, at the bottom of the very hill on which the ruins stood was a
+villa of the modern kind nestling amidst a woody dell of beach trees.
+This was no other than the residence of Mr. John Winston and his
+daughter Helen, and it went by the name of "Beach Dale."
+
+It was a charming little house and had the preveleage of possessing a
+beautiful view both back and front. The front looked out across miles of
+woodland scenery with no sign of human inhabetance any where safe a
+single cottage which stood out like a white speck among the greenness
+which surrounded it.
+
+The back looked out on the lovely blue hills, and far away in the
+distant loomed the white cliffs of Portsmouth.
+
+Having now given the reader a correct idea of the surroundings of "Beach
+Dale" I will endevour to describe Helen Winston.
+
+At the time my story opens, our heroine was a charming young lady of
+nineteen years. She had an abundance of dark brown, almost black hair,
+curling gracefully over her forehead. Her beautiful brown eyes were
+headed by well marked eye brows of a lovely black; her complexion was
+like that of a blush rose and her pretty little nose and mouth added to
+the charm of her features.
+
+Here character I will leave to be found out and only say that she was
+passionately fond of her father and devoted all her life solely to him.
+
+Trouble and care had made Mr. Winston look old before his time. He was
+only 54, yet his hair and beard were completely grey. He had a kind
+quiet face and blue eyes, he had a rather wide mouth with a nervous
+twitch at each corner. He fully returned his daughter's love and
+considering he had taught her entirely himself she was comparatively
+cleaver girl.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 3
+
+THE SECRET SAFE
+
+
+During all the years Mr. Winston had lived in Kenalham he had only made
+one friend a Mr. Cyril Sheen. He was thirty years of age and a bachelor.
+He too had no friends in the village but Mr. Winston, so he was
+constantly at "Beach Dale." He was very fond of Helen and had often
+attempted to make love to her, but she was so completely innocent of his
+intentions that he felt quite bashful and dare not begin.
+
+One morning, early in May, Mr. Winston and his daughter were just
+finishing their breakfast when Marshland came in with a letter which she
+handed to her master.
+
+"A letter?" said Mr. Winston opening his eyes, "who can it be from?"
+
+"Business, father I'm sure" replied Helen with a smile.
+
+"I think not" said Mr. Winston wisely and he proceeded to tear open the
+envelope and persue its contents.
+
+As he read the letter his face became first thoughtful, then puzzled and
+then it broke into a smile and lastly Mr. Winston burst into a fit of
+laughter and took a sip of his untasted tea. He then turned to his
+daughter for the first time.
+
+"Do you know who this is from, Helen?" he said.
+
+"No father I don't" answered Helen.
+
+"Perhaps it will need a little explanation" replied Mr. Winston. "You
+have heard me speak of your cousins the Lincarrols haven't you?"
+
+"Oh yes I know" said Helen "they are very rich aren't they?"
+
+"Yes" said Mr. Winston slowly, "very."
+
+"Well father what about them?" said Helen.
+
+"Did I ever mention Gladys to you," enquired Mr. Winston.
+
+"Oh yes" said Helen, "she is the pretty one isn't she?"
+
+"Yes she is quite the "flower of the flock" I belive" replied Mr.
+Winston; "the others are decidedly plain."
+
+"Well what about Gladys?" enquired Helen.
+
+"Well she is going to be married shortly, and so she proposes coming
+here next week for a little while and bring her future husband with her.
+What do you say to that?" asked Mr. Winston.
+
+Helen's pretty face was beaming with novelty and pleasure.
+
+"How lovely father" she gasped; I do hope she will be nice."
+
+"What about a bedroom for her?" said Mr. Winston.
+
+"Oh! there's the little attic in the loft" replied Helen. "I'm sure that
+is good enough."
+
+"What about the furniture for it? at present it is completely bare and
+full of cobwebs," said Mr. Winston.
+
+"I forgot about that," said Helen. "Well she can Have the best bedroom."
+
+"Yes" said Mr. Winston "but where is the young man to go?"
+
+"What young man?" said Helen.
+
+"James Palsey" said Mr. Winston referring to the letter in his hand.
+
+Helen's face fell and her eyes filled with tears. "I'm afraid father"
+she said "we shall have to refuse them, for if the attic has to be used
+I certainly have no money to furnish it with and I know you have not."
+
+"Don't make too sure my lass" said her father, "wait a little."
+
+He got up as he spoke and taking a small key from his pocket went
+towards the left hand corner of the mantlepiece.
+
+"Come closer Helen, come closer," he said keeping his eyes on his
+daughter.
+
+Helen followed her father closely, her eyes with a startled expression
+in them and her lips quivering with emotion. Mr. Winston lifted a
+portion of the red velvit curtain which screaned the fire place, and
+then to Helen said:
+
+"Do you notice anything peculiar about this part of the wall, my
+child."
+
+"No father, except that there is a little hole just in the middle,"
+replied Helen.
+
+"Ah! you notice that?" said Mr. Winston.
+
+"Yes" said Helen under her breath.
+
+"Now watch me" said Mr. Winston.
+
+Helen needed no second bidding; her eyes seemed riveted to the little
+hole.
+
+Mr. Winston placed the key into the hole and turned it twice round.
+Immeadiately a little spring door flew open displaying two well
+constructed shelves of solid oak.
+
+"This is my secret safe," said Mr. Winston, "known to no one but
+myself."
+
+"Father!" cried Helen catching hold of his arm.
+
+"Don't get excited, Helen" said her father. "I am going to disclose all
+the secrets of this safe to you. Do you perceive that the top shelf is
+faced in by a thin wire gauze with a handle to the left hand side?"
+
+"Yes father" replied Helen.
+
+"Well, nobody can get at the contents of that shelf without my knowing
+it."
+
+"Why father?" asked Helen.
+
+"Because there are two ways of opening it. Try to open it yourself and
+then I will explain it to you" said Mr. Winston.
+
+Helen with nervous fingers took hold of the handle and turned it; the
+gauze door flew open and at the same time a bell began to ring loud and
+furiously.
+
+Helen drew back in amazement.
+
+Cant Marshland hear it. "Why doesn't she come up" asked Helen.
+
+"She would not trouble to come up for she knows my secret" said Mr.
+Winston.
+
+"Oh! I see" said Helen.
+
+"Well to proceed" said Mr. Winston. "If Marshland or I heard that bell
+we should know the safe was being robbed and come up at once."
+
+"Of course" said Helen.
+
+"But there is another way of opening the safe known only to me" said Mr.
+Winston closing the gauze door; try any way you like to open that door I
+don't think you will find the right way."
+
+Helen pushed and banged at the door trying every way, but in vain, the
+door would not move.
+
+"Now I will show the right way," said Mr. Winston, as he spoke he placed
+his thumb on a brass nail and the gauze door rose, instead of opening,
+and without any noise displayed the contents of the secret safe.
+
+"How wonderfull" said Helen.
+
+"Would you like to see the contents?" said Mr. Winston.
+
+"Oh! yes father" replied Helen.
+
+Mr. Winston put his hand on the shelf and brought out a leather bag.
+
+"It is full of gold" he said weighing it in his hand, "the savings of a
+life time."
+
+"Oh father" gasped Helen.
+
+Mr. Winston took out 10 gold peices and the rest he left in the bag
+"this will pay for the furnishing of the attic" he said.
+
+"So it will" said Helen brightly.
+
+Mr. Winston put the bag back and took out a little ivory box and
+displayed some magnificent jewilery to his daughter's dazzled eyes,
+"this was all all left to you by your mother's will," he said.
+
+"Really!" said Helen, "I can't belive it."
+
+The jewils consisted of two broachs, one set entirely in diamonds, the
+other a horseshow set in rubies; a gold watch, chain and seals; a nexlet
+of pearls and a gold bracelet fastenned with a ruby heart.
+
+Mr. Winston placed the bracelet on Helen's slender arm; "this" he said
+"was to be given you in your nineteenth year, the other jewils by your
+mother's will will be given to you when you come of age.
+
+"How lovely" cried Helen glancing at the circlet of gold on her wrist.
+
+"I will now lock up the rest of the things" said Mr. Winston "and mind
+Helen, not a word of this is ever to be revealed."
+
+"Never father" said Helen kissing him.
+
+Mr. Winston had barely shut the safe and closed the curtain when the
+door opened and in came Cyril Sheene.
+
+"Good morning Winston" he cried hastily, "I thought I'd just pop in and
+see if Helen would come out with me."
+
+"Why Cyril we didn't expect you half so early" said Helen blushing.
+
+"No I'm sure you didn't replied Cyril, "but you will come out wont you?"
+
+"Oh certainly" said Helen and she ran up to get her hat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 4
+
+THE PROPOSAL
+
+
+Cyril Sheene, as I have already said was thirty years of age and a
+bachelor.
+
+He was short and fat and had fair sleek hair parted in the middle, mild
+blue eyes and a silly sort of expression all over his face.
+
+In ten minutes Helen came down again in a neatly fitting grey jacket and
+a large straw hat with a few scarlet poppies trailing over the brim. She
+looked very pretty and Cyril's face shone with pleasure as he regarded
+her.
+
+"Wont you come out father?" asked Helen, "I suppose we are going on the
+hills are'nt we Cyril?"
+
+"I thought we might go and sit by the old castle, it is such a glorious
+day" responded Cyril.
+
+"Do come father" said Helen.
+
+"I don't think I can" said Mr. Winston "I must go to the town this
+morning"
+
+"Very well" said Helen; and then while Cyril Sheene was looking for his
+stick, she seized an opportunity to ask her father "shall I tell Cyril
+about Gladys coming?" "Yes" replied Mr. Winston "but mind not a word
+about the safe." "Oh no" answered Helen, and then with a lively little
+jump she ran after Cyril who was already walking down the garden path.
+
+It was a perfect morning, the sun shone brightly, lighting up all the
+scenery around; the birds were singing in the beach trees close by and
+the rippling of the little stream was as sweet music to the ear.
+
+"Do you know Helen, I had an engagement in London today, but I put it
+off to come out with you" said Cyril, as they commenced to climb the
+hill.
+
+"Oh indeed!" replied Helen "that was very kind of you."
+
+"Oh no" answered Cyril "I would far rather be out here than in London."
+
+"I quite agree with you there" said Helen "it would be horrid to be in
+smoky London today."
+
+"Yes" said Cyril "especially without you."
+
+"Oh rubbish" laughed Helen and she stooped down to pick a buttercup.
+
+"Indeed it is not rubbish" replied Cyril "when a man loves, he finds it
+hard to be away from the object of his love."
+
+"Oh does he?" said Helen "but then I am not the object of your love."
+
+"Yes you are Helen," said Cyril, making an attempt to squeaze her hand.
+
+"My dear boy" said Helen, "I do wish you would not talk such nonsense."
+
+"Excuse me" answered Cyril, getting rather red "I am a man."
+
+"Are you really?" said Helen carelessly.
+
+"Now look here Helen, don't be aggrivating" said the lover "you know
+quite well I love you and why I have come up here."
+
+They had reached the castle now and sat down by the ruined walls.
+
+"Why have I come up here?" asked Cyril again.
+
+"I suppose because it is more breezy than the town" replied Helen.
+
+"Don't be silly Helen" said Cyril pulling up a tuft of grass.
+
+"I am not the least silly" said Helen smiling beneath her handkerchief.
+
+"No of course you're not darling" cried Cyril putting his arm round her
+waist.
+
+"You mustn't call me "darling" Cyril" replied the girl shyly.
+
+"Yes I must" said Cyril getting a little closer.
+
+"Oh well for once in a way perhaps it does'nt matter" said Helen.
+
+"Well the long and the short of it is Helen" said Cyril "I want to marry
+you?
+
+"Really" said Helen "you've been long enough getting to the point."
+
+"Have I?" said Cyril shyly "well now that I have come to it, do you love
+me enough to marry me?"
+
+"Ye-es" replied Helen slowly.
+
+"You seem rather doubtful" said Cyril.
+
+"It's best to be so at first" replied Helen.
+
+"Not in my case surely" answered Cyril, "oh Helen do say yes and make me
+a happy man."
+
+"Yes" murmered Helen softly.
+
+"Oh you angel" gasped Cyril "do you really mean it?"
+
+"Of course I do" said Helen, "and I _do_ love you Cyril."
+
+"Thank you so much" said Cyril "well now let's hurry home and ask your
+father I'm in such a terrific hurry."
+
+"Don't be absurd" said Helen "I want to stay in the sunshine."
+
+"Anything to please you dear" said Cyril re-seating himself on the
+grass.
+
+"Cyril, I think you'll make a model husband" said Helen.
+
+"I'm sure I will" laughed Cyril and with that they got up to walk home.
+
+At the bottom of the hill they spied Mr. Winston. He looked up as he
+saw them coming and waved his hand furiously.
+
+When they met Mr. Winston he turned directly to Helen, "what do you
+think Helen, I've furnished the attic all by myself, the only thing
+Marshland did was to scrub the floor and nail up the curtains."
+
+"How nice" said Helen "but father I've something far more important to
+tell you."
+
+"Dont say it my child" said the old man "your faces tell me what it is
+and I give my consent on the spot."
+
+And he plunged his stick into the ground to mark the vehemance of his
+words.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 5
+
+GLADYS LINCARROL
+
+
+The week that followed that day was a happy one indeed. Helen and Cyril
+were more together than ever and then too each day brought it nearer to
+when Gladys was to come.
+
+At last Monday morning came, and Helen was so excited she could hardly
+eat her dinner, and Mr. Winston got quite cross when she refused some
+beautiful cherry pie.
+
+"Do hurry up father" exclaimed Helen at last, "I want to have the room
+nice and tidy for Gladys and Mr. Palsey."
+
+"My dear I wont starve for any amount of grand ladies" replied Mr.
+Winston heartily.
+
+Helen smiled languidly and began to arrange the flower stand by the
+window.
+
+At 4 o'clock precisely a dainty little dog cart drew up at Beach Dale.
+Helen, peeping from behind the drawing room curtains, saw, first a tall
+man dressed in a blue suit and black hat and gloves, jump down from the
+cart and hold out his hand to a young lady who tripped lightly down and
+tossed a silver coin to the coachman.
+
+The next moment the drawing room door was flung open and Marshland's
+clear voice was heard announcing, "Miss Lincarrol--Mr. Palsey."
+
+"Oh dear Gladys, I am so delighted to see you" cried Helen in her
+sweetest tones.
+
+"And I am equally glad to meet you" cried Gladys, "and allow me to
+introduce my future husband James Palsey."
+
+"How do you do" said Mr. Palsey gravely as he held out his well gloved
+hand.
+
+At that minute Mr. Winston entered the room dressed in his best things.
+
+"Well Gladys my dear and how are you he cried cheerfully "what a big
+person you are to be sure, quite half a head taller than Helen I
+declare."
+
+Gladys laughed affectedly and held out her small hand; she then
+introduced Mr. Palsey, who, during all this merriment had stood as grave
+as a judge.
+
+"Do come and have some food pleaded Helen pointing to the dainty little
+equipage already set out on a bamboo table by the open window.
+
+"Oh thank you" said Gladys and she began to take off her gloves and turn
+up her veil preparatory to eating.
+
+"Wont you take a seat Mr. Palsey?" asked Helen as she poured out the
+tea.
+
+"Thanks" replied the gentleman and he sat down on the edge of a whicker
+chair. Here will be a good opportunity to describe Gladys Lincarrol and
+her young man.
+
+Mr. Palsey was a tall broad shouldered man about 37, with a solemn face
+and large hands. His black hair was curly and plentiful and his small
+green eyes twinkled queerly if he was at all pleased. He was attired in
+blue, as I said before and in addition to this he wore patent leather
+boots and a crimson tie.
+
+Gladys was also tall, but very slim. She had golden hair with a reddish
+tinge and blue eyes. She was very pale and her mouth had a peculiar
+twitch of conciet. She wore a lovely pink muslin dress and kid gloves to
+match. A large white hat adorned her pretty head, and she wore a bunch
+of violets at her neck.
+
+Tea over, Helen proposed a stroll around the village.
+
+"Oh yes, that will be very nice, dont you think so Jim?" asked Gladys.
+
+"Yes I do, thanks" replied Mr. Palsey.
+
+So the trio linked arms and walked slowly down the garden path, and Mr.
+Winston settled himself comfortably once more and prepared to read the
+"Star."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 6
+
+A DISSOPOINTING LETTER
+
+
+He had barely got through the first paragraph when Marshland entered
+with a letter.
+
+"For you sir" she said placing it on her master's lap.
+
+"Thanks" said Mr. Winston opening the envelope as he spoke.
+
+The letter ran thus:
+
+
+                                          H. M. Prison,
+                                               Warwick.
+
+            DEAR SIR,
+
+          You are requested to come up here by the first
+          train tomorrow morning to hang Mr. Smith, who has
+          lately murdered his wife and three children. It is
+          a serious case, and I am sure you will sympathize.
+
+                           Belive me dear sir
+                                Yours etc
+                         C. L. PORTER (head warder of the
+                                              county prison).
+
+          To. J. Winston Esq: Beach Dale, Kenalham Hants.
+
+Mr. Winston sighed as he closed the letter.
+
+"Oh dear oh dear" he cried, "here I have to leave my happy home, just
+when Gladys and James have arrived, Marshland" he added.
+
+"Yes sir" said the servant coming forward.
+
+"I shall have to leave home early tomorrow" said Mr. Winston "how will
+you get on with out me?"
+
+"Oh sir, I think we shall get on all right" responded Marshland "I'll
+keep an eye on the young ladies and Mr. Palsey will cheer them up I
+know."
+
+"I dont know that" said Mr. Winston "he seems a very dull gentleman."
+
+"Do he really sir" said Marshland "well I'm sure I'm very sad."
+
+"But do you think you can mannage without me? I shall not be away more
+than three days" asked Mr. Winston.
+
+"Oh yes sir, dont you fret" replied Marshland and now is there anything
+I can do for you?"
+
+"No nothing thank you" said Mr. Winston "but when the young ladies and
+Mr. Palsey come in, send Miss Helen to me."
+
+"Yes sir" said Marshland quitting the room.
+
+Barely had the door closed on Marshlands comely figure, when it opened
+again and Cyril Sheene came bounding in.
+
+"Hullo Winston" he cried "I heard you had some friends down, so I
+thought I'd just drop in and be introduced."
+
+"They're all out at present" said Mr. Winston with a vain attempt at a
+smile, "sit down wont you they'll be in soon."
+
+Cyril flung himself down in an arm chair and then glanced at Mr.
+Winston.
+
+"Why Winston old fellow" he cried, you dont look yourself, is anything
+up?"
+
+"Oh nothing said Mr. Winston tapping the table nervously."
+
+"Now look here" said Cyril "you cant get round me like that, I know
+something is wrong, you might as well tell me."
+
+"Very well Cyril I'll tell you" said Mr. Winston and he handed the
+letter to Cyril, who read it carefully through. As he did so a marked
+change came over his face, a change from a pleasant faced young man to
+that of a stern, cold, yet pleased person.
+
+"So you're off tomorrow?" remarked he as he folded the paper.
+
+"Yes I suppose so" said Mr. Winston.
+
+"How you must feel leaving the girls all alone" said Cyril.
+
+"I do" said Mr. Winston, "but I know Marshland will take good care of
+them and you'll look in wont you?"
+
+"Well I was about to suggest going up with you" said Cyril "I know a few
+friends in Warwick and you'd be all the better for a companion."
+
+"It is kind of you Cyril" said Mr. Winston "but I'd rather you stopped
+to take care of Helen."
+
+"Oh Helen will be all right with Marshland and Mr. Palsey in the house"
+said Cyril "I think you need me more."
+
+"I suppose I do" replied Mr. Winston "but my poor little Helen."
+
+"Well I'll stay if you like, but you wont be away more than three days
+and what Helen wants with me hanging about I dont know." said Cyril.
+
+"Well I'll take your advice and accept you as a companion, and thanks a
+thousand times Cyril" replied Mr. Winston.
+
+At that moment the door opened and Helen came running in.
+
+"Well father dear" she said, "I was told you wanted me, so I just came
+down while Gladys changes her dress."
+
+"Yes dear" said Mr. Winston I am afraid I have some rather bad news for
+you."
+
+"Oh dear father what is it?" exclaimed Helen kneeling down by the chair.
+
+"I must go to Warwick early to-morrow dear on a hanging matter" replied
+Mr. Winston "I shall be back in three days."
+
+"Oh father" cried Helen "just when Gladys and Mr. Palsey have come down
+Oh I am sorry" and her pretty eyes filled with tears.
+
+"Yes dear I am sorry too" remarked Mr. Winston slowly, "but you'll be
+all right wont you?"
+
+"Oh yes father" said Helen "I was not thinking of myself, but it always
+knocks you up so, and just when we're all so happy."
+
+"Well Cyril has offered to go with me and keep me company" said Mr.
+Winston "you wont miss him much will you?"
+
+"Oh Cyril I am glad" exclaimed Helen. "I feel far easier now, you'll
+take such care of father I know."
+
+"Yes Helen I will" said Cyril folding Helen in his arms and kissing her
+forehead.
+
+"Thank you Cyril" said Helen returning her lover's kiss.
+
+Soon after Gladys and Mr. Palsey came in, and a merry farewell evening
+was spent, Cyril at the head of the fun.
+
+Next morning Helen was up early toasting some bread for her father's
+breakfast; she made the table and room as cosy as she could and then
+waited her fathers coming down.
+
+He came at last looking worn and pale but he enjoyed his meal and
+cheered up a little as he ate it.
+
+"Now dear, is your portmanteau ready?" enquired Helen trying hard to
+keep back her tears.
+
+"Yes dear quite" returned the father "and Cyril will meet me at the
+station you know."
+
+"Yes he told me so" replied Helen.
+
+"Well goodbye darling, keep a good heart and I'll be back on Thursday at
+the latest" said Mr. Winston.
+
+"Goodbye dear father" rejoined the girl "I'll try and be cheerful but it
+is hard you know."
+
+"I know it dear" said Mr. Winston and then turning to Marshland he added
+"goodbye Marshland, take good care of the young ladies and keep an eye
+on Mr. Palsey."
+
+"I will sir" returned Marshland and then she and Helen stood at the door
+the latter waving her handkerchief to the dear father who was never more
+to enter his happy home in Kenalham.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 7
+
+THE ALARM
+
+
+Helen Winston found it very hard to be merry without her father, but she
+did her best and Gladys took her little attentions very kindly.
+
+"What do you propose doing now? she asked when breakfast was cleared
+away.
+
+"I must attend to the housekeeping first and then I thought a walk on
+the hills would be nice" answered Helen.
+
+"Very good" said Gladys "we can go and visit the old castle you talk so
+much about."
+
+"Yes" said Helen, and she tripped down stairs, more for the pleasure of
+a comforting talk with Marshland than to order the dinner.
+
+In an hour's time they were all ready and started on their breezy walk.
+
+"How lovely it is up here," remarked Gladys.
+
+"Yes is'nt it beautiful" replied Helen thinking of the last time she was
+up there."
+
+The little promenade quite cheered Helen up, and she and Gladys did some
+shopping in the afternoon while Mr. Falsey stayed at home to smoke his
+pipe.
+
+The next day passed pretty much the same as the first and by Thursday
+morning Helen was all smiles again, knowing that by tea-time her dear
+father would be home again.
+
+In the afternoon she went out and bought a tea cake for tea. She had tea
+laid out on the best bamboo table with the blue and gold tea cups and
+she also put fresh flowers in all the vases and all together the little
+drawing room had a truly home-like aspect.
+
+At 4 o'clock a ring was heard at the front door.
+
+"How funny of father to ring" cried Helen "I thought he would be sure to
+come in and supprise me."
+
+"Perhaps he thought it would supprise you more if he rung," replied
+Gladys.
+
+"Ah perhaps so" responded Helen giving a last touch to the pink
+rose-buds which drooped prettily over the china vases.
+
+At that moment Marshland entered the room with a frightened look on her
+face.
+
+Coming up she handed a telegram to Helen "its given me such a turn miss"
+she explained "them telegrams always seem to carry bad news."
+
+Helens face grew pale and she hastily opened the envelope.
+
+The moment her eyes rested on the words, she uttered a cry of anguish
+and flung the telegram away from her. "Oh I know its father" she cried.
+
+"Hush hush miss" said Marshland soothingly and picking up the telegram
+she too read the fatel words. The telegram ran as follows:
+
+          Come at once, a terrible thing has happened.
+                                              SHEENE.
+
+Marshland's honest face grew ashy as she read the words, but she tried
+to control her feelings for Helens sake.
+
+"Well miss it is a terrible thing" she said "but we can but hope for the
+best, what train will you go by miss."
+
+"Oh I dont know, dont ask me," cried poor Helen.
+
+"Dont cry so Helen dear" said Gladys "after all it may not be as bad as
+Mr. Sheene thinks."
+
+"Wont you allow me to come to Warwick with you Miss Winston?" asked Mr.
+Palsey kindly.
+
+"You're very kind" sobbed Helen, "but Gladys wont like it."
+
+"Dont think of me for one instant" said Gladys, patting Helen's head "of
+course you'll go with her James and Marshland and I will keep house till
+you come back."
+
+"I had better go tonight" said Helen getting up from the sofa and
+glancing at the pretty little tea table, which five minutes ago she had
+arranged with such love and care.
+
+"Yes miss, the telegram says at once" replied Marshland, "I wonder when
+the next train is."
+
+"I can tell you" cried Mr. Palsey producing a time table from his pocket
+and running his finger down the column.
+
+"Poor Helen" said Gladys kissing her fondly.
+
+"Seven fifteen is the next" said Mr. Palsey, "that'll give you nice time
+to get ready," and it gets to Warwick at 11-30.
+
+"That will do" replied Helen "will you put my things together for me, I
+feel so faint."
+
+"Yes dearie" replied Marshland. Now Helen dear you rest on the sofa and
+I'll bring you some tea" said Gladys. Helen flung herself down, quite
+worn out.
+
+Gladys gave her a cup of strong tea and bathed her hot head with eau de
+cologne.
+
+"I'll go and order the dog-cart, to drive us to the station" said Mr.
+Palsey.
+
+"Yes be quick James, you must not be late" replied Gladys.
+
+For in an hour's time all was ready. Helen, with a white shawl over her
+face was standing at the door while Mr. Palsey put the bags into the dog
+cart.
+
+"Goodbye Helen dear" cried Gladys "keep up a good heart and James will
+take every care of you."
+
+"Goodbye Gladys" said Helen "and thanks so much for sparing him to me."
+
+"Goodbye Miss Helen my love" cried poor old Marshland wiping her eyes on
+her apron, "write as soon as you can and let me know how the master is."
+
+"Yes of course I will" cried Helen, jumping into the dog cart, "goodbye
+all, goodbye and in an other minute the dog cart was out of sight, and
+Marshland returned to her work, and Gladys to the deserted drawing
+room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 8
+
+BAD NEWS
+
+
+The journey on which Helen and Mr. Palsey had set out was a very long
+one indeed and May though it was the night was very chilly.
+
+Helen shivered as she got into the train and drew her shawl round her.
+Mr. Palsey had taken first class tickets, and so soothing was the motion
+of the train and so comfortable the seat in which she found herself that
+Helen soon dropped asleep.
+
+"Now I can think over things a bit," said Mr. Palsey taking some papers
+from a black bag by his side, "jolly nice of Gladys to suggest me coming
+up here, though she didn't know why I wanted to come poor girl; odd that
+I didn't hear from Sheene today, I quite expected a line or a telegram
+to say how matters stand. It may here be mentioned that Mr. Palsey and
+Cyril Sheene were by no means new acquaintances and had met many times
+in London and even once or twice before in Kenalham.
+
+"Odd how Cyril found out about that secret shelf mused Mr. Palsey "a
+whole bag of gold he said, how Winston saved it I dont know, ah he was a
+rich man with all his poor living and scanty furniture. I think there
+were some jewils in the safe too but of course it is the money, the gold
+I'm putting myself to this for and with a cold laugh, he drew out some
+closely written papers and read them eagerly, putting pencil marks by
+certain paragraphs in the document.
+
+The train flew on nearing Warwick rapidly.
+
+At last Helen awoke with a start and found Mr. Palsey taking forty winks
+opposite her.
+
+She rubbed her eyes and looked out of the window, "how dark it is" she
+thought and its raining too, how horrible and she nestled under her
+fluffy shawl. Presently the train stopped with a jerk and Mr. Palsey
+woke up.
+
+"This is Warwick" he said picking up his bag "train's late and it is
+twenty to twelve.
+
+"How late" quoth Helen and with a sigh she followed Mr. Palsey on to the
+crowded platform.
+
+It was a dreary sight which met the weary girl's eyes. The rain was
+pouring heavily and the whole station looked wet and miserable. The gas
+lights flickered in the wind making hideous shadows on the walls. The
+porters, cold and cross looking, poor things, were bustling about,
+crying the name of the station at the tops of their voices, and a thin
+shaggy dog, evidently lost, was howling pitiably, tending by no means to
+cheer poor Helen's quaking heart.
+
+"I thought Cyril would be sure to meet you" said Mr. Palsey suddenly
+"you go into the waiting room and warm yourself and I'll walk up the
+road a bit and see if I see him, for I dont know what house to go to do
+you?"
+
+"No" said Helen, "oh Mr. Palsey I'm so unhappy and with a faint cry she
+turned away and buried her face in her shawl.
+
+"Poor thing" thought Mr. Palsey "she cant guess the worst yet," out loud
+he added "hush Miss Winston, you are over fatigued, that is all, would
+you like a cup of coffee? the refreshment room is not yet closed."
+
+"I could'nt drink or eat" replied Helen sadly "I'll go and sit by the
+fire while you look for Cyril.
+
+"Very well" said Mr. Palsey, and he turned round and went off in an
+opposite direction.
+
+Helen entered the waiting room and sat by the fire her tired eyes
+covered with her hands. Presently she raised her white face and glanced
+at the clock. Two old ladies sitting near, noticed her pale frightened
+face.
+
+"Have you come a long journey" asked one "you look very tired."
+
+"I am very tired, and miserable too" broke forth Helen in the fullness
+of her heart "oh why am I dragged up here in this cruel fashion, oh what
+has happened to father?" she burst into heart broken sobbing.
+
+The old ladies looked very much alarmed and after bidding Helen a kind
+good night, gathered up their wraps and departed.
+
+The time sped on and still nether Cyril nor Mr. Palsey arrived.
+
+Helen grew terrified and was on the point of going out on to the
+platform when the door opened and the two men appeared.
+
+Mr. Palsey looked much the same, Cyril was clad in a heavy ulster and
+his face was white and scared.
+
+Cyril was speaking as the two entered and Helen caught the last words,
+"just as we could have wished" he was saying. "Oh Cyril Cyril" cried
+Helen and she flung herself into his arms.
+
+"My darling" gasped Cyril and a queer gurgle sounded in his throat.
+"What is it Cyril, what has happened?" cried Helen, clutching hold of
+his coat.
+
+"Hush darling" said Cyril, "come outside.
+
+Helen was quite overcome by now and she allowed herself to be led out by
+Cyril and Mr. Palsey.
+
+"Shall you tell her tonight" whispered Mr. Palsey.
+
+"It is better to get it over" replied Cyril, "Helen dear, be prepared
+for bad news."
+
+"Yes yes anything" gasped Helen nervously "father is ill I know very
+ill, oh Cyril tell me quickly."
+
+"Worse than that" said Cyril and he clasped her tightly to him.
+
+"Not dying moaned Helen, "oh Cyril not dying.
+
+Cyril said nothing, but Mr. Palsey whispered "out with it Sheene, she
+must know soon."
+
+"He is dead" cried Helen wildly, "say the words Cyril say them."
+
+Cyril bowed his head "yes" he murmured "dead--murd----
+
+"Hush" whispered Mr. Palsey striking him on the arm, "you idiot, keep
+quiet."
+
+With a shriek, Helen tore herself from Cyril's grasp and ran like the
+wind, she herself knew not wither; at the station gate her strength
+failed her, she turned, she tottered, she tried to scream and fell
+insensible at the feet of the villians.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 9
+
+HELEN'S ACCTIDENT
+
+
+Cyril and Mr. Palsey lost no time in conveying Helen to a cab which was
+waiting outside. They placed her on one of the seats and bade the cabman
+drive directly to number 2 Medina Road, where Cyril was lodging.
+
+"How will you manage about the money Cyril?" presently asked Mr. Palsey.
+
+"Dont speak to me of money?" cried Cyril bitterly, "oh Helen Helen" and
+he bent over his unconcious sweetheart.
+
+"Pon me word Cyril" cried Mr. Palsey "you're a born idiot, the girl will
+soon recover, you'll marry her and we'll go halfs with the money, its
+simply ridiculous the way you mople and mumble over her, let her alone
+I say and tell me how the murd--the bussiness went off."
+
+"I've told you twice it was very successful" replied Cyril impatiantly.
+
+"You're trying to hide something I can see" cried Mr. Palsey
+passionately, "you'd best tell me, or not a farthing of the money shall
+be yours."
+
+"I dont see that" said Cyril cooly, "you dont even know where the safe
+is." Mr. Palsey bit his lips in suppressed anger. Cyril's words were
+stiningly true and made him boil with passion. "Here we are" said Cyril,
+as the cab stopped at a dimly lighted street corner.
+
+"Hi cabman, get down and open the door" screamed Mr. Palsey.
+
+The man shuffled down from the box and opened the door.
+
+"Any luggage" he asked roughly.
+
+"No" replied Mr. Palsey "there is a young lady fainted and we are going
+to carry her in to this house."
+
+"Right" responded the man and he stood aside while Cyril and Mr. Palsey
+came gingerly out carrying Helen between them.
+
+As they were ascending the steps a rough looking man in a torn red
+shirt and battered hat came up and addressed himself to Cyril.
+
+"Hi sir" he cried out "what about that L10 you promised; I'm a poor
+starving man and I cant wait much longer.
+
+"Bother" muttered Cyril "here man will a shilling suffice for this
+evening, I'll pay the rest tomorrow."
+
+"All right" grumbled the man, "unless you pay up tomorrow it'll be the
+last job I do for you," and with an oath the man departed.
+
+Cyril lead the way into a dimly lighted parlour and with Mr. Palseys
+help Helen was soon arranged on the sofa.
+
+Some supper consisting of cold mutton, vegitables and a jug of ale was
+laid out on a round table in the centre of the room, and small parrifin
+lamp burnt on the mantleshelf. Going over to this last object Cyril
+screwed it up, so that its glare fell, full on Helen's face.
+
+"Why she's hurt herself terribly" cried Cyril in alarm, pointing to a
+wound in her forehead from which blood had been streaming down her face.
+
+"Is your landlady up?" enquired Mr. Palsey seriously.
+
+"I should rather doubt it, why?" asked Cyril.
+
+"Because Miss Winston should be taken to her bedroom at once, I'm afraid
+it is a bad cut" replied Mr. Palsey.
+
+"I'll ring" responded Cyril and he acted accordingly.
+
+In ten minutes or so an oldish woman entered holding a candle and her
+garments had evidently been flung on in a hurry.
+
+"What now sir?" she asked.
+
+"Sorry for disturbing you Mrs. Pollard but this young lady of mine has
+had a terrible fall and must be taken to her bedroom at once, we thought
+it was only a faint said Cyril.
+
+"Lardy dardy" exclaimed Mrs. Pollard "poor young lady, I'll see to her
+at once sir."
+
+She left the room and soon returned with an other servant and the two
+carried Helen to her bedroom where they bathed her face with cold water
+and put her to bed as carefully as possible.
+
+"You'd best go for the doctor Mary" said Mrs. Pollard "say nothing to
+the young gentleman and be as quick as you can.
+
+Meanwhile Cyril and Mr. Palsey sat down to their supper.
+
+"Poor Helen" cried Cyril at last.
+
+"Oh stop that tune do" cried Mr. Palsey "tell us what happened."
+
+"It was all done as pre-arranged. I waited till the man was hanged and
+the yard emptied of people and while Mr. Winston was putting away the
+scaffold the blow was struck" said Cyril.
+
+"By you?"
+
+"No"
+
+"Who then?"
+
+"Oh that lout you saw at the door just now, he decided to do the job for
+L10, I had hard work to make him do it just at first" replied Cyril.
+
+"Indeed" said Mr. Palsey "what was his name?"
+
+"Jack Jenkins" replied Cyril a terrific beggar and drunkard too I
+belive."
+
+"Oh" laughed Mr. Palsey "and what plan did you adopt about the gun?"
+
+"I did'nt do that" responded Cyril "when Jenkins had done his part of
+the bussiness, I got a knife, steeped it in red ink and laid it by Mr.
+Winston's side, as he was prostrated on the ground."
+
+"And that will lead the police to belive it was suicide you think?"
+asked Mr. Palsey.
+
+"I think so" replied Cyril with a groan "at last that seemed to be the
+general opinion when the poor fellow was taken to the mortuary."
+
+"Why do you say "poor fellow?" asked Mr. Palsey.
+
+"Because I do think he is a poor fellow and I'm sorry I ever did the
+thing" cried Cyril and he brought his fist down on the table with such
+force that the jug of beer toppled over and fell on the floor.
+
+At that moment the door opened and Mrs. Pollard poked her head in "if
+you please sir" she said "we've thought fit to send for Dr. Poppet, and
+he's waiting in the hall."
+
+"Very well" said Cyril with dignity "show him upstairs and when he has
+seen Miss Winston let him come and have a word with me."
+
+"Miss Winston" cried Mrs. Pollard "why sir is she any relation to the
+poor hangman as was killed after the affair."
+
+"Yes woman" cried Cyril hotly "she is his daughter, now go for pity's
+sake"
+
+Mrs. Pollard hastily withdrew and commanded Dr. Poppet to follow her.
+
+"Its a serious case sir" she said cheerily opening Helen's door "step
+this way please."
+
+Dr. Poppet stepped that way and went over to Helens bed, where Mary the
+under servant was putting ointment on the wound.
+
+"Hem" grunted the doctor seriously "not as bad as I feared, but very
+dangerous for all that, she must be kept very quiet Mrs. Pollard and
+must only take liquid food, she will probably awake by 5 or 6 o'clock
+and you may give her a little milk, "I'll call again tomorrow on my
+rounds, keep her head cool or fever of some kind may set in and effect
+the brain."
+
+"Your instructions shall be carried out to the letter" said Mrs. Pollard
+and with that she led him down to talk with Cyril Sheene.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 10
+
+IN THE COURT OF JUSTICE
+
+
+The next morning Helen was sadly feverish, though quite sensible.
+
+From the time she woke up 11-30 a.m. she never opened her lips.
+
+She was very feverish and her brain very much upset.
+
+Mr. Palsey decided not to tell Helen the fearful news till she was
+better and indeed it was a wise thing to do. Helen smiled and looked
+pleased when Cyril went to see her, but turned away in disgust when Mr.
+Palsey went near her.
+
+"Helen dear" said Cyril "I am going out now, is there anything you would
+like me to buy for you?"
+
+"No nothing" replied Helen "let me be alone, I want no one near me."
+
+Cyril sighed, took up his hat and departed.
+
+Entering the sitting room he found Mr. Palsey busy writing.
+
+"James" said Cyril "I must go out now, will you come."
+
+"No I cant" replied Mr. Palsey "I am very busy."
+
+Cyril again gave a sigh of relief, and opening the front door went out.
+
+The storm of the night before had quite subsided and the sun was shining
+brightly.
+
+To tell the truth, Cyril was very glad to hear that Mr. Palsey could not
+go out, for he himself was going to the court of Justice to appear as
+witness concerning the death of Mr. Winston, which some of the
+detectives suspected to be murder and some suicide.
+
+The court was densely crowded and in consequence very hot and stuffy.
+
+Cyril forced his way through the crowd and seated himself in the witness
+box, where sat two other men, Mr. Porter the head warder of the prison
+and Dr. Slyn, both of whom had held conversation with Mr. Winston, an
+hour or so before his death.
+
+"Not many witnesses for so serious a case" cried the judge in loud tones
+as he eyed the three desolate looking men.
+
+Cyril was the first witness as he knew more of the deceased than either
+of the other two. He had to relate all he knew of Mr. Winston's past
+life and in conclusion the judge asked him if he thought Mr. Winston
+looked like commiting suicide when he went to hang Mr. Smith.
+
+Cyril replied that Mr. Winston looked rather morbid on the day of the
+execution and otherwise no other change was visible.
+
+The judge coughed, "summon the detectives" he cried.
+
+The detectives (three in number) advanced.
+
+"Now Mr. Slag" said the judge, addressing the leader of the three men,
+"what is your opinion of this terrible case, murder or suicide?"
+
+Cyril waited open mouthed for the reply, his whole life depended on Mr.
+Slag's reply.
+
+Mr. Slag evidently did not like giving his opinion in public and he
+hesitated before speaking.
+
+"I say it was murder" cried one of the other detectives.
+
+Cyril could have screamed with vexation.
+
+"Are you aware Mr. Tix that your opinion was not asked" enquired the
+judge dryly "Mr. Slag if you please" he added authoritivly.
+
+"I say suicide most decidedly replied Mr. Slag "I am a trained detective
+my lord and am not likely to make a mistake, Mr. Rennet is also of my
+opinion."
+
+"Very well" said the judge writing in his note book.
+
+"I am convinced it is suicide and so is the jury and you may go Mr.
+Slag, the case is with drawn where are Mr. Winston's relations who will
+bury the deceased?"
+
+A stir in the witness box and Cyril came forward "I will undertake to
+pay for the burial" he said.
+
+"You?" cried the astonished judge "who are you pray?"
+
+"My name is Cyril Sheene" replied Cyril getting very red "and I am the
+greatest friend poor Mr. Winston had, besides his daughter who I know is
+penniless.
+
+"Very well" said the judge "you are a good benevolent man.
+
+Little did the simple minded judge know, that the innocent looking
+person he addressed in such kind tones was the real murderer of Mr.
+Winston.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 12
+
+HELEN'S RESOLVE
+
+
+Cyril Sheene returned home to his lodgings quite satisfied with the
+conclusion the case had come to. Entering the sitting room, he found Mr.
+Palsey still busy writing, though the dinner was ready and fast getting
+cold.
+
+"Still busy?" cried Cyril, pulling off his gloves and sitting down to a
+tempting looking dinner of juicy well cooked mutton chops, arranged
+against a mountain of frothy mashed potatoes.
+
+"Yes I'm terrificly busy" responded Mr. Palsey tearing up a large sheet
+of foolscap as he spoke.
+
+"Well lets have dinner now" responded Cyril sitting down as he spoke.
+
+"Oh all right" replied Mr. Palsey, who was not the least hungry, "where
+have you been all the morning?"
+
+"In court" responded Cyril absently gazing at the mutton chops.
+
+"In court man!" cried Mr. Palsey "what do you mean?"
+
+"I mean what I say" replied Cyril. "I was in court, acting witness in
+Mr. Winston's case."
+
+"Really?" gasped Mr. Palsey "what is the result?"
+
+"The case is withdrawn" replied Cyril feverishly, "they are convinced it
+is suicide."
+
+"Thank goodness" ejaculated Mr. Palsey "then we are well out of the
+mess."
+
+"Yes" answered Cyril and then vouchsafing no more the two men sat down
+to their dinner.
+
+Half way through ***y were interupted by Mrs. Pollard, who came in in a
+great fluster.
+
+"Please sir" she said in a hurry "Miss Winston seems so queer, she has
+got up and dressed herself and wishes to see you at once."
+
+"My stars" screamed Cyril, forgetting in his excitement what a gentleman
+he was and with that he rushed upstairs to Helen's bedroom.
+
+He found Helen standing by the bed, her hands beating wildly against her
+heart and a hectic spot burning on her cheek.
+
+She was completely dressed even to her grey travelling cloak which hung
+limply on her shoulders.
+
+"Cyril," she cried wildly, "I am going home, I can bare this
+imprisonment no longer."
+
+"Helen, my darling cried Cyril astounded by her words.
+
+"Yes it is true" cried Helen again. "I shall go home now now--this
+instant why am I kept in ignorance of my father's death? I know who
+murdered him in spite of secrecy," she screamed," it was Mr. Palsey,
+that false villain below," "Helen cried Cyril," "how could it be Mr.
+Palsey, why I should know it if it was he, dont be absurd dear, get into
+bed again do you know you are very ill, and to go out would be madness."
+
+"I dont care" screamed Helen, her eyes dilating and her cheeks burning.
+
+"I shall go home, I tell you it was Mr. Palsey who murdered my father
+if you dont know it Cyril, I do so there,"
+
+"Helen" said Cyril firmly "be calm and I will tell you about your poor
+father's death."
+
+"Tell me" cried Helen and she sank exhausted into a chair.
+
+"I fear" began Cyril "I greatly fear that your poor dear father
+commited--had reasons for depriving himself of life."
+
+"What!" cried Helen, starting to her feet, "you Cyril Sheene dare to
+insult me to my face, will you too turn, false, oh how dare you say my
+father commited suicide."
+
+"I dare Helen because I know it" replied Cyril.
+
+"You dont know it" screached Helen, "oh Cyril," and the poor un nerved
+girl sank sobbing on the bed.
+
+"Hush Helen," cried Cyril stroking her ruffled hair, "we wont talk about
+it any more, but indeed you can not go home today, it is impossible."
+
+"I must I must" moaned Helen "oh Cyril let me go, I want to see
+Marshland."
+
+"Helen, you cant go" replied Cyril "why do you want Marshland?"
+
+"Because she is my only true friend" cried Helen.
+
+"Helen am I not a true friend" asked Cyril reproachfully.
+
+"Yes Cyril you are" said Helen, "but do let me go."
+
+Cyril remembering the doctors directions that Helen was to have
+everything she wanted, replied "very well Helen, you may go to-morrow,
+and now get back to bed and rest."
+
+"No, no" said Helen "I must go tonight."
+
+"But your father is to be burried today," replied Cyril.
+
+"Never mind" cried Helen shaking her aching head, "It would break my
+heart to attend the funeral, I must go tonight."
+
+"Very well" said Cyril "I will go with you, by the 8-40 train, but now
+do rest darling."
+
+"Thank you, thank you Cyril" replied Helen gratefully and closing her
+eyes she fell into a heavy sleap."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 13
+
+THE DISGUISE
+
+
+Cyril was greatly troubled about Helen's strange conduct; he knew it was
+not good for her to travel in her present condition, and then again it
+would do her just as much harm not to go as she desired it so much.
+
+He went down to the sitting room and related all the story to Mr. Palsey
+and waited eagerly for a reply.
+
+"Why man alive!" shrieked Mr. Palsey "this is greatest piece of luck we
+could possibly hope for."
+
+"Luck?" cried Cyril "what do you mean?"
+
+"Why dont you see?" said Mr. Palsey "it is impossible for Helen to
+travel alone, and therefore you and I must accompany her, and of course
+it will be the very chance of chances to rob the safe."
+
+"But you cant go with her" replied Cyril "though of course I must."
+
+"Why cant I go if you please?"
+
+"For the simple reason that Helen suspects you to be guilty of murdering
+her father," replied Cyril, trying to appear unconcerned.
+
+"What?" shrieked Mr. Palsey thumping his knees vigerously, 'dont be an
+idiot, how can she suspect me?"
+
+"Well she does" answered Cyril "but you may be quite easy, for she will
+not speak of it."
+
+She'd better not" cried Mr. Palsey biting his moustache.
+
+"But you see James, it is quite impossible for you to travel with us, so
+you had better wait and come by a later train, there is one at 9-12 I
+know" replied Cyril.
+
+"No that wont do," said Mr. Palsey "it would upset my plans, besides
+making it too late to rob the safe with ease."
+
+"What will you do then?" asked Cyril. "I will disguise myself" returned
+Mr. Palsey "I have a heavy green ulster upstairs, which I know Miss
+Winston has not seen and grey slouch hat; and a false beard which I used
+when acting a play some time ago and if I put a little walnut juice upon
+my countenance I think I shall be sufficiently at least to deceive Miss
+Winston."
+
+"Capital" exclaimed Cyril, "put on the things now and see how you look."
+
+Mr. Palsey rummaged in his portmanteau and produced the required
+articles. The beard was a trifle crumpled, but Cyril who was neat handed
+quickly combed it out and made it look as good as new.
+
+Mr. Palsey then put on the ulster and big felt hat and attached the
+beard to his chin by a bit of elastic. Cyril then applied to his face,
+and in a minute he was disguised into a fearce foreign looking man.
+
+"Its a splended get up" said Cyril, eyeing the villain admiringly.
+
+"I wont take it off" said Mr. Palsey opening his purse and taking out
+ten shillings "I will go straight to the station and wait there, give
+this money to Mrs. Pollard for me, it what I owe her for the lodgings
+you know.
+
+"Very well" cried Cyril "but you'll have a long wait at the station."
+
+"I know" said Mr. Palsey "but I can amuse myself with a few comic papers
+and a pipe."
+
+"So with a hearty shake of the hands the two villains sealed the
+compact.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 14
+
+HOME AGAIN
+
+
+Cyril was very busy all that afternoon; he barely had time to attend Mr.
+Winston's funeral, which he did however for politeness sake.
+
+It was not a grand funeral by any means and I think it would have broken
+Helen's heart to see the plain unvarnished coffin which her poor
+father's remains were deposited in.
+
+When Cyril returned from the ceremony, he settled his accounts with Mrs.
+Pollard and then proceeded to pack his portmanteau, which piece of
+business did not take him very long.
+
+He was about to depart from his room, when something lying upon the
+floor attracted his attention.
+
+It was a water coloured painting of Mr. Winston.
+
+How Cyril's heart smote him, as he gazed at those calm, stern features
+and mild blue eyes, with so much trust in their orbs.
+
+He hastily shuffled the painting into his pocket, and with something
+between a groan and a sarcastic laugh, made a rapid retreat down the
+stair case.
+
+Helen was waiting in the hall.
+
+She looked a very different girl from the bright rosy faced Helen of a
+week ago.
+
+Her cheeks were white and hollow save for one hectic spot and her great
+hazel eyes seemed too dark for her face. Her dark hair was limp and
+uncurled, and her lips were as ashy as her face. She looked a sad little
+picture, indeed, as she stood there in the hall, with her grey cloak
+loosly buttoned round her, and her new black crape hat contrasting
+queerly with her ghost-like countenance.
+
+Cyril's heart of stone was quite touched as he saw her looking so vastly
+changed.
+
+"Come Helen" he said carresingly as he patted her hair behind, "it feels
+like old times to be walking with you again."
+
+"Perhaps it does to you" quoth Helen bitterly "but to me it is
+unbearable."
+
+Cyril said nothing, but gently helped her down the steps. In an hours
+time they were at the station.
+
+Helen sat on a seat to rest till the train came up, and Cyril went over
+to the bookstall, keeping close to a remarkably tall foreign looking
+gentleman who was laughing over Tit Bits.
+
+"Come away," whispered Helen to Cyril "that man reminds me of the two
+faced villain Mr. Palsey."
+
+"Helen" muttered Cyril between his teeth "be quiet do; please to
+remember that with all his villainy he is a perfect gentleman."
+
+"Ah" said Helen "you too admit that he is a villain."
+
+Cyril saw he had made a mistake and the hot blood rushed to his face.
+
+"Dear me" he said cooly "I am always blurting out things I dont mean."
+
+Helen was beginning to see through him.
+
+"Cyril" she said faintly "I hope you are not a villain too."
+
+"Why of course I'm not" replied Cyril "come, here is the train."
+
+Helen followed Cyril to a first class carriage, noticed that the foreign
+looking man, otherwise Mr. Palsey, jumped into a second class department
+and closed the door with a bang.
+
+"This is a fast train" said Cyril as he got on to the seat.
+
+"Indeed?" replied Helen, and with a deep drawn sigh she placed her
+bundle on the rack.
+
+"Helen wont you eat your supper," asked Cyril "it is nearly nine
+o'clock, you must be hungry.
+
+"Very well" replied Helen and she opened her bag.
+
+"What have you got?" asked Cyril eargerly.
+
+"Only a small pot of calf's foot jelly" answered Helen.
+
+"Oh" said Cyril in a dissopointed tone, "why you ought to have had fruit
+and cold fowl."
+
+"Dont speak to me of cold fowls" cried Helen in disgust and having
+finished her jelly she sank into repose.
+
+The train was an express and reached Kenalham a little before 10-30.
+
+Helen burst into tears as she stepped on to the platform. "Oh how sad,
+how sad" she moaned.
+
+The dog cart was waiting for them and Cyril jumped quickly in, helping
+Helen as he did so.
+
+For ten minutes or more, the cart stopped, and Helen found herself once
+more on the threshold of her home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 15
+
+THE ROBBERY
+
+
+The door was opened by Marshland who having heard the fearful news was
+attired in deep mourning.
+
+"My darling Miss Helen!" cried the old servant.
+
+"Oh Marshland" cried Helen "I feel so terribly ill."
+
+"Come to bed at once miss and you shall have some hot wine" said
+Marshland "step into the drawing room sir" she added seeing Cyril
+waiting in the passage.
+
+"Goodnight Helen dear" cried Cyril, then turning to the servant he added
+"thank you I will rest for one moment, but I must go then, as I have a
+friend waiting for me in the town."
+
+"Very well sir" said Marshland "you can let yourself out cant you?"
+
+"Oh yes" cried Cyril and he betook himself to the drawing room.
+
+As I have already mentioned, Helen was feeling weak and ill and her head
+ached as though it would split. Marshland put her to bed very carefully
+and gave her some hot wine to drink.
+
+Once in between the beautiful cool sheets with the breeze blowing in at
+the open window stirring the dainty white muslin curtains, Helen dropped
+into a dull heavy sleep, but she was so restless that Marshland dared
+not leave her.
+
+As the clock on the stairs struck 12-30 Helen seemed to grow quieter, so
+Marshland drew down the blind, snuffed the candle and went downstairs.
+
+She bolted the hall door and peeped into the drawing room.
+
+"I heard Mr. Sheene go some hours ago" she muttered "and all the windows
+are bolted, so off I go to bed to rest my weary limbs."
+
+So the old woman went to her room, knocking at Gladys's door as she
+went, to assure that she was going to bed, for Gladys who was highly
+nervous had insisted on this.
+
+Helen slept heavily till about 2 o'clock in the morning, when she was
+awakened by some strange sounds below.
+
+She sat up in bed and listened, the sounds continued and feeling
+frightened she called Marshland.
+
+But the old servant was asleep and for a little while the noises ceased.
+Helen thinking it was her fancy turned in her bed and fell into a doze.
+In less than 2 minutes she was awakened by the furious ringing of a
+bell.
+
+For a moment her heart stood still and her very blood ran cold. Then in
+one desperate moment she recollected the sound of the bell.
+
+Springing from her bed she flew to the door crying as she did so "the
+safe, the safe!!"
+
+Wildly she flew down the passage her brain dazed her heart beating
+loudly.
+
+Her eyes were too dilated to see, and in flying along she struck her
+head against a tall old clock and would have fallen headlong
+downstairs, to certain death, but a pair of arms were hastily flung
+around her and in another moment two unconscios figures were lying
+motionless in the still dark passage with only the pale moonlight
+lighting up their rigid faces.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 16
+
+"SETTLED"
+
+
+Marshland had not been awakened by the bell and so when she got up next
+morning at 6 o'clock, she was entirely innocent of the nights events.
+Putting on her apron she hastily went downstairs. Half way down the
+passage she caught sight of something white.
+
+"Tut tut" she exclaimed "I wonder if those are my clean aprons or caps,
+they must have fallen from the beams." But here her wonderings were
+overun by the fact that the white things were no other than the
+prostrate bodies of Helen and Gladys.
+
+Marshland uttered a stifled cry, but recovering her presence of mind she
+instantly raised Helen in her arms. Gladys had by this time quite
+recovered and was kneeling by her cousin on the floor.
+
+"Raise yourself Miss Gladys" said Marshland "and help me take Miss Helen
+to her room."
+
+Gladys rose directly and Helen was soon upon her bed once more.
+
+She soon opened her eyes and fixed them on her cousin, "go away" she
+said calmly "I want to speak to Marshland."
+
+Gladys left the room and Helen's calm manner changed to one of absolute
+fury.
+
+Darting to her feet, she seized Marshland's shoulder, her white lips
+parted in feverish anxiety.
+
+"The safe" she cried quick Marshland it has been robbed--I heard the
+bell--go and see quick, oh Marshland hurry--hurry."
+
+Marshland had her doubts as to the robbery, but to quiet Helen she went
+downstairs to ascertain.
+
+Entering the drawing room to her great alarm she found the window wide
+open, and she knew she had shut and bolted it the night before.
+
+Advancing in some consternation she saw the bolt had _not_ been tampered
+with and her eyes wandered to the safe. Dragging back the curtain she
+perceived to her great horror that the gauze door was wide open and the
+black leather bag which contained all the money, gone.
+
+"Oh Heavens" ejaculated the old woman "all the money gone, yes every
+brass farthing of it, my poor Miss Helen you'll have to go begging now
+and in sober earnest too."
+
+It may here be mentioned that Mr. Winston had left a will leaving all
+his money to Helen, and the gold which that bag contained was all he had
+left, so that gone, Helen would have to set about to earn her own
+living. Mr. Winston had before his death written on a slip of paper "all
+this gold is bequeathed to my daughter Helen on the day when I shall be
+called upon to die." This he had sealed with his private seal and put at
+the bottom of the bag so that the thief (whoever he might be) had
+carried that signature with him.
+
+Marshland lost no time in seeing what else had been robbed and found to
+her relief that the ivory box containing the valuable old jewils had not
+been touched.
+
+Taking it in her trembling hand, she carried it to Helen's room. "Here
+Miss" she said, see the jewils have not been touched but--but--her
+white lips refused to say any thing else, but Helen took up the strain,
+"the money is gone, yes I knew it Marshland and I am left alone a beggar
+in this cruel, cruel world. All this she uttered in so calm a tone as to
+quite supprise Marshland.
+
+"Dont say alone miss" cried the faithful servant, for I will be with you
+through thick and thin.
+
+At that moment the door opened and Gladys announced that Mr. Sheene was
+waiting in the parlour, together with Mr. Palsey. Helen dressed herself
+quickly and leaning on Gladys's arm for support she entered the much
+disturbed drawing room.
+
+Cyril was standing by the window, his hands in his trouser pockets
+looking desperatly ill.
+
+Mr. Palsey looked as stern and hard as ever, and with his cigarette
+between his lips he appeared to be taking a general survey of the room.
+
+"Good morning Miss Winston" he cried totally ignoring his future wife,
+"if you have any brains they ought to tell you what I am here about.
+Before Helen had time to reply Gladys stepped forward and laying her
+hand on Mr. Palsey's arm looked in his face steadily and said. "James,
+I dont know what you intend saying but I am sure it is cruel and cutting
+and I beg and pray of you to keep quiet whatever it is. Helen is, as you
+know in great trouble about her dear father, and added to that, a
+robbery has been commited in the night, which has deprived her of all
+the money which had been left her and so she has now to earn her own
+living----"
+
+"Hold" cried Cyril suddenly turning round, "I have already heard of this
+terrible robbery and though I have to grovell in the very ground, Helen
+shall never have to earn her own living, in the presence of everyone
+here I repeat my words. I intend as soon as possible to take Helen to
+London and marry her on the first opportunity which presents itself; I
+have" he added, "though no one may know it, a private bussiness in
+Holburn, which consists of a small office in which I employ two clerks,
+my living appartments are at the back of this office or (home affair) as
+I generally call it, and mark my words all of you here Helen would lead
+a very happy life, and if my bussiness should prosper I will go and live
+in Paris or Rome if Helen should prefer it."
+
+"Thank you Cyril" said Helen, "I will spend one more week here to
+collect my belongings and then only too gladly will I go with you to
+your office. I have only one request to make."
+
+"What is that?" asked Cyril.
+
+"A very simple one" replied Helen "only that Marshland should come with
+us and be our servant."
+
+"Certainly," answered Cyril. "I shall be only too pleased, for the one
+servant I have is just leaving and I am sure Marshland will suit."
+
+"Pardon me" said Mr. Palsey "I think Cyril, if you take my advice you
+will leave this wicked interfeering old woman behind I warn you she will
+be the plague of your life, for I myself have had experience of what she
+can do poking her nose into people's rooms, the meddling old cat."
+
+"Mr. Palsey" said Helen calmly and with great dignity "perhaps you will
+allow Cyril to settle this matter, and if you will allow me to add, I
+would far rather be a meddling old cat, than a cruel hard hearted person
+who could murder a good innocent man for the sake of his money, and then
+could look the daughter of that man in the face with a cold unflinching
+gaze."
+
+Gladys uttered a low scream and staggered towards the door; she is
+loosing her head she sobbed, "going mad, and all through you James." For
+Gladys knew nothing of Helen's suspicions.
+
+"No Gladys" replied Helen, "dont cry, for I am not loosing my head or
+going mad either, and you have my utmost pity for having a husband such
+as he."
+
+But nothing could soothe poor Gladys and as Helen stooped to comfort
+her, Mr. Palsey took the opportunity of speaking to Cyril.
+
+"You idiot" he hissed "look what you have led Helen up to, making her
+speak to me like that, now I doubt if Gladys will belive in me, and if
+she does not there will be an end to my rich marriage."
+
+"I dont care" said Cyril, for he truly felt he had the upper hand, "I
+consider it would be a very good thing if Miss Lincarrol does not marry
+you for she is too good a girl to be joined with a low villain like
+you."
+
+"Very well" cried Mr. Palsey savagely "as you evidently consider
+yourself a saint, (though you did help me in the murder and other
+matters too) perhaps it will be better for both of us if we seperate at
+once.
+
+I have my half of the money and you have yours, so that is all settled,
+you can take Helen to London and marry her and I will take Gladys to
+Norfolk where all her relations live and marry her when I get settled
+and the less we hear of each other the better, that is my opinion and I
+hope it suits you.
+
+"It does" replied Cyril calmly "let us tell the girls and the sooner you
+and Gladys get packed off the better for I must stay here another week
+with Helen."
+
+"Gladys" cried Mr. Palsey firmly "get up at once and stop crying."
+
+Gladys dried her eyes and sat up.
+
+"Look here" continued Mr. Palsey, "you and I are going back to Norfolk
+this evening as soon as we can mannage it, and Mr. Sheene intends
+stopping another week with Miss Winston till he goes to London and
+remember the less you and she hear of one another the better; you will
+be much better for the loss of her company and your relations too would
+much rather you left here, it is taking effect on your health my dear,
+so be ready to start by 6 o'clock this evening and I will call for you;
+you and Helen will have plenty of time to say your last adieu before
+that; is that settled?" he added turning to Cyril.
+
+"Quite" replied Cyril.
+
+Gladys broke into heart broken sobbing but being used to obey she ran
+quickly upstairs to collect her things.
+
+With a cry Helen ran to Cyril and put her arms round his neck.
+
+Mr. Palsey bit his lips and turning to the window he turned over the
+past events in his mind and he thought how very well he had managed that
+last little bit of business.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 17
+
+BOUND FOR NORFOLK
+
+
+Let us now return to Gladys.
+
+Arrived at her bedroom she began to collect her various articles of
+clothing in a hazy and disturbed manner, every now and then sitting down
+to burst into a terrible fit of weeping.
+
+It took her over half an hour to pack up, and then having bathed her
+burning face, she began to feel very hungry.
+
+Finding a few biscuits in a tin, she lost no time in eating them and
+then she rang her bell.
+
+To her supprise Helen came to the door instead of Marshland.
+
+"Oh dear Gladys" cried Helen kindly "I am so very sorry that you are
+going."
+
+"Oh Helen," sobbed Gladys "it nearly breaks my heart to think of it, and
+we may not even write to each other."
+
+"Dont say that" cried Helen, "if ever I can manage it I'll always send
+you a note privately, for I shall never forget Gladys that you saved my
+life."
+
+Gladys could not speak for crying.
+
+"Now Gladys" said Helen "do stop crying or you will be ill, did you want
+anything when you rang just now."
+
+"Oh yes please" replied Gladys "if I might have something to eat, I am
+so very hungry."
+
+"Certainly, dear" said Helen and she darted downstairs, soon to return
+with a plate of well cut ham and a couple of poached eggs and a
+comforting cup of coffee.
+
+Having spread this out, she sat down to watch Gladys eat it.
+
+The poor girl looked very worn out and tired and great red and black
+lines encircled her blue eyes, "oh Helen" she said at last "do tell me
+what you meant by speaking so strongly to James just now.
+
+The tears came into Helen's eyes, "dont ask me Gladys dear" she said,
+some day I will contrive to let you know by letter but I cant tell you
+now."
+
+A silence followed and then Helen spoke again, "do you know" she said.
+"I am very glad things have turned out like this. I shall be happy too
+and perhaps forget all about me and all this misery."
+
+"Oh Helen" cried Gladys "I will never forget you it will be impossible."
+
+"I dont know" said Helen "you see its like this, although we shall write
+to each other (for my mind is made up on that score) when once you are
+happy, though you will not exactly forget _me_, you will forget this
+misery at parting and so you will be able to think of me without pain or
+regret, and it will be like a wound which though healed over is still to
+be seen, do you under stand?"
+
+"Yes dear Helen" said Gladys "there is certainly truth in what you say,
+but do you think we shall either of us be happy again?"
+
+"Yes" said Helen with a smile, "I do, light is certainly breaking
+through the darkness after all Gladys"
+
+Ah Helen!, happily for you that you can see the bright light appearing,
+but there are dark clouds gathering in the distance which you do not see
+but which nevertheless are coming nearer and nearer and will soon burst
+over your head and extinguish the sunshine and the light.
+
+The dreary morning passed away at last and the afternoon followed suit.
+A quarter to six found Gladys and Helen taking a last farewell in the
+drawing room before Mr. Palsey arrived.
+
+"Oh Helen shall we ever meet again, sobbed Gladys.
+
+"Hush hush" said Helen "dont cry Gladys and let me give you some advice
+before you go. Dont sob or show any emotion when you bid me goodbye and
+if afterwards Mr. Palsey should mention me to you be quite calm and show
+him you do not care, when next we meet I'll tell you my reasons and be
+sure they're good ones."
+
+Voices were heard at the front door and going into the hall, they found
+Mr. Palsey and Cyril talking and a carriage waiting at the gate.
+
+"Goodbye Miss Lincarrol" said Cyril as he took her hand "I am sorry you
+have to go."
+
+"Not at all" said Gladys brightly "goodbye Mr. Sheene, thanks for all
+your kindness."
+
+Here Mr. Palsey interposed "goodbye Miss Winston" he said raising his
+hat.
+
+Helen drew herself up and gave him a look (such a one as once seen never
+forgotten) and then turning to her friend said, "well goodbye Gladys, a
+pleasant journey to you dear."
+
+"Goodbye Helen" said Gladys bravely and calmly and without a break in
+her voice.
+
+"I hope you will enjoy yourself in London."
+
+Mr. Palsey looked astounded, he had expected a loud fit of crying at
+least.
+
+"Wont you say goodbye to me Miss Winston he asked sheepishly.
+
+"No cried Helen in a laud voice, "it was an evil day for you Mr. Palsey
+when my good father asked you to his house."
+
+Mr. Palsey jumped into the open fly and put his bag beside him.
+
+Helen stood on the steps waving her hand with tears in her eyes, while
+Gladys, for the sake of the friend she loved, sat erect and tearless in
+the carriage which soon wheeled her away from "Beach Dale" and its
+occupants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 18
+
+THE OFFICE
+
+
+Left alone in the dreary little cottage, a sense of utter lonliness came
+over Helen. She truly felt as though the one spark of happiness in her
+life had faded. Sitting down in an arm chair, she took up some crochet
+and tried to do a little work before sunset.
+
+In a few minutes Cyril entered, fresh from a country walk.
+
+"Ah Helen" he cried "you're busy I see."
+
+"No I'm not" replied Helen sadly "did you want me for anything?"
+
+"Well I was thinking it might be as well to go and see the autioneer,
+Mr. Graham," replied Cyril "you see all this furniture must be sold and
+a week is but a short time to settle everything."
+
+"Yes I presume that would be best" said Helen with a sigh "where does
+this Mr. Graham live?" "Not a very long way off" replied Cyril "49
+Eastern Grove is his address"
+
+"Oh yes I know" said Helen "when shall we start?"
+
+"Now, if you like" said Cyril
+
+"Very well," and Helen tossed away her crochet and put on her hat.
+
+It did not take very long to reach Eastern Grove, a pretty little street
+at the end of Kenelham. Helen stood by while Cyril arranged matters to
+his own taste. At last all was settled and Mr. Graham politely promised
+to be round at Beach Dale by 9 o'clock the next morning.
+
+The next three days were busy ones indeed for Helen. All day she was
+flying up and downstairs, from attic to kitchen placing the furniture to
+be sold in lots and keeping what she wanted to take, in her own bedroom.
+Marshland helped all she could but being old and stiff she could do
+little but sit in the kitchen and moan at the loss of her beloved
+master's goods.
+
+Friday came at last (the day Cyril had arranged for starting) and Helen
+was up early taking a last look at the rooms, garden walks etc., that
+she loved.
+
+It was a boiling hot day and they had to start in the middle of the
+heat.
+
+A large waggon came to the door wherein all the odd pieces of furniture
+were packed and the trunks and boxes being put on the top of that,
+Helen and Marshland got a small wooden bench which they put at the door
+of the waggon for, as Marshland truly remarked "Air was better than
+comfort," and there they seated themselves to drive to the
+station--Cyril had gone on to take the tickets and see about a
+comfortable carriage.
+
+It was two o'clock by the time they reached Holburn.
+
+Cyril jumped out, ordered a hansom while Helen attended to the luggage.
+
+"Now Marshland" cried Cyril "you and Miss Helen will kindly get into
+this hansom and I'll tell the man where to drive to, I have a bussiness
+matter to settle, but you can tell the servant girl I'll be into tea."
+
+Helen and Marshland got hastily into the hansom, to the old servant's
+inexpressible delight who had never ridden in anything but the customary
+Kenelham dog cart, and the waggon she had recently quitted. Helen
+however was too tired to notice anything and the new sights and sounds
+had no charm for her country eyes.
+
+Presently the cab stopped at a small dreary looking office with the name
+Sheene & Co: in guilt letters on the window. Two men evidently the
+clerks, were watching with intense excitement the descent of the two
+ladies from the cab, their faces being pressed upon the iron blind of
+the office window.
+
+Helen went up the steps and timidly rang the "visitors bell."
+
+It was soon answered by a rought untidy looking servant girl, with no
+cap and a dirty cotton dress, whom Marshland eyed with intense disgust.
+
+"Are you Mr. Sheene's ladies?" asked the girl.
+
+"Yes" replied Helen "and Mr. Sheene wished me to say you were to show us
+to our rooms at once, he himself will not be in till tea time."
+
+"All right" responded the servant "step and in and follow me."
+
+She then led the way down a narrow passage past the home affair, till
+she came to a door which she flung open, announcing it was the sitting
+room.
+
+"You wont want your bedrooms yet awhile" she said "because they're not
+ready."
+
+"Oh pray dont trouble" said Helen.
+
+"Very well" replied the girl and she went off closing the door behind
+her.
+
+"The slovenly creature" cried Marshland "Mr. Sheene has evidently had no
+practice in choosing his domestics.
+
+The room in which they found themselves was rather small and very
+stuffey, the window being tight shut and the blind down. A red carpet
+adorned the floor a common deal table with a check cloth stood in the
+middle of the room, and three chairs were carefully arranged round it. A
+leather armchair was by the fireplace adorned by a crochet antimicassa,
+and a sofa of the same description was by the window. The mantle piece
+was furnished with two glass vases, and a clock, and a large photograph
+of Cyril and his two clerks. A sideboard was by the door covered with a
+clean cloth, a parrafin lamp, two trays and a bowl of lavender.
+
+"What do you think of it?" asked Helen after she had opened the window
+and taken off her hat and gloves.
+
+"Humph" said Marshland looking round "pretty fair, but law Miss Helen,
+comparing it with your father's dainty little parlour its a mere
+scullery."
+
+"Yes" said Helen "but dont let us hurt poor Cyril's feelings, no doubt
+he likes it."
+
+"No doubt" replied Marshland.
+
+By 5 o'clock Cyril came in, very hot but happy for all that. "Well
+Helen" he said "what do you think of your future abode?"
+
+"Oh its very nice" answered Helen.
+
+"Well let us ring for tea" cried Cyril "you will take your meal with us
+tonight Marshland, but tomorrow you will find your place in the kitchen
+with Alice the maid, who will do all the hard work while you preside."
+
+Marshland looked pleased but said nothing.
+
+Alice brought in the tea, and the three made it off shrimps and bread
+and butter and by that time Helen was pleased to go to bed, quite
+pleased with her first day in London.
+
+Helen's bedroom was at the top of a very steep staircase and it was even
+more stuffy than the sitting room. A rather dirty white blind hung in
+the window, which Marshland instantly tore down, "the filthy rag" she
+exclaimed "never mind Miss Helen, in a few weeks, I'll have this fit for
+a lady and the sitting room too for that matter.
+
+The iron bed stead was of the collapsible kind and Helen had to prop it
+up with empty trunks in order to get a night's rest, but what with the
+squalling of the office cats and the noise of the clerks and servants
+below, it was in the small hours of the morning before either she or
+Marshland got a wink of sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 19
+
+IMPROVEMENTS
+
+
+It was 8 o'clock, the following morning when Helen was awakened by
+hearing a loud dispute outside her door between Marshland and Alice
+Grimstone (the maid).
+
+Glancing at her watch, Helen jumped out of bed and began her toilet and
+half way through she was interrupted by Alice bouncing in announcing it
+was gone 8 o'clock and would she (Helen) care about any water for
+washing. Helen declared she would, upon which she was presented with a
+can of hot water and a clean towel, soap already having been provided.
+
+Having placed the last hair pin in her knob and fastenned her white
+blouse, Helen went down to the sitting room, where a smell of hot coffee
+and fried bacon greated her nose.
+
+"Ah this is Marshland's cooking" thought Helen as she raised the cover
+of the dish. A great improvement was also visible in the room itself. It
+had been well dusted and swept and a few london flowers adorned the
+mantle shelf, a clean white curtain hung in the window, and Helen's work
+box and other little articles lay about the room, making it look far
+more home like than on the preceding evening.
+
+Cyril (Helen had heard) rose very late, so she was forced to partake of
+her breakfast alone.
+
+As soon as she had finnished, she rang the bell and ordered a fresh meal
+to be got ready for Cyril, for she really wished to please him and hoped
+in a few days time to have the house really nice.
+
+Then Helen thought she would go out and buy a few things, so calling
+Marshland she said "I am going out now Marshland, and lunch will be at
+1.30 if you please. Mr. Sheene likes high tea at 7 in the future we will
+follow this rule, breakfast at 9. lunch at 1.30, high tea at 7, Wine and
+biscuits 9.30."
+
+"Very well miss" replied Marshland "I'll see to it"
+
+"Yes" said Helen and do make that girl work for pity's sake, she is so
+lazy."
+
+"That she is miss" replied Marshland "She'll find her work set now I've
+come."
+
+Helen laughed "very well" she replied "I'll be in soon. I only want to
+buy a chicken and a yard or so of muslin for curtains."
+
+So going out, Helen hailed a hansom and got proudly in, much to the envy
+of Netherby and Wilson (the two clerks) to whom she had not yet been
+introduced.
+
+And so day followed day and Helen always found plenty to do. She was a
+first rate house keeper and Cyril treasured her accordingly. Marshland
+too made vast improvements in the lower regons. Alice was made to work
+hard and keep herself tidy.
+
+A bright yellow canary was purchased, and hung in the sitting room
+window to Helen's great delight, and she had no time to be unhappy.
+Cyril seemed to prefer being engaged so the marriage was put off, and
+Helen was once more light hearted and merry and her gay laugh might
+often be heard as she chatted cheerily to the clerks or played comic
+songs on the little harmonium.
+
+And yet no one is there to warn Helen of the approaching danger and
+misery.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 20
+
+THE SILVER TEAPOT
+
+
+Time sped on and nothing happened to alarm or upset Helen untill a
+certain October morning.
+
+She had just commenced her breakfast, when in came Cyril attired in his
+best black suit and stiff collar.
+
+"Why Cyril" cried Helen "how very early you are."
+
+"Yes I am" responded Cyril triumphantly "I am going to see a friend who
+lives in Piccadilly and I doubt if I shall be back before 10 or 11
+tonight."
+
+"Really?" said Helen, "well make a good breakfast or you'll be quite
+done up."
+
+Cyril made a hearty meal and then went to the front door to see if the
+weather promised to be fair; it looked rather gloomy, but no rain fell.
+As though a sudden thought had struck him, Cyril turned round and
+entered the office.
+
+"Netherby" he cried sharply "who's afternoon out is it, your's or
+Wilson's?
+
+"It is Mr. Wilson's sir" replied Netherby.
+
+"Then see he does'nt have it" said Cyril shortly "I have my own reasons
+for wishing you both to remain at home today, and dont forget the office
+is in your charge today Netherby; admit no gossiping women or
+tradesmen."
+
+"No sir" replied the clerk. Cyril turned to leave the office, nearly
+knocking Helen over as he did so. "Are you off?" she enquired "put on
+your overcoat dear, it is very chilly."
+
+"All right" said Cyril and he reached his blue melton from the peg.
+
+As Helen was helping him on with his coat she noticed something silver
+sticking out of the breast pocket.
+
+"Why whatever is this?" she asked in supprise, "it looks like the best
+silver tea pot."
+
+"Best silver tea pot!" cried Cyril scornfully, as though a man cant
+carry his cigarette case about with him."
+
+But he looked uncommonly angry for all that and Helen had seen and felt
+quite enough to convince her that it was the best tea pot and she felt
+her heart turn sick as she closed the front door after Cyril's
+retreating figure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 21
+
+THE PAWN TICKET
+
+
+Helen's heart was beating fast, as she went back to the sitting room,
+"oh dear" she cried sitting down on the sofa "whatever is Cyril up to I
+wonder it _was_ a tea pot I know and it was wrapped in cotton wool too
+for it felt soft, I do hope he is up to no tricks."
+
+Finding nothing to do Helen sat down to strum on the harmonium, but this
+did not soothe her spirits and she wandered about the room till her eye
+fell on a little white ticket lying on the hearth rug. She could not
+bear to see paper on the floor, so she hastily picked it up, and before
+tossing it into the fire she looked at it well to make sure it was
+nothing important.
+
+Helen know enough to see at first glance it was a pawn ticket for a
+valuable silver sugar baisen worth L1.10.0.
+
+Her cheeks grew white as she read it and she felt her fingers growing
+stiff. "Of course" she cried "its as plain as day light, Cyril has
+pawned the best sugar baisen for a few trumpery shillings, oh I'm sure
+he is getting into bad company" and she commenced to weep. "And I know
+he means to pawn the tea pot too."
+
+But this was only the beginning of another long series of troubles for
+poor Helen, but happily for her she did not know that or it might have
+driven her mad.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 22
+
+AN UNEXPECTED VISIT
+
+
+Helen's weeping had given her a headache and she was taking a doze on
+the sofa, when angry voices were heard at the front door. The voices
+were those of Mr. Netherby and a young lady evidently in great distress.
+
+Helen came to the passage to hear what was the matter "I tell you I've
+had orders from Mr. Sheene to let no gossiping women inside this office"
+cried Mr. Netherby. "But I'm not a gossiping woman" said the lady in
+agitation.
+
+"And how do I know that?" enquired Mr. Netherby. "I tell you I am a
+hater of gossip" screamed the lady "and here it is pouring rain and you
+have the audacity to keep me waiting at the front door, when I ask to
+see the lady of the house."
+
+"There is no lady of this house" said Mr. Netherby "except Mrs.
+Marshland and she rules it with a firm hand"
+
+"I want to see Miss Winston" cried the lady now almost in tears.
+
+Here Helen interupted, "Mr. Netherby" she said "If this lady wishes to
+see me, kindly let her in at once."
+
+"I've got the master's orders not to" replied Netherby firmly.
+
+"Insolent person!" cried Helen "obey me at once, open the door."
+
+Netherby was alarmed and opening the door he fled into the office
+leaving his mistress to admit her guest if she would.
+
+"Can I do anything for you my good lady?" asked Helen opening the door
+wide.
+
+With a cry the lady flung herself into Helen's arms, saying "oh Helen
+Helen, how very glad I am to see you."
+
+"Why Gladys" cried Helen "how came you here?" "Oh its a long story" said
+Gladys (for it was she) "if I may come in, I'll tell it to you."
+
+"Yes do" said Helen "stay the whole day if you will, for Cyril is out
+and I am entirely alone" So saying Helen led the way to the sitting
+room, where Gladys soon divested herself of her dripping cloak and hat,
+and sat down by the fire to warm herself. "How dreadfully wet you are"
+said Helen as she shook out Gladys's cloak.
+
+"I had to walk all the way from Holburn station" replied Gladys "there
+were no cabs to be seen" "Dear dear" said Helen "I hope you wont take
+cold."
+
+"Not I" laughed Gladys "and now Helen dear if you are ready I'll tell
+you why I came here."
+
+"Yes do" pleaded Helen drawing her chair to the fire. "It is a long
+story" mused Gladys gazing into the fire, as though she could see the
+events of the past three months of her life written there in letters of
+red and gold. "as you know Helen, when I left Kenelham I went with James
+straight to Norfolk, where my parents and relations live. James and I
+stayed there for, say three weeks, and during that time I was perfectly
+happy. I did not write to you as I didn't know your address, I presume
+you did'nt know mine. Well at the end of these three weeks James got an
+invatation to go and stay with some people in Brighton and he asked me
+to go too I was glad to do so as I had never been to that part at all.
+So it was arranged for me to go and we started. We had not been there a
+week when a marked changed came over James. He grew white and thin and
+seemed so terribly nervous about the smallest thing. Men were constantly
+calling to see him and after their visits he looked even worse. It was
+not a large house where we stayed, and my room was next to his. He went
+to bed very late and I fancy he slept badly. I constantly heard him moan
+and walk about his room, and what terrified me so much was he used to
+talk about murders and robberies. So I took to listening to him, by
+putting my bed close to the wall. And I believe he found it out, for he
+took to ill treating me, that is to say he was not kind, and he called
+me horrible names. I felt it very much indeed and it must have made me
+look ill, for Mrs Martin (the hostess) said she thought the sea air did
+not agree with me and advised James to take me to some place where I
+had not been before. Accordingly we arranged to take a small house in
+Richmond for a few months till I got better. There it is we are living
+now. We have most comfortable rooms in a nice house overlooking the
+terrace gardens. Our landlady is a very good soul, and though I am much
+better for the change, James is not, he remains the same. All at once I
+remembered what you said to him that day about a murder. So I resolved
+to come and find out where you lived. I told James I wanted a whole day
+to do as I liked and I took a train for Holburn and I was directed where
+to go to, and here I am arrived in the very knick of time, just as Mr.
+Sheene is off for the day and you are quite alone to answer any
+questions I put to you."
+
+During the latter part of Gladys's story Helen had grown very white and
+she now paced the room in breathless agitation.
+
+"What is it Helen?" enquired Gladys.
+
+"Yes I knew I was right" muttered Helen half aloud "it is true too true
+alas! but my revenge is at hand."
+
+"Helen do sit down" cried Gladys "you look quite scared, I hope my story
+has not frightened you."
+
+"Frightenned me, No" cried Helen loudly "you have only confirmed doubts
+which have been lingering in my brain for month's past."
+
+"Doubts, what doubts." asked Gladys.
+
+"Oh Gladys" cried Helen bursting into tears "thank goodness you came to
+me today, for you may yet be saved from a terrible misfortune."
+
+"For pity's sake Helen speak out" cried Gladys "you talk like a
+tragedian Gladys" said Helen "did you say that Mr. Palsey talked about
+murders and robberies?"
+
+"Yes" replied Gladys sadly "he certainly made use of those two words."
+
+"Shall I tell you why?" asked Helen "I shall be much obliged if you
+will" answered Gladys.
+
+"Mr. Palsey's conscience has begun to trouble him" replied Helen.
+
+"Oh Helen what do you mean?" cried Gladys wildly.
+
+"Simply this" said Helen "you know when my poor father died, people said
+it was suicide."
+
+"Yes, but I never belived that" said Gladys with marked descision.
+
+"Evidently the detectives have found out their mistake" replied Helen
+"you say, men are constantly calling on Mr. Palsey."
+
+"Yes" replied Gladys "they are, but Helen whatever do you mean."
+
+"Gladys" said Helen, "dont hate me for what I am going to tell you; I
+only do it because I love you and wish to save you, it is a blessing you
+came here today, I suppose in another week you would have married Mr.
+Palsey but you wont now, for the man you call your lover is the murderer
+of my father."
+
+Gladys gave a loud groan and sank helpless to the floor.
+
+Helen ran to lift her up and after dashing some water on her face was
+happy to see her open her eyes.
+
+"Gladys, dear Gladys" she cried "I should not have told you."
+
+"Yes, yes" said Gladys faintly, "you did quite right, only it was such a
+shock to me, after beliving in him all these months."
+
+"Of course it is" replied Helen soothingly "thank goodness I shall never
+have cause to doubt Cyril's honour."
+
+"Oh Helen what shall I do?" moaned poor Gladys "to think of going back
+to sleep in the house with a villian like him "he might try to murder
+me in the night."
+
+"Why not stay here a few nights till you think of some plans" suggested
+Helen "we have heaps of room."
+
+"Oh no no" cried Gladys desperately "I dare not vex James like that and
+besides Mr. Sheene would not have me in his house."
+
+"Oh Gladys" cried Helen "he would be only too pleased to be of help to
+you."
+
+"No he would not" said Gladys "he hates me."
+
+"Gladys!" screamed Helen "how can you?"
+
+"It is true" said Gladys "and I will tell you why."
+
+Helen gave a snort of disgust but she listened attentively for all that.
+
+"You see" said Gladys "I had to walk from Holburn Station as you know
+and it took me some time as I did not know the way; I had just caught
+sight of this office from the opposite side of the road and was going to
+cross, when the door opened and Mr. Sheene himself came out, he did not
+see me at first, he appeared to be looking at the sky, but the moment he
+caught sight of me his face darkened directly, he looked at me for a
+minute with posative hatred in his eyes, and then turning round he went
+into the office, to give an order, I presume that order was that no
+women were to be let in, because the instant I asked to see you, I was
+furiously assaulted by a presuming clerk, who called me a gossiping
+woman, and no end of horrid names."
+
+"Oh" said Helen rather crossly "I think you must be mistaken, but all
+the same if you wont stay the night, you wont,"
+
+"I really can not," replied Gladys.
+
+"Did Cyril speak to you when he came out again?" enquired Helen.
+
+"Dear me no" replied Gladys "I took jolly good care he should'nt, so I
+bolted into a confectioners to escape him, where I had to go to the
+trouble of buying a bath bun; but anything was better than not seeing
+you."
+
+"Dont be sarcastic" returned Helen hotly "you dont treasure me as much
+as that."
+
+"Dont I?" cried Gladys "when I wanted to see you, I was not going to be
+snubbed by an insolent clerk, I would have braved him even if you had
+not come though I thank my stars you did come all the same, it is very
+degrading to be seen arguing with a common city clerk."
+
+"So I should imagine" replied Helen "I cant say I have ever been in the
+same strait myself; I am on very good terms with both Netherby and
+Wilson."
+
+"Are you?" said Gladys "which do you like best."
+
+"Well you see Netherby is rather alarmed at me" replied Helen "since I
+blew him up for attempting to touch the organ without leave; but then he
+is more to be trusted than Wilson, who thinks nothing of breaking his
+word, telling stories etc: Cyril has often thought of dismissing him
+only he is very sharp and a good writer I belive."
+
+"Well Helen can you suggest any plan for me" asked Gladys "I cant marry
+James that is certain, but I cant go home and tell him that to his face
+can I?"
+
+"Hardly" said Helen "if I were you I should go home, and dont say a word
+to Mr. Palsey, and write at once to your parents, telling them all you
+know as soon as you get a reply write and let me know and I will
+endeavour to come up and see you and we can arrange some plans; of
+course get Mr. Palsey out of the way before you ask me."
+
+"Oh yes" said Gladys "that is easily done, but mind you dont tell Mr.
+Sheene you have seen me today nor dont tell him you are coming to see me
+either."
+
+"Oh no" replied Helen "I'll merely say I am going to Richmond for a
+trip, he does not know you live there."
+
+"Then that is settled" replied Gladys with a sigh of relief "what time
+do you expect Mr. Sheene home?"
+
+"Not till quite late" said Helen "you must stay to lunch."
+
+"Thank you" said Gladys "I shall be delighted."
+
+So Helen rang the bell and when Alice answered it she ordered dinner for
+two in a most bussiness like way.
+
+Having made a good lunch, Gladys put on her things and got ready to
+start.
+
+"You must not walk again" said Helen "I'll call a hansom," so saying she
+opened the front door and gave a soft whistle. In a minute a hansom
+drove up to the door and Helen helped her friend in.
+
+"Goodbye Gladys" she said "dont forget to write and let me know directly
+you here from Norfolk and I'll come up if I can."
+
+"No, I'll be sure to write" responded Gladys "thank you so much Helen
+for all your kindness," and with a wave of her hand Gladys was driven
+rapidly away in the direction of Holburn Station, while Helen returned
+to the sitting room, a great weight lifted from her heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 23
+
+CYRIL'S RETURN AND THE PROMISED VISIT
+
+
+It was past ten before Cyril returned home very wet and cross into the
+bargin.
+
+Helen saw at a glance what she might expect, so she carefully made up
+the fire and set a nice hot supper on the table.
+
+"How tired you look dear" she said as she helped him off with his over
+coat.
+
+"Well I suppose I do" replied Cyril crossly.
+
+"Did you find your friend at home?" enquired Helen.
+
+"Yes I did" said Cyril hastily pouring out his beer.
+
+"Well that's all right" said Helen cheerily putting a lump of coal on
+the fire.
+
+"No it's not all right" replied Cyril "for pity's sake leave that fire
+alone, I'm not going to sit up all night."
+
+Helen smiled "have you a tooth ache dear" she asked.
+
+"No I've not" said Cyril "look here Helen, have you seen a little card
+about the floor today?"
+
+"Yes dear" replied Helen "a little Xmas card, that Mrs. Gingham sent you
+last year."
+
+"Oh yes" said Cyril, trying to look as though that was what he meant
+"where did you put it?"
+
+"In the desk dear" replied Helen producing a faded little card, which in
+an ordinary moment Cyril would have tossed into the fire, but now he
+carefully placed it in his note book.
+
+"By the way Helen," said Cyril "I find I must go to Piccadilly again
+tomorrow as I did not get through my bussiness today, have breakfast at
+8-30 will you?"
+
+"Yes dear" replied Helen, and after saying goodnight to him, she put out
+the lamp, taking care to drop the pawn ticket, (which had been in her
+pocket all this time) on the hearth rug, where she had found it.
+
+Helen slept very soundly indeed and she therefore was awake early. She
+got dressed quickly, and went down to the sitting room.
+
+Pulling up the blind she glanced quickly round the room. The ticket
+still lay where she had dropped it; Cyril had evidently not been down.
+
+By a quarter to 9 he made his appearance.
+
+"Now Helen hurry up with the tea!" he cried "it is getting late."
+
+"That's no fault of mine" replied Helen quietly "time will fly you
+know."
+
+"Who said it would'nt?" asked Cyril snappishly, sitting down in the
+grumps.
+
+"Why on earth does'nt Marshland send up the silver tea pot?" asked Helen
+artfully "I hate this old brown china concern; I'll ring for the other;
+and the sugar bowl too."
+
+"No, no please dont," cried Cyril nervously "I really cant wait."
+
+"Well if it is'nt sent up tonight I shall make a row about it" replied
+Helen crossly "I cant bear keeping the silver for special occasions."
+
+Cyril did not notice the ticket so Helen went and picked it up, "what's
+this?" she asked curiously.
+
+"What's what?" asked Cyril turning sharply round.
+
+"This little card" said Helen.
+
+"Oh that's mine" replied Cyril "I'll put it in my pocket if you give it
+here."
+
+Helen handed it over, "it looks exactly like a pawn ticket does'nt it?"
+she asked.
+
+"Yes, its not unlike one" replied Cyril.
+
+"No not at all" said Helen, "in fact when I read it yesterday, I thought
+it was uncommonly like one."
+
+Cyril turned a ghastly white and flew into the hall to get his hat.
+
+"Ha ha my dear" thought Helen "I've found out your little game," but
+never the less she followed him innocently into the hall, "dear Cyril"
+she exclaimed "I hope my thinking that ticket like a pawn one has not
+upset you; of course it is awfully foolish of me I know."
+
+"Yes I know it is" replied Cyril cooly, "I may say more than foolish."
+
+Helen laughed "you wont be so late today I presume," she said.
+
+"No I dont think so" said Cyril, "I may be home by three o'clock today."
+
+"Very well" replied Helen "dont hurry on my account, and with a giggle
+she opened the door and watched Cyril safely down the street, "yes my
+boy" she thought I dare say I'm cleverer than you take me for, any how I
+know where you're off to now and I wish you luck" and with a sigh Helen
+entered the office.
+
+"Netherby" she cried "a word with you if you please."
+
+The clerk shuffled quickly to his feet and followed Helen into the
+passage.
+
+"Now look here" said Helen firmly "did Mr. Sheene ask if any ladies
+entered the office yesterday."
+
+Netherby looked uneasily at the floor and kicked up the oil cloth.
+
+"Speak up" cried Helen loudly, "and dont tear my carpets please."
+
+"Well miss" said Netherby nervously "he did mention something of the
+kind last night."
+
+"Oh he did, did he" screamed Helen "and what did you say?"
+
+"Well miss I did'nt tell a story" said Netherby "I said not that I knew
+of because you see miss, I did'nt look to see if you let the lady in or
+not after I went into the office."
+
+"Thank you Netherby" said Helen "you have done me a great service, "and
+she pressed a sovereign into the trembling hand of the clerk.
+
+Entering the sitting room she found Alice waiting with a telegram in
+hand "its for you miss" she said "and the reply is prepaid."
+
+Helen tore it open; it ran thus:
+
+          "Have heard from Norfolk, come directly.
+
+                                           GLADYS.
+
+Seizing a pencil Helen wrote the following answer:
+
+          "Will try to come tomorrow.
+
+Helen giving it to Alice she told her to take it at once.
+
+"Poor Gladys" she thought, "I must manage to get to Richmond tomorrow
+what ever happens."
+
+The morning passed and Cyril was home to lunch in very good spirits.
+
+"Do you know Cyril" said Helen "I've often longed to go to Richmond for
+a trip, it must be such a nice place."
+
+"Have you dear?" said Cyril, "well I must endevour to take you one day."
+
+"Could you take me tomorrow?" asked Helen knowing he had an engagement
+on that day.
+
+"No, not tomorrow" said Cyril "why?"
+
+"Well there is a special matinee I wanted to see" said Helen "I promise
+you I'd be back by 8 in the evening."
+
+"All right" said Cyril "you may go if you wish it; be back early you
+know "here's the money for your seat."
+
+"Oh thank you" cried Helen "this is jolly I shall have a rare time I
+expect. I shall go there by the 9-12. You know and have a whole day of
+it."
+
+"Very well" replied Cyril with a laugh, and kissing him soundly Helen
+ran upstairs to dream happily over the coming event.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 24
+
+HELENS HAPPY DAY
+
+
+The sun was streaming in at Helen's little window, when she opened her
+eyes at 7.45 the following morning. Jumping out of bed with a happy
+feeling about her Helen lifted the lower sash of her window and lent out
+as far as possible. The October morning air blew chill against her
+lightly clad figure but the sun was high in the Heavens and with a sigh
+of relief she closed her casement and began to get dressed.
+
+"Let's see" she said opening her ward-robe and taking a view of the
+costumes therein "I'll put on my best dress if Marshland has mended the
+skirt" and so saying Helen shook out a pretty tweed dress trimmed with a
+deep pointed collar of scarlet velvit and cuffs to match and proceeded
+to button it on herself.
+
+Here she was interupted by a loud knocking at the door and Alice thrust
+her head in saying "If you please miss, Mr. Sheene says he dont know
+what train you're a-going to Richmond by because its going on for 9 and
+the breakfast is almost cold."
+
+"Oh dear" cried Helen hastily pinning on her hat, "I'll be down
+directly; what a time I've been dressing" she added. Seizing her gloves,
+umbrella, and little gold bracelet, she dashed downstairs and into the
+sitting room where a cold unpleasant breakfast greeted her, but Cyril
+was in a very good temper and that was just what was wanted, thought
+Helen as she gulped down her cold tea.
+
+"Here" cried Cyril tossing her a sovereign on the table, "that's a
+little contribution towards your pleasure trip."
+
+"Oh thanks Cyril" cried Helen joyfully "but do you mind dear if I dont
+go to the theatre; I have thought it over and I think I'll walk about
+the town, go to the terrace gardens, see the churches, and perhaps go
+on the river if it is fine, or if not go for a drive."
+
+"Allright" replied Cyril carelessly "I think you're much wiser myself, I
+always thought it was silly to go to the theatre; if you go to the town
+for a day you naturally wish to see it thoroughly, as of course it is'nt
+a place you're ever likely to go to again.
+
+"Exactly" replied Helen with a smile, "now Cyril I'm off; when do you
+start for Picadilly?"
+
+"Not till 10.30" replied Cyril, "now hurry up or you'll be late; be back
+by eight wont you" and he strode to the front door with her, where a
+hansom stood waiting.
+
+"Goodbye" cried Helen waving her hand to him: "Goodbye" replied Cyril
+"I'm so glad you're going to have a happy day" And as she drove off,
+Cyril thought what a bright pretty little blossom she looked with her
+bright eyes and rosy cheeks, compared to many of the ugly looking men
+who adorned the boxes of the London cabs.
+
+
+
+
+PART II
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 25
+
+A CRISIS
+
+
+To do Cyril justice, it will be only fair to say that he experienced no
+slight pang at parting with his pretty little future wife for one day
+only, for, cruel and hardened as he had become, he had a deep and
+undying love for Helen in the bottom of his heart.
+
+"What a dear she is," he muttered to himself, as the hansom disappeared
+round the corner, "and what a beast I am; I've deceived her all these
+months and I am still doing so. If it hadn't been for that villain
+Palsey, I'd have told her long ago, but now I can't, it's too late--too
+late," and thus making himself miserable and uneasy, Cyril entered his
+office to give the customary orders, and then prepared to walk to
+Picadilly.
+
+Leaving Cyril, we must now follow Helen to Holburn station. The train
+was in as she reached the station, and she had a rush for it; but she
+succeeded in securing a fairly comfortable seat in a third class
+carriage with only three people in it besides herself.
+
+Having made some notes in her pocket book, she proceeded to read
+"Pearson's Weekly," and soon became engrossed in its contents. By the
+time the train stopped at Richmond, the carriage was empty, and Helen
+was loth to leave her comfortable seat. Seizing her umbrella, she jumped
+blithely on to the platform, and glanced quickly at every passenger. No,
+Gladys had certainly not come to meet her. Giving up her ticket, she
+found herself on the open platform, and ordering a cab, she got in,
+telling the man to drive to number 8, Down Terrace. She then lent back,
+determined to enjoy everything that came under her notice. "It seems a
+big place" she said, as she drove through the crowded High Street of
+Richmond, halting every now and then to let a dust cart or some other
+vehicle pass over them.
+
+At last the Terrace Gardens came in view and Helen knew it would not be
+long before the cab stopped.
+
+She was right; just then it stopped in front of a row of large well
+built houses and having paid her fare Helen ran up the steps and rang
+the bell.
+
+It was answered by a stout middle aged woman.
+
+In reply to Helen's enquiry she replied in hearty tones "Oh yes miss,
+Miss Lincarrol is in right enough, she's been expecting you all the
+morning almost.
+
+Mrs. Norton had hardly uttered her statement, when Gladys herself came
+flying downstairs and in a minute she had her arms round Helen's neck
+and was hugging and kissing her to death.
+
+"Oh Helen," she cried "how kind of you to come so soon, you dont know
+what a lot I have to tell you."
+
+"I am quite sure you have dear" answered Helen "I was delighted to be
+able to come with out any bother"
+
+"Did'nt Mr. Sheene mind?" enquired Gladys leading Helen up the richly
+carpeted staircase." Oh not at all answered Helen brightly he seemed
+quite pleased for me to have a holiday, and he gave me this" she added
+holding up a bright gold piece.
+
+At this juncture they arrived at Gladys's bedroom, and drawing back a
+red plush curtain they emerged into a dainty little bedroom furnished
+entirely in sea green and bamboo.
+
+"Oh! what a charming room" gasped Helen thinking of her own plain room
+at home compared to this perfect little paradise.
+
+"Yes it is rather pretty" replied Gladys indifferently. all my rooms are
+on this landing you know!
+
+"How many have you?" asked Helen in surprise. "My sitting room is
+opposite this, and there is a dear little conservatory opening out of it
+in which I keep all my pet plants" replied Gladys "I think that is quite
+enough for one girl dont you?"
+
+"Quite" responded Helen "but where does Mr. Palsey sleep if you don't
+mind me asking."
+
+"Oh James has his appartments on the floor above this" said Gladys "now
+do take off your hat, and come and chat in my cosy corner" and she
+pointed to the richly cushioned seat as she spoke.
+
+Helen lay back in the seat and putting her hands behind her head she
+gazed wistfully round the room.
+
+"Well Helen" laughed Gladys "are you longing to see my other rooms?"
+
+"Oh no" replied Helen sadly, "this is quite lovely enough thank you,
+but Gladys darling do pray tell me what your parents said in the
+letter."
+
+"Oh yes" said Gladys, and jumping up she opened a handsome little
+morocoo writing desk and took from it a sheet of writing paper closely
+written.
+
+"This is it" she said sadly "I'll read it to you Helen, it makes me so
+miserable."
+
+Helen listened attentively while Gladys read in a most plaintive voice
+the following letter:
+
+
+                              "Speerin House
+                                       Endup Road,
+                                              Norwich.
+                                                 Oct. 17th.
+
+            MY DEAR GLADYS,
+
+          As may be imagined your foolish letter caused both
+          your father and I great displeasure. We both
+          consider your suspicions concerning James Palsey
+          totally unfounded, and from what you say we think
+          our niece Helen Winston must be a very foolish
+          girl to put such notions into your head. Of course
+          we pity her very much, as no doubt it is very sad
+          to have one's father murdered, but to tell you the
+          truth we think she must be a little off her head.
+          (Violent exclamations from Helen). Referring to
+          your letter again I see that you are determined
+          not to Marry James. Now Gladys you must see for
+          yourself how very nonsensical this idea is. James
+          has every means of making you happy and what is
+          more he is very very rich and is by no means
+          stingy with his money, as proof the lodgings you
+          are now in. I am sure he loves you very
+          passionately and he is both truthful and
+          honourable; (sarcastic smiles from both Helen and
+          Gladys), and what is the use of forsaking this
+          good man, whom you know and ourght to love, for
+          some horrible scrapegrace whom you choose to
+          consider faithful? Think over what I have said to
+          you and try and change your mind as regards James.
+          If you resolve to marry him your father and I are
+          quite willing for it to take place at once; if
+          however you persist in this obstinate behaviour,
+          remember you are cut off from our wills and we
+          will not have you in our house, neither will we
+          receive any letters from you. We are not ones to
+          encourage foolish suspicions, and are quite in
+          favour of James. You may write again and tell us
+          what you intend doing.
+
+                           Yours affectionate Mother,
+                                       ETHELREDA LINCARROL
+
+          P. S. We think the less you associate with Helen
+          Winston the better. Your sisters and brothers are
+          very upset and sincerely hope you will marry dear
+          James."
+
+"A most impertinant letter" cried Helen with burning cheeks and flaming
+eyes, "I had no idea my aunt was such a cruel, wicked person; I suppose
+she is in league with _him_," and she pointed in the direction she
+thought most likely Mr. Palsey had taken.
+
+"Oh hush Helen" said Gladys "you really have no right to speak like
+that!"
+
+"Yes I have" stormed Helen, "she dares to say I'm off my head; it is far
+more likely she is off hers."
+
+"Helen!" cried Gladys "I really wont allow you to say such things about
+my mother, it is most rude of you."
+
+"I dont care" replied Helen "if I am to be privately insulted in this
+way I declare I wont stand it, I have surely had enough trouble without
+this--this----"
+
+Whatever Helen intended to say she got no further, for she quite lost
+her self-control and burst out crying, her hot tears falling through her
+fingers and dropping on to her patent leather shoes. Poor Helen! it was
+indeed sad to have all the miseries of her past life recalled by a few
+thoughtless words expressed in a letter.
+
+Gladys who was sympathy itself, jumped up and ran to Helen's side.
+
+Putting her arms round her neck she kissed her, saying as she did so
+"never mind Helen dear, dont cry, I should not have hurt your feelings
+so, but cheer up and I'll tell you some news which will show you that we
+have _some_ friends, who are not on Mr. Palsey's side."
+
+Helen, who quickly got over her fits of sorrow dried her eyes and looked
+up.
+
+"What is it?" she asked.
+
+Gladys sat down again and opening her mother's letter said "you know
+what Mother says in the post-script, about my sisters and brothers being
+very upset and longing for me to marry James?"
+
+"Yes" answered Helen, "but how many have you got, I understood you were
+a very small family?"
+
+"Oh no, we are rather a large family" responded Gladys, "perhaps I had
+better tell you our names or you wont understand the news."
+
+"Yes please do" pleaded Helen.
+
+"Well I have three brothers and three sisters," said Gladys, "Lionel is
+the eldest of the family, he's about 25 or 26 I think, then there is
+Wilelmina, we always call her Minna, she is 24, then Lawrence is about
+23 I fancy. I am the next, and I suppose you know I have just come of
+age. Ethel and Elsie (the twins) are just 19, and Hugh is the youngest,
+he is between 17 and 18."
+
+"You all seem to have very fanciful names" said Helen.
+
+"Do we?" said Gladys "well Mother is just that kind you know, her name
+being Ethelreda Aurora, I suppose she thinks we ought to have fancy
+names."
+
+"Yes I suppose so" replied Helen, "I certainly think you have sweet
+names, Ethel and Elsie are very nice for twins, are they pretty?"
+
+"Ethel and Elsie?" asked Gladys "oh yes fairly so they are both fair you
+know."
+
+"You must be a fair family" replied Helen
+
+"You are fair yourself."
+
+"Oh no we're not" answered Gladys, "Minna is like a gipsy almost and the
+boys are all dark."
+
+"Really?" said Helen "well Gladys what about this wonderful piece of
+news?"
+
+"Oh yes" said Gladys, "well when Mother wrote that postscript, I dont
+believe she asked the others about it at all, because only the other
+evening, I got a letter from Lawrence, (he is my favourite) and it seems
+he is quite in favour of me _not_ marrying James."
+
+"How lovely!" exclaimed Helen.
+
+"I'll try and find the letter" said Gladys "it really is awfully nice,
+he says he never liked the looks of James and he quite believes my
+suspicions are right and he says he'll try and find out who murdered Mr.
+Winston if he can, and he strongly advises me to mary Lord Beaufort, (a
+friend of ours who has a regard for me). He also says that he will try
+and come to see me, Minna is very much of his oppinion too it seems, but
+I think that is because _she_ has her eye on James. The twins have not
+much to say in the matter except they think I am silly to miss such a
+chance, Lionel says so too, but then he is very high and mighty, you
+know, so of course he wants me to marry some one rich."
+
+"Well I dont see much good in looking for the letter now you have told
+me all the news" said Helen laughingly, as Gladys having turned her
+desk up side down, was rampaging about the bookcase.
+
+"I suppose its not much good" replied Gladys wearily, "well now Helen
+the question I want you to settle is this; what am I to write and tell
+Mother, and when am I to expect Lawrence?
+
+"Well my dear, as regards the latter question I am quite ignorant" said
+Helen "your brother may turn up today for all I know."
+
+"How jolly if he does" replied Gladys "it will be very awkward if James
+is at home, because if ever a man knew how to make himself disagreable
+James is that person."
+
+"Is he really?" exclaimed Helen "well I hope Lawrence will come today if
+that is the case, but now Gladys to business, you must write to your
+mother you know, and have you decided what you will say?"
+
+"Yes I have" said Gladys bravely "I will write at once and say that my
+suspicions are none the less keen, and on no plea whatever will I marry
+James."
+
+"Gladys, you are good!" cried Helen, while her friend's lips trembled
+and her eyes filled with tears, "but never mind dear" she added "you
+will be well rewarded one day, when you find yourself the happy wife of
+a good man, he may be rich too, because it is not always the bad that
+are rich."
+
+"I know" answered Gladys "and now Helen there is just time before lunch
+for me to write my letter."
+
+Arranging her writing table, Gladys sat down and wrote the following
+letter:
+
+
+                                     8, Down Terrace,
+                                                 Richmond.
+                                                Oct. 17th.
+
+             MY DEAREST MOTHER,
+
+          No words can express how sorry I am that my letter
+          should have caused you and father so much trouble.
+          My suspicions however have in no way diminished.
+          James is as bad as ever. He has a horrible
+          sneaking way of coming upstairs and he dreams too
+          and shouts out "oh why did I do it; murder!
+          robbery." So tonight I shall tell him that I have
+          found him out and could not possibly marry him. Of
+          course he will have nothing to do with me and I
+          shall be penniless, but as _you_ will have no more
+          to say to me, I suppose I am welcome to fall back
+          upon the kindness of my dearly beloved friend
+          Helen Winston. Now dear Mother, as this is the
+          last letter I shall ever write you, I beg that
+          you will give my very best love to dear Father and
+          all the rest, Remember me very kindly to all my
+          friends especially Lord Beaufort. Begging heartily
+          for your forgiveness (which I suppose you will
+          never grant me)
+
+                 I remain, your devoted daughter
+                                           _Gladys_.
+
+Having finished this epistle Gladys stamped and sealed it and handing it
+to Helen said: "You will post this on your way home wont you?"
+
+"Oh yes" said Helen and she placed the envelope in her pocket.
+
+"Now the next best thing to be done is, to go and see if lunch is ready
+exclaimed Gladys and leading the way, the two girls crossed the passage
+and entered a charming little drawing room. A fire burnt brightly in the
+grate and a table was spread in the middle of the room, on which a hot
+pheasant was waiting to be carved.
+
+"Is this a drawing room or a dining room" enquired Helen, looking at the
+pretty pictures, the sofa and various drawing room articles.
+
+"Both" replied Gladys "you see after meals, the flaps of this table are
+let down, an Indian silk cloth put upon it, and it is a sweet little
+table for the centre of a drawingroom,
+
+"How dodgy" cried Helen in delight. Lunch was soon over and the girls
+repaired to Gladys's bedroom, which was brighter and sunnier than the
+drawing-room. Taking their seats by the window, they both sank into
+silence.
+
+Gladys was the first to break it.
+
+"Helen" she said "when James comes home tonight, I shall tell him
+exactly what I think about this matter; and if he turns me out of the
+house, where can I go?"
+
+"Dont despair" said Helen "your brother may arrive before that.
+
+"Oh" said Gladys scornfully "its not likely; I must say Helen you are
+very unsympathetic, perhaps if you were living with the prospect of
+spending a night with no roof over your head, you would be nicer to me"
+
+"I am not nasty" returned Helen; if such a thing does happen that you
+dont know where to go, why you can come to me, you know you will be
+welcome; you see Gladys I've had so much trouble myself, that I find it
+easy to be calm during other peoples misery."
+
+"Well it appears you do" replied Gladys, "but anyhow you will surely
+help me pack my things, for if James turns me away I shall be quite
+ready to start."
+
+"Oh certainly" said Helen, and accordingly the next hour and a half was
+spent in turning out Gladys's wardrobes etc. and by the time the trunks
+were locked and the room set tidy, it was nearly tea-time.
+
+Mrs. Norton (the Landlady brought some buttered toast and tea into the
+bedroom, as it was more comfortable than the sitting room.
+
+"Oh dear it has commenced to rain" cried Gladys, and walking to the
+window she drew back the pretty muslin curtain.
+
+Helen followed and the two girls stood for a moment looking out of the
+window, through which a few rain-drops were splashing on to the thick
+Turkish carpet.
+
+Helens eyes wandered listlessly across the terrace gardens, but she did
+not take in the scene before her, as she gazed intently at the lively
+throng before her, her thoughts were far away in the dingy little
+home-office, and she was wondering if Cyril would permit Gladys to dwell
+under his roof.
+
+All of a sudden Gladys clutched hold of Helen's arm, and pointed to a
+figure in the street, which was coming quickly up the steps of the
+house.
+
+"Oh Helen he has come!" she cried "quick, quick we must come down
+stairs!"
+
+The two girls rushed to the door, but ere they had time to take a dozen
+steps, they were met at the top of the stairs by _Mr. Palsey_.
+
+Helen's cheeks and lips grew white as a sheet, and she crept behind the
+welcome shade of Gladys's back, as the gaze of the man she hated fell
+upon her.
+
+"What is the meaning of this?" hissed Mr. Palsey between his teeth.
+
+"The meaning of what?" enquired Gladys in a trembling voice.
+
+"This--this--most un-called-for visit?" cried Mr. Palsey pointing to
+where Helen stood trembling like a leaf in every limb.
+
+"It means" cried Gladys in a loud tone, "that I know all Mr. James
+Palsey, all your false deceitful ways, all your cruel treatment of my
+cousin Helen and above all the murder of her father, and the robbery of
+the safe!"
+
+Mr. Palsey grew livid with fury and fear, and clung for support to the
+bannisters.
+
+"Oh you know all that do you?" he enquired sardonically, "For once your
+imaginations have gone too far Miss Gladys Lincarrol, I did not murder
+Mr. Winston as it happens, perhaps his daughter can throw light on that
+subject."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Helen fiercely.
+
+"What I say" replied Mr. Palsey.
+
+"If you mean to infer Mr Palsey "that Cyrill has had anything to do with
+the murder you are wrong, he is far too honourable for that."
+
+"Of course he is" said Mr. Palsey sarcastically.
+
+"Then dont talk about what you dont know anything about" retorted Helen.
+
+Mr. Palsey was about to reply, when Gladys interupted him, "well it is
+of no use to prolong matters James" she said "so I'll tell you straight
+what I mean; of course I shall not dream of becoming your wife after
+what I have discovered about you, and so I am going away; my parents
+will not have me at home, so I am going back with Helen Winston, till my
+brother Lawrence comes to fetch me, he will no doubt set me up
+comfortably and then I shall at least be free from your clutches, even
+if I am forced into marrying a poor man.
+
+Mr. Palsey turned an ashy grey and his cruel green eyes gleamed
+viciously "What?" he gasped "you say you're going away, going to leave
+the man who has never been anything but loving to you; I tell you, you
+shant do it, you young cat----" and seizing hold of Gladys's slender
+wrists he tried to force her back into the bedroom.
+
+Helen uttered a cry and with a blind idea of doing some good, she flung
+herself across Mr. Palsey's arms. Seeing his chance Mr. Palsey thrust
+Helen aside and tightning his grip on Gladys pinioned her to the wall,
+violently shaking her by the shoulders every time she opened her lips to
+speak.
+
+At this critical moment, a loud ring was heard at the door quickly
+followed by voices in the hall below, the next moment steps were heard
+hastily ascending the stairs. Before anyone could speak, Mr. Palsey felt
+himself violently punched in the back, and Gladys recovering herself in
+a moment sank sobbing into the arms of _her brother_.
+
+Lawrence Lincarrol was a tall, broad shouldered young man about 6 ft 2
+inches. His hair was dark, rather curly and plentiful and was parted at
+the side. He had dark blue eyes a dark moustache and great regularity
+of features, but there was no resemblance to Gladys in his face
+whatever. In age, our hero was about three and twenty.
+
+Having embraced his sister and shaken hands with Helen Lawrence turned
+his attention to Mr. Palsey who was shivering in the back-ground.
+
+"Well!" he cried, after scanning the villian from head to foot, "this is
+nice conduct I must say; may I ask what you were doing with my sister
+when I came in?"
+
+"Oh I was merely advising her to keep out of draughts," replied Mr.
+Palsey glaring at the newcomer with hatred in his eyes.
+
+"A most extraordinary way of giving your advice" replied Lawrence, "you
+were shaking her as if she was an animal."
+
+"She is obstinate" persisted Mr. Palsey.
+
+"Don't talk nonsense" cried Lawrence hotly, "a man who can contrive
+murders and robberies as well as you can, should be able to give a
+reasonable answer to a simple question, tell me at once, why you were
+shaking my sister in that horrible manner."
+
+"If you think you can master me Mr. Lincarrol" said Mr. Palsey, "you
+will soon find your mistake, stand out of my way or we shall come to
+blows."
+
+Lawrence did not move an inch, and Gladys and Helen waited with beating
+hearts, to see what would follow.
+
+Mr. Palsey's evil nature was roused in a moment with a cow-like jump,
+and with the fury of a lion, he sprang upon Lawrence, dealing him a
+terrible blow between the eyes.
+
+But in his rage Mr. Palsey had forgotten how much weaker and smaller he
+was than his combatant.
+
+With wonderful coolness, Lawrence siezed Mr. Palsey by the shoulders and
+after a brief struggle, succeeded in forcing him backwards into the
+drawing room where he locked the door and slipping the key into his
+pocket.
+
+"I did not wish to fight on a lodging house landing," he said turning to
+the girls "it might get talked about, Mr. Palsey will have time to grow
+cool locked in there for a little, I'll let him out soon."
+
+"Yes, dont forget" said Gladys "Mrs. Norton will think it so strange."
+
+"Well Gladys" said Helen "I really must go now; Cyril will be expecting
+me, and now that your brother has come you will be quite safe."
+
+"Oh Helen!" cried Gladys "you cant go yet, Lawrence what are we to do?"
+
+"I was going to tell you" replied Lawrence. "Lord Beaufort is living in
+London now, 26 Portman Square, and as he knows I am here too, he wants
+me to bring you Gladys to stay with him. I shall be there for a few days
+longer before I go home, but I dare say you and Lord Beaufort will have
+arranged matters by then.
+
+Gladys blushed hard and pretended not to hear.
+
+"We can all go to Holburn together by the next train" proceeded
+Lawrence, "and then when we have seen Miss Winston safely into a cab, we
+can drive to Portman Sq. where Lord Beaufort will be ready to receive
+us."
+
+It is very kind of you" said Helen "but I really feel very mean
+presuming upon you like this."
+
+"Not at all" replied Lawrence "it is the least we could do; and now
+Gladys if you are ready, we ought to be starting."
+
+"I shant be long" cried Gladys "I've only my things to put on, and my
+boxes to strap."
+
+"Well then I'll just go and see about a fly" replied Lawrence, glancing
+at his watch as he spoke, "you be ready by the time I get back will
+you?"
+
+"Oh yes" answered Gladys, and darting back into her bedroom she
+commenced to put on her hat and jacket while Helen wrote labels for the
+luggage.
+
+In a few moments Lawrence returned and running upstairs knocked at the
+bedroom door.
+
+"Oh come in" cried Gladys "I'm nearly ready."
+
+"Do hurry we've not so very much time" replied Lawrence, dragging out a
+large black trunk and carrying it to the landing where a cab man was
+waiting to take it down stairs.
+
+"Now, I'm ready" said Gladys, "come on Helen."
+
+"I am coming" replied Helen and picking up her umbrella, she followed
+the others downstairs.
+
+"Oh I say we must'nt forget Mr. Palsey" cried Lawrence "I can hear him
+muttering in there now, I expect he is awfully wild."
+
+"I expect he is" laughed Gladys.
+
+Lawrence produced the key from his pocket and was about to slip it
+quietly into the lock, when Helen interupted him: "Mr. Lincarrol" she
+said "dont you think it would be safer to give the key to Mrs. Norton,
+because if Mr. Palsey hears you opening the door he would be sure to get
+out and then there might be another scene."
+
+"So there might" replied Lawrence, "well I think that would be the best,
+come along Gladys, the sooner we get off the better."
+
+"Let me out, let me out" screamed Mr. Palsey from within the drawing
+room, "I'll tell the police of it; let me out this instant."
+
+"Have patience" shouted Lawrence, but his words were hardly audible for
+Mr. Palsey was releiving his feelings by kicking violently at the door.
+
+"The hall door was open, and Mrs. Norton was standing by it waiting for
+her lodgers to come down.
+
+"Well miss this is short notice" she began in an injured tone.
+
+"I am very sorry" replied Gladys "but I have to leave in a great hurry,
+I would have let you know before had it been possible," and she handed a
+few soverigns to the land lady.
+
+"By the by Mrs. Norton" began Lawrance "here is the key of your drawing
+room, Mr. Palsey is in there for reasons which I dont see fit to mention
+now, but as I found him assaulting a lady when I arrived I shall see fit
+to inform the police and no doubt you will be kind enough to take charge
+of the key until my return."
+
+"Oh yes sir" replied Mrs. Norton, who had no great devotion for that
+cross-grained Mr. Palsey as she called him "you can trust me fully."
+
+"Thank you" replied Lawrence, noting down Mrs. Norton's name and address
+in his memoranda as he spoke.
+
+A cab drew up at the door at that moment and the landlady and parlour
+maid both walked down the steps with their lodgers.
+
+"Am I to expect you back at any particular time sir?" enquired Mrs.
+Norton.
+
+"I cant say for certain" answered Lawrence, "but I will probably be back
+sometime tonight."
+
+"Very well sir, I'll keep the key safe in my pocket till then" and Mrs.
+Norton slipped the key into its receptable.
+
+"The old station" cried Lawrence and jumping into the cab he shut the
+door with a bang.
+
+The journey passed off very successfully, Helen and Gladys both taking a
+doze in the train and waking up quite fresh at Holburn Station.
+
+"I must go to the Police Station at once" said Lawrence "so I will see
+you both started first; what is your address Miss Winston?"
+
+"I could easily walk" replied Helen blushing, "but if you would rather I
+drove the address is 132, Cannon Street."
+
+Lawrence hailed two hansoms "now Gladys jump in as you have further to
+go" he said, "26, Portman Square" he added to the cabman, who touched
+his hat and drove off in an instant.
+
+The second hansom was waiting and drew close up to the curb as the other
+drove off. "132, Cannon Street, shouted Lawrence, "goodbye Miss Winston,
+be sure and write to Gladys if you are in trouble, I am going there
+myself late tonight as unfortunately I must go back to Richmond to see
+about Mr. Palsey."
+
+"Thank you very very much" replied Helen the tears gathering in her
+pretty eyes as she spoke. But she soon wiped them away and leaning back
+in the comfortable hansom she commenced to hum a little tune as she
+arranged her ruffled hair at the little looking glass. Little did she
+dream how very soon she would have to avail herself of Lawrence's offer.
+
+A dismal sleet had begun to fall and being tired Helen was not sorry
+when the hansom stopped at the dreary looking office. Lawrence had
+already paid the man so Helen had only to collect her parcels and get
+out.
+
+A light was shining in the office room and also in Cyril's bed-room
+which was just above it.
+
+"How very strange" thought Helen as she mounted the steps. Before she
+had time to lay her hand on the bell the door was violently opened from
+within and there stood Netherby, looking very pale and trembling from
+head to foot.
+
+"Oh come in Miss, do come in" he cried in an agitated voice as Helen
+stood staring at his strange appearance.
+
+"Why Netherby, what _is_ the matter?" cried Helen entering the passage
+and closing the door behind her.
+
+"Oh dont ask me miss, please dont let me be the first to tell you" cried
+Netherby and the poor man clung for support to the door handle.
+
+"Very well, dont distress yourself" said Helen kindly and calmly and
+seeing there was no more information to be got from him, she entered the
+office.
+
+It seemed to be in a state of utter confusion; papers littered the whole
+room, Cyril's tea stood untouched by his desk, and Cyril's own private
+chest was wide open and Wilson the other clerk was cooly reading the
+papers and documents within. He glanced over his shoulder as Helen
+entered and with an insolent grin returned to the parchment in his hand.
+
+All Helen's pride and dignity was roused in a moment.
+
+"Wilson!" she cried with an impatient movement of her hands, but keeping
+perfectly cool the while "oblige me by telling me the meaning of this
+conduct."
+
+"The explanation is there" replied the clerk pointing to a half sheet of
+paper lying on the desk.
+
+It was a common bit of ruled paper and by the ragged edge had evidently
+been hastily torn from a note book; a pin was run through the top of
+the paper showing it had been attached to something.
+
+"Where did you find this" enquired Helen before reading it.
+
+"We found it pinned to Mr. Sheene's desk addressed to you miss," replied
+Netherby who had entered the room, "it was Mrs. Marshland who told us to
+open it.
+
+"Very well" said Helen, and she read as follows.
+
+          "Darling. When you see this I shall probably be
+          miles away. This is written to bid you goodbye as
+          it is not likely we shall meet again. When you
+          read my story try and forgive me; for in spite of
+          all I always loved you and ever will.
+
+                                               CYRIL SHEENE.
+
+This strange epistle was hastily scrawled in pencil and the signature
+was very shaky, but Helen knew the writing in a minute, it was
+undoubtedly Cyril's.
+
+"It is not likely we shall meet again!!"
+
+The words ran through Helen's bewildered head and repeated themselves
+again and again. Cyril, whom she had loved so dearly and belived in so
+faithfully had gone away, left her alone in the cruel heartless world;
+Cyril whom she had never even had course or reason to call dishonourable
+had written himself to ask her to try and forgive him. What did it mean?
+And the story, where was the story?" The room seemed to swim round;" we
+shall not meet again, "try and forgive me" The story where is the story?
+And then all was darkness and Helen remembered no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 26
+
+A REMOVAL TO PORTMAN SQUARE
+
+
+When Helen recovered she found herself lying in a large comfortable bed
+propped up with pillows. The room was large, cheerful and beautifully
+furnished. A small table covered with a white cloth was by the bedside
+with medicine bottles upon it. A bright fire burnt in the grate. The
+blinds were down and warm red curtains pulled across the large bow
+window.
+
+A small lamp was carefully placed where no light or glare could reach
+the bed and the very atmosphere of the room spoke of extreme comfort.
+
+A nurse, in a white cap and apron was gliding noislessly about the room
+arranging things here and there.
+
+For a moment Helen lay quite still staring about her plerpexedly, but on
+making a slight movement in the bed the nurse turned round, "So you are
+awake at last miss?" she said in a slow gentle voice, "do you know you
+have slept quite quietly for three hours."
+
+"Where are am I?" asked Helen gazing from the kind face of the nurse
+around the strange room.
+
+"You are in Lord Beaufort's house in Portman Square" replied the nurse.
+
+"Lord Beaufort?" repeated Helen, "I have heard the name before."
+
+"Yes you have" said the nurse, "Miss Lincarrol is here you know, and her
+brother, and your old servant Mrs. Marshland, so you see no one has
+deserted you."
+
+"Except Cyril" sighed Helen.
+
+"You must not think of that now" replied the nurse soothingly, "all you
+have to do is rest and keep quiet; I expect Miss Lincarrol will be up
+soon, she has come twice already only you were asleep, now take your
+medicine and then lay quiet; you will hear all the story soon from
+other lips than mine."
+
+Thus reassured Helen took her cooling draught and lay down, patiently
+awaiting any visitor who would enlighten her as to past events. Her
+thoughts naturally enough wandered back to the episode of Cyril's
+departure and she was getting extremely restless, much to the nurse's
+dismay, when the door softly opened and Gladys appeared in the room.
+
+With a smile she instantly ran to the bedside and Helen tried to raise
+herself to greet her friend, but her head instantly swam round and she
+fell back on the pillow, white and gasping. The nurse gave her a dose of
+medicine and she quickly came to herself again.
+
+"You must not try to exert yourself too much" said the nurse kindly, "it
+will do you no good, and will only hinder your recovery."
+
+"Very well" said Helen faintly, "but how is it I get so queer?"
+
+"Because your head is in a weak state" replied the nurse, "and it will
+probable injure you very much to rampage."
+
+It would take too long to relate the history of Helen's illness as Helen
+heard it from Gladys's lips, with all the details and exagertions, so
+we will go back a little bit and see what happened after Helen swooned
+away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 27
+
+THE CONTENTS OF THE CHEST
+
+
+As soon as Netherby (the clerk) saw what had happened he at once called
+for Marshland, who was sitting in the parlour in a state of utter
+collapse. On hearing that her precious Miss Helen had fainted, the good
+old woman ran at once to the office room.
+
+Helen lay perfectly white and still upon the floor with Cyril's fatal
+letter clenched in her hand. Marshland instantly knelt down and placed
+her head at Helen's heart. "She is not dead" she cried triumphantly.
+
+"What can we do?" asked Netherby in a shaky voice.
+
+"I'll tell you" said Marshland getting up off the floor, you must take a
+cab and drive as fast as you can to Portman Square number 26, Miss
+Lincarrol is staying there with Lord Beaufort and I think her brother
+too; they are all staunch friends of Miss Helen's I know they will come
+at once, we can make no move, friendless as we are, without the help of
+Mr. Lincarrol or some one."
+
+"Stop a bit" cried Netherby regaining his courage all of a sudden;
+something tells me the story Mr. Sheene speaks of in his letter is
+somewhere in the private chest, and as it is evidently meant for Miss
+Winston's private reading, I'll trouble you Mr. Wilson to let those
+papers alone and give me up the key."
+
+"What right have you to the key any more than me?" asked Wilson
+sullenly.
+
+"None I suppose" replied Netherby "but I know that you are subjecting
+yourself to the penalty of the law by ransacking that private chest, "I
+shall inform the police if you dont instantly deliver the key."
+
+Netherby's altered manner rather cowed Wilson so very sulkily he gave up
+the key.
+
+Then with a set determination Netherby collected all the papers etc:
+which Wilson had strewn over the desks tying them firmly together placed
+them back in the chest.
+
+"Have you any more?" asked he before locking the chest.
+
+"No" stoutly declared Mr. Wilson.
+
+"I'm not so eager to belive you" replied Netherby.
+
+"Why not?" enquired Wilson savagely.
+
+"Because you're not extra fond of the truth" replied Netherby "and I'd
+rather satisfy myself that you have no more papers about you before I
+lock the chest."
+
+"You'd better dare lay a finger on me" hissed Wilson.
+
+"I dont want to" replied Netherby "but if you really have taken nothing,
+what is your objection to letting me see the contents of your pocket?"
+
+"Oh I'll let you see the contents drawled Wilson and he proceeded to
+place a few articles on the desk.
+
+Netherby was beginning to satisfy himself it was alright, when he
+noticed Wilson shuffling about with the inner pocket of his coat.
+
+"Hurry up" exclaimed Netherby impatiently.
+
+"Alright" cried Wilson nervously drawing out a rather dirty
+handkerchief; but fate was against him and with the handkerchief came a
+roll of bank notes.
+
+Marshland gave a cry as she beheld the sight of the unhappy Wilson slink
+into a corner.
+
+Netherby collected the notes placed them in the desk and without a word
+put on his hat and went out. In less that five minutes he returned
+accompanied by two policemen, who on a sign from Netherby advanced to
+Wilson and before the astonished man could say a word he found himself
+handcuffed and carefully guarded by the two officials.
+
+Netherby and Marshland then gave an exact account of what had taken
+place and Netherby ended by saying "you see Wilson if you had shut the
+chest when I told you and concealed nothing I should have been the last
+to call the police, but when it came to robbing the chest in justice to
+Miss Winston I had to do my duty."
+
+Wilson was too utterly dazed to say a word, and in a few moments
+Netherby, not liking to leave the house sent a messenger to portman
+Square.
+
+In a couple of hours a cab drew up at the door, and out got Lawrence
+Lincarrol, Lord Beaufort, and a short thin man, who turned out to be
+Cyril Sheene's solicitor.
+
+On hearing the story, Lord Beaufort said that Helen was to be taken at
+once to his house and that Marshland should accompany her. Accordingly
+the unconscious girl was lifted into the brougham and accompanied by
+the old servant drove off. "Your things shall be sent on" said Lord
+Beaufort to Marshland as he helped her into the cab "and a trained nurse
+shall be got for Miss Winston, meanwhile my servants quite understand
+what is to be done."
+
+Then the cab drove off and Lord Beaufort entered the office.
+
+Lawrence and Mr. Spriggs (the solicitor) were both busy interviewing
+Netherby, who now that he had done his duty and shown much good sence
+had relapsed into his old nervous state.
+
+We had here better describe Lord Beaufort and Mr. Spriggs.
+
+Lord Beaufort was a half Spaniard, his mother being of that nationality
+and his father (who was dead) an Englishman.
+
+He took after his mother in looks. He was moderately tall and thin and
+might have been eight and thirty. He had straight black hair and beard
+and moustache, to match, the former being small and well cut, not the
+bushy kind. His handsome dark eyes were quite those of a foreigner and
+his teeth were beautifully white. He was particularly well dressed and
+even to his boots.
+
+Very different indeed was Mr. Spriggs. A thin wiry little man about 5
+feet 2 inches, with thin sandy coloured hair (a trifle bald), twinkly
+little blue eyes, a very pink face and carroty coloured moustache. He
+was attired in a rough tweed suit with knickaboccers, a turn down
+collar, very untidily put on, thick grey stockings, clumping boots, a
+green tie, and a dear stalker cap drawn well on to his head.
+
+"Well the first thing to be done" said Mr. Spriggs in jerky tones "is to
+open the chest, and I being the solicitor will proceed to do it," and he
+stalked accross the room with a very high and mighty air and made a
+great commotion with the keys.
+
+The chest being opened the contents were carefully examined. A blue
+envelope was first opened and contained the following information.
+
+"This is to say that I, Cyril Sheene leave all my money, which is all in
+bank notes to my intended Helen Winston; it is not very much and does
+not exceed L150 but still I hope it will do as I can't afford any more.
+Dated August 11th."
+
+This was all written in violet coloured ink by Cyril himself; but at the
+bottom of the paper a few lines were hastily scrawled in pencil.
+
+"I hereby add that all my share of the money I stole from Mr. John
+Winston is in the black leather bag at the back of the chest. Helen will
+recognise the bag. Not a farthing has been spent and it is all to go to
+Helen. Dated October 14.
+
+"That was written on the day of Mr. Sheene's departure announced Mr.
+Spriggs as he replaced the paper in its envelope, and this is the bag I
+suppose," he added dragging at a black leather bundle in a remote corner
+of the chest.
+
+The bag it certainly was and on being opened L100 in ready gold tumbled
+on to the desk, and with it a slip of paper on which the reader will
+remember John Winston had written, "all this gold is bequeathed to my
+daughter Helen on the day when I shall be called upon to die," and was
+sealed with the writer's prifate seal.
+
+Nothing else of great importance appeared except a bundle of white
+manuscript carefully tied up and sealed, addressed to Helen and marked
+"private."
+
+"I know what that is!" cried Netherby excitedly "it is the story Mr.
+Sheene wrote about, look here sir" and he picked up Cyril's letter which
+had dropped from Helen's hand when she was lifted into the cab.
+
+Mr. Spriggs carefully read the letter and placed it in the chest, "ah
+yes" he said addressing Lord Beaufort and Lawrence, "that story is
+evidently for Miss Winston's private eye, so it must be locked up till
+she is able to read it."
+
+"Which wont be for a good while judging from her present condition,"
+said Lawrence, "but now to business, what about this office, it is a
+difficult matter to carry it on without Mr. Sheene."
+
+"As far as I can see, it must be kept on till Miss Winston's recovery"
+replied Mr. Spriggs "if no more news is heard of Mr. Sheene till then
+well Miss Winston can come and procure her money and various other
+papers which will of course be hers and then this place can be sold."
+
+"Yes" said Lord Beaufort and I suppose Mr. Netherby will be the head
+man till then.
+
+"Well yes" replied Mr. Spriggs "he must certainly be here to look after
+the place, and of course I shall look in occasionally to see all goes
+well; another young man can be got to be under Mr. Netherby as Mr.
+Wilson has gone to prison for attempted robbery; do you agree to that
+Mr. Netherby?"
+
+"Oh yes sir" eagerly replied the clerk, who would not have disagreed for
+the world.
+
+"And if it comes to the place being sold" added Lord Beaufort "you can
+come to me Mr. Netherby, I may have arranged something by then"
+
+"Thank you very much sir" replied Netherby and after a few more matters
+had been arranged the three men left the office leaving Netherby in
+charge.
+
+By the time Lord Beaufort and Lawrence got back home, a doctor had seen
+Helen. He said that when she recovered her senses, perfect rest and
+quiet would be all she needed, her brain being in a dazed condition. She
+would not be able to leave her bed for some time probably though nothing
+serious was the matter.
+
+Helen remained unconscious all night and next day she was very
+delirious but towards 4 o'clock she dropped asleep and woke up about
+seven o'clock, her right senses returned to her, but still in a weak
+condition.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 28
+
+THE PROPOSAL
+
+
+It was not untill the evening after Helen's recovery that Lawrence and
+Lord Beaufort had an oppertunity of conversing together.
+
+Mulberry Beaufort was seated in his luxurious study partaking of some
+Burgundy wine and reading a detective story, when the door opened and
+Lawrence, entered, tired after a long day in the city.
+
+"Well Mulberry" he said throwing himself down in an arm chair and
+lighting a cigar, "no news of Sheene in the Star I suppose?"
+
+"Not a word" replied Mulberry, "it is a most misterious affair
+altogether."
+
+"Yes the odd part of it is that Palsey has made off too" answered
+Lawrence.
+
+"You dont mean that!" cried Mulberry.
+
+"Yes I do" said Lawrence, "it appears the villain got off while I was
+away; you know I locked him in the drawing room and as the landlady had
+the key he would not have made his exit in that way.
+
+"No" replied Mulberry "he certainly could not but you forget the
+window."
+
+"No I dont" responded Lawrence, "that is just where he did get out, for
+when I opened the door of the drawing room, the window was wide open at
+the bottom, and a bit of rope was fastenned to a hook on the window
+ledge and hanging out of the window, so the wreatch made his escape that
+way; it is a wonder he was not detected for the police are every where
+on the look out for him and I am sure if ever a man deserved the gallows
+he does."
+
+"Yes indeed" replied Mulberry lazily puffing at his cigar "but in my
+opinion the disappearance of Sheene is the most extraordinary it was so
+very sudden and unexpected, but it was not at all an unlikely thing for
+Palsey to do, he was so angry at being locked in."
+
+"My idea is" answered Lawrence "that they both had their own reasons for
+wishing to leave so abruptly. I shouldnt be at all supprised if the
+villian Palsey knowing the police were on his track, dropped some hint
+as to Sheene's share in the murder and so got the blame partly shifted
+from himself."
+
+"Then you think Sheene did share in the murder do you?" asked Mulberry,
+his black eyes flashing.
+
+"I do" replied Lawrence, "I bet you a shilling that story of Sheene's
+will reveal everything. It strikes me Sheene made off on account of the
+police too----"
+
+"Well I only hope Miss Winston will soon be well enough to read the
+story" replied Mulberry.
+
+"I hope so too responded Lawrence heartily.
+
+"I suppose Netherby still stays at the office?" enquired Mulberry.
+
+"Oh yes" answered Lawrence, "but it will be a good thing for him as soon
+as he can leave, he gets very little pay and he is really a very good
+fellow indeed."
+
+"Yes he is" rejoined Mulberry "I will try and get something for him as
+soon as possible."
+
+Just then the door opened and in came Gladys looking very pretty in her
+evening dress of rose coloured silk.
+
+She blushed on seeing the two men, but came forward gracefully enough.
+
+"I came to see if you were coming into the drawing room" she said
+"dinner will soon be ready and I have just been to see Helen."
+
+"Oh how is she?" asked Lawrence.
+
+"Better I think" replied Gladys "I am going up again after dinner."
+
+"Well I will come to the drawing room" said Mulberry putting aside his
+tumbler.
+
+"Will you come too Lawrence?"
+
+"Not yet thanks" replied Lawrence "I have a letter to write, I will join
+you at dinner"
+
+"We expect a few guests tonight" said Mulberry.
+
+"Oh" said Lawrence "I'll change presently."
+
+Mulberry opened the door and he and Gladys betook themselves from the
+study.
+
+Alone in the beautiful drawing room with the light from the tall
+standing lamp falling on her fair features, Mulberry Beaufort became
+entranced with Gladys's beauty.
+
+He stood gazing into her lovely blue eyes with his own black ones, till
+he could contain himself no longer.
+
+"Gladys darling" he exclaimed passionately seizing her small white hand
+"I love you."
+
+Gladys blushed and tried to hide her face but Mulberry caught her other
+hand and kept his eyes full on her.
+
+"Answer me Gladys" cried the lover "I love you so much and if you will
+only be my wife my happiness will be complete."
+
+"Oh Lord Beaufort" cried Gladys "this is so unexpected."
+
+"Call me Mulberry!" he almost whispered.
+
+"Well Mulberry" murmured Gladys "I really dont know what to say."
+
+"Think darling" cried Mulberry, "surely you dont wish to crush all hope
+and happiness out of my life, my heart beats only for you Gladys, you
+dont wish to stop it do you?"
+
+"Oh no" earnestly replied Gladys.
+
+"Then may I take that as your acceptation of me?" enquired Mulberry.
+
+"I think you may" replied Gladys softly.
+
+Mulberry was too overpowered with joy to say a word, he merely clasped
+her in his arms and drew her head on to his shoulder, where it lay in a
+state of bliss for the space of three minutes.
+
+At length she slowly raised it and Mulberry taking one of her hands
+pressed it tight saying, "then darling, we may consider ourselves
+engaged?"
+
+"Yes Mulberry!" murmered Gladys.
+
+"Then dear accept this as a token" said Mulberry and as he spoke he
+slipped a handsome diamond and saphire ring on her finger.
+
+She had scarcely recovered her astonishment and pleasure when the butler
+entered announcing Mr. and Mrs. Vermont.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 29
+
+THE DINNER PARTY
+
+
+The Hon: Mr. and Mrs. Vermont were only the first of great numbers who
+flocked to Lord Beaufort's house that evening. By the time the dinner
+gong sounded the large drawing room was filled with ladies and gentlemen
+many of whom had brought instruments to play, as Mulberry intended it to
+be a musical evening.
+
+Mulberry eyed Gladys lovingly as he gave his arm to Mrs. Murry and
+escorted her to the dining room.
+
+The dinner table was a sight to behold!
+
+Pink was the colour chosen for the evening.
+
+The daintily arranged menus were set in white porcelain frames on which
+pink roses were beautifully painted. In the centre of the table stood a
+valuable vase in which large pink roses were arranged. The numerous wax
+candles were covered with pink shades, and among the ferns and plants
+which adorned the room hung little pink electric lights; and everything
+that could be was ornemented with pink satin ribbon and bunches of
+roses.
+
+It may here be said that owing to Helen's illness Lord Beaufort had not
+had late dinner so the sight was quite new to Gladys.
+
+Three footmen with powdered hair and chocolate and drab livery were in
+attendance.
+
+"Oh Mulberry what is this?" asked Gladys, pointing to one of the menus.
+
+"Oh that is the menu of my table d'hote" replied Mulberry carelessly,
+"this is of nightly recurrence."
+
+"How delightful!" cried Gladys and sitting down she carefully studied
+her menu:
+
+                      MENU DU DINER.
+
+                 Wednesday, October 20th
+                       ----------
+                    Hors d'[oe]vres.
+                   Consomme Parsanne.
+                    Creme d'asperges.
+                      Sole normande.
+               Selle de mouton a l'anglaise.
+               Jambon de York a la Zingara.
+                  Pommes maitre d'hotel.
+                   Poularde a la broche.
+                     Salade de saison.
+                      Glace marigan.
+                            or
+                     Gateaux Mignons.
+                          Fromage.
+                          Dessert.
+
+    THE SECOND ENTREE MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR MACARONI.
+
+As can be imagined the dinner took a good time, but when at length it
+drew to a close the company proceeded to the drawing room where they
+settled down for some good music. Mr. Vermont was the first to
+contribute to the entertainment. He played "Intermezzo" as a solo
+violin, and the beautiful melody only added to both Mulberry's and
+Gladys's happiness. Many others also played and sang, and at last by
+dint of great persuasion Gladys consented to sing. She had a magnificent
+clear soprano voice and as he listened Mulberry Beaufort fairly trembled
+for joy.
+
+In the midst of the proceedings the dowegar Lady Beaufort entered
+(Mulberry's mother). She looked a great deal older than she was but she
+was still very handsome.
+
+Her hair was silvery white, but her eyes and complexion were very dark,
+and she very much resembled her son. She was attired entirely in black
+silk and white lace.
+
+The reader may think it strange that Lady Beaufort did not make her
+appearance at the table d'hote but to tell the truth she considered
+herself rather too old for such things, her age being 75. She generally
+partook of a plate of fricassed ham and a glass of sherry, by her own
+fireside, but the last two nights she had partaken of her meal with
+Helen.
+
+During her repast she usually read Household Hints and then on coming
+into the drawing room she had plenty to talk about. She had given her
+son a great deal of hints as to how he should propose and now hearing
+that he was accepted she made her way to where Gladys was sitting and
+proceeded to give her some advice as to her future housekeeping. It
+rather bored Gladys but being so far very high in Lady Beauforts
+estimation, she tried her best to look interested.
+
+At about 10-30, Lady Beaufort got up and played God save the queen on
+the piano and several of guests joined in the chorus on their violins
+and harps, soon after which, the people began to depart.
+
+"Shall you have guests tomorrow night Mulberry?" enquired Gladys as
+soon as the last visitor had strayed from the drawing room.
+
+"No dear I dont think so, they tire me if I have them every night"
+replied Mulberry.
+
+"But you'll have the dinner I suppose?" eagerly asked Gladys.
+
+"Of course" replied Mulberry with a shrug of the shoulders "as I told
+you Gladys it is a nightly performance here."
+
+"How nice!" gasped Gladys "well now Mulberry dear I will go and see how
+Helen is; shall I say good night now?"
+
+"If it pleases you dear" answered Mulberry.
+
+Gladys kissed him fondly and then turned to Lady Beaufort who
+accompanied her upstairs.
+
+Lawrence and Mulberry then retired to the study for another glass of
+burgandy before going to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 30
+
+THE DAWN OF LOVE
+
+
+Some few weeks had elapsed since the aforesaid dinner party took place
+and day by day Helen grew stronger, till at length Dr. Durham pronounced
+her to be well enought to get up; in fact he went so far as to say that
+a drive in the fresh air would do her good. As may be imagined it was a
+happy day for everybody, when Helen attired in her new winter clothes
+made her appearance in the large hall, ready for her first drive in the
+open air since her illness commenced.
+
+Gladys was also there and the nurse whom Mulberry had thought it
+advisable to keep a little longer.
+
+It was a nice bright day such as is seldom seen in the month of
+November. The victoria stood at the door and the two beautifully groomed
+bay horses were pauing the ground, eager to be off. Mulberry and
+Lawrence saw them safely off and then as they turned into the study
+Mulberry said "I think if Miss Winston is well enough, it would be a
+good thing to drive to Cannon Street this afternoon and see about
+reading that story of Sheenes."
+
+"I think so too" replied Lawrence.
+
+Neither of the men seemed at all inclined to settle down and after
+wandering about a good deal, Mulberry threw himself down in a chair and
+gave a yawn. There was silence for a little while and at last Lawrence
+unexpectedly broke it by saying "I say Mulberry how long is it since
+you and Gladys Lincarrol have been engaged?"
+
+Mulberry turned a dull red and began to light his pipe. "Why do you want
+to know?" he stammered at last.
+
+"I'll tell you presently" replied Lawrence with a smile.
+
+"Well I think it is about three or four weeks" answered Mulberry
+shuffling about from one leg to the other.
+
+"Is that all?" enquired Lawrence.
+
+"Yes" replied Mulberry, "now tell me why you wanted to know.
+
+It was now Laurence's turn to grow embarresed, "well the truth is" he
+said at length "I am thinking of proposing to Helen Winston, and as I
+have had no experience I would like a few hints as to how I should go."
+
+Mulberry laughed "well you should go to my mother for hints" he replied
+"she helped me very much during my little romance."
+
+"Well I am afraid it would hardly do for me to go up and ask Lady
+Beaufort to give me some hints, as I am about to propose" replied
+Lawrence "she would be very much taken aback I should think."
+
+"Not she" answered Mulberry with a shrug of his shoulders" she would
+take it quite as a matter of course; but still if you dont care to ask
+her, why not scribble her a note describing your position and I'll send
+one of the maids up with it; why she would write you pages of advice."
+
+"I dont want as much as all that" cried Lawrence "I want just a few
+gentle hints as to how to be loving and look as if I was in ernest."
+
+"Well why not write to my mother?" again repeated Mulberry.
+
+"It would look so silly" said Lawrence "and yet I'm hard up for advice
+and _you_ dont seem inclined to give me any"
+
+"No, because you'd get it much better and more original from my mother"
+replied Mulberry.
+
+"Well then I'll risk writing" said Laurence getting up as he spoke "but
+mind if Lady Beaufort is annoyed you must take the consequences because
+I should never have dreamt of doing this without you."
+
+"Oh I'll answer for the consequences" said Mulberry with an amused smile
+as his friend sat down and taking a sheet of crested note paper
+proceeded to pen the following lines:
+
+            LADY BEAUFORT
+
+          I hope you will excuse the liberty I take in
+          writing you these few words--but speaking honestly
+          I am in the very same difficulty as your son was a
+          little time ago and out of which you so cleaverly
+          helped him. Would it be asking too much of you to
+          do the same for me. I am about to propose to Helen
+          Winston and dont quite know how to express myself.
+          I want it to be quite a short proposal and one
+          quickly got through. Do you advise me to do it out
+          of doors or in. I am afraid I should get so
+          nervous in a drawing room, but of course it is
+          just as you think best. Might I have an answer to
+          this as soon as possible please.
+
+                                      Believe me,
+                                         Yours faithfully
+                                     LAWRENCE E. G. LINCARROL.
+
+"Here now if Lady Beaufort turns that to ridicule its not my fault cried
+Lawrence hastily screwing his epistle into a cocked hat.
+
+"No of course not" replied Mulberry encouragingly ringing the bell as he
+spoke, "now when the butler comes I'll tell him to send it up at once
+and mark my words Lawrence you'll have a reply within three minutes from
+now."
+
+"I feel an awful ass" responded Lawrence throwing the note on the table
+"but now I'm going out for a bit perhaps as you say I shall find an
+answer waiting for me when I come back."
+
+"No doubt of it" said Mulberry and with that Lawrence disappeared into
+the hall.
+
+The day was beautifully fine as I said before so Lawrence walked further
+than he had at first meant to and coming back he met Helen, Gladys and
+Mrs. Chizzle the nurse and at Helen's request he got into the carriage
+and made one of the party home.
+
+Helen looked quite her old self again. The same bright red colour was on
+her cheeks and the old light in her eyes.
+
+"I think the drive has done you good Miss Winston" remarked Lawrence
+noting the change in her face.
+
+"Yes, I feel so much better" answered Helen "we drove all round Hyde
+Park and the air is really lovely for London."
+
+"It is" replied Lawrence and then turning to the nurse he added "I
+should think you are pleased with the progress your patient is making."
+
+"Yes" assented Mrs. Chizzle "I am."
+
+"Do you think Miss Winston, you are well enough to drive to Cannon
+Street this afternoon and read Mr. Sheene's "story"? enquired Lawrence.
+
+"Perfectly" replied Helen with a smile.
+
+Lawrence was astounded, "you must be prepared for bad news" he said.
+
+"I am already prepared" said Helen.
+
+"For the very worst?" queried Lawrence.
+
+"For anything" returned Helen
+
+"That's alright then" replied Lawrence.
+
+"Mulberry and I are going to tea with the Vermonts this afternoon, but
+we need not start till 4 o'clock" said Gladys.
+
+"It would'nt matter if you were a little late" answered Lawrence.
+
+Just then the victoria stopped and after having helped the ladies to
+alight, Lawrence went quickly to the study where as Lord Beaufort had
+predicted an envelope lay waiting to be opened addressed to Lawrence in
+the dowegor lady Beaufort's hand writing.
+
+Lawrence blushed as he took up the bulky package and retired with it to
+the privacy of his own bedroom, where we will leave him to read it in
+silence.
+
+A copy of the letter is given below:
+
+
+                                              Nov. 4th 18--
+
+             DEAR MR. LINCARROL
+
+          It is with great pleasure that I comply with your
+          wishes. It is not the first time I have been
+          appealed to under such circumstances. There is an
+          art in proposing as well as in every thing. If you
+          are liable to nervousness, do not propose indoors.
+          There is a very nice little nook in the back
+          garden by the crocus bed, where my own romance
+          took place. It is quite unfrequented from 11 to 1
+          and from 3 to 6.
+
+          Be careful not to be too sudden or you will make
+          the girl shy, but do it by degrees. Keep as close
+          to her as you can after she has accepted (which if
+          you manage it with tact she is sure to do) draw
+          her to you and murmer soft words.
+
+          If you wish for more details do not hesitate to
+          write to me. Wishing you every success.
+
+                               I remain
+                                    Yours etc.
+                                          CRISTINA BEAUFORT.
+
+Lawrence folded the above and carefully put it in his blotting pad, and
+then with a sigh of relief he brushed his hair and went down to lunch.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 31
+
+
+Helen was pronounced quite well enough to drive to the office that
+afternoon; so accordingly the victoria was again brought to the front
+door and Helen, Lawrence and Mulberry all got in. It was not considered
+necessary for Gladys to go too.
+
+On arriving at Cannon Street Netherby opened the door of the office, for
+he expected them all the morning. Mr. Spriggs (the solicitor) was there
+too.
+
+Helen was soon seated at the desk and the roll of paper, containing
+Cyril's story was untied amidst a breathless silence.
+
+It was very touchingly written and stated how Cyril, led away by Mr.
+Palsey, had contrived to find out where Mr. Winston kept his money; and
+how, still under Mr. Palsey's influence had gone up to Warwick to plan
+the murder of poor John Winston. He fully acknowledged his guilt, but
+declared over and over again that he never would have done it without
+Mr. Palsey's aid. It ended by a heartfelt intreaty for forgiveness.
+
+Helen's voice faltered a little in places, but she never really broke
+down till the last word had fallen from her lips, then she sobbed
+softly, while Mr. Spriggs bustled about and put away the papers.
+
+Lawrence took Helen's hand and tried to comfort her but it seemed
+useless.
+
+Meanwhile Lord Beaufort sought out Netherby and engaged him as footman.
+The poor man was highly delighted for he was getting no pay at present
+and as every one knew Mulbery Beaufort was not at all scanty in the way
+of wages.
+
+Helen seemed very dull and depressed all the way home but she shed no
+more tears.
+
+Soon after 5 o'clock Lawrence began to grow very restless so lighting a
+cigarette he strolled into the garden to enjoy the last glimpse of
+day-light. Some how his steps led him to the crocus bed and here he
+continued to walk up and down his thoughts occupied with Helen Winston.
+
+As Lady Beaufort had said the crocus bed was a delightfully quiet spot.
+Not a soul was to be seen any where, and a general air of peace
+pervaded the whole atmosphere. Lawrence continued to walk up and down
+lost in his rapturous reveries, while the evening grew darker and
+darker. By and by the stars began to come out and at length the moon
+rose full in the heavens, and then Lawrence looked up and there in front
+of him stood Helen, clad in her evening dress of pale yellow and a white
+shawl thrown round her shoulders.
+
+She seemed as supprised as Lawrence for she stopped suddenly on seeing
+him.
+
+"I beg your pardon Mr. Lincarrol" she began "I hope I am not disturbing
+you, but Lady Beaufort told me to come here before dinner and see if
+Jefferson (the gardiner) had raked the beds properly."
+
+Lawrence grew very red and glanced quickly and mechanically up to the
+window of Lady Beaufort's budoir. There sure enough the old lady was
+looking out, but on seeing the two together she quickly retired into the
+regions of her own bedroom.
+
+"This is Lady Beaufort's doing thought Lawrence as the letter he had
+received came back to his mind. "Oh no you dont disturb me at all" he
+added aloud.
+
+Helen smiled and began plucking at the faded leaves of the trees.
+
+"What a lovely night it is" said Lawrence at last as the silence grew
+embarresing.
+
+"Yes" replied Helen vaguely and Lawrence glancing at her saw by the
+moonlight that her eyes had a far away dreamy look in them.
+
+"How delightfully sheltered this part of the garden is" continued
+Lawrence.
+
+"Yes very answered Helen, drawing her silk shawl over her shoulders as a
+slight breeze blew across the garden.
+
+"Had you a good garden where you lived before?" enquired Lawrence,
+unconsiously leading up to his proposal.
+
+"At Cannon Street there was only a yard replied Helen, a painful blush
+mounting to her face, "but at Kenelham we had a sweet little garden, my
+poor dear father took the greatest interest in his flowers and so did I"
+she added with a slight catch in her harmonious voice.
+
+"Dont you now?" asked Lawrence.
+
+"Oh yes" said Helen, "but you see, it is all so different now; in those
+days my father and I were constant companions and our opinions were
+one. But now there is nobody--nobody" and tears began to well up in her
+eyes and fall over her long black lashes.
+
+"Surely somebody cares for you Miss Winston, surely there is someone to
+sympathise with you" interupted Lawrence.
+
+"Oh Mr. Lincarrol you dont understand" cried Helen with a sob.
+
+"I think I do" replied Lawrence gently, coming a little closer and
+taking her trembling hand. I think I understand your feelings, it must
+be very sad to be so--so lonely."
+
+"Wait till your turn comes Mr. Lincarrol and you will know then" replied
+Helen.
+
+"Would it be different, to have some one to care for you, to love you as
+your father did?" asked Lawrence.
+
+"Oh it would, it would" cried Helen rapturesly clasping her hands
+together.
+
+"suppose some one loved you now as much if not more than your father,
+what would you say?" asked Lawrence.
+
+"I could not belive it" replied Helen promptly unless "unless" she
+added, "I knew the person very well and was quite posative of the love,
+and had good proofs of it."
+
+"Have you not proofs enough?" asked Lawrence.
+
+"Of what?" asked Helen.
+
+"Of my love for you" replied Lawrence.
+
+"Your love!?" gasped Helen.
+
+"Yes" repeated Lawrence passionately, "oh Helen I can no longer restrain
+my feelings, I love you as I never before loved anyone, can I hope, can
+I dare to hope that you return my love?"
+
+Helen did not answer. She was thinking of another proposal some months
+past, so very unlike this one, far away on the Kenelham hill tops, and
+she remembered how she had acted then. Once more, she felt the soft sea
+breeze fan her face, she saw the hills and the distant sea and she saw
+oh how plainly Cyrils form by her side, she heard his words and her own
+replies, she saw his blue eyes looking so intently at her; and then
+awaking to the present she saw another pair of blue eyes looking at her,
+speaking so much more fervently than the others and she felt the clasp
+of a strong hand on her own and then raising her head she looked at
+Lawrence and softly whispered "yes."
+
+"Oh Helen" cried Lawrence "you make me so happy, so very happy!
+
+Tears of joy dimmed Helen's eyes and Lawrence taking her hand drew her
+head on to his breast and told her gently of his great love for her and
+how happy they both would be. And Helen listenned feeling the happiness
+had already begun.
+
+A gentle breeze began to stir the trees and fan the brows of the lovers
+as they slowly walked along the paths of love, and the moon looking down
+from her home in the heavens, smiled on the pair and wished them joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 32
+
+PREPARATIONS
+
+
+As the time drew on Lord Beaufort began to make preparations for his
+marriage with Gladys.
+
+He had at first thought it would be nice if Lawrence and Helen could be
+married on the same day, but that was found to be quite impossible as
+Lawrence wished to visit his home first, he had also plenty of other
+things to attend to before he could be married.
+
+One evening about 10 o'clock, Gladys was seated in her bedroom enjoying
+a few minutes quiet before going to bed.
+
+Her maid had already done her hair and she had changed her evening dress
+for a warm and comfortable dressing gown. Her room presented rather an
+untidy appearance as the dress maker had been there that day to bring
+her wedding dress which now lies in a snowy pile at the foot of the bed.
+
+As Gladys sat still by the fire a knock sounded at the door. Before she
+could reply the door opened and Helen came in.
+
+"Well Gladys, you seem to be enjoying yourself here all alone" she cried
+drawing her chair to the fire beside her friend.
+
+"I was only thinking" replied Gladys with a laugh.
+
+"Of tomorrow I suppose" put in Helen.
+
+"Well to tell the truth I was" answered Gladys with a faint sigh.
+
+"Well you shouldnt sigh" said Helen "only think Gladys, this time
+tomorrow you will be Lady Beaufort."
+
+"I know that" said Gladys rather crossly.
+
+"How sad you seem" said Helen in supprise.
+
+"Do I?" enquired Gladys "well perhaps you'll feel the same the night
+before your marriage."
+
+"I hope not" answered Helen promptly "oh Gladys" she added quickly "you
+never told me where you are going for your honeymoon."
+
+"How silly of me" replied Gladys cheering up "well we are going on the
+continent, Mulberry wishes to visit some relations of his in Venice and
+then I shall get him to spend a week or go in Naples, Rome, Paris and
+other places"
+
+"How lovely!" cried Helen "I do envy you."
+
+"Well wont you do the same at your honeymoon?" asked Gladys.
+
+"No" said Helen "Lawrence and I are going to spend a quiet fortnight at
+Ryde in the Isle of Wight."
+
+"Oh I see" said Gladys.
+
+"What time does the important ceremony take place tomorrow" demanded
+Helen.
+
+"At 11 o'clock precisely" rejoined Gladys, who possessed the virtue of
+punctuality, "at St. Pauls."
+
+"I see" said Helen "and when do you start on your honeymoon?"
+
+"We cross the channel tomorrow night" replied Gladys.
+
+"And Lawrence and I are going to Norfolk" replied Helen.
+
+"Are you really?" asked Gladys.
+
+"Yes Lawrence lives there you know" said Helen "so he thought it would
+be nice for me to go and see his people; why what am I telling you this
+for when Lawrence is your own brother?"
+
+"I dont know I'm sure" laughed Gladys, "by the by Helen did Lawrence
+tell you that mother and father have quite softened, and are quite
+willing I should marry Mulberry, but they cant bring themselves to come
+up tomorrow to the marriage; Lionel and Minna are coming though, so I
+expect they will go back to Norfolk with you and Lawrence."
+
+"I knew all that" replied Helen "I am really quite excited about it."
+
+"Oh Helen you must see my wedding dress" cried Gladys, and getting up
+the two girls walked to the bed whereon lay a flimsy mass of tule and
+satin crowned with orange blossom and glittering with diamonds."
+
+"It is really a beautiful dress" said Helen at last "how sweet you will
+look Gladys."
+
+"Dont be sarcastic" said Gladys with a smile little dreaming how pretty
+she looked even then in her simple dressing gown.
+
+"Oh I say there is 12 o'clock striking" cried Helen starting up "I've
+been here a whole two hours, it is really disgracful, well goodnight
+Gladys dear" she added as she flew quickly out of the room as the last
+stroke of midnight died softly away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 33
+
+THE MARRIAGE
+
+
+At 11 o'clock precisely, as Gladys had said the marriage ceremony began.
+
+Gladys as I have already said was attired in a white satin trained dress
+made to fit her slender figure to perfection and covered with thin tule.
+She wore orange blossom in her hair and on her dress and a magnificent
+diamond crescent caught up her veil.
+
+Helen and Mina Lincarrol were the bridesmaids they also wore white.
+Their dresses were exactly alike, but to colour them a little, they were
+delicately shaded with primrose yellow; long satin streamers hung from
+the bouquets they carried and both being dark girls the colour suited
+them admirably.
+
+The page, a little Spanish cousin of Mulberry's was attired in white and
+yellow satin also and very pretty he looked, being just five years old
+and very dark with an olive complexion.
+
+Lionel Lincarrol a tall handsome man of five or six and twenty gave his
+sister away as his father could not come up for the ceremony.
+
+The mighty cathedral was filled to overflowing; the most part of the
+people were invited guests as Lord Beaufort was very popular in society;
+but a great many ordinary people had just dropped in to try and catch a
+glimpse of the bride and bridegroom as they marched up the church.
+
+At last the service drew to a close, and the guests got into their
+carriages to drive back to Portman Square where the wedding breakfast
+was to take place.
+
+One of the enormous reception rooms had been beautifully decorated with
+sprays of real orange blossom from Lord Beaufort's hot house and many
+other bridal decorations. A magnificent breakfast was then partaken of,
+every article being of the highest quality for Mulberry Beaufort prided
+himself on never half doing things.
+
+The guests then repaired to another room to inspect Gladys's wedding
+presents, which were numerous and costly.
+
+And so the day wore on and 5 o'clock found Gladys, Mulberry, Helen,
+Mina, Lionel and Lawrence all at the railway station waiting for the
+boat train to take Gladys and Mulberry to Newhaven for whence they were
+to cross the channel.
+
+Gladys's travelling dress was extremely pretty being made of pale blue
+grey which suited her very well.
+
+At last the train came slowly into the station and the happy pair got
+in.
+
+The goodbyes were brief and cheerful, good luck being wished on every
+side.
+
+Mulberry expected to be in London again by the end of Febuary and by
+that time Helen and Lawrence would probably be one.
+
+At last the whistle sounded and those left on the platform watched the
+train till it rushed into the tunnel, and then they turned and went on
+to the opposite platform to take the train for Norfolk.
+
+It was a long journey and they were all tired when they got there.
+
+The brougham had been sent to meet them and though the others all knew
+the road to their house so perfectly, Helen looked out of the window
+with a new interest for it was all strange to her.
+
+After a drive of 1/4 of an hour or more the carriage drew up in front of
+a fine old house standing rather back from the road and with a beautiful
+carriage sweep in front. In the moonlight it presented a very pretty
+picture.
+
+Before the coachman had time to ring Lawrence had jumped out and opened
+the front door.
+
+They then crossed the hall and entered the drawing room a beautifully
+furnished room.
+
+Mrs. Lincarrol was reading by the fire when they all entered. She was a
+very tall thin woman with reddy coloured hair done very high on her head
+and small winky blue eyes. Her features were fairly good, but she was
+powdered profusely and indeed her hair looked as though it had seen a
+good many bottles of hair dye. She was attired in an evening dress of
+purple velvit trimmed with black satin and jet. Helen glanced at her as
+she rose from her chair and wondered how she came to have such a good
+looking family. But she quickly became aware that the room contained two
+other occupants. Two girls were seated at the piano trying some duets.
+They were both tall and fair with blue eyes and pale complexions and
+they wore rose coloured dresses. From Gladys' discription Helen knew why
+they were the twins Ethel and Elsie.
+
+Mrs. Lincarrol rose as they entered and having embraced her family
+turned with a queer look in her eyes to Helen.
+
+"So this is Helen Winston?" she said holding out her hand, "my niece I
+think"
+
+Helen did not quite know what to say so she merely smiled and she was
+then introduced to Ethel and Elsie, both of whom she liked very much,
+especially the former.
+
+"Now I think you'd better go and see your father" exclaimed Mrs.
+Lincarrol at last "you will find him in the library with Hugh, no doubt
+Helen would like to make her uncle's acquaintance."
+
+"I should" replied Helen.
+
+So they all marched accross the hall and opening another door entered
+the library.
+
+"So here you all are again" cried a cheery voice from within and at the
+same moment a tall well built man came forward. He was a contrast to his
+wife in every way, being fairly stout, dark and brown eyed. He had a
+kind though stern looking face. He greeted Helen very cordially with
+none of the shifty glances his wife had made use of and then introduced
+Hugh to her. He was only 17-1/2 with dark hair and eyes and very much
+resembled Lionel.
+
+"Well I'm glad to see you all back." cried Mr. Lincarrol, "but you all
+look tired, I suppose the journey was long?"
+
+"Not very" replied Minna who had hitherto kept a discreet silence, "but
+I'm very hungry.
+
+"Why of course you must be, ring the bell Hugh" cried Mr. Lincarrol
+heartily "and I'll see you get something at once."
+
+A very good meal was soon brought up and it was quickly disposed of.
+
+"Well Helen I'm going to bed now" said Minna at last, "if you come now
+I'll show you your room."
+
+"Oh thank you" replied Helen and with that they both walked upstairs
+together.
+
+Lionel and Hugh soon followed their example and so Lawrence was left
+alone with his father.
+
+"A very nice girl Helen Winston seems" cried Mr. Lincarrol, "I admire
+your taste Lawrence."
+
+"I'm glad you do" answered Lawrence, "I was struck with her when I first
+met her."
+
+"Yes I certainly admire your choice" replied Mr. Lincarrol, and after a
+few more words they both retired to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 34
+
+FIVE YEARS LATER
+
+
+Five years have elapsed since we last saw Helen. Let us choose a
+favourable moment to view our heroine after the lengthy interval.
+
+Seated in a large and wealthily furnished drawing room by a bright fire,
+writing at a neat little table, sits Helen, now no longer Helen Winston
+but Mrs. Lincarrol. The clock has just struck 4. and the shades of the
+December evening are fast drawing in. By the light of the fire however
+we can get a tolerably good view of Helen. She has altered but little
+during the five years of her married life. She looks a trifle older, but
+the change is so slight as to be scarcely perceptible. She has still
+the luxurious black hair and long lashes shading her soft eyes.
+
+She is clothed in a rich tea-gown of a delicate green. She is writing
+diligently and seems intent on her work but she occasionally looks up to
+address a word or two to a delicate looking little girl of about three
+years who is playing on the hearth with a little fox terrier. This is
+little Nellie, the only child, a pale-faced fair-haired little thing,
+who has attained her third year today.
+
+At length it grows too dark to see, so closing her blotter with a snap,
+Helen walks to the window and holding aside the heavy velvit curtain
+gazes out accross the frost-bitten garden and the roofs of the houses,
+which are dotted about the town of B----.
+
+"Dear me" she says "it is beginning to snow, I think dear" she adds
+turning to her child "it is time you went up to the nursery tea will be
+ready I expect."
+
+So saying she rings a bell and Marshland appears, looking very different
+to when we last saw her, in her black dress and clean cap and apron.
+Having stuck to Helen in the hour of trial she now finds herself the
+much-respected nurse of little Nellie.
+
+Nellie having departed to the upper regions, Helen once more resumes her
+writing, this time by the aid of a large standing lamp. By and bye a
+servent enters with some tea. "Is Mr. Lincarrol in yet?" enquires Helen.
+"No m'am I think not" replies the servent. "oh then I shant expect him
+till late" answers Helen and so saying she partakes of her tea alone,
+which done she goes to the piano and plays a few merry sonatas. At
+length the clock strikes seven, and Helen is about to go and dress for
+dinner, when the butler enters with the message that a woman from the
+village of Huntsdown (5 miles distant) wishes to see her at once on a
+very important matter.
+
+"Who is the woman?" askes Helen in great astonishment.
+
+"I dont know mum" replies the butler "she is very poor-looking and says
+she's tramped all the way from Huntsdown to see you, but she wont give
+no name."
+
+"How extraordinary!" says Helen, "I know no one living in Huntsdown, in
+fact I have only been there once; but however I will go and see the poor
+soul." and rising as she speaks Helen vanishes into the hall.
+
+An old woman of about 60 or 70 is standing in a remote corner of the
+hall. The butler had spoken truthfully when he said the woman was poor
+looking. She wears a tattered dress of some faded hue, and on the top of
+that a man's coat, which might once have been black but is now almost
+bottle-green. A thin shawl coveres her shoulders and a battered black
+bonnet hangs back from her head. Her iron-grey hair is streaming over
+her face, still damp with the falling snow.
+
+"Did you wish to speak to me" asks Helen kindly advancing to the woman.
+
+"I do mum" replies the poor creature, dropping a bob-curtsey as she
+speaks, "I've bin tramping from Huntsdown since 4 o'clock and bin nearly
+turned back with the snow."
+
+"What is your name," enquires Helen.
+
+"Mrs. Cotton, if you please mum" answers the woman, "but to get on with
+my story, you must know I live at "The Jolly Dutchman" in Huntsdown. My
+husband keeps the inn, but he dont do much bussiness; the place is so
+remote-like, and I'm afraid he's a bad lot," and here Mrs. Cotton shook
+her head regretfully "but to come to the point mum, a week or so ago, a
+poor man all ragged and looking terribly ill, come to the door and asked
+if we could let him in to sleep the night, as he'd no were to go and no
+money. My husband was drunk at the time and turned the poor man away in
+spite of my pleading for him. A few minutes later when my husband was in
+the bar I opened the door and seeing the poor man there I could not
+resist letting him in. So according I gave him the attic at the top of
+the 'ouse, where he has bin laying ill ever since without my 'usband
+knowing."
+
+"What a sad story" says Helen gently "but I'm sure it was very good of
+you to risk taking the man in. I suppose you came to me for money did
+you not?"
+
+"No mum not for that" replies Mrs. Cotton sadly "you see I've tried to
+save a little money myself during the last few years so I've been able
+to have the doctor in once or twice to look at the poor man. Mr. Harland
+his name is. Me and my girl Sally, we've made the attic as confortable
+as we can and I've lit a fire up there once, but you see mum coles costs
+money like everythink else. The doctor says there's not much 'ope for
+the poor man, he's dying fast of fever and consumption. The other night
+mum, your gardiner, happened to come in for a glass of something and of
+course he got talking with the other men and the conversation fell on
+you mum, and he said he's known you a long time ever since you was Miss
+Winston (or some sich name as that) At the time the talk was going on, I
+was sitting upstairs with Mr. Harland and as the door was open we could
+hear the talk in the bar quite distinct; well mum, directly Mr. Harland
+heard your name mentioned, he got quite wild and excited all of a sudden
+and went raving on about you and he would'nt be satisfied till I told
+him all I knew about you. I was astonished mum I can tell you. After
+that Mr. Harland seemed much quieter and all yesterday and today he's
+been in a sort of stupor, but about half past three today he called me
+and told me he'd not got very long to live and would I do him a favour?
+I said "Yes," so he told me to go into the town and ask you to come and
+see him at once. He says he knew you quite well some time back and you
+knew him too, but you probably have forgotten the name now. I tell you
+mum I was fair took aback, but however leaving my girl Sally in charge
+of him, I started off on my errand, and here I am mum, waiting to know
+what your answer may be to this extraordinary request?"
+
+"It is a most extraordinary request" as you say Mrs. Cotton, and I never
+knew anybody by the name of Harland" replied Helen.
+
+"My idea is mum" says Mrs. Cotton "that the poor man is dilerious."
+
+"Very likely" answered Helen, "but to please him, I will order the
+carriage and we will drive over together, you look far too tired and
+cold to walk."
+
+As Helen speaks she toches a spring bell, and then reaching a
+sable-lined cloak from the peg she puts it on drawing the hood over her
+soft brown hair.
+
+She then orders a baskitt of streangthing things to be packed for the
+invalid.
+
+Then the carriage comes round to the front door and the two get in. A
+contrast indeed! The one small, shrivelled and shrunken, hugging her
+wreatched garments around her to keep out the biting cold; the other
+tall and stately, her rich cloak falling gracefully round her slender
+figure.
+
+The drive is long and dreary; being for the most a long straight road
+with tall hedges at either side and an occasional cottage or tree
+releiving the monotony of the scenery. But Helen, leaning back in her
+comfortable carriage is not thinking of the passing scenery, but of the
+extraordinary mission she is bent on.
+
+At length the carriage stops, and Mrs. Cotton leads the way up to a
+small tumble down dirty looking inn, whith an almost illegable
+incription painted in white letters, "The jolly Dutchman, Thomas
+Cotton."
+
+Mrs. Cotton opens the door and Helen finds herself in a very small and
+filthy dirty passage. A strong smell of beer and tobacco greet her on
+entering. A door on one side of the passage is half open, and looking
+through, Helen can see three or four rough looking men seated round a
+table with mugs of beer before them and pipes in their mouths, and the
+sounds that issue from the room are none of the pleasantest, for the men
+are talking, laughing and shouting, not to say swearing.
+
+In disgust Helen turns to the door of the other room. It is a kitchen
+evidently and a remarkably dirty one too. A candle is burning in this
+room, and by the light of it Helen can see a slovenly looking girl
+stirring some horrid smelling stuff in a saucpan, while a very small
+baby is yelling its heart out in a wooden cradle.
+
+"Here Sally" cries Mrs. Cotton to the girl "how is the invalid"
+
+"No better" replies Sally wiping her hands on her apron "I lit a fire
+for him, 'cause he grumbled so about the cold."
+
+"I dont wonder at it" responds Mrs. Cotton, "well mum," she continues
+turning to Helen "perhaps you'll step upstairs, its that door there mum
+with the handle off," and she points with her grimy finger to a door at
+the top of the stairs. Helen climbs the ricketty staircase with a wild
+fear and misgiving at her heart, wondering what the result of this
+strange visit will be. A light is burning in the room she enters. It is
+a damp cold place, a trifle larger than the passage below. A miserable
+fire is doing its best to burn in the grate and judging by the amount of
+matches strewn about, Sally must have been exerting many patient efforts
+to get it to burn at all.
+
+The window was minus a pane of glass and the cold wind blew right
+through the room making the door bang to and fro with a madly monotonous
+tone.
+
+Helen glanced hastily round the room, but the corners being in
+darkness, she had to hold the candle above her head to see anything at
+all. In doing so a groan caught her ear and advancing to the corner from
+whence it issued, Helen perceved a sort of pallet bed streached on the
+floor, covered with a singal blankett. Placing the candle on the floor
+close by, Helen knelt down and with trembling hands and a quaking heart
+pulled the covering away. And then--no wonder Helen uttered that low
+stifled cry; for there with his pale thin face turned towards her and
+his skeleton hands clutching at the blankett, there with his eyes dim
+and sunken and his breath coming quick and short lay Cyril Sheene alias
+Mr. Harland. For a moment Helen could not utter a sound, the words
+seemed to stick in her throat, and she knelt gazing in horror and
+amazement at the fast-dying man. It was Cyril who broke the awful
+silence, "Helen" he whispered brokenly "what a long time you were
+coming."
+
+"I never dreamt it was you Cyril" answered Helen taking his thin hand in
+hers, for now all her heart seemed to warm towards the man who had
+wronged her so much and who was so soon going to leave her.
+
+"No of course not" replied the dying man "you never thought I would
+come to this--(here he stopped for breath), "but I want to tell you this
+before I die."
+
+"Cyril you must not die" cried Helen, opening her basket and producing
+some wine.
+
+"No, no" gasped Cyril pushing the glass away "its no use, I know I'm
+dying, the doctor said so; give me some water to ease my throat and I'll
+go on."
+
+Helen gave him his wish and then knelt down beside him while he
+continued.
+
+"After I left you Helen, that day you went to Richmond, I intended going
+to Picadilly to pawn some things as I had no money to pay my debts. When
+I got back to my amazement a letter from Mr. Palsey was waiting for me,
+which explained that the police were already on our track and that if I
+valued my life I had better leave London and go to some place with him.
+Of course I had no choice but to go, but oh Helen if you could have
+known my feelings when I thought I should not see you again. Hastily I
+scrawled a note to you and added a few lines to my will, you read them
+did'nt you?"
+
+Helen nodded in assent.
+
+"Well" continued Cyril, "having made my preparations, I started off to
+meet Palsey. We traveled together. I forget where we were going. Palsey
+told me how he had escaped after he had been locked up in the drawing
+room. We had to change at Charing Cross I think and scarcely had we set
+foot on the platform, when up came two policemen and before we could say
+a word we found ourselves handcuffed. Well to make a long story short we
+were tried and I was sentenced to 10 years penal servitude, and Palsey
+who had done the most part of the crime had penal servitude for life.
+Well after three years of my time had passed, I was granted a free
+pardon for saving the life of someone. I have no time to tell the whole
+story now. At first I was delighted at the mere thought of being free
+again, but then I recollected I had no friends nobody to care wether I
+lived or died. When I was set free I wandered about trying in vain to
+find you Helen. But I got no news of you, untill one day I read of your
+marriage in the paper. Then I gave up all hope of ever seeing you again.
+Soon after I fell ill and spent many weeks in an old barn, attended only
+by a child who used to go messages for me etc: till I was well enough to
+walk about again. Then my wanderings began again, and I found them
+harder than ever. After my severe illness I could no longer bear
+sleeping out. I had to buy lodgings wherever I happened to be, and once
+or twice when I had no money I had to sleep out in the fields. That did
+for me Helen. From that day I grew much worse. A young man took pity on
+me one night and gave me a room in his house for nothing. But with his
+exception no one cared and so I wandered on untill late one night I
+arrived at this miserable inn. I did'nt know where I was, but I thought
+it safe to take another name. So I was brought up here, where I should
+certainly have died had not some one down in the bar mentioned your
+name, and then the excitement of seeing you kept me up----
+
+Here Cyril stopped gasping for breath and Helen with her tears fast
+falling administered water to him and propped up his pillows.
+
+"Helen" cried Cyril at last, he could barely talk now, "do you forgive
+me?"
+
+"Oh Cyril" cried Helen "of course I do; oh if only you had come to me
+before, how happily this might have ended. I forgive you fully from the
+bottom of my heart."
+
+Cyril smiled, he was too far gone to talk and Helen could see his eyes
+growing brighter.
+
+A long silence followed while Cyril's breathing grew laboured and slow.
+Presently with a great effort he turned and caught Helen's hand in his
+own. "Helen I'm going fast. Goodbye I die happy since you forgive me."
+And Helen stooped and kissed him. He turned and looked at her for the
+last time and then his spirit passed quietly and peacefully away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 35
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+A Year has passed since the sad events recorded in our last chapter, and
+Cyril has long been laid in the church yards sod. His grave is ever
+bright with flowers placed there by Helen's loving hands and by those of
+her children Nellie and John.
+
+Of Mr. Palsey little has been heard but it has lately been rumoured that
+he died a natural death in prison, though some people exagerate and say
+he died by his own hand.
+
+Marshland is still living though her health is gradually becoming
+weaker.
+
+And what of Helen herself?
+
+Let us look into her drawing room to-night and we shall see her once
+again.
+
+It is New Year's Eve and the drawing room, hall, rather spacious rooms
+are all it up, while the many happy people are dancing and enjoying
+themselves. For Helen is giving a dance. Yes, a gathering of all her
+oldest and dearest friends. Among the many faces we recognise the
+Lincarrols. Even _Mrs._ Lincarrol is there gorgeously got up in bright
+yellow silk which she is proudly telling everybody was the foundation of
+her grandmother's wedding dress.
+
+Minna and her husband (for she is now married) are both there, also
+Ethel who is engaged and Elsie who has just returned from her honeymoon.
+Lionel is the only one not there, but he is doing well in America.
+
+Hugh (now in the Army) is also attending the dance. But Gladys where is
+she? She is also there with her husband Lord Beaufort and while the
+latter is talking to Lawrence let us notice Gladys who is deep in
+conversation with Helen.
+
+Seated on a sofa close to the entrance of the green-house, idly watching
+the dancers as they waltz round the spacious room, we once more see
+Helen and Gladys in close companionship. What a pretty contrast they
+make!
+
+Helen with her dark hair as abundant as ever and the lovely colour on
+her cheeks.
+
+She is glancing down and her long lashes cover her eyes. She looks very
+happy and a smile is playing about her lips.
+
+She wears a pale violet coloured dress made in the latest fashion and
+the colour suits her to perfection. Gladys is attired in white silk
+trimmed with bright gauzy ruffles of pale pink and silver. She is
+playing with her fan and laughing merrily with Helen. Her bright blue
+eyes are full of happiness and a little colour has come into her usually
+pale cheeks.
+
+"Ah well Helen dear" she is saying "you have nothing to grumble at now
+I'm sure."
+
+"I never said I had" laughs Helen, "I am perfectly happy with Lawrence
+and my children and it _is_ so nice to have you here again, but all the
+same I have had troubles; a good many more than most people of my age."
+
+"Yes that's undeniable" replies Gladys "but still you have a dear
+husband and lovely children."
+
+"Of course I have" cries Helen "and I am quite happy now."
+
+"And as far as I can see there is no reason why you should ever be
+unhappy again," replies Gladys.
+
+"No" says Helen, "but still I cant quite forget the sadness of my early
+years."
+
+"Nonsense my dear," cries Gladys, "dont forget what you told me so long
+ago about your sorrows, they will become like wounds which though healed
+over are still to be seen, and so though you will not exactly forget the
+sorrow you will no longer feel the pain."
+
+"Yes" answers Helen laughingly, "that was a very good idea on my part;
+and though applicable to you then, it certainly applies to me now.
+
+So now our story comes to an end and we will bid goodbye to Helen. She
+has already partaken freely of the cup of sorrow but now her time has
+come and she knows what true happiness is and all her sorrows, miseries
+and heartaches shall be blotted out in that sea of mist and
+shaddows;--The Past.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+THE JEALOUS GOVERNES
+
+_or_
+
+THE GRANTED WISH
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 1
+
+WISHING
+
+
+One evening late in Sep: Mr. Hose sat in his armchair reading a news
+paper. His wife sat in an other looking at the "Strand" Magerzine. Mr.
+Hose sudonly looked up at his wife; "Elizabeth" he said "one thing I
+have been wishing for, ever scince we were married is a baby, would not
+you like to have one looking at her seariously "Yes indeed I should"
+ansed his delicat wife with a sigh.
+
+I soud like to adobt one continued Charlie, I would like to have one of
+my own said Elizabeth I dont like adopting babys, well you cant do it
+any other way if you dont get one. Besides if it was a boy what name
+have you got for it if it was a boy it should be named Charlie after
+you dear, and if it was a girl I suppose you would call it Elizabeth and
+liza for short would not you said Charlie, well yes she said beginning
+to read her magazine. Mr Hose now took out his watch and to his wife he
+said I have got to go out this eveing at what time said Elizabeth at
+seven oclock I promised Mr. Lineap I would meat him at his offiace at a
+quarter past it is now half past 6 just half an hour. I have time to
+finsh this bit of newes in the paper, so saying he continued to read.
+
+Presently the clock sturck a quater past 7, oh goodnes I must fly, said
+Charlie Mr. Leanep will be expecting me he took up his boller banged it
+on his head took up a walking stick the first that came in to his hand,
+and rushed out of the room looking like a roughyeun out of the streets,
+his boots untide his hair rough he banged the door behind him.
+
+Noisie man mutterd his wife as soon as he had disapear. I feel ashamed
+realy I do nothing will keep him quiet when he has got an appoinment
+never mind perhaps he cant help it she said and fell asleep in her
+armchair.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 2
+
+THE NEW BABY
+
+
+Mr. Hose came back at about 12 o'clock he had drunken a little whiskey
+but it made no effect on him. He woke early the next morning and woke
+his wife and began telling her all about his evening stroll with Mr.
+Leanep but he did not say anything about the whiskey he had drunk
+feering it would shock her. But when the clock had just struck half past
+six they heard a ring at the door bell and within a few minutes the maid
+servant came hurrying up stairs and said the Dr. had arrived with a box
+under his arm and he would like to see Mrs. Hose she said. "Oh well,
+will you show him up to this bedroom" said Mrs. Hose turning to her
+husband and saying "you don't mind him coming up, do you dear?" Mary
+went out of the room grinning, closing the door quietly behind her.
+
+In a few minutes the Dr's. bold step was heard at the door and then a
+loud knock and with a "come in" from Mrs. Hose he entered the room.
+
+"Oh I say Mrs Hose" he began taking off his hat "I have heard you have
+been wishing for a baby, so I have brought you one and your wish is
+granted."
+
+"Oh hurrah" said Mrs. Hose "Is it a boy or a girl?"
+
+"Well I don't know" said the Dr. _quite_, "but I'll leave you to find
+out and settle matters" so saying Dr. Pauline took his departure
+shutting the door with his foot, while he held his precious top hat in
+his two hands.
+
+As soon as the Dr. left the room, Mr. Hose began hurrahing and laughing
+at the idea of the new baby coming. "I am very glad it's come, arn't
+you?" he said to his wife.
+
+"Yes, I'm very glad. Hasn't it come early?"
+
+"Yes," said her husband, "but don't you think we had better open the box
+and look at it?" "Well perhaps we had," said his wife, cutting the
+string with a pair of scissors which were lying on the bed. Directly the
+box was opened, a dear little fat baby rolled out on to the eider down.
+"Oh, isn't it a darling?" said Mrs. Hose, sitting up in bed, and placing
+it between her and her husband, "What a pity it hasn't got its eyes
+open."
+
+"Oh, but it's asleep," said Mr. Hose; "they never have their eyes open
+when they are asleep, except when they are very ill."
+
+"Oh, yes, I see now it is asleep, it is blinking its eyelids."
+
+"Hadn't we better be wrapping it up in something, it must be rather
+cold, poor little thing," he said, patting its face.
+
+"Oh, yes, of course we must," said his wife, jumping out of bed, never
+stopping to put on her dressing slippers, she walked over to the
+wardrobe.
+
+She unlocked it with a small key she kept in her drawer, and on the
+third shelf she found a small, pale blue shawl, which she had had when
+she was a baby, and she had kept it ever since, in case she should have
+a baby when she was grown up.
+
+"Here's the very thing," she said, "the shawl I had when I was a baby,"
+she said, skipping back to bed.
+
+"Oh yes, that's a nice shawl," said Mr. Hose, "and it's pretty big too,
+we can wrap it all round it; and you can cuddle it close to you, and
+then it would be warm, I should say."
+
+Mr. Hose did not get up till half past eight oclock he could not stay in
+bed any later because he was already rather late getting up I expect I
+shall be late at my offace said Mr. Hose to himself buttning up the last
+button of his waistcoat, he then slipped on his coat put on his hat took
+up his walking stick and maid his apperance in the hall takeing a glance
+at him self in the glass as he passed it, he then opened the hall door
+and began walking at a quick pace to his offaice he was not so late
+after all.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 3
+
+THE BAPTISAM
+
+
+It was a lovely day on the 28th of september when a carriage drove up to
+the door and Mr. and Mrs. Hose with the baby in her arms ran down the
+door steps and into the carriage Mr. Hose doing the same. "It's a good
+thing its a nice day isn't it Charlie?" she said to her husband "Yes it
+is a good job or the baby couldn't have come out tho'. He isn't so very
+delicate, by the bye what's his name going to be?"
+
+"Charles Edward" she said "Charles after you and Edward after his
+grandfather." "I hope Miss Gurling is at the church now, she's always
+late for everything."
+
+"She is going to be the godmother isn't she?" asked Charlie "Yes" said
+his wife "You don't object do you? And his godfather is that pious man
+who kneels before us in church, Mr. Johns."
+
+"Oh he is a nice man that" said the father clapping his hands "I am glad
+he is going to be the godfather"
+
+"Why here we are" said his wife jumping out of the carriage.
+
+"Oh yes" said he stepping out with a laudable air.
+
+"Oh dear" said his wife "I've left the baby in the carriage" "Oh poor
+thing" said the husband running back for it. Goodbye Thompson "said he
+to the coachman here's 6d for you, it's quite enough for him" he
+murmured to his wife as he took off his hat very reverently at the
+church door. When they got into the church the first person they saw was
+Miss Gerling sitting quitertly in the bottem seat saying her prays very
+dovoutly. Mrs. Hose went up to her oh I say she began you are the
+godmother "Yes said Miss Gerling it is going to begin soon. what? said
+Mrs. Hose the christening said Miss Gerling Mr. Johns is not here we are
+wateing for him. Presently Father clocks came bussling down the church
+he went up to Mr. Hose and said "I can't think why Mr. Johns is not here
+he is very late, yes he is said Mr. Hose and the worst of it is we cant
+begin without him. No we cant said the preast it is a great nuisance he
+continued shacking his black head of hair. after about half an hour the
+church door opened and in came Mr. Jons he walked quite calmly up the
+aisle of the curch to his own seat, takeing it more as if he was very
+early insted of very late, he said a few prays and then he went down to
+the bottem of the church and said in rather a loud wisper had not we
+better begin yes said father clocks puting on his stoll.
+
+All this while during the christening Mr. Johns kept standing on one leg
+and blowing his nose rather hard, he didn't have to say much tho he
+looked rather embarassed. When it was all over they took their departure
+and went home in the carraige, but poor Mr. Hose parted with a good deal
+of his pence, because little boys kept running after his carraige and
+would not go away without a copper or so.
+
+"As we are passing the confectioners" said Mr. Hose to his wife, "we
+might tell them to send up a nice sugar cake in honour of baby's Xning.
+
+"Oh yes we might do that" said his wife, scratching her head to show off
+her net which was carefully covering her knob behind.
+
+They arrived home at last and had the beautiful Xning cake between them
+for tea.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 4
+
+ENGAGING THE NURSERY GOVERNESS
+
+
+"Do you know my dear" said Mr. Hose to his wife one morning at breakfast
+"what I was thinking of doing?" "No" said his wife looking very
+surprised, "What is it."
+
+"Well" he said "I was thinking of getting a nursery governess."
+
+"A nursery Governess" said his wife "Why the baby isn't old enough to
+have one yet, remember it's only 6 months old."
+
+"Well" said Mr. Hose "I was thinking of getting one because only think
+to yourself how very useful she would be, she could help us in the
+evening when baby was in bed and besides that she could look after baby
+and he would get used to her before it was time to be taught."
+
+"Oh yes" said his wife "now I see what you mean it would be a very good
+thing. You and I must go and see Madam Toinette about one in London
+tomorrow."
+
+When breakfast was over, they went into the drawing room and Mrs. H.
+began knitting a pr. of socks for her short coated boy, and her husband
+curled himself up in an arm chair and smoked to a low degree.
+
+"I say Lizzie eh! why shouldn't we go to London today eh?" (he was
+rather a cockney man.)
+
+"Yes we can go today, I don't see what harm it could do. We'll go in the
+afternoon then."
+
+"Right you are," said the husband, "I'll change my clothes" he said as
+he retired to his bedroom and his wife continued to knit the pair of
+socks she was knitting for her baby.
+
+Presently just after the dinner-bell had rung, down came Mr. Hose from
+his bedroom looking like a duke instead of a mere Mr.
+
+"I say wife do you think I look nice. I have been such a long time
+dressing do you know what I've put on clean?"
+
+"No said his wife who did not take the least interest in a man's
+toilet. Well he said clearing his throat and pulling up his trousers and
+sitting down. "I've put on this beautiful black suit with coat tails and
+a lovely clean shirt he said stroking his front and I've put on a clean
+pair of scarlet socks with a hole in but it does not show and he
+continued I've got on a nice pair of black trousers but he said with a
+sorrowful face the button has come off from my trousers which makes one
+leg shorter than the other. This being the only sentence his wife had
+heard she looked up from her plate and said "Oh you poor dear! never
+mind I'll sew it on for you after dinner. "Oh thank you so much! said
+Mr. Hose I should not have been able to go to London if you had not
+thought of this kind offer. Now Charles said his wife eat your dinner
+because we are going by the 3.15 train. Charles began eating his dinner
+quickly saying at the same time with his mouth full "Do you think baby
+will be all right with the housemaid.
+
+"Oh yes he will be all right it is only for a few howers" said Mrs.
+Hose.
+
+"Oh yes" said Mr. Hose beginning to eat his dinner.
+
+Presently his wife looked up and said now Charles, I have done my
+dinner and I am going up to get ready and she went out of the room.
+
+Mr. Hose finnished his dinner and then put on his top hat and took his
+best cherry wood walking stick. He could not see his wife anywhere; so
+like a wise man he began walking down to the station when he was half
+way whom should he see but his wife walking sedately along; she looked
+very nice in a coffee coloured dress trimmed with brown velvet a bonnet
+to match with a pretty bird in front and strings of brown velvet as well
+as a large bow of the same; she had brown gloves and a pretty light
+coffee coloured parasol in her hands, her nice walking shoes and
+stockings just peeped from under her dress. Well said Charlie we are not
+late for the train."
+
+"An't we" said his wife looking at her watch which she wore on her
+bracelet. "No" said Charlie but you do look nice.
+
+They arrived at the station and jumped into a first class carriage.
+
+Presently they arrived in London and walked arm in arm from the station.
+They walked up to Madame Antoinette's house to ask her if she knew of
+any governess which they could engage. A nice fat looking servant
+answered the door. Is Madame Antoinette at home. Yes mam' she said
+looking rather ignorant will you step this way. (Mrs. Hose walked into
+the drawing room and sat down waiting for Madame Antoinette) Presently
+Madame Antoinette came down into the room. Good morning Mrs. Hose she
+said. Oh good morning Madame Antoinette said Mrs. Hose sit down but do
+you know of any governesses which we could engage? Well said Madame
+Antoinette frowning there is a Miss Brentnor she lives in Julian Road No
+36. Oh what is she like? Oh she has fair hair at least you may say
+carrotty hair and one good thing about her is her eyes she has lovely
+big grey eyes. She has a very sallow complexion and she had a blue dress
+on last time I saw her.
+
+Do you know of any other governesses continued Mr. Hose? Yes said Madame
+Antoinette there is a very nice young lady called Miss Smith she has
+dark hair and brown eyes but she is rather cow-like she has rather
+boisterous feet and a few freckles on the top of her nose but she is all
+right you know and she lives in Buttonbrick House Hudson's Street and
+then there is another young lady called Miss Junick. She left her last
+place and was hated in this family and I have been told that she was
+known to take a few things that did not belong to her in that house; but
+I can scarcely believe that for she is a beautiful young lady and I like
+her very much. They left Madame Antoinette's house and went to call on
+Miss Brentnor and Miss Smith but did not like either of them. They went
+home and the next morning a letter came addressed to Mrs. Hose she
+opened it and this is what she read
+
+            MADAM,
+
+          I beg to present you with the photograph which you
+          ask me to send. I think I have very good features
+          and I _know_ I'll make a excellent governess. It
+          is not at all true what was said about me in my
+          last situation and I am willing to come and look
+          after your little boy and teach him when he is old
+          enough. Give me a nice bed-room Madam; of course I
+          am a Catholic which I suppose you heard from
+          Madame Antoinette.
+
+          I remain, Yours truly,
+
+                                          ROSE M. JUNICK.
+
+Mrs. Hose answered the letter and this is what she put,
+
+          DEAR MISS JUNICK,
+
+          I like you very much but I must not believe what
+          was said about you in your last situation. Will
+          you meet me at the Victoria Station on Thursday at
+          half past four and I will ask you a few questions.
+
+                                        Yours truly,
+                                                E. HOSE.
+
+Mrs. Hose was now satisfied she d answered the letter and in time she
+would have the governess with her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 5
+
+THE GOVERNES ARRIVES
+
+
+The next morning Mrs. Hose ordered breakfast early than usual in order
+that she might get off by the 9/30 becaus she was going to do a little
+shoping first and she thought to her self she could get a beautiful
+dinner at one of the Resteraunts and she smacked her lips as she sat
+down to her breakfast of eggs and beacon and a cup of cocoa. When she
+had finished she went up stairs and placed her bonnet on her head and
+buttoned up her patent leather boots and took an umbrella because it
+looked stormy and started on her way to the station bidding her husband
+farewell.
+
+Directly she got outside it began to rain so she put up umbrela and
+within ten minets she got to the station and jumped into a first class
+carriage (for she licked to look grand) and soon the train started off
+for the smokey and dreary city.
+
+At last the train got to Victora and out jumped Mrs. hose without a
+moments delay, she walked up and down outside the refreshment room (for
+this was where she was to meet our Heroine) she went up to one lady and
+said do you mind me asking you but I am looking for my future governess
+Miss Junick do you posess that name I am sorry for your sake that I do
+not she ansewerd politely and walked on. then Mrs. hose asked another
+lady who was peradeing up and down in a red and gray dress eating a
+halfpeny bun which she had just bought. Mrs. Hose advanced towards her
+and when she got close to her she saw she was very pretty so she thorght
+she would be as polite as she could and began have I the plesure of
+meeting Miss Junick. I am not Miss Junick but I am a frend of the dear
+ladys (best luck) and she told me she would be here to meet you at half
+past four this afternoon oh thank you said Mrs. Hose I now recerlect I
+was thinking I had to meet her this morning farewell or a deiw as the
+french say she said as she left the station to go and get some dinner.
+Perhaps you would like to know what she had for dinner--rabbit and
+merangues were what she chose and she drank sherry wine. After dinner
+she went into the depth of London to look at some of the shops and came
+back in time to see the governess. As she entered Victoria station she
+met a precise young lady hastening to the refreshment room, she hurried
+after her and when she got up to her thought she looked like Miss Junick
+in the face, but before she could say a word the lady jumped sideways
+and asked her was she Mrs. Hose and with an answer of yes they walked
+together into the waiting room and sat down upon a horse hair cushion
+and they now commenced their conversation.
+
+"How long were you in your last place?"
+
+"Two years madam"
+
+"Oh and was that your 1st place?"
+
+"Oh no I was abroad before with three little french children there was
+only one in the other family and she was a throro English child--so was
+her mother."
+
+"Oh and what do you teach" said Mrs. Hose cocking up one eyebrow.
+
+"Music, drawing, the use of the globes, etc., etc. only you don't want
+me to teach your little boy yet do you?"
+
+"No, no, no," said Mrs. Hose "not yet he is only six months old, but are
+you very fond of children and have you any little sisters and brothers?"
+
+"I have one little sister of 10 and a little baby brother and I have two
+grown uppers, but I am very fond of children and wish I had one of my
+own."
+
+"You won't whip my baby will you?" said Mrs. Hose.
+
+"Oh dear no" she answered "I'de spoil him more likely than whip him."
+
+"Oh well I want you to be medium with him" said Mrs. Hose.
+
+"Quite so Madam I understand babies thoroughly; are there any more
+questions you think you would like to ask me whilst I'm here?"
+
+"I think I've asked you pretty nearly all she answered" except when
+could you come to me?"
+
+"I can come on Monday Madam I was packing a few of my things in case you
+would have me."
+
+"Let me see now" said Mrs. Hose pausing "how about the washing shall you
+pay it or will I?"
+
+"Well I'm not very rich Madam and it would be a charity if you will pay
+it."
+
+"Certainly I will and how much are you used to getting a year?"
+
+"Either 5 or 14 pounds according to what I have to do. I don't do much
+for 5."
+
+"All right I will give you 14. I hope you will do a good deal for that
+as I want you to bath the baby and have utter charge of him. And as you
+are coming on Monday, I will prepare you a nice bedroom" "Thank you very
+much Madam" said Miss Junick getting up smiling. "Good afternoon Madam
+she said hurrying out of the waiting room. Mrs. Hose came home by the 6
+o'clock train and told her husband all about Miss Junick and Mr. Hose
+said he thought she'd do very nicely.
+
+Monday soon came and with it the governess in a station cab and a large
+box with R. M. J. in red enamel on it. "Here I am Mrs. Hose" she said
+stepping out of the cab "who tips the cabman you or I"? "The Butler"
+replied Mrs. Hose he has a few shillings in his pocket--Come on John and
+give the Cabman 2/6". The Butler obeyed and helped the honest cabman in
+with the box. Miss Junick was then shown up to her bedroom to take off
+her hat. Then she went into the nursery and found her pupil sitting in a
+high chair all alone playing with his rattle.
+
+Just the kind of baby I shall get jelous of she thought.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 6
+
+HOW MISS JUNICK'S JEALOUSY BEGAN
+
+
+As she entered the room the baby looked up from his play, and stared at
+her rather hard, surprised at seeing a strange lady.
+
+But Miss Junick did not take any notice of the baby's astonishment, but
+merely walked straight over to it, lifted it up, and kissed it a great
+many times, saying as she did so,
+
+"Oh you dear little thing! how I would long to have you for my own." She
+then rang the bell for dinner, as it was then one o'clock, and she knew
+that she had to give the baby its dinner in the nursery. Presently the
+housemaid came up, bearing a tray in her hand with the dinner on it.
+Miss Junick then gave the baby its dinner, and got up and tried to amuse
+it, but the baby got cross and tired, not being used to her; so that she
+was obliged to lay it down in its cradle for its afternoon sleep, while
+she herself went upstairs to unpack her box. When she had done unpacking
+she came down again to see if the baby had awoke.
+
+It was just beginning to wake up as she entered the room. She was
+pleased to see that it was awake, and lifted it out of its cradle,
+kissing it and repeating the same words as before.
+
+At last tea time came, and pretty soon after tea Miss Junick took the
+baby in her arms and took it down stairs to say good night to Mr. and
+Mrs. Hose.
+
+She then brought it upstairs again, took it into its mother's bedroom,
+and began to undress it. She found its little nightgown in a white case
+with C.H. in pale blue letters on it. The nightgown was very pretty, It
+was of white flannel, and the frills round the neck and sleeves were of
+pale blue, as the baby was dedicated to Our Lady of Victories.
+
+When it was in bed, after kissing it a great many times, she turned out
+the gas and retired to her bedroom, saying as she did so, "I could never
+find a baby like that anywhere, not even if I were to search the wide
+wide world."
+
+"Well! I dont know though," she said to herself as she sat down on the
+bed, "I might go out tonight, and ask the Doctor where Mrs. Hose got her
+_lovely_ baby from. Oh no though, perhaps I couldn't, as I should have
+to tell Mrs. Hose that I was going out and what I was going out for. But
+I could pretend to her that I was going out to buy some Beechams Pills
+or a reel of cotton to mend some of my linen. Yes, of course I could do
+that."
+
+And so, without a moments delay, she marched downstairs and into the
+drawing room.
+
+"Oh please Mrs. Hose," she began, "I would like to go down the town to
+buy a box of Beecham's Pills, may I go?, she added.
+
+"A box of Beecham's Pills! why--are you unwell?" said Mrs. Hose.
+
+"Oh dear no, but in case of necessity," said Miss Junick, "and perhaps
+when I get there I may find some other things which I want to buy in the
+shops."
+
+Oh certainly, you may go," said Mrs. Hose, "but you wont be back late,
+will you, because of Baby."
+
+Oh! I have put the baby to bed," said Miss Junick, cocking her head in
+the air, and slamming the door behind her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 7
+
+WHAT MISS JUNICK DID IN THE TOWN
+
+
+Miss Junick arrived in the town at about eight o'clock! She went
+straight to the Doctor's house and rang loudly at the bell. In a few
+minutes it was answered by a boy in buttons, who asked her what she
+wanted, and on her replying that she wanted to see the Doctor, she was
+shown into a neat little drawing room draped in green and red silk.
+Soon she heard the Doctor's bold step. He opened the door and in he
+came dressed in an evening suit. He bowed politely as he shut the door,
+saying--"Have I the pleasure of seeing Miss Junick the new and
+accomplished governess of Mrs. Hose?" "Yes--you have that pleasure," she
+said, getting up and bowing also.
+
+And what is it you have come to ask me, Miss Junick? he said preparing
+to sit down in his arm chair.
+
+Oh! she said, I have come to ask you where Mrs. Hose got her most lovely
+baby from.
+
+"Oh, said the Doctor, I gave it to her because she wished for one," "Do
+you think you could manage to give me a baby like him?" said Miss
+Junick.
+
+"Well, said the Doctor, the first question is, are you married?
+
+"No, I am not married, but I will marry if you can give me a baby like
+that--it would be worth marrying for."
+
+"Well! you cannot marry till someone asks you, and I cant because I have
+a wife of my own," said the Doctor.
+
+"Well! can I have a baby like it even if I don't marry?" said Miss
+Junick.
+
+"Oh well! I dont think so; Is that all you have come to ask me"? he
+said, in an aggravating tone, beginning to open the door for her.
+
+"Yes, that is all," said Miss Junick, "but you will try and find a baby
+for me, wont you?
+
+"Yes, but you say you are not married," said the Doctor.
+
+"Well! I must have made a mistake, and was not thinking of what I was
+saying, for I certainly am."
+
+"Oh yes, I will try and find one--Good evening Miss Junick," said the
+Doctor.
+
+"Good evening Doctor Brandon, said Miss Junick, and she shut the hall
+door behind her, and commenced to walk up the town.
+
+Dear dear it is nine oclock oh no half past I must hurry or Mrs. Hose
+will be cross and say I neglect the child and I dont only she will think
+so because I have it for too long only an hour and a half it is not at
+all long. At last she came to the house and she went strait to bed but
+she could not sleep for thinking of the baby which she was going to
+have. She did not get scolded in spite of all she said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 8
+
+THE PRIVATE ARIVAL OF MISS JUNICKS BABY
+
+
+Miss Junick awoke early the next morning; she was very excited thinking
+of her future baby, and she didn't get up until eight o'clock. She then
+walked downstairs to the baby's room, and got it up. When it was dressed
+she gave it its breakfast, but she didn't talk to it, as much as she did
+the other day, for she was too much excited. After breakfast, she found
+it's pram in the shed and took it out for it's walk.
+
+At last she arrived home, and after giving the baby its dinner, she put
+it to it's afternoon sleep. When it woke up she took it out for another
+walk, and on her way she met the doctor's page boy coming along with a
+box under his arm. As she saw him approaching she left the pram without
+a word and ran along to meet him. When she got up to him, the boy raised
+his cap and said. "If you please, Miss, the doctor told me to bring you
+this box and he hopes the contents will do."
+
+"Oh, thank you, thank you," said Miss Junick, as she took the parcel,
+and ran back to the pram with it.
+
+She put the box in, and walked hastily home, for she wanted to open it.
+Soon she got to the house, and to her great horror, as she was going
+upstairs she met Mrs. Hose.
+
+"Well, Miss Junick, have you been taking baby for a walk? she said, "and
+what is that box you have under your arm."
+
+"It is only something I have bought, nothing to do with you," she
+muttered, as Mrs. Hose shut her bedroom door.
+
+When she had undressed the baby, she set it up in it's high chair gave
+it it's rattle, and hurried upstairs to open her precious box.
+
+"I hope it's nice," she said, as she cut the string; she then opened the
+lid of the box. Of course it was ugly, as most babies are when they are
+first born.
+
+But this would not do for Miss Junick, for she called it 'an ugly little
+beast," and threatened to throw it away.
+
+When the next day came she thought it was more ugly still, and that day
+she really did throw it away, and I will tell you where she put it."
+
+In fact she did more than this, for she murdered it first, and then
+threw it into one of the dirty alleys. She was now quite satisfied that
+she had got rid of it, but she was more angry still when she found the
+bill inside the box, "Miss Junick Dr. to Doctor Paulin for one baby
+delivered as per agreement L1." She took the L1 out of her purse and
+walked straight down to the Doctors and gave it without a minutes delay
+and begged to have a receipt at once. So it was given to her at once,
+and he asked her in and cross questioned her about the baby. She paused
+a little and then said--
+
+"Oh its getting on very nicely thank you, good afternoon," and she shut
+the outer door and hurried away home.
+
+When she got home Mrs. Hose's baby was sleeping quietly in its cradle,
+but it soon woke up and she gave it its tea. Pretty soon after tea it
+went to bed, and she went up to her room, and I must tell you that her
+front window looked out upon the churchyard. She was looking out of this
+window as she was doing her hair, and she saw that the burial of a
+little baby was going on, and two poor women were there. Miss Junick
+pierced very hard out of the window and she recognised that it was the
+same little baby that she had murdered and thrown away.
+
+"Oh! so they are burying it are they?" she said to herself, "I wouldn't
+take pity on such an ugly little thing if I were them.
+
+When she had changed her dress she went downstairs to have her supper
+with Mr. and Mrs. Hose thinking all the while of what she had seen. When
+supper was over, she went upstairs and took from her trunk a "shilling
+shocker" and began to read it. Presently she got tired and went to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 9
+
+MISS JUNICK'S PLANS
+
+
+Many years had passed by since Miss Junick had come to Mr. and Mrs.
+Hose, and Mrs. Hose's baby was now two years old, and Mr. Hose was very
+much mastaken in what he had said at first about Miss Junick helping
+them in the evening for she did nothing but read shilling shockers and
+penny horribles all the eveing till it was time for bed and after that
+when she was in bed she used to make plans these were what she maid, as
+she found her baby ugly and that she could not get one like Mrs. Hose's
+she planed that she would steal Mrs. Hoses most lovely baby, little did
+Miss Junick think that the baby she was going to steal was the greatest
+tressure Mrs. Hose had ever had so she realy planed to do this wicked
+act. She was very kind too the baby all this time and each day she grew
+more and more jealous of the baby and she said her plain must soon
+happen and I will tell you more in the next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 10
+
+HOW MISS JUNICK CARYS OUT HER PLAN
+
+
+2 Weaks had past since Miss Junick had planed what she should do. One
+eveing she pretented too have a bad headache and went to bed before
+supper and had her supper in bed in order that she might think it over,
+yes she said I will steal the baby tomorrow and run away home too my
+mother and father they will be plased to know that I have stolen
+something and she turned on her side I will put mine and some of the
+babys things in a bag very early at about 5 oclock and start off so
+saying she began too snore and too go too sleap. soon the morning came
+and she awoke and dressed hurryeld put her clothes and one dress and one
+cloack and bonnet of the babys in the bag and soon she and the baby were
+in the train for Chichester were she and her mother and father lived.
+The baby screamed and cried because it was tired and wanted too go to
+sleap but wound not because it was in the train and had never been in a
+train before.
+
+Miss Junick had forgoten to bring the babys own bottel but she had a
+small tin of biscuits in her bag and a bottel of sour milk which she had
+entendid for herself but gave it too the baby because it was very hungry
+and had not had anything too eat since its tea the eveing before, all
+this time Mrs. Hose was greeving over the loss of her baby and who she
+thought was her dear good governess can any one have murdered them
+Charlie she said and buried their bodys somewere No I dont think that
+could have happened but we might send round to Mrs. Wight and ask her if
+she has seen anything of them said Charlie. Yes we will do that said
+Mrs. Hose, I will go and wright a note and the weping lady left the
+room. She soon came back I have written to Mrs. Wight she said the boy
+has taken the note and I expect an asew soon and she was wright for in 3
+minets the boy entered and said if you plase Mum Mrs. Wight has come too
+see you herself she is in the drawing room and wants you. Now very well
+said Mrs. Hose and she walked down stairs and into the drawing room. Oh
+how do you do said Mrs. Wight I got your note sit down I will explain
+all about this. Mrs. Hose sat down and Mrs. wight began her story. Well
+she said I one eveing saw Miss Junick taking an eveing stroll and I
+asked her too come in to my house and she said as you are a great frend
+I will tell you this so she said I am very jealous of Mrs. Hose's baby
+and some day I mean to steal him and run away with him and go to my own
+mother and father and I promised I would not say a word to anyone.
+
+Mrs. Hose jumped up from her chair Oh Mrs Wight if you had only told me
+this before I could have saved my own darling baby from been stolen from
+that wicked women and I will now put the blame on you. but why said Mrs.
+wight I think it was very good of me to keep my promise so well.
+
+My dear Mrs. wight said Mrs. Hose if you had told me before I could have
+given notice to that wicked Miss Junick and she would have left before
+she could have time to steal my preschus darling and Mrs. Hose left the
+room and rushed upstairs to tell her husband the bad newes and Mrs.
+wight went home.
+
+Mrs. hose ran into her husbands bedroom Charlie, Charlie, she said what
+_do_ you think that wicked Miss Junick whom we thought was so good has
+stolen our precious baby from us and that silly Mrs. wight new of this
+all along but never told us simply because Miss Junick asked her not too
+she new that Miss Junick was going to steal him and the words died off
+her lips as she fainted into a fitt Mr. Hose burnt a feather under her
+nose to make her come round and she soon revived and was able to say
+more to Mr. Hose.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPT 11
+
+MR. HOSE MAKES ENQUIRIES
+
+
+early the next morning Mr. Hose got up dressed quickly and instead of
+going to his office he went to the police office and made enquiries and
+this is what he said to inspecter have you seen a young lady with a
+little baby. I got a governes for my little boy and now she has stolen
+him and has gone home to her parents her Mother is a murderdress and her
+father is a robber I have no idear were her parents live, No Sir said
+inspecter gong I have not seen her I dont think could you dicribe her
+and the baby to me and then I could make sure weather I had seen her or
+not. Well said Mr. Hose the governess was an elderly person with sharpe
+black eyes and black hair and a salow complexion I do not no how she was
+dressed at the time for it was quite early in the morning when she stole
+my baby. No Sir replyed inspecter Gong I have seen no such person, oh
+thank you said Mr. Hose good morning, good morning Sir said the
+inspecter as he shut the door of the police office and Mr. Hose went
+down the steps and walked feeling very unsatisfactory.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 12
+
+
+Many years have passed since Mr. Hose lost his child Mrs. Hose had died
+of greef two years befor and often in the eveing when Mr Hose sat
+alonne he would say to himself would I had that wretched Miss Junick by
+the scraff of the neck and he picked up the poker and shook it to show
+what he would do if he had her in his hands, one eveing as Mr Hose sat
+gazeing in to the emty great where there should have been a fire, he
+heard footsteps in the Porch Mr Hose was startled for now that Mrs Hose
+was dead people seldom came near the house and Mr Hose was not much to
+look at, he had very little hair and what he had was very seldom brushed
+and his red nose got bigger every day so you can emagin how few people
+ventured near him. when he heard the bell ring he jumped up and asked
+the servent who it was she said she would go and see she soon apperd and
+said it was a young man wanted to know if Mr Hose lived here show him in
+and say I do Just at that moment a man rushed in father he said dont you
+know me, and he flung himself into Mr Hoses arms my son my son where
+have you been all these long years tell me all about it. where is mother
+I must tell her too why my son you will never see your mother again she
+is dead she has dided for the loss of you ah I have had whom I thought
+was my mother and it was not untill I saw in the paper that I was still
+bieng looked for and that my name was Charlie Hose and Mr Hose was still
+alive while my supposed name was Auther Junick that I was determined to
+ascape and so I did. well my son I cant tell you how glad I am to have
+you back again saying you where 1 year old when we missed you If your
+mother had only been here to see you safe at home and Miss Junick in
+Prison and always had you with her she would rejoice, and now hoping _I_
+have pleased I will end my story of the Jealous governess or the granted
+wish.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+The oe-ligature is denoted in the text by brackets.
+
+Page 60, "is" changed to "it" (What is it dearest)
+
+Page 164, "He,en" changed to "Helen" (12-30 Helen)
+
+Page 173, an opening quotation mark was removed (Gladys dried her eyes)
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Daisy Ashford: Her Book, by
+Daisy Ashford and Angela Ashford
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