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diff --git a/75364-h/75364-h.htm b/75364-h/75364-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..88f966e --- /dev/null +++ b/75364-h/75364-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2412 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + Enemies: A Tale for Little Lads and Lasses │ Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/image001.jpg" type="image/cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + font-size:12.0pt; + font-family:"Verdana"; +} + +p {text-indent: 2em;} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +/* Images */ + +img { + max-width: 100%; + height: auto; +} + +.w100 { + width: auto + } + +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; +} + +p.t1 {text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 125%; + text-align: center + } + +p.t2 { + text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 150%; + text-align: center + } + +p.t3 { + text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 100%; + text-align: center + } + +p.t3b { + text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 100%; + font-weight: bold; + text-align: center + } + +p.t4 { + text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 80%; + text-align: center + } + +p.letter {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +p.poem { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + padding: 20px 0; + text-align: left; + width: 555px; + } + + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75364 ***</div> + +<p>Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image001" style="max-width: 33.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image001.jpg" alt="image001"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image002" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image002.jpg" alt="image002"> +</figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>"I HATE GRANDFATHER WITH ALL MY HEART!"</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h1>E N E M I E S</h1> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t1"> +<em>A TALE FOR LITTLE LADS AND LASSES</em><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +BY<br> +</p> + +<p class="t1"> +MARIAN ISABEL HURRELL<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p class="t3"> +AUTHOR OF<br> +</p> + +<p class="t4"> +"CECILY MORDAUNT," "A THREE-FOLD PROMISE," ETC.<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br></p> + +<p class="t4"> +<b>"But I say unto you, Love your enemies . . . that ye may be the</b><br> +<b>children of your Father which is in heaven."</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br><br></p> + +<p class="t4"> +LONDON<br> +</p> + +<p class="t3"> +S. W. PARTRIDGE AND CO.<br> +</p> + +<p class="t4"> +8 & 9, PATERNOSTER ROW<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t3b"> +CONTENTS<br> +</p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image003" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image003.jpg" alt="image003"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>CHAP.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_1">I. HUGH'S WRATH</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_2">II. A COUNCIL OF WAR</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_3">III. UNCLE MATTHEW'S GENEROSITY</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_4">IV. THE BEGINNING OF THE FRAY</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_5">V. THE HOUSE OF YORK</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_6">VI. SCHOOL CONFLICTS</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_7">VII. A LITTLE SOLDIER</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_8">VIII. A TERRIBLE FALL</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_9">IX. SIR MATTHEW'S PENITENCE</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_10">X. A FRIEND INDEED</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_11">XI. PEACE AT LAST</a></p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t2"> +<b>E N E M I E S</b><br> +</p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image004" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image004.jpg" alt="image004"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_1">CHAPTER I</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>HUGH'S WRATH</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"DO you mean to say, mother, that he wouldn't see you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Hugh, I was turned away like a stranger from your grandfather's +door."</p> + +<p>"Then he's a wickeder old sinner than I thought he was, and I'm ashamed +of belonging to him."</p> + +<p>"That appears to be a mutual feeling, my son; on that one point you and +your grandfather evidently agree."</p> + +<p>"He shall never have the chance of insulting you again, mother. We +shall soon be big enough to work for you, and then you needn't be +afraid of anything or anybody."</p> + +<p>The lad who spoke thus impetuously looked up into his mother's face as +though for her dear sake he would war with the whole world.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Hughie boy," she answered soothingly. "It was a long +journey for nothing, but as he wouldn't answer my letters, what else +could I do?</p> + +<p>"Ah well," she added, "so long as I have my children, and health and +strength to work for them, I am not afraid," but nevertheless, though +the mother uttered these brave words, there was a tremor of weariness +and disappointment in her voice.</p> + +<p>She had anticipated so much from a personal interview with Sir Matthew +Rose—her father-in-law—but now all her cherished hopes were dashed to +the ground.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Rose was the widow of a clergyman, and since the death of her +husband, about four years previously, she had had a hard struggle to +support herself and her children.</p> + +<p>The three eldest were boys, Hugh, Frank, and Ronald by name, whose ages +varied from ten to seven. The youngest was a girl named Elsie, a little +maid of between five and six summers, who was the pet and plaything of +them all.</p> + +<p>The house in which they dwelt (a roomy old residence known as The +Gables) was the property of Mrs. Rose, bequeathed to her by a +wealthy relative shortly before her husband's death. By means of +letting a portion of the house, the widow managed to eke out her +income sufficiently to provide for the actual needs of herself and +her children, but there was little margin left for education and +additional expenses. Not that the lack of regular lessons troubled her +light-hearted laddies one jot; they were well content with the home +tuition they received, but not so their ambitious little mother.</p> + +<p>For this cause she had nerved herself to make one final appeal to their +grandfather for assistance, and with what result we have already seen.</p> + +<p>Her husband, Gilbert Rose, was the eldest son of a wealthy baronet, and +for many years he was the apple of his father's eye.</p> + +<p>At length came a day when their wills clashed, and in his wrath Sir +Matthew vowed he would have nothing more to do with him, and he +determined to make Wilfrid, his second son, his heir.</p> + +<p>The cause of dispute was Gilbert's choice of a bride, who in his +father's eyes was neither fitted by birth nor worldly treasure to +become the wife of his eldest son.</p> + +<p>Elizabeth Gilderoy (or Lisa, as Gilbert was wont to call her) was the +orphaned sister of one of his curates. She was both good and beautiful, +and it was little wonder that he loved her. Their married life was +exceedingly happy, but all too soon it came to a close. After a brief +illness he died, leaving his wife with four young children to battle +against the winds of adversity.</p> + +<p>The blow fell upon her with crushing force, but despite her bitter +grief, her faith did not falter, for she realized that though earthly +props might fall, yet around her were the Everlasting Arms of Divine +love and tenderness.</p> + +<p>Hugh's affection for his mother well-nigh bordered on worship, and the +idea of her being slighted or insulted was intolerable to his proud +spirit.</p> + +<p>"It's no use being angry, my boy, we must talk things over calmly," she +said. "But I'm afraid now, as matters stand, there is nothing but the +Board school for you all."</p> + +<p>"Oh, mother, as if you couldn't teach us all we want to know!" answered +Hugh impulsively. "Besides, we shan't want much learning for the +professions we've chosen."</p> + +<p>Hugh's pleading look brought the sudden tears to his mother's eyes, +though his words made her smile.</p> + +<p>"Well, laddie, and what are the professions to be?" she said gently.</p> + +<p>"Oh! I'm going to be a sailor, and you don't want to go to school to +be taught the ropes; and Frank and Ronnie have made up their minds to +be sheep-farmers abroad, so as to make a fortune quickly; and Elsie +says—" here a broad smile came over Hugh's face—"she is going to keep a +sweet-shop."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Rose laughed, but she soon grew grave again.</p> + +<p>"Hugh dear," she said earnestly, "you are old enough now to know that +an ignorant boy has no chance in the world, and at a Board school you +will all three get a good education. In this matter you must put your +pride in your pocket, in the same way I did when I went to The Towers."</p> + +<p>"Oh, mother, I hate being poor," cried Hugh, "and I hate—I hate +grandfather with all my heart!"</p> + +<p>With these words Hugh left the room, and in his agitation, he nearly +ran into Miss Beaumont, the lady who occupied part of The Gables, and +who cherished for Hugh a sincere affection.</p> + +<p>"Why, Hugh, what is the matter?" she asked in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Nothing at all, Miss Beaumont, thank you," answered Hugh, seeking to +make good his escape.</p> + +<p>But the lady was not to be put off in this manner. "Come into my room," +she said authoritatively, "and tell me what has upset you."</p> + +<p>Miss Beaumont's apartments were furnished with a view both to luxury +and elegance, but Hugh took little heed of his surroundings as he sat, +at the lady's bidding, beside her on the sofa.</p> + +<p>"Mother says we must go to the Board school," he burst out impetuously.</p> + +<p>"Very sensible too of your mother, if she is unable to send you +elsewhere."</p> + +<p>Hugh flashed an indignant look upwards.</p> + +<p>"Oh! You think it isn't good enough for you, I suppose. Well, upon +consideration, perhaps, the grandchildren of Sir Matthew Rose should +have other advantages. Why doesn't your mother apply to him?" inquired +Miss Beaumont.</p> + +<p>"She has, but he refused to see her, and I've a good mind to write and +tell grandfather what I think of him!"</p> + +<p>"Well, then, I won't keep you any longer," responded Miss Beaumont, +with a gleam of humour in her eyes. "If you should decide to write such +an important letter, I will post it for you with some of my own."</p> + +<p>"Then I will," said Hugh with great decision.</p> + +<p>As soon as the lad had closed the door behind him, Miss Beaumont +murmured to herself, "H'm! I wonder what Matthew will say to such an +epistle. He'll be a little taken aback, I think, but it won't do him +any harm in the end."</p> + +<p>After which speech she sat down to her writing-desk, and wrote several +letters, one of which was addressed to Sir Matthew Rose, Bart.</p> + +<p>At the end of half-an-hour Hugh reappeared, with a sealed letter in his +hand, which he gave into her keeping.</p> + +<p>"This is a secret, I suppose, Hugh?" she said, interrogatively.</p> + +<p>"Yes, please, Miss Beaumont."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I understand; this isn't the first secret we've had, is it, my +boy?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Hugh; "you are very good to us, only I wish you would let me +tell mother where the presents come from."</p> + +<p>"No, Hugh, I'd rather not; perhaps she shall know some day, but not +yet."</p> + +<p>And with this Hugh was perforce content.</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_2">CHAPTER II</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>A COUNCIL OF WAR</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"OH, mummie dear, somefing so inciting has happened!"</p> + +<p>"Run away, pet; don't you see how busy we are with lessons?" and Mrs. +Rose, as she said these words, shook her head reprovingly at little +Elsie, who with flushed cheeks and excited eyes had bounded into the +room.</p> + +<p>"But I must tell you the news—York House is took."</p> + +<p>She had roused her listeners at length. What were reading, writing and +arithmetic compared with such interesting information?</p> + +<p>"That isn't all," she cried delightedly, "I've somefing more to tell +you—the lady's name is Rose, Mrs. Wilfrid Rose, and she comes from +'Merica."</p> + +<p>"How strange!" ejaculated the mother, a flush of colour coming into her +cheeks. "It must be your Aunt Mary and her three children."</p> + +<p>Intense excitement prevailed in the room, and as lessons were nearly +over, Mrs. Rose thought it advisable to excuse the remainder.</p> + +<p>The house in question, which was a detached one situated next to The +Gables, was a large, handsome residence, but, on account of its high +rent and sundry defects, it had stood empty for more than two years.</p> + +<p>"I suppose," said Mrs. Rose, reflectively, "you won't be allowed to +play in the meadow any more, as it belongs to York House."</p> + +<p>"Mother!" cried four indignant voices.</p> + +<p>"Well, darlings, you see the landlord has only given you permission to +make use of it while York House was untenanted."</p> + +<p>"We don't want them to come and take away our medder," said Elsie, +plaintively.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well," said Ronnie, "I 'spect as we're all cousins, we shall play +there together. That'll be fine fun."</p> + +<p>But a troubled look came into the mother's eyes at his words.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to disappoint you, dears," she made reply; "but I'm +afraid your Aunt Mary may not care for you to be too friendly. However, +we shall see. Now run and play in the meadow, and make the most of your +opportunities."</p> + +<p>Away scampered the children, and Mrs. Rose was left to her own +reflections, which, to judge by her expression, were not altogether +pleasing ones.</p> + +<p>Once and once only had she met Mrs. Wilfrid, and the memory of that +meeting gave her no cause for pleasure.</p> + +<p>The two brothers, Gilbert and Wilfrid, who were married about the same +time, were wide apart in many respects. Gilbert Rose had early chosen +the "better part," but Wilfrid's overmastering characteristic was +worldly ambition. The latter gave his father great satisfaction by his +marriage with the grand-daughter of an earl, a lady who was possessed +of both beauty and fortune. For a time all went well with the young +couple, and by Sir Matthew's desire they took up their abode at The +Towers, as the baronet's residence was named. Gilbert was forbidden to +cross the threshold; and Wilfrid, to further enhance his own prospects, +helped to poison his father's mind against his elder brother.</p> + +<p>These facts came to Gilbert's knowledge, and gave him considerable +pain, but nothing he could do or say had any power to counteract his +brother's influence.</p> + +<p>At length came an unlucky day for Wilfrid. The baronet, who was +extremely irascible, took dire offence at some words spoken by his +haughty daughter-in-law, and Wilfrid was consequently bidden to accept +an influential post in America, which had just been offered him.</p> + +<p>In less than a month, he and his wife bade good-bye to English shores, +and Matthew, the third and youngest son, was named as his father's heir.</p> + +<p>Matthew Rose was slightly deformed, but possessed withal such a bright, +cheerful temperament that his physical defect had no power to sour or +embitter his life.</p> + +<p>Wilfrid Rose, after a sojourn of some ten or eleven years abroad, died +suddenly of heart disease, and his widow shortly afterwards made her +way to England, with her three children.</p> + +<p>By a strange coincidence, or shall we not rather say by the overruling +Hand of Providence, she took the very house next door to her despised +sister-in-law. It is probable that had she been aware of it in time, +not even the salubrious air of Linwell-on-Sea would have tempted her to +take up her dwelling in such close proximity to Mrs. Gilbert Rose.</p> + +<p>But the deed was done, and painters and paperhangers were set to work +to make York House a habitable dwelling-place.</p> + +<p>The day of their arrival was a most eventful one in the annals of The +Gables. It was a wet afternoon, and Mrs. Rose was busy in the kitchen +preparing some dainty for Miss Beaumont's late dinner. The three boys +and Elsie, unable to go out and play, watched from the nursery window +(which overlooked the front of the house) for the carriage to appear, +for Ronnie had questioned the gardener and had thereby learnt that Mrs. +Wilfrid Rose and her family were expected that same afternoon.</p> + +<p>For a long time they watched and waited, Elsie, with her nose flattened +against the window, anxious to be the first to communicate the tidings.</p> + +<p>"Here they come!" she cried at last, and then four pairs of eyes full +of intense interest peered over the blind.</p> + +<p>Two lads of about ten and eight years of age were the first to alight +from the carriage, and then a little girl stepped forth, followed by a +respectable middle-aged woman, who looked like a housekeeper.</p> + +<p>Shortly afterwards another carriage drew up, which contained Mrs. +Wilfrid and a maid, who had charge of several boxes and packages.</p> + +<p>But the children were the chief objects of interest to the four +watchers at the nursery window.</p> + +<p>"Shouldn't be surprised if we were regular enemies," said Frank; "they +look as if they all thought a mighty deal of themselves."</p> + +<p>"So they do," agreed Hugh. "I vote we show 'em we don't want their +friendships. Now, I've just thought of something—we'll keep up the +family feud."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" said Ronnie. "Is it anything to do with breakfasts? +'Cause I'm getting so tired of bread and milk. We never have nice +things like Miss Beaumont does."</p> + +<p>"You are a silly, Ronnie," said Hugh, "a regular baby. Why, Elsie has +more 'go' in her than you have."</p> + +<p>Ronnie, a fair-haired, blue-eyed little lad, looked quite hurt, whilst +Elsie, elated at her brother's praise, said in a chirpy voice—</p> + +<p>"Yes, much more 'go.' I can run nearly as fast as Kitty." Kitty, by the +way, was the little maid-of-all-work.</p> + +<p>"Family feud, I said, not food," went on Hugh in an explanatory voice; +"that means the same as a quarrel. The Rose family don't seem to have +agreed very well in the past, so I vote we keep it up with these little +jackanapes."</p> + +<p>"The Wars of the Roses over again," said Frank, laughingly.</p> + +<p>"That's a clever idea!" Hugh replied. "We'll just take them down a peg +or two."</p> + +<p>"The meadow 'll do for the field of Waterloo, where the Roses fought," +said Ronnie vaguely, anxious to say something clever too.</p> + +<p>"Hark at him!" cried Frank, with a roar of laughter. "Bravo, my boy! +You shall have the first prize for history."</p> + +<p>"I'll take the big chap, if he has any of his nonsense," continued +Hugh; "you, Frank, can tackle the second one, and Ronnie, the girl."</p> + +<p>"Men can't fight women," said Ronnie indignantly; "'sides, I don't want +to fight."</p> + +<p>"Then you've got to do so, and if the girl shows any of her high and +mighty ways, you must stand on your dignity. I don't say you are to +strike her, but just show her our family is as good as hers any day."</p> + +<p>"I wish she was a boy," said Ronnie regretfully, slightly impressed by +his brother's long speech.</p> + +<p>"That won't matter," said Frank, in a would-be soothing tone, "you are +more than half a girl yourself."</p> + +<p>Ronnie looked so fierce for a moment that there was danger of war in +the camp, but Elsie unconsciously saved the situation.</p> + +<p>"Who am I to fight?" she cried distressfully, for she felt sadly out of +it. No one appeared to have thought of Elsie joining the fray.</p> + +<p>"You are too little for a soldier," said Hugh gently; "besides, there's +nobody for you to fight. We must be equal, else it won't be fair." Then +turning to his brothers, he added, "Now, boys, you must kiss the book."</p> + +<p>"What book?" cried both lads in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Oh! I'll soon find one; here's a Markham's history, that will do well. +Now you've got to say, after me, 'I promise to fight in the Wars of the +Roses, and do my duty as a brave soldier.'"</p> + +<p>Hugh looked so serious that his brothers refrained from laughing, and +little Elsie watched the scene in wonderment.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad I'm not a soldier," she said in baby scorn. "Fancy kissing a +silly old hist'ry! I'd rather kiss mummie."</p> + +<p>"Grapes are sour, Elsie," said Frank loftily.</p> + +<p>"They isn't. They are getting lovely and ripe, Miss Beaumont had some +this morning."</p> + +<p>No notice was taken of this speech, for Frank immediately broke in with +a most important question.</p> + +<p>"Well, what side are we going to be, York or Chichester?"</p> + +<p>"Look here, now, Frank," said Hugh, his bright eyes gleaming with fun, +"you're as bad as Ronnie. I suppose you mean Lancaster."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, it's all the same thing!" answered Frank hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"Why, of course they are 'York,' 'cause of York House," said Ronnie, +delighted at his own brilliance.</p> + +<p>"Bravo, Ronnie!" cried his brothers.</p> + +<p>At which praise he was so lifted up that he felt for the moment equal +to carrying on the battle all by himself.</p> + +<p>At this juncture the tea-bell rang, and in spirits the children +scrambled downstairs to join their mother in the dining-room.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +————————————<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_3">CHAPTER III</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>UNCLE MATTHEW'S GENEROSITY</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"HAVE you answered either of those letters yet, father?"</p> + +<p>"No, Matthew, and I've no intention of doing so. I regard them both as +highly impertinent."</p> + +<p>The younger man sighed, but the baronet, Sir Matthew Rose, looked as +cold and impregnable as a rock.</p> + +<p>It was the close of a golden September day; the misty shadows were +falling across the well-wooded park and meadow-lands which surrounded +the old baronial pile known as The Towers.</p> + +<p>"You will pardon me saying so, father, but I think you are wrong," went +on Matthew fearlessly.</p> + +<p>"That's all you know about it," answered the baronet testily.</p> + +<p>But Matthew, heedless of his father's irritability, pursued the subject +bravely.</p> + +<p>"It is but fitting that one of Gilbert's boys should be your heir. My +life, I sometimes feel, will not be a long one, and—"</p> + +<p>"Nonsense, man, nonsense!" interrupted Sir Matthew. "I intend that The +Towers shall be yours, and that after your death—and you'll make old +bones yet, you mark my words! It shall descend to your son, for you +must marry, Matthew."</p> + +<p>A look of pain crossed the young man's features, which was not +unnoticed by the baronet's quick eye.</p> + +<p>"You think too much of your physical defect, you do, 'pon my word," +said his father, but there was a tenderness underlying the irritation +in his voice.</p> + +<p>There was no answer to this speech, as at this moment a servant entered +with the evening letters.</p> + +<p>For a while there was silence as each perused his correspondence. +Presently an exclamation of surprise burst from Sir Matthew's lips.</p> + +<p>"Why, here's a letter from Mary! I thought she was in America!"</p> + +<p>"Where does she write from, father?" inquired Matthew.</p> + +<p>"Linwell—the very spot where Gilbert's wife and family have taken up +their abode. That's very strange!" muttered the old man.</p> + +<p>"'I am hoping to come and see you as soon as we are settled in our new +home,'" he went on, reading the letter aloud.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm in no hurry," said he, ungraciously. "I had quite enough of +Mrs. Wilfrid's airs and graces years ago."</p> + +<p>"Ah well, dad, let bygones be bygones," said peace-loving Matthew; +"remember she has passed through much sorrow since those days."</p> + +<p>"Poor Wilfrid!" murmured the baronet. "Who would have thought, to look +at him, that he would have been cut off in the prime of his manhood!"</p> + +<p>Again a silence fell upon them both; this time it was broken by Matthew.</p> + +<p>"I should like to read those two letters—Alicia Beaumont's and +Hugh's—once again, if you've not destroyed them."</p> + +<p>"No, they are in my desk; here are the keys."</p> + +<p>Matthew, with halting gait, stepped across the room, and soon obtained +possession of the letters in question. The first one which he opened +ran as follows—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "DEAR GRANDFATHER,<br> +<br> + "I am sorry you treated my mother in such a way, by turning her from +your doors like a beggar. It was very cruel of you, and you will never +have the chance of doing it again. She was going to ask you to help us +with our education, but it doesn't matter now a bit, because we are +going to the Board school. Apolergizing for troubling you with a letter,<br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">"I am,</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;">"Your grandson,</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 13em;">"HUGH."</span><br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>And this was the effusion sent off by an indignant lad, and regretted +ten minutes later.</p> + +<p>"Poor little chap!" said Matthew to himself. "He has a fine spirit, but +a little more education won't hurt him."</p> + +<p>The other letter, which was penned by Miss Alicia Beaumont (who was a +distant connection of the late Lady Rose), was in this wise—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "DEAR SIR MATTHEW,<br> +<br> + "You will doubtless be surprised at hearing from me, and more +especially when I tell you that for nearly three years I have been +living in the same house as your son's wife, Elizabeth Rose. In fact, +to put it plainly, I am her lodger, and very comfortable indeed she +makes me.<br> +<br> + "But I am not writing this letter to inform you about myself, but just +to give you some idea of what kind of woman your daughter-in-law has +proved herself to be. She is a good mother in every sense of the word, +and is seeking to train her children in the faith and fear of God.<br> +<br> + "I am not a religious woman myself, but her example has gone far to +prove to me the reality and beauty of a consistent Christian life.<br> +<br> + "She finds it a struggle to make both ends meet, and how she is to +educate her sons fitly, and place them out in the world, passes my +comprehension.<br> +<br> + "I ask of you, for the sake of their father whom you once loved, that +this neglect of your grandsons shall not continue.<br> +<br> + "Please forgive me if I have said too much,<br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">"Believe me,</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 14em;">"Yours sincerely,</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"ALICIA BEAUMONT."</span><br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"Something must be done, father," said Matthew with decision, as he +laid the letters down on the table beside him.</p> + +<p>"Then you must do it, for I shall not," was the abrupt answer.</p> + +<p>"May I reply to these letters, father?"</p> + +<p>"You may write to Alicia, but I desire that no notice whatever be +taken of the lad's impudent epistle," and with these words Sir Matthew +quitted the room.</p> + +<p>The younger man then sat down to the writing-table, and hastily wrote +off an answer to Miss Beaumont's letter, which same epistle gave great +pleasure to the recipient.</p> + +<p>Her face positively beamed with gladness as she read the few lines +which Matthew Rose had inscribed.</p> + +<p>The letter was to the point, and ran thus—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "DEAR MISS BEAUMONT,<br> +<br> + "It is my desire to undertake the education of my nephews, and—if their +mother be willing—I should like them to attend the County Grammar +School, which is situated a few miles from Linwell. The master there, +the Rev. Dr. Willoughby, is a personal friend of mine, and one in whom +I repose great confidence. Kindly inform my sister-in-law of this +offer, but refrain from mentioning my name.<br> +<br> + "Thanking you for your letter to my father, and with kind regards,<br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 11em;">"Believe me,</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 13.5em;">"Yours very sincerely,</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"MATTHEW ROSE."</span><br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>Five minutes after the receipt of this epistle a brisk tapping was +heard at the door of the room wherein Mrs. Rose sat, darning the week's +socks and stockings. Miss Beaumont was surprised upon entering to see +that the usually calm, bright woman had evidently been giving way to +a few tears. Beneath her somewhat forbidding exterior, Miss Beaumont +possessed a very kindly heart, as her frequent anonymous gifts to the +Rose family testified.</p> + +<p>"Are you too busy to give me a few minutes, Mrs. Rose?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no," answered the widow, laying aside her work. "I hope nothing +is wrong," she added, for a visit from Miss Beaumont was of rare +occurrence.</p> + +<p>"Nothing whatever. I merely came in to tell you that a friend who +wishes his name to remain unknown is desirous of undertaking the cost +of the education of your boys at the County Grammar School."</p> + +<p>For a moment Mrs. Rose was too overcome to answer.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me," she said brokenly, "I did not mean to be so foolish."</p> + +<p>"Well, I must say, my dear good woman, I don't see anything to cry +about," said Miss Beaumont brusquely.</p> + +<p>"No, no; I am only so glad and thankful. Would you believe it, I had +actually thought that God had not seen fit to answer my prayers about +this matter. Wasn't it foolish of me?" she asked, smiling through her +tears.</p> + +<p>Miss Beaumont made no reply; the fact was that an uncomfortable lump in +her throat prevented her calm utterance at that moment.</p> + +<p>"If I might only know who my kind friend is—" said the widow.</p> + +<p>"You see, he doesn't wish to be known," answered Miss Beaumont +decisively.</p> + +<p>"Can it be possible that Sir Matthew has at last relented?" said Mrs. +Rose reflectively.</p> + +<p>"I can gratify your curiosity on that point—it certainly is not their +grandfather."</p> + +<p>A shade of disappointment crossed the widow's face.</p> + +<p>"I would give much to be able to grasp the hand of my unknown friend, +and say, 'God bless you.'"</p> + +<p>As tears threatened to dim the mother's eyes once more, Miss Beaumont, +who dreaded a scene, hastily bade her good-morning, and departed to her +own room.</p> + +<p>But she need not have feared. Mrs. Rose very rarely indulged in the +luxury of giving way to such womanly weakness, and it was with a very +light and thankful heart that she finished the remainder of her pile of +work.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +————————————<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_4">CHAPTER IV</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>THE BEGINNING OF THE FRAY</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"THAT'S a silly old hat you've got on!"</p> + +<p>The little girl to whom this rude remark was addressed looked at the +speaker for a few seconds in hurt surprise before replying.</p> + +<p>She was peering through the garden gate which opened on to the +meadow, wherein the children at The Gables had been wont to play, in +undisturbed enjoyment, for the past two years.</p> + +<p>"You're a very rude boy, and you've no right in that meadow—it belongs +to us, and if you don't go away, I'll tell nurse," said the little girl +indignantly.</p> + +<p>"You shan't call me names; if you do I'll pull your pussy's tail."</p> + +<p>The speaker, who was Ronald Rose, eyed the little girl aggressively, +mindful of Hugh's instructions.</p> + +<p>The kitten, which the child was clasping in her arms, suddenly took +fright at the small dog by Ronnie's side, and scrambling away from its +little mistress, it ran across the meadow as fast as its small legs +could go. Immediately the dog was in full pursuit.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image005" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image005.jpg" alt="image005"></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>"TAKE YOUR HORRID, WICKED OLD DOG AWAY."</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Opening the garden gate, the little girl rushed after her treasure, +with Ronnie following close on her heels.</p> + +<p>If Ronnie had one weakness, it was a love for kittens, and all enmity +was forgotten in the common bond of protecting the helpless.</p> + +<p>But pussy was soon in safety; with marvellous agility she scrambled +into the branches of a tall tree at the end of the meadow, and there +her little palpitating heart beat in security.</p> + +<p>"Take your horrid, wicked old dog away, the then come and help me get +my kitty down," said e child tearfully.</p> + +<p>Ronnie thus imperiously addressed, humbly obeyed, and in less than ten +minutes a little lad and lass were seated under the shade of the tree, +with the kitten safe in its owner's arms.</p> + +<p>"Why did you say just now, mine was a silly old hat?" questioned the +girl, when at last she could think of something else besides her pussy.</p> + +<p>Ronnie looked shamefaced for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Oh! Because we're enemies, you know," he said, flushing redly.</p> + +<p>"Enemies! How funny! I never knew before what an enemy was like! But +why are you my enemy?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"Oh—" Ronnie hesitated, trying to think of a sufficiently dignified +answer. "'Cause we've got to keep up the family food."</p> + +<p>"Whatever do you mean?"</p> + +<p>The round eyes opened their widest, as the little maid put this +question.</p> + +<p>Then the boy, thus thrown as it were upon his last resources, sought to +explain the situation.</p> + +<p>"We're cousins, you know, you and me," he began.</p> + +<p>This was indeed news to the child, who had not at present even heard +the name of the next door neighbours.</p> + +<p>"Are we 'really?'—What is your name?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"Ronnie Rose," was the prompt answer. "What is yours?"</p> + +<p>"Gwennie Rose, and I'm seven years old."</p> + +<p>"So am I," answered the boy, "and we know lots about your family, +though you've only been here two days, and Hugh says we are enemies, +and we've got to fight."</p> + +<p>"What a wicked boy he must be!" exclaimed Gwennie.</p> + +<p>Ronnie was up in arms in a moment. How dare the girl with the big eyes +call his brother wicked!</p> + +<p>The kitten at this moment showed signs of wishing to make friends with +Ronnie, and as he had no desire to resist its overtures, he took the +fluffy little ball into his arms.</p> + +<p>"You won't hurt my Fluffy, will you, Ronnie?" she asked pleadingly.</p> + +<p>"No, I love kittens," he answered, stroking the soft fur to pussy's +supreme content. Then he proceeded, though in a more gentle tone—</p> + +<p>"Hugh is going to fight your big brother, and Frank the younger one, +and I am to fight you."</p> + +<p>The little girl, really alarmed, got up from her seat and was about to +run home.</p> + +<p>"Don't run away, Gwennie, I won't hurt you. Hugh says I am not to +strike you, only just to let you know our family is as good as yours."</p> + +<p>"As good as ours!" said Gwennie. "Oh no, I don't think so, 'cause I've +got an uncle who preaches in a church, and makes lovely sermons."</p> + +<p>"Oh! That's nothing—my father did just the same."</p> + +<p>"Then we're just as good as each other; so don't you think, Ronnie,—" +and here a wistful look came into the big blue eyes—"you and me might +be friends?"</p> + +<p>Ronnie hesitated. "I should like to be," said the young traitor, "only +I kissed the book, you know."</p> + +<p>More wonderment still shone in Gwennie's eyes. "What's that got to do +with it?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"I don't quite know, only that is how we all promised to fight in the +Wars of the Roses."</p> + +<p>"I don't think," said Gwennie, slowly and reverently, "that the angels +up in Heaven would like to see us fighting."</p> + +<p>This was a new idea to Ronnie, but he was not to be vanquished in this +way.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm sure they wouldn't mind!" said he. "Why, the Israelites in +the Bible slew a thousand of their enemies with the jawbone of a +donkey." Ronnie, as will be seen, was wont to be somewhat mixed in his +statements.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you bad, bad boy to tell such stories!" exclaimed the child, +really shocked.</p> + +<p>"That's true, 'cause it's in my 'Line upon Line,'" said Ronnie in +perfect good faith. "I'll bring the book to-morrow afternoon, as it +will be Sunday, and show you under this tree."</p> + +<p>The little diplomatist was not only desirous of proving his words, but +of once more meeting his foe in single combat.</p> + +<p>"Do, then I'll believe you. But, Ronnie, do you think Jesus would like +it? I promised nurse I would always try and please Him."</p> + +<p>There was an earnestness in her tone which touched Ronnie, and he had +no answer ready this time.</p> + +<p>"I don't think He would, you know," continued the child, "'cause I've +got a picture of Him at home, as a little baby, and it is called, 'The +Prince of Peace.'"</p> + +<p>At this moment the clanging of the tea-bell caused Ronnie to start.</p> + +<p>"That's our bell ringing, I must go," he said abruptly, but Gwennie's +words had sunk into his mind, and he began to have serious doubts as to +whether the fight upon which they had entered was a righteous one after +all.</p> + +<p>At any rate, if the Wars of the Roses must be fought, he was sincerely +glad that he was "told off" to combat Gwennie.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, Ronnie, don't forget to-morrow," she said, taking the kitten +from his arms.</p> + +<p>"No, no, I'll remember," he answered confidently. Then bidding good-bye +in a friendly fashion, he ran homewards across the meadow.</p> + +<p>Indeed he was not likely to forget his tryst, for the first battle had +been so agreeable that he quite looked forward to the next conflict.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +————————————<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_5">CHAPTER V</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>THE HOUSE OF YORK</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>MRS. WILFRID ROSE'S face was puckered into a frown. She was an +extremely handsome woman, and were it not for the look of pride and +discontent in her eyes, she would have made a fair picture to look upon.</p> + +<p>It was the breakfast-hour at York House, and the family had seated +themselves at the table.</p> + +<p>Gwennie had been giving a detailed description of her encounter with +Ronald, to the amusement of her brothers and the intense vexation of +her mother.</p> + +<p>"To think that after travelling these thousands of miles, we should +actually have settled down next door to these objectionable Roses," +she said irritably. "Well, I suppose we must keep up a semblance of +friendship for the look of the thing," she continued, "but I do beg of +you children not to get too intimate."</p> + +<p>"Don't you be afraid, mother," said the second son (Montague by name, +usually called Monty); "we'll soon lick 'em into shape—Wars of the +Roses indeed!"</p> + +<p>"They must be original children," said Mrs. Rose languidly; "their idea +is somewhat novel, but I The hope you will not get mixed up in any +fight, Monty. The last one you had, you came home, I remember, with two +black eyes."</p> + +<p>"Two lovely black eyes!" hummed Monty indifferently.</p> + +<p>"It's Sunday, Monty! You forget," said Gwennie in a shocked voice.</p> + +<p>"Yes, so I did, little Miss Prig. Here, pass me the marmalade."</p> + +<p>Gwennie obeyed, but she was too taken up with the subject in hand to +eat much breakfast; but not so Reginald, the eldest son, to whom the +matter was beneath contempt.</p> + +<p>He was an utterly spoilt lad, the pride of his mother's heart, and +partaking more of her disposition than either of the other children.</p> + +<p>Seeing that his mother disdained the whole family at The Gables, he did +likewise, and summed up his three unknown cousins as "cads."</p> + +<p>"There's a little girl too," said Gwennie, "'cause I saw her face at +the window."</p> + +<p>"I think we've discussed the subject long enough," said Mrs. Wilfrid +with decision; "get on with your breakfast, children, or we shall be +late for church."</p> + +<p>There was no fear of any member of "The House of York" being late for +church on their first Sunday at Linwell, so intense was their curiosity +to see their unknown aunt and cousins.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wilfrid, clad in mourning, followed by her three children, was +ushered by the verger into one of the very best seats, for the old man +realized at a glance that the stately-looking woman was "one of the +quality."</p> + +<p>She was not above the feeling of curiosity herself, and when Mrs. +Gilbert Rose and her family took their place in close proximity to the +pulpit, she immediately recognized in the widow's sweet, worn features +the woman whom she had last met as a happy bride.</p> + +<p>She could not see the lads' faces, as they were hidden by a massive +pillar, but little Elsie, who was sitting close beside her mother, +looked so sweet and winsome, that despite herself, Mrs. Wilfrid's heart +went out to the child.</p> + +<p>To Gwennie's delight, from her seat beside her two brothers, she could +occasionally get a peep at Ronnie, but whether from shyness, or because +he thought he had already been too friendly, he refused to meet the +blue eyes which he felt instinctively were gazing at him.</p> + +<p>Only once did he glance at his little cousin, but at this moment her +eyes were fixed upon the clergyman with intense interest, for the text +he had just given out were these few words:</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"Love your enemies."<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>During the sermon heavy clouds gathered, and ere the words of the +benediction were uttered, the rain descended in a drenching shower.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wilfrid, in her widow's weeds, felt sadly the lack of an umbrella, +and whilst waiting in the porch, bade her son Reginald run home to York +House—which was but a short distance—to fetch her one.</p> + +<p>His answer was audible to those around.</p> + +<p>"It won't hurt your bonnet, mother, more than it will hurt me," he said +in a grumbling voice.</p> + +<p>At this moment a little lad touched her hand.</p> + +<p>"Please will you take this umbrella," he said shyly.</p> + +<p>"Thank you so much," she answered, with a smile radiating her beautiful +face, which smile so subjugated Frank Rose, whose umbrella it was, +that he was her humble admirer from thenceforth. "I will return it +this afternoon, if you will tell me where I can send it," she said +graciously.</p> + +<p>"To The Gables," answered Frank, flushing a little as he spoke.</p> + +<p>The lady's manner stiffened, but as she could not well decline the +proffered loan, she merely repeated her thanks, and prepared to make +the best of her way homewards.</p> + +<p>Whilst waiting in the porch, Gwennie found an opportunity to whisper a +few words to Ronnie.</p> + +<p>"I can't come out this afternoon, 'cause of the rain. Will you show me +about the donkey next Sunday instead?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, p'raps," said Ronnie, who with Hugh's eyes upon him felt it +incumbent not to be too friendly.</p> + +<p>"I liked the text this morning," went on Gwennie unabashed, "'bout +loving your enemies, didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"Didn't notice it much," answered Ronnie, with more indifference in his +tone than veracity.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Ronnie!" The hurt voice aroused all his latent chivalry.</p> + +<p>"Well, it was rather a nice one," he admitted half unwillingly, and +with this poor little Gwennie had to be content, as her mother's voice +was heard at this moment bidding her to hasten homewards.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +————————————<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_6">CHAPTER VI</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>SCHOOL CONFLICTS</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THE advent of five lads, each bearing the surname of "Rose," was a +matter of mingled interest and amusement at the County Grammar School +on the day of the commencement of the September term.</p> + +<p>The school was situated about five miles from Linwell, and therefore +it necessitated the lads dining at school. To avoid the long walk and +to ensure punctuality, Mrs. Rose took three railway season-tickets for +her boys, and as Mrs. Wilfrid did the same, the lads came into very +frequent contact.</p> + +<p>Reg's open avoidance and supercilious manner so aggravated Hugh that +on the first morning at school he had a keen desire to "have it out" +with him. But acting on his mother's counsel, he restrained his temper, +and contented himself by returning Reg's cold stare with interest. It +chanced that Hugh and Reg were placed together in the same form, Frank +and Monty in the next one lower, whilst Ronnie found himself in the +class for very little boys, a fact which did not trouble him in the +least. Although he was very backward in his lessons, he was of such +a sociable temperament that it more than compensated for his want of +knowledge. He made friends with wonderful rapidity, and in a very short +space of time he came to the conclusion that school was a very "jolly +place" after all.</p> + +<p>A month passed away, and nut-brown October took the place of ripe +September. The leaves, of gold and crimson, were falling in prodigal +luxuriance, whilst on their stems the few remaining autumn flowers +shivered tremulously as though they heard in the distance the footsteps +of King Winter.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Rose, as in duty bound, duly paid her call at York House, which +same, after a short lapse of time, was returned in proper form. Beyond +these acts of courtesy there had been no great advance on either side +save for the friendship which existed between Ronald and Gwennie, +which, despite their occasional quarrels, grew and flourished.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wilfrid had given gracious permission for the children at The +Gables to continue to make use of the meadow, but Ronnie and Elsie were +the only two who had at present taken advantage of the offer.</p> + +<p>During his first month at school, Hugh had shown a decided talent for +arithmetic, and had more than once earned the praise of his master, +whose name was Mr. Deans.</p> + +<p>Reg, who was not particularly clever at anything, was intensely +jealous, not only of Hugh's superior abilities, but of his popularity; +and he sought out a way by which to humiliate Hugh in the eyes of the +whole school.</p> + +<p>The latter by his love of fun and sport soon won for himself many +friends and admirers, and this fact was gall and bitterness to Reg, +who, ere his first week at school was out, had earned for himself the +title of "Thorny Rose."</p> + +<p>One morning the head-master, the Rev. Dr. Willoughby, took his place at +his desk with a heavy frown on his brow, which was a sure token that +some one had offended.</p> + +<p>After he had touched the bell for silence, he spoke a few sharp +decisive words, to the effect that a key to a certain book of +arithmetic was missing.</p> + +<p>"I trust I am dealing with gentlemen," said he with awful solemnity, +"and that not one of you would be guilty of such a mean action as to +make use of any such book to assist you with your work."</p> + +<p>"Boys in the Third Form," he added, with a keen, searching glance at +the faces of the lads, "give up the keys of your desks. I desire Mr. +Deans to search for the missing book."</p> + +<p>Why the Third Form should be thus adjured did not transpire, but the +fact of the matter was, that the day previously Mr. Deans had made +inquiries for the self-same key, and Reginald Rose had volunteered the +information that he had seen it in the hands of his cousin Hugh.</p> + +<p>The keys were at once given into Mr. Deans' keeping. As it happened two +of them were exactly alike, a fact of which only Reg was cognizant.</p> + +<p>Hugh watched the proceedings with a look of amusement, never dreaming +for one moment that his desk would contain other than his usual +school-books, with a judicious admixture of toffee, string, etc.</p> + +<p>But to the lad's utter astonishment and horror, Mr. Deans, after +rummaging amongst the contents of his desk, came upon the missing book, +which he held up to the gaze of the whole school.</p> + +<p>For a moment there was dead silence, and then Hugh, rising from his +seat without a trace of guilt in his honest, fearless eyes, said +excitedly, "I never put it there, sir! Some mean—"</p> + +<p>"Silence!" thundered Dr. Willoughby. "This then, Rose, is the meaning +of your excellent arithmetic."</p> + +<p>The satire did not crush Hugh in the least, he only felt a burning +desire to thrash somebody. The injustice of it all had aroused his +wrath, and only by rigid self-control, and wholesome dread of his +master combined, did he manage to keep silence.</p> + +<p>Some of Hugh's partisans looked sorry for him, but there were not a few +who bestowed contemptuous glances on the offender. In the eyes of the +entire school, the high-spirited lad was humiliated, and Reg's triumph +was complete.</p> + +<p>At mid-day, Hugh's conduct was the chief topic of conversation, and +Frank, whose devotion to his brother was very great, was absolutely +boiling over with indignation. So much enraged was he, that he +threatened to fight any one of the boys who dared cast a slur on Hugh's +character in his presence. His cousin Monty being rather an adept +with his fists, quite enjoyed the idea of picking a quarrel with his +classmate.</p> + +<p>"We know now why Hugh is so clever with his sums," he said, sneeringly.</p> + +<p>"Do you?" retorted Frank. "So do I—it's because he has more brains than +you and your brother put together."</p> + +<p>"H'm, that remains to be proved," said Monty irritatingly; "but it's +funny that the book should find its way to his desk. I suspect it +walked there in the night."</p> + +<p>A group of lads, Reg amongst the number, gathered round the angry lads. +Hugh in another part of the playground was doing his utmost to comfort +Ronnie, whose distress at his brother's disgrace was unbounded.</p> + +<p>A sudden thought flashed into Frank's mind, and without pausing to +reflect, and scarcely crediting his own words, he said, "Hugh never +put the book in his desk, I know. It's far more likely that Reg out of +jealous spite hid it there himself."</p> + +<p>Monty was beside himself with rage at these words, but they had struck +home to Reg, for he turned visibly paler.</p> + +<p>"If Reg did such a mean thing as that, I'd break every bone in his +body," said the young pugilist; "but as he didn't, I'll make you suffer +for your words."</p> + +<p>And with his clenched fist Monty struck Frank a blow in his face. +With interest Frank returned it, but his adversary being considerably +stronger, the lad soon had the worst of it, and before Hugh could +interpose, Frank was the possessor of a black eye, a bleeding face, and +torn garments.</p> + +<p>Monty Rose, after the first flush of victory was over, was considerably +disturbed by his opponent's wretched appearance. For this breach of +discipline, both lads were severely reprimanded. Frank was placed in +the care of the housekeeper, who dressed his wounds and soothed him to +such an extent that in the course of an hour or two, he did not feel so +very much the worse for his conflict.</p> + +<p>But the three Lancastrians felt heavy-hearted at the idea of facing the +loving, tender mother who always awaited their home-coming with smiles +of welcome. Alas! They had suffered a great reverse that day, and the +"Yorkists" ignobly triumphed over their discomfiture.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +————————————<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_7">CHAPTER VII</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>A LITTLE SOLDIER</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"HUGH, dear lad, it is getting too chilly for you to do your lessons +out of doors; besides, the breakfast bell has rung twice already."</p> + +<p>"I know, mother, I heard it, but my sums were simply awful! I believe +old Deans picked out the worst in the book."</p> + +<p>Hugh spoke bitterly, and his mother's face took a troubled look.</p> + +<p>It was a beautiful October morning, and Hugh, who had worked in vain +at his lessons the night before, arose early and took up his position +on the swing in the garden. This was his favourite place when he had +any very tiresome problem to do. He was wont to say that the air +cleared his brain and that the slight swaying movement helped with the +"toughest" bit of work.</p> + +<p>"How have you been getting on this morning?" asked his mother anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I've got them right at last, I believe," he said exultantly; "that +donkey Deans shall see for himself I can work without a key."</p> + +<p>Despite the courage in Hugh's voice, the quick eyes of love could see +the trouble on his brow. However, later on, Mrs. Rose started them off +with her usual smile and bright good-bye.</p> + +<p>"God will prosper the right, my boy," she said to Hugh in parting; +"brave it out like a man; only a guilty conscience need fear to face +the world."</p> + +<p>Hugh, cheered by her words, felt somehow fully an inch taller. "Yes, he +would brave it out, and show the whole school that he was not afraid," +thought he.</p> + +<p>Mr. Deans, with whom Hugh, despite his frequent acts of daring and +mischief, was really a favourite, seemed remarkably pleased with his +pupil's home lessons that morning.</p> + +<p>"You've worked at your sums well, Rose," he said, whereat Hugh coloured +with pleasure.</p> + +<p>Reg was by no means gratified to see the three big R's scribbled across +Hugh's arithmetic, and he puzzled his brains to think in what way he +could annoy the cousin of whom he was so bitterly jealous.</p> + +<p>"I say, old chap," said one of his classmates, when school was over, +"tell us the secret of your getting those beastly sums right."</p> + +<p>Reg standing by heard Hugh's laughing reply.</p> + +<p>"You all thought yesterday it was because old Deans found that book in +my desk, but you made a mistake," he said triumphantly; "it's our old +swing in the garden that helps me. I sit there and think and think and +the thing is done."</p> + +<p>Light words were they and lightly spoken, but little did Hugh reck what +would be the consequences of his speech.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Elsie felt very lonely while her brothers were at school, for Gwennie +Rose, whom she would gladly have had for a companion, was busy with her +governess all the morning, and in the afternoon when Mrs. Rose was not +too much occupied with other matters, Elsie had her own little tasks to +do.</p> + +<p>Strange to say, between Elsie and her Aunt Mary a warm friendship +gradually came about.</p> + +<p>One morning it chanced that Elsie threw her ball accidentally into the +next garden, and upon her asking in sweet childish fashion if she might +come in and look for it, she won the heart of the stately-looking lady +who heard her making her request to Rachel, Gwennie's nurse.</p> + +<p>"Let her come in, Rachel," said Mrs. Wilfrid, and forthwith Elsie, who +all her life had been accustomed to being petted, came fearlessly into +the room where her aunt was sitting.</p> + +<p>"And so you are little Elsie Rose!" said the lady graciously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and you are my Aunt Mary," answered the child, putting up her +rosy lips for a kiss.</p> + +<p>After a little pause Elsie said softly, "Shall I tell you somefing what +Frank said 'bout you?"</p> + +<p>"Which is Frank?" questioned her aunt.</p> + +<p>"He's my brother what lended you the 'brella."</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, if you like," said Mrs. Wilfrid with languid interest.</p> + +<p>"Frank said you was beautiful, like a picksher, and I think so too."</p> + +<p>A sudden rush of tears came into Mrs. Wilfrid's eyes. Since the death +of her husband, whom she had dearly loved, such sweet incense of praise +had been a thing unknown, and coming as it did from baby lips, the +sincerity of it was undoubted.</p> + +<p>Elsie chatted away for a little while, and then she said quaintly, "I +must go home now and help mother, 'cause she's very, very busy."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wilfrid laughed, and after making the little one promise to come +again she bade her good-bye.</p> + +<p>Nearly every morning after this, even if only for a few minutes, Elsie +would trot in to see "Aunt Mary," who grew to look for her coming with +interest.</p> + +<p>"They won't let me fight in the Wars of the Roses," she said one day in +her pretty baby fashion, "and I'm ra'ver glad, after all, 'cause I love +you very much."</p> + +<p>"You are too little for a soldier, Elsie," said Mrs. Wilfrid in an +amused tone.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I 'spect I am. Mother says it is very wrong to quarrel and fight, +and that we must try to love one another."</p> + +<p>"Your mother is quite right, little one," answered her aunt gently.</p> + +<p>At this moment a visitor called, and little Elsie was bidden to go +upstairs and talk to Rachel, who was busy at needlework.</p> + +<p>"Rachel," she said, after they had chatted on various subjects, "did +you know my three brothers were soldiers."</p> + +<p>"No, little missie, I never heard tell of it before," replied Rachel.</p> + +<p>"Yes, they are, their army is called the Wars of the Roses, 'cause, you +see, Hugh made Frank and Ronald promise to fight—"</p> + +<p>"Then, dearie, if I may make so bold," interrupted nurse, "Master Hugh +is old enough to know better."</p> + +<p>"Is wars very wicked?" questioned Elsie eagerly.</p> + +<p>"There's one battle we must all fight, lassie," said the old nurse, +speaking half to herself and half to the child.</p> + +<p>"No, I can't, 'cause I'm too little—Hugh says so."</p> + +<p>"No one is too little, my dear, to be a soldier of the Lord Jesus +Christ."</p> + +<p>"What does that mean?" questioned Elsie, with wide-opened eyes. She had +often heard from her mother's lips of Him who is the friend of little +children, but the idea of being Christ's little soldier was an entirely +new one.</p> + +<p>"It means," said Rachel reverently, in answer to the child's question, +"that we all must fight in the battle against sin, under our great +Captain."</p> + +<p>Much of this was unintelligible to Elsie, but grasping as much as her +childish mind could understand, she said thoughtfully, "I should like +to be His soldier. Are you 'quite' sure I'm big enough."</p> + +<p>"Yes, my dear, there's only one way of enlisting in His army; you must +ask Him on your knees to make you His faithful soldier unto your life's +end."</p> + +<p>"A faithful soldier!" repeated Elsie. "I'll ask Him to-night when I say +my prayers. Good-bye, nurse—my cat's got two kittens," she added as a +sudden thought struck her, "I must go in now and give pussy her milk."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +————————————<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_8">CHAPTER VIII</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>A TERRIBLE FALL</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"I AM sorry for many reasons, Mrs. Rose, because you have made me very +comfortable, and have borne with my cantankerous ways as few would have +done."</p> + +<p>"You have been very good to us, Miss Beaumont, and we shall miss you +sadly. I sometimes think we are indebted to you for more than one +generous gift."</p> + +<p>Miss Beaumont shook her head. "You've little to thank me for," she said +in a kindly voice, "while I have reason to be grateful to you for much; +you have taught me lessons of faith and patience, which I trust I may +never forget."</p> + +<p>Here her eyes grew misty for a moment. "When I am in a foreign land," +she added, "I should be very glad if you would occasionally let me know +of your welfare."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Rose willingly promised, and after a little further conversation, +she left Miss Beaumont's apartment, to busy herself as usual in +domestic matters. To lose such a profitable lodger as Miss Beaumont at +a month's notice was no slight matter in a household like The Gables, +where the purse was slender enough already.</p> + +<p>The winter too was coming on, with its increasing expenses, and how +they were to be met, unless another lodger could be found to take Miss +Beaumont's place, Mrs. Rose could not imagine.</p> + +<p>The foregoing conversation took place about a week after Hugh's trouble +at school, and was an added load to her burden of anxieties.</p> + +<p>Whilst she was busy in the kitchen a message seemed borne to her. It +echoed like music in her heart:</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "'Cast thy burden upon the Lord.'"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"Yea, Lord, I will," was her voiceless answer to the Divine injunction; +"I am oppressed, undertake for me."</p> + +<p>And then her spirit grew lighter, and she smiled brightly on her little +Elsie, who, with her dollie in her hand, had just entered the kitchen.</p> + +<p>"I am going to give dollie a swing, mother," she said in her clear, +childish treble. "Good-bye, we're going up ever so high, dollie and me; +we aren't a bit afraid."</p> + +<p>"Don't go too high, darling, for fear you tumble."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't tumble, mother, 'cause of hurting dollie."</p> + +<p>And with this speech the little maiden departed towards the garden. +Presently however she retraced her steps, and looking into the kitchen +window, she said pleadingly—</p> + +<p>"May Kitty come and swing me, just a little while?"</p> + +<p>"Kitty is too busy, darling; run and play by yourself," answered her +mother.</p> + +<p>"But I'm lonely wi'vout the boys; do spare Kitty just for five minutes!"</p> + +<p>And unable to resist the plea, Mrs. Rose called Kitty (who was by no +means unwilling) from her work, to swing her little daughter "just for +five minutes."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Rose having finished her cooking stood at the window for a while, +to watch the little maid as she ascended higher and higher.</p> + +<p>"Kitty must leave off now," she said to herself, and was just about +to call her in, when to her terror and anguish, the rope of the swing +suddenly broke, and little Elsie was thrown with considerable force to +the ground.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image006" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image006.jpg" alt="image006"></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>THE ROPE OF THE SWING SUDDENLY BROKE,</b><br> +<b>AND LITTLE ELSIE WAS THROWN TO THE GROUND.</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>There had echoed one sharp scream of fear from the childish lips, and +then followed a sudden silence, which seemed to paralyze the mother's +footsteps.</p> + +<p>Quickly recovering herself, she flew to the spot where her darling lay, +and lifting her gently from the ground she carried her indoors, bidding +Kitty at the same time run with all possible speed for a doctor. After +waiting as it seemed to the agonized mother an eternity, the doctor +arrived, and examined the still unconscious little girl.</p> + +<p>"Doctor," said the poor mother, "I beseech you to tell me, is there +serious injury?"</p> + +<p>Dr. Webster, who was himself the father of a little child about Elsie's +age, looked compassionately at the widow's white, strained features.</p> + +<p>"I fear, Mrs. Rose," he answered, "the back is somewhat injured, and +there has been a great shock to the system; but keep up heart and hope, +she is young and her constitution is good. I will call again this +evening and bring my partner with me."</p> + +<p>Shortly after this the doctor took his leave, and Mrs. Rose, with a +sorely burdened heart, watched beside her darling. It was the first +anxiety she had known in connection with her children.</p> + +<p>From their babyhood upwards, save for slight childish ailments, their +health had hitherto been robust, a fact which their bright eyes and +bonny looks had testified.</p> + +<p>Voiceless prayers went up from her heart as she bent over her +unconscious child.</p> + +<p>"Oh, God!" she pleaded. "Spare me my little Elsie, my baby girl, for I +cannot live without her."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +————————————<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_9">CHAPTER IX</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>SIR MATTHEW'S PENITENCE</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"FATHER, I'm going to Linwell!"</p> + +<p>"Gracious, Matthew, you must be mad! You haven't taken a railway +journey for months; and besides, whatever do you want to go there for?"</p> + +<p>A look of irritability came across the old man's face as he spoke these +words. Somehow of late he had been in the habit of giving up his will +occasionally to his sole remaining son.</p> + +<p>There was a strength and decision in Matthew which he could not +altogether resist, and moreover the baronet realized the fact that he +was growing old, and he could not afford to quarrel with Matthew, as he +had in past days with his sons Gilbert and Wilfrid. Matthew with his +lameness and consequent weakness was very dear to the old man's heart, +and it was still his darling wish that Matthew might yet marry, and +have a son who should inherit The Towers.</p> + +<p>But Matthew thought otherwise, and his heart yearned over his eldest +brother's children. Of their mother, he knew but little, as all +intercourse had long ago been forbidden, and to please his father, he +had given way in this respect, though now he sorely blamed himself for +such weakness. Of Mrs. Wilfrid Rose he had no particularly pleasant +recollections; in the days of the past she had been an intensely proud +woman, and her departure from The Towers was rather a relief than +otherwise, He had almost fancied that she scorned his weakness, and +Matthew on this point was very sensitive.</p> + +<p>Heedless of the cloud on his father's brow, he pursued his subject +fearlessly.</p> + +<p>"I want to see Hugh's wife and her children," he said.</p> + +<p>"Then you'll do it in direct opposition to my will," was the angry +retort. "I repeat, you must be mad to think of such a thing."</p> + +<p>"It is not such a very long journey, father, after all—I suppose about +forty miles—and besides, I shall take Hickson with me," answered +Matthew soothingly.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you've made up your mind, of course it's no use for me to +seek to alter it, only understand I am not going to have a troop of +unruly children here."</p> + +<p>"I understand, father," said Matthew; "you must just humour this little +whim of mine, because I have a feeling that good will come of my visit +to Linwell."</p> + +<p>"H'm!" was all the baronet retorted. But nevertheless a kindly gleam +came into his eyes after Matthew had left the room.</p> + +<p>"He's a good lad, is Matthew," he muttered. "I shall miss him sorely."</p> + +<p>Prophetic words were they, for no sooner had Matthew departed with his +trusted valet, than the blankness of desolation seemed to fall on the +old man's heart.</p> + +<p>He grew positively nervous and morbid, and the silence oppressed him +strangely.</p> + +<p>"The house wants children's voices, it is as still as the grave," he +thought drearily, as looking out from the window one chill October +morning (the day following his son's departure), he noted how the mists +were hanging over the meadows. It seemed to him as though they were +enwrapping his heart and soul in their chill, white folds.</p> + +<p>He sat down to breakfast, but he could not enjoy the meal as usual. +His mind kept reverting to the past, and he realized as he sat at his +lonely repast, how bitterly hard he had been in the bygone days.</p> + +<p>"I must be getting weak or childish," he thought irritably; "pshaw! I'm +sick of myself."</p> + +<p>During the day, his self-reproach grew deeper and deeper; he thought of +Gilbert as a bonny lad, of Gilbert in the Land where nothing may enter +to defile, of his widow left desolate, of her helpless bairns. Then his +thoughts roamed to Wilfrid, of his lonely grave in a foreign clime, and +actually his fierce old eyes grew misty, with mingled pain and regret.</p> + +<p>"Pride and anger have been my bane," he said bitterly.</p> + +<p>The shadows at length gathered round; it was the longest day he had +ever known. He fought against the depression, the sorrow, the regret, +against all his nobler feelings, until at length he was vanquished, and +at night-fall, in the silence of his room, a cry went up to the gates +of Heaven from a broken and contrite spirit:</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "God be merciful to me, a sinner."<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p> * * + * * + *</p> + +<p>Matthew Rose had settled himself at the best hotel Linwell could boast, +and was anxiously biding his time to make the acquaintance of his young +nephews and nieces.</p> + +<p>A great sorrow hung over The Gables; the boys with softened tones and +noiseless footsteps moved about the house, as though the Death Angel +had already entered. There was sorrow too at York House, for Mrs. +Wilfrid dearly loved her little niece; the child with her winsome ways +had completely vanquished the heart of the worldly-minded woman.</p> + +<p>Reg was strangely moody and silent in these days. He would watch for +his mother's return after one of her frequent visits to The Gables, +with a white and anxious face.</p> + +<p>"How is she to-day, mother?" he inquired one morning with intense +eagerness, seeing an expression of deep sadness on her face.</p> + +<p>"She is conscious, Reg, but I have seen the doctor, and he gives little +hope that she will ever be strong and well again, even if her life is +spared, which is doubtful." Tears checked further utterance, and she +hid her eyes with her handkerchief.</p> + +<p>Reg's expression of terrified grief would have frightened her, could +she have seen it. A groan of anguish escaped his lips, which caused his +mother to look at him with surprise.</p> + +<p>"Why, Reg, I didn't know you took any notice of the child," she said.</p> + +<p>"Oh, mother!" he cried, utterly broken down. "If she dies, I am her +murderer."</p> + +<p>"My dear boy, what are you saying?"</p> + +<p>"I can't bear it, mother, I can't! The doctor 'must' make her well!" he +sobbed.</p> + +<p>"Reg," she replied, with unusual reverence in her tones, "Elsie is in +God's hands, we must pray for her recovery."</p> + +<p>At this moment Monty and Gwennie entered the room, each anxious to +know the latest news of their little cousin. Reg paid no heed to their +entrance, so overcome was he with the intensity of his emotions.</p> + +<p>"I can't pray, mother, God wouldn't hear me."</p> + +<p>"My dear child, don't give way so, you really must not," she said at +length.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you don't understand," he cried hopelessly. "Mother, I cut the +rope of the swing partly through, so that Hugh should fall when he did +his sums there."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wilfrid understood at length, and she looked terribly grieved and +disappointed in her son; but there was, alas! more to follow.</p> + +<p>"I must tell you all now, mother," he went on. "I hid that book in +Hugh's desk, so that Mr. Deans should think he copied his sums."</p> + +<p>Monty's rage burst forth at this last admission.</p> + +<p>"And you let me fight Frank because of it, and black his eyes, Reg! +I'll never forgive you!" And with these words the lad, with tears of +mortification in his eyes, rushed out of the room, slamming the door +behind him.</p> + +<p>Gwennie, whose tender heart was touched by her brother's remorse, drew +near him and laid her hand gently on his arm.</p> + +<p>"Poor Reg," she said softly, "don't cry! Tell God you're sorry, and +p'raps if you ask Him, He'll make Elsie well."</p> + +<p>It was at this juncture, that Matthew Rose was ushered into the room. +Having heard of the sorrow at The Gables, he refrained from calling +there, until he had ascertained from Mrs. Wilfrid the particulars of +the accident, which had taken place two or three days previously.</p> + +<p>Quickly recovering herself, the lady welcomed her visitor graciously.</p> + +<p>Bidding Reg and Gwennie leave the room, she presently gave him an +account of the little sufferer's condition, in accents of such tender +feeling that Matthew was deeply touched.</p> + +<p>Needless to say, she refrained from mentioning the sad part which Reg +had played in the accident.</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_10">CHAPTER X</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>A FRIEND INDEED</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"MOTHER!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, darling!"</p> + +<p>"What makes my head feel so funny?"</p> + +<p>"You are tired, my little one," answered Mrs. Rose with infinite +tenderness to Elsie's plaintive questioning.</p> + +<p>"Yes, so tired, mother; put your hand on my head a little while."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Rose obeyed, and her cool hand seemed to soothe the little +sufferer.</p> + +<p>"Mother," she continued, half wandering, "Hugh says I'm too little to +fight."</p> + +<p>"Yes, my pet, so you are; mother's little Elsie doesn't want to be a +soldier," she answered, thinking the child's mind was reverting to "The +Wars of the Roses," which occasionally she had heard discussed amongst +her children, though never, be it said, without expressed disapproval.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," she answered half petulantly, "Rachel says I'm not too +little; she told me—" and here the child's eyes, with a clear light in +their depths, sought her mother's face anxiously—"I might be a soldier +of the Lord Jesus Christ."</p> + +<p>"Yes, darling, so you may," answered Mrs. Rose, a rush of tears nearly +blinding her sight.</p> + +<p>"Then ask Him, mother, to let me be His little soldier," said Elsie +eagerly. "Say it out loud, mummie dear," she pleaded, using in her +excitement the pet name which came most naturally to her lips when she +was particularly desirous of some favour.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Rose hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Say it now, 'cause I'm going to sleep presen'y."</p> + +<p>The well-nigh broken-hearted mother fell on her knees, and for a while +there was silent pleading.</p> + +<p>"I can't hear, mummie," she said fretfully.</p> + +<p>Then with a strange calm coming over her spirit, Mrs. Rose said slowly +and clearly—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "Dear Lord Jesus, make Elsie Thine own little soldier, for Thy name's +sake. Amen."<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"Thank you, mother dear, that's all right now. Good-night—I'm getting +ra'ver sleepy."</p> + +<p>The sweet eyes closed wearily, and through the long night-watches, the +devoted mother never once left her bedside. Morning dawned, and the +spark of life was flickering just a little stronger, and the doctor in +a more cheery voice bade her take heart.</p> + +<p>"While there's life there's hope," he said, using the time-worn words +with an expression of deep sympathy in his kindly face, and from that +day it seemed the child slowly but surely began to mend.</p> + +<p> * * + * * + *</p> + +<p>"Tell me, Miss Beaumont, is there anything I can do for Lisa?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Matthew, there is much that you can do—I think you are raised up +to help her in a time of bitter need and adversity."</p> + +<p>Matthew's delicate features wore an expression of tender sympathy, for +Miss Beaumont's speech had touched him.</p> + +<p>Hitherto he had been unable to obtain an interview with his +sister-in-law, as when she was not engaged in nursing, she was taking +the necessary rest.</p> + +<p>Miss Beaumont did all in her power to render assistance; it was she +who superintended the household, looked after the boys, mended torn +garments, and soothed to her utmost the sad-hearted mother.</p> + +<p>But the time of her departure was drawing near, there remained but a +little while ere she would have to bid farewell to The Gables. Her +brother had need of her in a foreign land, otherwise she would not have +deserted the Rose family in their extremity.</p> + +<p>In a few well-chosen words, she gave Matthew an outline of the widow's +circumstances, and right nobly did the young man rise to the occasion.</p> + +<p>At Miss Beaumont's instigation, he procured a nurse to assist the tired +mother, and he determined that no comfort which money could procure +should be lacking. It was through Miss Beaumont that Mrs. Rose knew of +Matthew's goodness and generosity.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>It was on the fourth morning after his arrival at Linwell that he +obtained the much-desired interview with Mrs. Rose.</p> + +<p>"Matthew," she said gently, as she took his hand with both her own, +"God bless you for your goodness to me and mine. I can guess now who +befriended me with my boys' education!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's nothing, Lisa! What we want now is to get the little one +well," he said cheerfully, albeit he was touched by her words.</p> + +<p>As Matthew gazed at the sweet worn face of his brother's widow, his +heart reproached him terribly for all the neglect of past years.</p> + +<p>He had been afraid to combat his father's strong will, but no longer +had he any fear; then and there he registered a vow before Heaven that +never more should Elizabeth Rose struggle against the rough winds of +adversity.</p> + +<p>After a prolonged conversation, Matthew rose to take his leave, and +the mother with renewed hope and courage went back to her little one's +bedside.</p> + +<p>Matthew's young nephews and nieces soon became greatly attached to +him—all save Reg, who held himself strangely aloof; a fact which +gave Matthew a certain amount of regret, and he made up his mind by +consistent kindness and forbearance to win the lad's heart. And he won +it at last, in a most unexpected manner.</p> + +<p>Hugh in a moment of confidence had told his uncle the miserable story +of his humiliation at school, and of the consequent coldness of the +head-master, Dr. Willoughby.</p> + +<p>Elsie's sad accident had for a while driven the trouble out of his +mind, but as soon as a ray of hope pierced the gloom of the household, +Hugh's thoughts again reverted to his disgrace.</p> + +<p>Matthew was a good listener, and his wise counsel comforted Hugh more +than a little.</p> + +<p>Monty Rose, in the consciousness of his brother's guilt, felt very +burdened and downcast, but until Reg's sense of honour bade him make +what reparation lay in his power, the lad felt bound to secrecy.</p> + +<p>Gwennie shed many tears about it, and it was almost the only secret she +withheld from Ronnie, who, despite their occasional wordy warfare, was +still her best and dearest friend.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>One Saturday afternoon Matthew, when calling at York House, chanced to +find Reg at home alone; after a kindly greeting, he looked at the lad +critically.</p> + +<p>"You're not looking up to the mark, my boy!" he said kindly.</p> + +<p>"I've got a headache," answered Reg, flushing beneath his uncle's gaze. +He might more truly have said a "heartache."</p> + +<p>During the conversation which ensued a sudden inspiration flashed into +Matthew's mind.</p> + +<p>"I have been talking to Hugh," he said thoughtfully, "and he is very +unhappy about this trouble at school. I wonder if you could help me. I +want to clear his name before I return to The Towers, for I feel sure +he is innocent, and that an enemy has done him this wrong."</p> + +<p>Matthew unconsciously had sent an arrow straight to his listener's +heart. He had no idea in his mind of fixing the guilt on Reg, and +his astonishment was unbounded when the lad, hitherto so calm and +self-contained in his presence, suddenly threw himself full length upon +a couch, and hiding his face in his hands burst into tears.</p> + +<p>Then in an instant the truth dawned upon Matthew.</p> + +<p>"Reg, my poor boy," he said, gently laying his hand upon the lad's +shoulder, "what is it?"</p> + +<p>"Don't touch me, Uncle Matthew, I'm not fit. I am the most miserable +boy in the whole world!" cried Reg, his voice quivering with emotion.</p> + +<p>"Tell me all about it, from beginning to end," said Matthew firmly, yet +with compassion in his tones.</p> + +<p>Then the whole miserable story was told, even to the sad part he had +played in Elsie's accident. For a while Matthew was silent, and then +with a swift, silent prayer for guidance, he said quietly—</p> + +<p>"That's well spoken, my boy; you have gained a victory over self, this +afternoon, which is one step at least in the right direction. Now the +first thing to be done, is to ask forgiveness of One whom you have +grievously sinned against. Go to your room, Reg, and tell Him all, as +you have told me, and ask for pardon. Then come to me again, and we +will consider the next step."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image007" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image007.jpg" alt="image007"></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>THREW HIMSELF FULL LENGTH UPON A COUCH.</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Reg, now utterly humbled, obeyed, and after a little while returned to +his uncle looking sad and subdued, albeit a great load was lifted from +his heart.</p> + +<p>Matthew realized that now was Reg's opportunity, and mindful of the +truth of the proverb, he made up his mind to "strike the iron while it +was hot."</p> + +<p>"I want you to come with me, Reg, this afternoon," he said, "to see Dr. +Willoughby."</p> + +<p>"I will do anything you think right, Uncle Matthew," he answered sadly.</p> + +<p>"We will go at once—that is, if you don't mind suiting your steps to +mine," said Matthew, mindful of his lameness. The tenderness with which +he spoke, and the entire absence of scorning, utterly won the lad, and +in his heart, he both loved and revered the man who was thus leading +him into the paths of truth and honour.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +————————————<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h3><a id="Chapter_11">CHAPTER XI</a></h3> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>PEACE AT LAST</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>MATTHEW had returned to The Towers, having fulfilled his mission well. +His leave-taking on the Monday following Reg's confession was somewhat +unexpected. It was owing to the fact that he had received a letter from +his father, who, feeling himself to be growing old and feeble, and +likewise weary of his own society, desired his son's immediate return.</p> + +<p>Thus was Reg left with the hardest battles to fight, namely, to +confess his grievous faults to his Aunt Elizabeth, and to suffer +his humiliation at school. It was almost more than he knew how to +contemplate, but having started on the upward path, he determined to +proceed, however difficult the way.</p> + +<p>It was all over at last. Hugh's name was cleared, and Reg, feeling as +though life had no longer any hope or gladness, hid himself away in his +bedroom and refused to be comforted. He had written his confession to +his aunt, and the note was blistered with tears of genuine penitence.</p> + +<p>For a while Mrs. Rose felt her heart to be hardened against the lad who +had wrought so much sorrow. And not until the evening of the day, when +on her knees she breathed the petition,—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "'Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against +us,—"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>was she softened towards the culprit.</p> + +<p>Hugh and Frank were indignant. The former could far more easily forgive +the wrong done to himself than the cruel act which had occasioned his +little sister so much suffering. They were ready to wage any amount of +warfare in harsh words and bitter upbraidings, but they soon realized +the "Yorkists" had no longer any spirit to fight.</p> + +<p>"It takes two to make a quarrel," said Frank, "so I suppose, as the +Yorkists have given up the fight, the victory is ours."</p> + +<p>"They are not even worth having for enemies," answered Hugh, with +supreme contempt.</p> + +<p>Ronnie sought out his little friend Gwennie next morning, and told her +of his brother's decision to end the battle.</p> + +<p>"Hugh says that you are none of you even worth having for enemies," he +said.</p> + +<p>Gwennie looked hurt, and Ronnie to comfort her slipped his hand into +hers.</p> + +<p>A sad little smile came over her face as she said wistfully, +unconscious of the exquisite sweetness of her words—</p> + +<p>"No, Ronnie, p'raps not, but don't you think we might be worth having +as 'friends?'"</p> + +<p>This was a good idea, thought Ronnie, and very clever of Gwennie.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell Hugh what you say, Gwennie," he said. Then he added, drawing +out of his pocket a round, rosy apple, "I've been saving this for +you—it's such a beauty."</p> + +<p>"Thank you ever so much, Ronnie; don't forget to tell Hugh what I say. +Now I must go, for nurse is calling me," and with these words away ran +Gwennie in obedience to the summons.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Mrs. Rose, on the morning following the receipt of Reg's penitent +letter, wrote in answer these few words, which were long treasured by +the lad.</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "DEAR REG,<br> +<br> + "I forgive you from my heart as I would myself be forgiven by our +loving Heavenly Father.<br> +<br> + "Will you come and have tea with Elsie and me this afternoon? Miss +Beaumont is superintending the dining-room tea, so we shall be quite by +ourselves. Please come.<br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;">"Your affectionate</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">"AUNT LISA."</span><br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wilfrid herself shed secret tears over the short note, and came +to the conclusion that after all, notwithstanding her poverty and lack +of "long descent," there was a great deal in Elizabeth Rose, and from +henceforth she decided to cultivate more of her society.</p> + +<p>Elsie, who was daily growing stronger, was delighted at the idea +of receiving a visitor, and Reg, who brought with him a lovely +picture-book as a gift from his mother, was a welcome and honoured +guest.</p> + +<p>The injuries which Elsie had received were happily not of a permanent +nature, as was feared, although many weeks, perhaps months, must elapse +ere she would be able to run about as usual.</p> + +<p>Owing to their mother's influence, the three boys gradually received +Reg into favour, and acting upon little peace-loving Gwennie's +suggestion, they found to their surprise that the young cousins at York +House were after all worth having as friends, and thus ended "The Wars +of the Roses."</p> + +<p> * * + * * + *</p> + +<p>The morning of Miss Beaumont's departure drew nigh, and with tears +and mutual regrets she bade good-bye to The Gables, and set her face +towards the New World.</p> + +<p>There appeared to be no prospect of any one taking her place, and the +question of ways and means at times sorely troubled the widow's heart, +but still her faith did not fail her.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>One morning, when the future was weighing somewhat heavily upon her +mind, the post brought her a letter from Sir Matthew Rose. Opening it +with trembling fingers, for it was the first communication she had ever +received from him, she read as follows—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "MY DEAR ELIZABETH,<br> +<br> + "My son and I are lonely at The Towers, and I feel myself to be growing +old and feeble, and in need of a daughter's care.<br> +<br> + "I am asking you, therefore, as a favour to come (you and your +family) and take up your abode with us. Please do not let pride +stand in the way. I am only too well aware that this is a tardy +recognition, but remember to err is human, and to forgive—which is +your prerogative—divine. We are 'needing' you, and realize that your +presence will do much to brighten our lives. Your little daughter shall +have the best medical attention, and I will gladly undertake the future +of your sons, for Gilbert's sake and your own.<br> +<br> + "Anxiously awaiting your reply,<br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">"Believe me,</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 10em;">"Yours affectionately,</span><br> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"MATTHEW ROSE."</span><br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"'We are needing you.'" This phrase in the letter completely won the +widow's heart, and thankfully she accepted the baronet's generous offer.</p> + +<p>When the news reached York House, for a while Mrs. Wilfrid was both +resentful and rebellious.</p> + +<p>"Who is Elizabeth Rose," thought she, "to be thus favoured?"</p> + +<p>But her better nature at length prevailed, and as the time of departure +drew nigh, she manifested much kindliness of spirit.</p> + +<p>Gwennie was inconsolable; but a letter received one morning, about a +week later, from Sir Matthew Rose, greatly comforted her.</p> + +<p>It was an invitation to the entire family to spend the Christmas +holidays at The Towers.</p> + +<p>Elsie's removal had necessitated great care, and special invalid +appliances were brought into requisition at the baronet's expense.</p> + +<p>Hugh alone of all the party felt a certain shamefacedness at the idea +of meeting his grandfather, and at his first opportunity, he made ample +apology for his impertinent letter.</p> + +<p>With a graciousness to which in past days he was a stranger, Sir +Matthew freely forgave the impulsive lad, and from thenceforth Hugh was +his devoted adherent.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>The weeks rolled on, and the blessed season of Christmas drew nigh. +And what a Christmas-tide it was too! Such a time of merry-making, +rejoicing and thanksgiving surely was never known in the grey old +Towers, and the baronet's heart grew young again as he gazed at the +bonny faces of his grandchildren. Little Elsie, in her convalescence, +was as gay as any.</p> + +<p>"Peace on earth, good-will to men," rang out the Christmas message, +finding an echo in the glad hearts of those who assembled around the +Yule-tide fire in the wainscoted dining-room at The Towers. Matthew, in +his joy at the family reunion, in which he had taken so noble a part; +was intensely happy, whilst his father's face actually beamed with +gladness.</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"Glory to God in the highest!"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>Ah! This was the theme of Elizabeth Rose's rejoicing as she gave praise +to Him who throughout her chequered pathway had never once failed her.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>All too rapidly the holidays flew away, and Mrs. Wilfrid and her family +once more returned to York House.</p> + +<p>It was the twilight hour, and the children in their spacious play-room +were amusing themselves contentedly.</p> + +<p>The baronet, with Matthew and his daughter-in-law Elizabeth, sat +talking beside the dining-room fire.</p> + +<p>"The house seems a different place, Elizabeth," said Sir Matthew +gently, "since you have come to us."</p> + +<p>She smiled brightly as she replied, calling him by the name which he +loved best to hear—</p> + +<p>"Dear father, you are very, very good to us. I only trust that we shall +never disappoint you."</p> + +<p>"There is little fear of that, my child," he answered. "God has +bestowed upon you 'good' children, and they have rich blessing in their +mother.</p> + +<p>"I came across some lines the other day," he added, after a little +pause, "which made me think of you."</p> + +<p>"What were they?" she said, smiling through a mist of happy tears.</p> + +<p>"They were these," he answered, regarding her with true fatherly +affection—</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"'A sweeter woman ne'er drew breath,<br> + Than my son's wife, Elizabeth.'"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +THE END<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t4"> +—————————————————————————————————<br> +Richard Clay & Sons, Limited, London and Bungay.<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75364 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + diff --git a/75364-h/images/image001.jpg b/75364-h/images/image001.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..98ea055 --- /dev/null +++ b/75364-h/images/image001.jpg diff --git a/75364-h/images/image002.jpg b/75364-h/images/image002.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..93bc00d --- /dev/null +++ b/75364-h/images/image002.jpg diff --git a/75364-h/images/image003.jpg b/75364-h/images/image003.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2b3fba8 --- /dev/null +++ b/75364-h/images/image003.jpg diff --git a/75364-h/images/image004.jpg b/75364-h/images/image004.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8e33732 --- /dev/null +++ b/75364-h/images/image004.jpg diff --git a/75364-h/images/image005.jpg b/75364-h/images/image005.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..366917c --- /dev/null +++ b/75364-h/images/image005.jpg diff --git a/75364-h/images/image006.jpg b/75364-h/images/image006.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..af27857 --- /dev/null +++ b/75364-h/images/image006.jpg diff --git a/75364-h/images/image007.jpg b/75364-h/images/image007.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..96a8edb --- /dev/null +++ b/75364-h/images/image007.jpg |
