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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/8677-0.txt b/8677-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9ae54b3 --- /dev/null +++ b/8677-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4948 @@ +Project Gutenberg’s Behind A Mask, Or A Woman’s Power, by A. M. Barnard + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Behind A Mask, Or A Woman’s Power + +Author: A. M. Barnard + + +Release Date: August, 2005 [EBook #8677] +This file was first posted on July 31, 2003 +Last Updated: October 17, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEHIND A MASK, OR A WOMAN’S POWER *** + + + + +Produced by Beginners Projects, Martin Agren and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + +BEHIND A MASK _OR_ A WOMAN’S POWER + +By A.M. Barnard + + + + +_Chapter I_ + + +JEAN MUIR + +“Has she come?” + +“No, Mamma, not yet.” + +“I wish it were well over. The thought of it worries and excites me. A +cushion for my back, Bella.” + +And poor, peevish Mrs. Coventry sank into an easy chair with a nervous +sigh and the air of a martyr, while her pretty daughter hovered about +her with affectionate solicitude. + +“Who are they talking of, Lucia?” asked the languid young man lounging +on a couch near his cousin, who bent over her tapestry work with a happy +smile on her usually haughty face. + +“The new governess, Miss Muir. Shall I tell you about her?” + +“No, thank you. I have an inveterate aversion to the whole tribe. I’ve +often thanked heaven that I had but one sister, and she a spoiled child, +so that I have escaped the infliction of a governess so long.” + +“How will you bear it now?” asked Lucia. + +“Leave the house while she is in it.” + +“No, you won’t. You’re too lazy, Gerald,” called out a younger and more +energetic man, from the recess where he stood teasing his dogs. + +“I’ll give her a three days’ trial; if she proves endurable I shall not +disturb myself; if, as I am sure, she is a bore, I’m off anywhere, +anywhere out of her way.” + +“I beg you won’t talk in that depressing manner, boys. I dread the +coming of a stranger more than you possibly can, but Bella _must_ not be +neglected; so I have nerved myself to endure this woman, and Lucia is +good enough to say she will attend to her after tonight.” + +“Don’t be troubled, Mamma. She is a nice person, I dare say, and when +once we are used to her, I’ve no doubt we shall be glad to have her, +it’s so dull here just now. Lady Sydney said she was a quiet, +accomplished, amiable girl, who needed a home, and would be a help to +poor stupid me, so try to like her for my sake.” + +“I will, dear, but isn’t it getting late? I do hope nothing has +happened. Did you tell them to send a carriage to the station for +her, Gerald?” + +“I forgot it. But it’s not far, it won’t hurt her to walk” was the +languid reply. + +“It was indolence, not forgetfulness, I know. I’m very sorry; she will +think it so rude to leave her to find her way so late. Do go and see +to it, Ned.” + +“Too late, Bella, the train was in some time ago. Give your orders to me +next time. Mother and I’ll see that they are obeyed,” said Edward. + +“Ned is just at an age to make a fool of himself for any girl who +comes in his way. Have a care of the governess, Lucia, or she will +bewitch him.” + +Gerald spoke in a satirical whisper, but his brother heard him and +answered with a good-humored laugh. + +“I wish there was any hope of your making a fool of yourself in that +way, old fellow. Set me a good example, and I promise to follow it. As +for the governess, she is a woman, and should be treated with common +civility. I should say a little extra kindness wouldn’t be amiss, +either, because she is poor, and a stranger.” + +“That is my dear, good-hearted Ned! We’ll stand by poor little Muir, +won’t we?” And running to her brother, Bella stood on tiptoe to offer +him a kiss which he could not refuse, for the rosy lips were pursed up +invitingly, and the bright eyes full of sisterly affection. + +“I do hope she has come, for, when I make an effort to see anyone, I +hate to make it in vain. Punctuality is _such_ a virtue, and I know this +woman hasn’t got it, for she promised to be here at seven, and now it is +long after,” began Mrs. Coventry, in an injured tone. + +Before she could get breath for another complaint, the clock struck +seven and the doorbell rang. + +“There she is!” cried Bella, and turned toward the door as if to go and +meet the newcomer. + +But Lucia arrested her, saying authoritatively, “Stay here, child. It is +her place to come to you, not yours to go to her.” + +“Miss Muir,” announced a servant, and a little black-robed figure stood +in the doorway. For an instant no one stirred, and the governess had +time to see and be seen before a word was uttered. All looked at her, +and she cast on the household group a keen glance that impressed them +curiously; then her eyes fell, and bowing slightly she walked in. Edward +came forward and received her with the frank cordiality which nothing +could daunt or chill. + +“Mother, this is the lady whom you expected. Miss Muir, allow me to +apologize for our apparent neglect in not sending for you. There was a +mistake about the carriage, or, rather, the lazy fellow to whom the +order was given forgot it. Bella, come here.” + +“Thank you, no apology is needed. I did not expect to be sent for.” And +the governess meekly sat down without lifting her eyes. + +“I am glad to see you. Let me take your things,” said Bella, rather +shyly, for Gerald, still lounging, watched the fireside group with +languid interest, and Lucia never stirred. Mrs. Coventry took a second +survey and began: + +“You were punctual, Miss Muir, which pleases me. I’m a sad invalid, as +Lady Sydney told you, I hope; so that Miss Coventry’s lessons will be +directed by my niece, and you will go to her for directions, as she +knows what I wish. You will excuse me if I ask you a few questions, for +Lady Sydney’s note was very brief, and I left everything to her +judgment.” + +“Ask anything you like, madam,” answered the soft, sad voice. + +“You are Scotch, I believe.” + +“Yes, madam.” + +“Are your parents living?” + +“I have not a relation in the world.” + +“Dear me, how sad! Do you mind telling me your age?” + +“Nineteen.” And a smile passed over Miss Muir’s lips, as she folded her +hands with an air of resignation, for the catechism was evidently to be +a long one. + +“So young! Lady Sydney mentioned five-and-twenty, I think, didn’t +she, Bella?” + +“No, Mamma, she only said she thought so. Don’t ask such questions. It’s +not pleasant before us all,” whispered Bella. + +A quick, grateful glance shone on her from the suddenly lifted eyes of +Miss Muir, as she said quietly, “I wish I was thirty, but, as I am not, +I do my best to look and seem old.” + +Of course, every one looked at her then, and all felt a touch of pity at +the sight of the pale-faced girl in her plain black dress, with no +ornament but a little silver cross at her throat. Small, thin, and +colorless she was, with yellow hair, gray eyes, and sharply cut, +irregular, but very expressive features. Poverty seemed to have set its +bond stamp upon her, and life to have had for her more frost than +sunshine. But something in the lines of the mouth betrayed strength, and +the clear, low voice had a curious mixture of command and entreaty in +its varying tones. Not an attractive woman, yet not an ordinary one; +and, as she sat there with her delicate hands lying in her lap, her head +bent, and a bitter look on her thin face, she was more interesting than +many a blithe and blooming girl. Bella’s heart warmed to her at once, +and she drew her seat nearer, while Edward went back to his dogs that +his presence might not embarrass her. + +“You have been ill, I think,” continued Mrs. Coventry, who considered +this fact the most interesting of all she had heard concerning the +governess. + +“Yes, madam, I left the hospital only a week ago.” + +“Are you quite sure it is safe to begin teaching so soon?” + +“I have no time to lose, and shall soon gain strength here in the +country, if you care to keep me.” + +“And you are fitted to teach music, French, and drawing?” + +“I shall endeavor to prove that I am.” + +“Be kind enough to go and play an air or two. I can judge by your touch; +I used to play finely when a girl.” + +Miss Muir rose, looked about her for the instrument, and seeing it at +the other end of the room went toward it, passing Gerald and Lucia as if +she did not see them. Bella followed, and in a moment forgot everything +in admiration. Miss Muir played like one who loved music and was perfect +mistress of her art. She charmed them all by the magic of this spell; +even indolent Gerald sat up to listen, and Lucia put down her needle, +while Ned watched the slender white fingers as they flew, and wondered +at the strength and skill which they possessed. + +“Please sing,” pleaded Bella, as a brilliant overture ended. + +With the same meek obedience Miss Muir complied, and began a little +Scotch melody, so sweet, so sad, that the girl’s eyes filled, and Mrs. +Coventry looked for one of her many pocket-handkerchiefs. But suddenly +the music ceased, for, with a vain attempt to support herself, the +singer slid from her seat and lay before the startled listeners, as +white and rigid as if struck with death. Edward caught her up, and, +ordering his brother off the couch, laid her there, while Bella chafed +her hands, and her mother rang for her maid. Lucia bathed the poor +girl’s temples, and Gerald, with unwonted energy, brought a glass of +wine. Soon Miss Muir’s lips trembled, she sighed, then murmured, +tenderly, with a pretty Scotch accent, as if wandering in the past, +“Bide wi’ me, Mither, I’m sae sick an sad here all alone.” + +“Take a sip of this, and it will do you good, my dear,” said Mrs. +Coventry, quite touched by the plaintive words. + +The strange voice seemed to recall her. She sat up, looked about her, a +little wildly, for a moment, then collected herself and said, with a +pathetic look and tone, “Pardon me. I have been on my feet all day, and, +in my eagerness to keep my appointment, I forgot to eat since morning. +I’m better now; shall I finish the song?” + +“By no means. Come and have some tea,” said Bella, full of pity +and remorse. + +“Scene first, very well done,” whispered Gerald to his cousin. + +Miss Muir was just before them, apparently listening to Mrs. Coventry’s +remarks upon fainting fits; but she heard, and looked over her shoulders +with a gesture like Rachel. Her eyes were gray, but at that instant they +seemed black with some strong emotion of anger, pride, or defiance. A +curious smile passed over her face as she bowed, and said in her +penetrating voice, “Thanks. The last scene shall be still better.” + +Young Coventry was a cool, indolent man, seldom conscious of any +emotion, any passion, pleasurable or otherwise; but at the look, the +tone of the governess, he experienced a new sensation, indefinable, yet +strong. He colored and, for the first time in his life, looked abashed. +Lucia saw it, and hated Miss Muir with a sudden hatred; for, in all the +years she had passed with her cousin, no look or word of hers had +possessed such power. Coventry was himself again in an instant, with no +trace of that passing change, but a look of interest in his usually +dreamy eyes, and a touch of anger in his sarcastic voice. + +“What a melodramatic young lady! I shall go tomorrow.” + +Lucia laughed, and was well pleased when he sauntered away to bring her +a cup of tea from the table where a little scene was just taking place. +Mrs. Coventry had sunk into her chair again, exhausted by the flurry of +the fainting fit. Bella was busied about her; and Edward, eager to feed +the pale governess, was awkwardly trying to make the tea, after a +beseeching glance at his cousin which she did not choose to answer. As +he upset the caddy and uttered a despairing exclamation, Miss Muir +quietly took her place behind the urn, saying with a smile, and a shy +glance at the young man, “Allow me to assume my duty at once, and serve +you all. I understand the art of making people comfortable in this way. +The scoop, please. I can gather this up quite well alone, if you will +tell me how your mother likes her tea.” + +Edward pulled a chair to the table and made merry over his mishaps, +while Miss Muir performed her little task with a skill and grace that +made it pleasant to watch her. Coventry lingered a moment after she had +given him a steaming cup, to observe her more nearly, while he asked a +question or two of his brother. She took no more notice of him than if +he had been a statue, and in the middle of the one remark he addressed +to her, she rose to take the sugar basin to Mrs. Coventry, who was quite +won by the modest, domestic graces of the new governess. + +“Really, my dear, you are a treasure; I haven’t tasted such tea since my +poor maid Ellis died. Bella never makes it good, and Miss Lucia always +forgets the cream. Whatever you do you seem to do well, and that is +_such_ a comfort.” + +“Let me always do this for you, then. It will be a pleasure, madam.” And +Miss Muir came back to her seat with a faint color in her cheek which +improved her much. + +“My brother asked if young Sydney was at home when you left,” said +Edward, for Gerald would not take the trouble to repeat the question. + +Miss Muir fixed her eyes on Coventry, and answered with a slight tremor +of the lips, “No, he left home some weeks ago.” + +The young man went back to his cousin, saying, as he threw himself +down beside her, “I shall not go tomorrow, but wait till the three +days are out.” + +“Why?” demanded Lucia. + +Lowering his voice he said, with a significant nod toward the governess, +“Because I have a fancy that she is at the bottom of Sydney’s mystery. +He’s not been himself lately, and now he is gone without a word. I +rather like romances in real life, if they are not too long, or +difficult to read.” + +“Do you think her pretty?” + +“Far from it, a most uncanny little specimen.” + +“Then why fancy Sydney loves her?” + +“He is an oddity, and likes sensations and things of that sort.” + +“What do you mean, Gerald?” + +“Get the Muir to look at you, as she did at me, and you will understand. +Will you have another cup, Juno?” + +“Yes, please.” She liked to have him wait upon her, for he did it to no +other woman except his mother. + +Before he could slowly rise, Miss Muir glided to them with another cup +on the salver; and, as Lucia took it with a cold nod, the girl said +under her breath, “I think it honest to tell you that I possess a quick +ear, and cannot help hearing what is said anywhere in the room. What you +say of me is of no consequence, but you may speak of things which you +prefer I should not hear; therefore, allow me to warn you.” And she was +gone again as noiselessly as she came. + +“How do you like that?” whispered Coventry, as his cousin sat looking +after the girl, with a disturbed expression. + +“What an uncomfortable creature to have in the house! I am very sorry I +urged her coming, for your mother has taken a fancy to her, and it will +be hard to get rid of her,” said Lucia, half angry, half amused. + +“Hush, she hears every word you say. I know it by the expression of her +face, for Ned is talking about horses, and she looks as haughty as ever +you did, and that is saying much. Faith, this is getting interesting.” + +“Hark, she is speaking; I want to hear,” and Lucia laid her hand on her +cousin’s lips. He kissed it, and then idly amused himself with turning +the rings to and fro on the slender fingers. + +“I have been in France several years, madam, but my friend died and I +came back to be with Lady Sydney, till--” Muir paused an instant, then +added, slowly, “till I fell ill. It was a contagious fever, so I went of +my own accord to the hospital, not wishing to endanger her.” + +“Very right, but are you sure there is no danger of infection now?” + asked Mrs. Coventry anxiously. + +“None, I assure you. I have been well for some time, but did not leave +because I preferred to stay there, than to return to Lady Sydney.” + +“No quarrel, I hope? No trouble of any kind?” + +“No quarrel, but--well, why not? You have a right to know, and I will +not make a foolish mystery out of a very simple thing. As your family, +only, is present, I may tell the truth. I did not go back on the young +gentleman’s account. Please ask no more.” + +“Ah, I see. Quite prudent and proper, Miss Muir. I shall never allude to +it again. Thank you for your frankness. Bella, you will be careful not +to mention this to young friends; girls gossip sadly, and it would annoy +Lady Sydney beyond everything to have this talked of.” + +“Very neighborly of Lady S. to send the dangerous young lady here, +where there are _two_ young gentlemen to be captivated. I wonder why +she didn’t keep Sydney after she had caught him,” murmured Coventry to +his cousin. + +“Because she had the utmost contempt for a titled fool.” Miss Muir +dropped the words almost into his ear, as she bent to take her shawl +from the sofa corner. + +“How the deuce did she get there?” ejaculated Coventry, looking as if he +had received another sensation. “She has spirit, though, and upon my +word I pity Sydney, if he did try to dazzle her, for he must have got a +splendid dismissal.” + +“Come and play billiards. You promised, and I hold you to your word,” + said Lucia, rising with decision, for Gerald was showing too much +interest in another to suit Miss Beaufort. + +“I am, as ever, your most devoted. My mother is a charming woman, but I +find our evening parties slightly dull, when only my own family are +present. Good night, Mamma.” He shook hands with his mother, whose pride +and idol he was, and, with a comprehensive nod to the others, strolled +after his cousin. + +“Now they are gone we can be quite cozy, and talk over things, for I +don’t mind Ned any more than I do his dogs,” said Bella, settling +herself on her mother’s footstool. + +“I merely wish to say, Miss Muir, that my daughter has never had a +governess and is sadly backward for a girl of sixteen. I want you to +pass the mornings with her, and get her on as rapidly as possible. In +the afternoon you will walk or drive with her, and in the evening sit +with us here, if you like, or amuse yourself as you please. While in the +country we are very quiet, for I cannot bear much company, and when my +sons want gaiety, they go away for it. Miss Beaufort oversees the +servants, and takes my place as far as possible. I am very delicate and +keep my room till evening, except for an airing at noon. We will try +each other for a month, and I hope we shall get on quite comfortably +together.” + +“I shall do my best, madam.” + +One would not have believed that the meek, spiritless voice which +uttered these words was the same that had startled Coventry a few +minutes before, nor that the pale, patient face could ever have kindled +with such sudden fire as that which looked over Miss Muir’s shoulder +when she answered her young host’s speech. + +Edward thought within himself, Poor little woman! She has had a hard +life. We will try and make it easier while she is here; and began his +charitable work by suggesting that she might be tired. She acknowledged +she was, and Bella led her away to a bright, cozy room, where with a +pretty little speech and a good-night kiss she left her. + +When alone Miss Muir’s conduct was decidedly peculiar. Her first act was +to clench her hands and mutter between her teeth, with passionate force, +“I’ll not fail again if there is power in a woman’s wit and will!” She +stood a moment motionless, with an expression of almost fierce disdain +on her face, then shook her clenched hand as if menacing some unseen +enemy. Next she laughed, and shrugged her shoulders with a true French +shrug, saying low to herself, “Yes, the last scene _shall_ be better +than the first. _Mon dieu_, how tired and hungry I am!” + +Kneeling before the one small trunk which held her worldly possessions, +she opened it, drew out a flask, and mixed a glass of some ardent +cordial, which she seemed to enjoy extremely as she sat on the carpet, +musing, while her quick eyes examined every corner of the room. + +“Not bad! It will be a good field for me to work in, and the harder the +task the better I shall like it. _Merci_, old friend. You put heart and +courage into me when nothing else will. Come, the curtain is down, so I +may be myself for a few hours, if actresses ever are themselves.” + +Still sitting on the floor she unbound and removed the long abundant +braids from her head, wiped the pink from her face, took out several +pearly teeth, and slipping off her dress appeared herself indeed, a +haggard, worn, and moody woman of thirty at least. The metamorphosis was +wonderful, but the disguise was more in the expression she assumed than +in any art of costume or false adornment. Now she was alone, and her +mobile features settled into their natural expression, weary, hard, +bitter. She had been lovely once, happy, innocent, and tender; but +nothing of all this remained to the gloomy woman who leaned there +brooding over some wrong, or loss, or disappointment which had darkened +all her life. For an hour she sat so, sometimes playing absently with +the scanty locks that hung about her face, sometimes lifting the glass +to her lips as if the fiery draught warmed her cold blood; and once she +half uncovered her breast to eye with a terrible glance the scar of a +newly healed wound. At last she rose and crept to bed, like one worn out +with weariness and mental pain. + + + + +_Chapter II_ + + +A GOOD BEGINNING + +Only the housemaids were astir when Miss Muir left her room next morning +and quietly found her way into the garden. As she walked, apparently +intent upon the flowers, her quick eye scrutinized the fine old house +and its picturesque surroundings. + +“Not bad,” she said to herself, adding, as she passed into the adjoining +park, “but the other may be better, and I will have the best.” + +Walking rapidly, she came out at length upon the wide green lawn which +lay before the ancient hall where Sir John Coventry lived in solitary +splendor. A stately old place, rich in oaks, well-kept shrubberies, gay +gardens, sunny terraces, carved gables, spacious rooms, liveried +servants, and every luxury befitting the ancestral home of a rich and +honorable race. Miss Muir’s eyes brightened as she looked, her step grew +firmer, her carriage prouder, and a smile broke over her face; the smile +of one well pleased at the prospect of the success of some cherished +hope. Suddenly her whole air changed, she pushed back her hat, clasped +her hands loosely before her, and seemed absorbed in girlish admiration +of the fair scene that could not fail to charm any beauty-loving eye. +The cause of this rapid change soon appeared. A hale, handsome man, +between fifty and sixty, came through the little gate leading to the +park, and, seeing the young stranger, paused to examine her. He had only +time for a glance, however; she seemed conscious of his presence in a +moment, turned with a startled look, uttered an exclamation of surprise, +and looked as if hesitating whether to speak or run away. Gallant Sir +John took off his hat and said, with the old-fashioned courtesy which +became him well, “I beg your pardon for disturbing you, young lady. +Allow me to atone for it by inviting you to walk where you will, and +gather what flowers you like. I see you love them, so pray make free +with those about you.” + +With a charming air of maidenly timidity and artlessness, Miss Muir +replied, “Oh, thank you, sir! But it is I who should ask pardon for +trespassing. I never should have dared if I had not known that Sir John +was absent. I always wanted to see this fine old place, and ran over the +first thing, to satisfy myself.” + +“And _are_ you satisfied?” he asked, with a smile. + +“More than satisfied--I’m charmed; for it is the most beautiful spot I +ever saw, and I’ve seen many famous seats, both at home and abroad,” she +answered enthusiastically. + +“The Hall is much flattered, and so would its master be if he heard +you,” began the gentleman, with an odd expression. + +“I should not praise it to him--at least, not as freely as I have to +you, sir,” said the girl, with eyes still turned away. + +“Why not?” asked her companion, looking much amused. + +“I should be afraid. Not that I dread Sir John; but I’ve heard so many +beautiful and noble things about him, and respect him so highly, that I +should not dare to say much, lest he should see how I admire and--” + +“And what, young lady? Finish, if you please.” + +“I was going to say, love him. I will say it, for he is an old man, and +one cannot help loving virtue and bravery.” + +Miss Muir looked very earnest and pretty as she spoke, standing there +with the sunshine glinting on her yellow hair, delicate face, and +downcast eyes. Sir John was not a vain man, but he found it pleasant to +hear himself commended by this unknown girl, and felt redoubled +curiosity to learn who she was. Too well-bred to ask, or to abash her by +avowing what she seemed unconscious of, he left both discoveries to +chance; and when she turned, as if to retrace her steps, he offered her +the handful of hothouse flowers which he held, saying, with a gallant +bow, “In Sir John’s name let me give you my little nosegay, with thanks +for your good opinion, which, I assure you, is not entirely deserved, +for I know him well.” + +Miss Muir looked up quickly, eyed him an instant, then dropped her eyes, +and, coloring deeply, stammered out, “I did not know--I beg your +pardon--you are too kind, Sir John.” + +He laughed like a boy, asking, mischievously, “Why call me Sir John? How +do you know that I am not the gardener or the butler?” + +“I did not see your face before, and no one but yourself would say that +any praise was undeserved,” murmured Miss Muir, still overcome with +girlish confusion. + +“Well, well, we will let that pass, and the next time you come we will +be properly introduced. Bella always brings her friends to the Hall, for +I am fond of young people.” + +“I am not a friend. I am only Miss Coventry’s governess.” And Miss Muir +dropped a meek curtsy. A slight change passed over Sir John’s manner. +Few would have perceived it, but Miss Muir felt it at once, and bit her +lips with an angry feeling at her heart. With a curious air of pride, +mingled with respect, she accepted the still offered bouquet, returned +Sir John’s parting bow, and tripped away, leaving the old gentleman to +wonder where Mrs. Coventry found such a piquant little governess. + +“That is done, and very well for a beginning,” she said to herself as +she approached the house. + +In a green paddock close by fed a fine horse, who lifted up his head and +eyed her inquiringly, like one who expected a greeting. Following a +sudden impulse, she entered the paddock and, pulling a handful of +clover, invited the creature to come and eat. This was evidently a new +proceeding on the part of a lady, and the horse careered about as if +bent on frightening the newcomer away. + +“I see,” she said aloud, laughing to herself. “I am not your master, and +you rebel. Nevertheless, I’ll conquer you, my fine brute.” + +Seating herself in the grass, she began to pull daisies, singing idly +the while, as if unconscious of the spirited prancings of the horse. +Presently he drew nearer, sniffing curiously and eyeing her with +surprise. She took no notice, but plaited the daisies and sang on as if +he was not there. This seemed to pique the petted creature, for, slowly +approaching, he came at length so close that he could smell her little +foot and nibble at her dress. Then she offered the clover, uttering +caressing words and making soothing sounds, till by degrees and with +much coquetting, the horse permitted her to stroke his glossy neck and +smooth his mane. + +It was a pretty sight--the slender figure in the grass, the +high-spirited horse bending his proud head to her hand. Edward Coventry, +who had watched the scene, found it impossible to restrain himself any +longer and, leaping the wall, came to join the group, saying, with +mingled admiration and wonder in countenance and voice, “Good morning, +Miss Muir. If I had not seen your skill and courage proved before my +eyes, I should be alarmed for your safety. Hector is a wild, wayward +beast, and has damaged more than one groom who tried to conquer him.” + +“Good morning, Mr. Coventry. Don’t tell tales of this noble creature, +who has not deceived my faith in him. Your grooms did not know how to +win his heart, and so subdue his spirit without breaking it.” + +Miss Muir rose as she spoke, and stood with her hand on Hector’s neck +while he ate the grass which she had gathered in the skirt of her dress. + +“You have the secret, and Hector is your subject now, though heretofore +he has rejected all friends but his master. Will you give him his +morning feast? I always bring him bread and play with him before +breakfast.” + +“Then you are not jealous?” And she looked up at him with eyes so bright +and beautiful in expression that the young man wondered he had not +observed them before. + +“Not I. Pet him as much as you will; it will do him good. He is a +solitary fellow, for he scorns his own kind and lives alone, like his +master,” he added, half to himself. + +“Alone, with such a happy home, Mr. Coventry?” And a softly +compassionate glance stole from the bright eyes. + +“That was an ungrateful speech, and I retract it for Bella’s sake. +Younger sons have no position but such as they can make for themselves, +you know, and I’ve had no chance yet.” + +“Younger sons! I thought--I beg pardon.” And Miss Muir paused, as if +remembering that she had no right to question. + +Edward smiled and answered frankly, “Nay, don’t mind me. You thought I +was the heir, perhaps. Whom did you take my brother for last night?” + +“For some guest who admired Miss Beaufort. I did not hear his name, nor +observe him enough to discover who he was. I saw only your kind mother, +your charming little sister, and--” + +She stopped there, with a half-shy, half-grateful look at the young man +which finished the sentence better than any words. He was still a boy, +in spite of his one-and-twenty years, and a little color came into his +brown cheek as the eloquent eyes met his and fell before them. + +“Yes, Bella is a capital girl, and one can’t help loving her. I know +you’ll get her on, for, really, she is the most delightful little dunce. +My mother’s ill health and Bella’s devotion to her have prevented our +attending to her education before. Next winter, when we go to town, she +is to come out, and must be prepared for that great event, you know,” he +said, choosing a safe subject. + +“I shall do my best. And that reminds me that I should report myself to +her, instead of enjoying myself here. When one has been ill and shut up +a long time, the country is so lovely one is apt to forget duty for +pleasure. Please remind me if I am negligent, Mr. Coventry.” + +“That name belongs to Gerald. I’m only Mr. Ned here,” he said as they +walked toward the house, while Hector followed to the wall and sent a +sonorous farewell after them. + +Bella came running to meet them, and greeted Miss Muir as if she had +made up her mind to like her heartily. “What a lovely bouquet you have +got! I never can arrange flowers prettily, which vexes me, for Mamma is +so fond of them and cannot go out herself. You have charming taste,” she +said, examining the graceful posy which Miss Muir had much improved by +adding feathery grasses, delicate ferns, and fragrant wild flowers to +Sir John’s exotics. + +Putting them into Bella’s hand, she said, in a winning way, “Take them +to your mother, then, and ask her if I may have the pleasure of making +her a daily nosegay; for I should find real delight in doing it, if it +would please her.” + +“How kind you are! Of course it would please her. I’ll take them to her +while the dew is still on them.” And away flew Bella, eager to give both +the flowers and the pretty message to the poor invalid. + +Edward stopped to speak to the gardener, and Miss Muir went up the steps +alone. The long hall was lined with portraits, and pacing slowly down it +she examined them with interest. One caught her eye, and, pausing before +it, she scrutinized it carefully. A young, beautiful, but very haughty +female face. Miss Muir suspected at once who it was, and gave a decided +nod, as if she saw and caught at some unexpected chance. A soft rustle +behind her made her look around, and, seeing Lucia, she bowed, half +turned, as if for another glance at the picture, and said, as if +involuntarily, “How beautiful it is! May I ask if it is an ancestor, +Miss Beaufort?” + +“It is the likeness of my mother” was the reply, given with a softened +voice and eyes that looked up tenderly. + +“Ah, I might have known, from the resemblance, but I scarcely saw you +last night. Excuse my freedom, but Lady Sydney treated me as a friend, +and I forget my position. Allow me.” + +As she spoke, Miss Muir stooped to return the handkerchief which had +fallen from Lucia’s hand, and did so with a humble mien which touched +the other’s heart; for, though a proud, it was also a very generous one. + +“Thank you. Are you better, this morning?” she said, graciously. And +having received an affirmative reply, she added, as she walked on, “I +will show you to the breakfast room, as Bella is not here. It is a very +informal meal with us, for my aunt is never down and my cousins are very +irregular in their hours. You can always have yours when you like, +without waiting for us if you are an early riser.” + +Bella and Edward appeared before the others were seated, and Miss Muir +quietly ate her breakfast, feeling well satisfied with her hour’s +work. Ned recounted her exploit with Hector, Bella delivered her +mother’s thanks for the flowers, and Lucia more than once recalled, +with pardonable vanity, that the governess had compared her to her +lovely mother, expressing by a look as much admiration for the living +likeness as for the painted one. All kindly did their best to make the +pale girl feel at home, and their cordial manner seemed to warm and +draw her out; for soon she put off her sad, meek air and entertained +them with gay anecdotes of her life in Paris, her travels in Russia +when governess in Prince Jermadoff’s family, and all manner of witty +stories that kept them interested and merry long after the meal was +over. In the middle of an absorbing adventure, Coventry came in, +nodded lazily, lifted his brows, as if surprised at seeing the +governess there, and began his breakfast as if the ennui of another +day had already taken possession of him. Miss Muir stopped short, and +no entreaties could induce her to go on. + +“Another time I will finish it, if you like. Now Miss Bella and I should +be at our books.” And she left the room, followed by her pupil, taking +no notice of the young master of the house, beyond a graceful bow in +answer to his careless nod. + +“Merciful creature! she goes when I come, and does not make life +unendurable by moping about before my eyes. Does she belong to the +moral, the melancholy, the romantic, or the dashing class, Ned?” said +Gerald, lounging over his coffee as he did over everything he attempted. + +“To none of them; she is a capital little woman. I wish you had seen her +tame Hector this morning.” And Edward repeated his story. + +“Not a bad move on her part,” said Coventry in reply. “She must be an +observing as well as an energetic young person, to discover your chief +weakness and attack it so soon. First tame the horse, and then the +master. It will be amusing to watch the game, only I shall be under the +painful necessity of checkmating you both, if it gets serious.” + +“You needn’t exert yourself, old fellow, on my account. If I was not +above thinking ill of an inoffensive girl, I should say you were the +prize best worth winning, and advise you to take care of your own heart, +if you’ve got one, which I rather doubt.” + +“I often doubt it, myself; but I fancy the little Scotchwoman will not +be able to satisfy either of us upon that point. How does your highness +like her?” asked Coventry of his cousin, who sat near him. + +“Better than I thought I should. She is well-bred, unassuming, and very +entertaining when she likes. She has told us some of the wittiest +stories I’ve heard for a long time. Didn’t our laughter wake you?” + replied Lucia. + +“Yes. Now atone for it by amusing me with a repetition of these +witty tales.” + +“That is impossible; her accent and manner are half the charm,” said +Ned. “I wish you had kept away ten minutes longer, for your appearance +spoilt the best story of all.” + +“Why didn’t she go on?” asked Coventry, with a ray of curiosity. + +“You forget that she overheard us last night, and must feel that you +consider her a bore. She has pride, and no woman forgets speeches like +those you made,” answered Lucia. + +“Or forgives them, either, I believe. Well, I must be resigned to +languish under her displeasure then. On Sydney’s account I take a slight +interest in her; not that I expect to learn anything from her, for a +woman with a mouth like that never confides or confesses anything. But I +have a fancy to see what captivated him; for captivated he was, beyond a +doubt, and by no lady whom he met in society. Did you ever hear anything +of it, Ned?” asked Gerald. + +“I’m not fond of scandal or gossip, and never listen to either.” With +which remark Edward left the room. + +Lucia was called out by the housekeeper a moment after, and Coventry +left to the society most wearisome to him, namely his own. As he +entered, he had caught a part of the story which Miss Muir had been +telling, and it had excited his curiosity so much that he found himself +wondering what the end could be and wishing that he might hear it. + +What the deuce did she run away for, when I came in? he thought. If she +_is_ amusing, she must make herself useful; for it’s intensely dull, I +own, here, in spite of Lucia. Hey, what’s that? + +It was a rich, sweet voice, singing a brilliant Italian air, and singing +it with an expression that made the music doubly delicious. Stepping out +of the French window, Coventry strolled along the sunny terrace, +enjoying the song with the relish of a connoisseur. Others followed, and +still he walked and listened, forgetful of weariness or tune. As one +exquisite air ended, he involuntarily applauded. Miss Muir’s face +appeared for an instant, then vanished, and no more music followed, +though Coventry lingered, hoping to hear the voice again. For music was +the one thing of which he never wearied, and neither Lucia nor Bella +possessed skill enough to charm him. For an hour he loitered on the +terrace or the lawn, basking in the sunshine, too indolent to seek +occupation or society. At length Bella came out, hat in hand, and nearly +stumbled over her brother, who lay on the grass. + +“You lazy man, have you been dawdling here all this time?” she said, +looking down at him. + +“No, I’ve been very busy. Come and tell me how you’ve got on with the +little dragon.” + +“Can’t stop. She bade me take a run after my French, so that I might be +ready for my drawing, and so I must.” + +“It’s too warm to run. Sit down and amuse your deserted brother, who has +had no society but bees and lizards for an hour.” + +He drew her down as he spoke, and Bella obeyed; for, in spite of his +indolence, he was one to whom all submitted without dreaming of refusal. + +“What have you been doing? Muddling your poor little brains with all +manner of elegant rubbish?” + +“No, I’ve been enjoying myself immensely. Jean is _so_ interesting, so +kind and clever. She didn’t bore me with stupid grammar, but just talked +to me in such pretty French that I got on capitally, and like it as I +never expected to, after Lucia’s dull way of teaching it.” + +“What did you talk about?” + +“Oh, all manner of things. She asked questions, and I answered, and she +corrected me.” + +“Questions about our affairs, I suppose?” + +“Not one. She don’t care two sous for us or our affairs. I thought she +might like to know what sort of people we were, so I told her about +Papa’s sudden death, Uncle John, and you, and Ned; but in the midst of +it she said, in her quiet way, ‘You are getting too confidential, my +dear. It is not best to talk too freely of one’s affairs to strangers. +Let us speak of something else.’” + +“What were you talking of when she said that, Bell?” + +“You.” + +“Ah, then no wonder she was bored.” + +“She was tired of my chatter, and didn’t hear half I said; for she was +busy sketching something for me to copy, and thinking of something more +interesting than the Coventrys.” + +“How do you know?” + +“By the expression of her face. Did you like her music, Gerald?” + +“Yes. Was she angry when I clapped?” + +“She looked surprised, then rather proud, and shut the piano at once, +though I begged her to go on. Isn’t Jean a pretty name?” + +“Not bad; but why don’t you call her Miss Muir?” + +“She begged me not. She hates it, and loves to be called Jean, alone. +I’ve imagined such a nice little romance about her, and someday I shall +tell her, for I’m sure she has had a love trouble.” + +“Don’t get such nonsense into your head, but follow Miss Muir’s +well-bred example and don’t be curious about other people’s affairs. Ask +her to sing tonight; it amuses me.” + +“She won’t come down, I think. We’ve planned to read and work in my +boudoir, which is to be our study now. Mamma will stay in her room, so +you and Lucia can have the drawing room all to yourselves.” + +“Thank you. What will Ned do?” + +“He will amuse Mamma, he says. Dear old Ned! I wish you’d stir about and +get him his commission. He is so impatient to be doing something and yet +so proud he won’t ask again, after you have neglected it so many times +and refused Uncle’s help.” + +“I’ll attend to it very soon; don’t worry me, child. He will do very +well for a time, quietly here with us.” + +“You always say that, yet you know he chafes and is unhappy at being +dependent on you. Mamma and I don’t mind; but he is a man, and it frets +him. He said he’d take matters into his own hands soon, and then you may +be sorry you were so slow in helping him.” + +“Miss Muir is looking out of the window. You’d better go and take your +run, else she will scold.” + +“Not she. I’m not a bit afraid of her, she’s so gentle and sweet. I’m +fond of her already. You’ll get as brown as Ned, lying here in the +sun. By the way, Miss Muir agrees with me in thinking him handsomer +than you.” + +“I admire her taste and quite agree with her.” + +“She said he was manly, and that was more attractive than beauty in a +man. She does express things so nicely. Now I’m off.” And away danced +Bella, humming the burden of Miss Muir’s sweetest song. + +“‘Energy is more attractive than beauty in a man.’ She is right, but how +the deuce _can_ a man be energetic, with nothing to expend his energies +upon?” mused Coventry, with his hat over his eyes. + +A few moments later, the sweep of a dress caught his ear. Without +stirring, a sidelong glance showed him Miss Muir coming across the +terrace, as if to join Bella. Two stone steps led down to the lawn. He +lay near them, and Miss Muir did not see him till close upon him. She +started and slipped on the last step, recovered herself, and glided on, +with a glance of unmistakable contempt as she passed the recumbent +figure of the apparent sleeper. Several things in Bella’s report had +nettled him, but this look made him angry, though he would not own it, +even to himself. + +“Gerald, come here, quick!” presently called Bella, from the rustic seat +where she stood beside her governess, who sat with her hand over her +face as if in pain. + +Gathering himself up, Coventry slowly obeyed, but involuntarily +quickened his pace as he heard Miss Muir say, “Don’t call him; _he_ can +do nothing”; for the emphasis on the word “he” was very significant. + +“What is it, Bella?” he asked, looking rather wider awake than usual. + +“You startled Miss Muir and made her turn her ankle. Now help her to the +house, for she is in great pain; and don’t lie there anymore to frighten +people like a snake in the grass,” said his sister petulantly. + +“I beg your pardon. Will you allow me?” And Coventry offered his arm. + +Miss Muir looked up with the expression which annoyed him and answered +coldly, “Thank you, Miss Bella will do as well.” + +“Permit me to doubt that.” And with a gesture too decided to be +resisted, Coventry drew her arm through his and led her into the house. +She submitted quietly, said the pain would soon be over, and when +settled on the couch in Bella’s room dismissed him with the briefest +thanks. Considering the unwonted exertion he had made, he thought she +might have been a little more grateful, and went away to Lucia, who +always brightened when he came. + +No more was seen of Miss Muir till teatime; for now, while the family +were in retirement, they dined early and saw no company. The governess +had excused herself at dinner, but came down in the evening a little +paler than usual and with a slight limp in her gait. Sir John was there, +talking with his nephew, and they merely acknowledged her presence by +the sort of bow which gentlemen bestow on governesses. As she slowly +made her way to her place behind the urn, Coventry said to his brother, +“Take her a footstool, and ask her how she is, Ned.” Then, as if +necessary to account for his politeness to his uncle, he explained how +he was the cause of the accident. + +“Yes, yes. I understand. Rather a nice little person, I fancy. Not +exactly a beauty, but accomplished and well-bred, which is better for +one of her class.” + +“Some tea, Sir John?” said a soft voice at his elbow, and there was Miss +Muir, offering cups to the gentlemen. + +“Thank you, thank you,” said Sir John, sincerely hoping she had +overheard him. + +As Coventry took his, he said graciously, “You are very forgiving, Miss +Muir, to wait upon me, after I have caused you so much pain.” + +“It is my duty, sir” was her reply, in a tone which plainly said, “but +not my pleasure.” And she returned to her place, to smile, and chat, and +be charming, with Bella and her brother. + +Lucia, hovering near her uncle and Gerald, kept them to herself, but +was disturbed to find that their eyes often wandered to the cheerful +group about the table, and that their attention seemed distracted by +the frequent bursts of laughter and fragments of animated conversation +which reached them. In the midst of an account of a tragic affair which +she endeavored to make as interesting and pathetic as possible, Sir +John burst into a hearty laugh, which betrayed that he had been +listening to a livelier story than her own. Much annoyed, she said +hastily, “I knew it would be so! Bella has no idea of the proper manner +in which to treat a governess. She and Ned will forget the difference +of rank and spoil that person for her work. She is inclined to be +presumptuous already, and if my aunt won’t trouble herself to give Miss +Muir a hint in time, I shall.” + +“Wait until she has finished that story, I beg of you,” said Coventry, +for Sir John was already off. + +“If you find that nonsense so entertaining, why don’t you follow Uncle’s +example? I don’t need you.” + +“Thank you. I will.” And Lucia was deserted. + +But Miss Muir had ended and, beckoning to Bella, left the room, as if +quite unconscious of the honor conferred upon her or the dullness she +left behind her. Ned went up to his mother, Gerald returned to make his +peace with Lucia, and, bidding them good-night, Sir John turned +homeward. Strolling along the terrace, he came to the lighted window of +Bella’s study, and wishing to say a word to her, he half pushed aside +the curtain and looked in. A pleasant little scene. Bella working +busily, and near her in a low chair, with the light falling on her fair +hair and delicate profile, sat Miss Muir reading aloud. “Novels!” + thought Sir John, and smiled at them for a pair of romantic girls. But +pausing to listen a moment before he spoke, he found it was no novel, +but history, read with a fluency which made every fact interesting, +every sketch of character memorable, by the dramatic effect given to it. +Sir John was fond of history, and failing eyesight often curtailed his +favorite amusement. He had tried readers, but none suited him, and he +had given up the plan. Now as he listened, he thought how pleasantly the +smoothly flowing voice would wile away his evenings, and he envied Bella +her new acquisition. + +A bell rang, and Bella sprang up, saying, “Wait for me a minute. I must +run to Mamma, and then we will go on with this charming prince.” + +Away she went, and Sir John was about to retire as quietly as he came, +when Miss Muir’s peculiar behavior arrested him for an instant. Dropping +the book, she threw her arms across the table, laid her head down upon +them, and broke into a passion of tears, like one who could bear +restraint no longer. Shocked and amazed, Sir John stole away; but all +that night the kindhearted gentleman puzzled his brains with conjectures +about his niece’s interesting young governess, quite unconscious that +she intended he should do so. + + + + +_Chapter III_ + + +PASSION AND PIQUE + +For several weeks the most monotonous tranquillity seemed to reign at +Coventry House, and yet, unseen, unsuspected, a storm was gathering. +The arrival of Miss Muir seemed to produce a change in everyone, though +no one could have explained how or why. Nothing could be more +unobtrusive and retiring than her manners. She was devoted to Bella, +who soon adored her, and was only happy when in her society. She +ministered in many ways to Mrs. Coventry’s comfort, and that lady +declared there never was such a nurse. She amused, interested and won +Edward with her wit and womanly sympathy. She made Lucia respect and +envy her for her accomplishments, and piqued indolent Gerald by her +persistent avoidance of him, while Sir John was charmed with her +respectful deference and the graceful little attentions she paid him in +a frank and artless way, very winning to the lonely old man. The very +servants liked her; and instead of being, what most governesses are, a +forlorn creature hovering between superiors and inferiors, Jean Muir +was the life of the house, and the friend of all but two. + +Lucia disliked her, and Coventry distrusted her; neither could exactly +say why, and neither owned the feeling, even to themselves. Both watched +her covertly yet found no shortcoming anywhere. Meek, modest, faithful, +and invariably sweet-tempered--they could complain of nothing and +wondered at their own doubts, though they could not banish them. + +It soon came to pass that the family was divided, or rather that two +members were left very much to themselves. Pleading timidity, Jean Muir +kept much in Bella’s study and soon made it such a pleasant little nook +that Ned and his mother, and often Sir John, came in to enjoy the music, +reading, or cheerful chat which made the evenings so gay. Lucia at first +was only too glad to have her cousin to herself, and he too lazy to care +what went on about him. But presently he wearied of her society, for she +was not a brilliant girl, and possessed few of those winning arts which +charm a man and steal into his heart. Rumors of the merry-makings that +went on reached him and made him curious to share them; echoes of fine +music went sounding through the house, as he lounged about the empty +drawing room; and peals of laughter reached him while listening to +Lucia’s grave discourse. + +She soon discovered that her society had lost its charm, and the more +eagerly she tried to please him, the more signally she failed. Before +long Coventry fell into a habit of strolling out upon the terrace of an +evening, and amusing himself by passing and repassing the window of +Bella’s room, catching glimpses of what was going on and reporting the +result of his observations to Lucia, who was too proud to ask admission +to the happy circle or to seem to desire it. + +“I shall go to London tomorrow, Lucia,” Gerald said one evening, as he +came back from what he called “a survey,” looking very much annoyed. + +“To London?” exclaimed his cousin, surprised. + +“Yes, I must bestir myself and get Ned his commission, or it will be all +over with him.” + +“How do you mean?” + +“He is falling in love as fast as it is possible for a boy to do it. +That girl has bewitched him, and he will make a fool of himself very +soon, unless I put a stop to it.” + +“I was afraid she would attempt a flirtation. These persons always do, +they are such a mischief-making race.” + +“Ah, but there you are wrong, as far as little Muir is concerned. She +does not flirt, and Ned has too much sense and spirit to be caught by a +silly coquette. She treats him like an elder sister, and mingles the +most attractive friendliness with a quiet dignity that captivates the +boy. I’ve been watching them, and there he is, devouring her with his +eyes, while she reads a fascinating novel in the most fascinating +style. Bella and Mamma are absorbed in the tale, and see nothing; but +Ned makes himself the hero, Miss Muir the heroine, and lives the love +scene with all the ardor of a man whose heart has just waked up. Poor +lad! Poor lad!” + +Lucia looked at her cousin, amazed by the energy with which he spoke, +the anxiety in his usually listless face. The change became him, for it +showed what he might be, making one regret still more what he was. +Before she could speak, he was gone again, to return presently, +laughing, yet looking a little angry. + +“What now?” she asked. + +“‘Listeners never hear any good of themselves’ is the truest of +proverbs. I stopped a moment to look at Ned, and heard the following +flattering remarks. Mamma is gone, and Ned was asking little Muir to +sing that delicious barcarole she gave us the other evening. + +“‘Not now, not here,’ she said. + +“‘Why not? You sang it in the drawing room readily enough,’ said Ned, +imploringly. + +“‘That is a very different thing,’ and she looked at him with a little +shake of the head, for he was folding his hands and doing the +passionate pathetic. + +“‘Come and sing it there then,’ said innocent Bella. ‘Gerald likes your +voice so much, and complains that you will never sing to him.’ + +“‘He never asks me,’ said Muir, with an odd smile. + +“‘He is too lazy, but he wants to hear you.’ + +“‘When he asks me, I will sing--if I feel like it.’ And she shrugged her +shoulders with a provoking gesture of indifference. + +“‘But it amuses him, and he gets so bored down here,’ began stupid +little Bella. ‘Don’t be shy or proud, Jean, but come and entertain the +poor old fellow.’ + +“‘No, thank you. I engaged to teach Miss Coventry, not to amuse Mr. +Coventry’ was all the answer she got. + +“‘You amuse Ned, why not Gerald? Are you afraid of him?’ asked Bella. + +“Miss Muir laughed, such a scornful laugh, and said, in that +peculiar tone of hers, ‘I cannot fancy anyone being _afraid_ of your +elder brother.’ + +“‘I am, very often, and so would you be, if you ever saw him angry,’ And +Bella looked as if I’d beaten her. + +“‘Does he ever wake up enough to be angry?’ asked that girl, with an air +of surprise. Here Ned broke into a fit of laughter, and they are at it +now, I fancy, by the sound.” + +“Their foolish gossip is not worth getting excited about, but I +certainly would send Ned away. It’s no use trying to get rid of ‘that +girl,’ as you say, for my aunt is as deluded about her as Ned and Bella, +and she really does get the child along splendidly. Dispatch Ned, and +then she can do no harm,” said Lucia, watching Coventry’s altered face +as he stood in the moonlight, just outside the window where she sat. + +“Have you no fears for me?” he asked smiling, as if ashamed of his +momentary petulance. + +“No, have you for yourself?” And a shade of anxiety passed over her +face. + +“I defy the Scotch witch to enchant me, except with her music,” he +added, moving down the terrace again, for Jean was singing like a +nightingale. + +As the song ended, he put aside the curtain, and said, abruptly, “Has +anyone any commands for London? I am going there tomorrow.” + +“A pleasant trip to you,” said Ned carelessly, though usually his +brother’s movements interested him extremely. + +“I want quantities of things, but I must ask Mamma first.” And Bella +began to make a list. + +“May I trouble you with a letter, Mr. Coventry?” + +Jean Muir turned around on the music stool and looked at him with the +cold keen glance which always puzzled him. + +He bowed, saying, as if to them all, “I shall be off by the early train, +so you must give me your orders tonight.” + +“Then come away, Ned, and leave Jean to write her letter.” + +And Bella took her reluctant brother from the room. + +“I will give you the letter in the morning,” said Miss Muir, with a +curious quiver in her voice, and the look of one who forcibly suppressed +some strong emotion. + +“As you please.” And Coventry went back to Lucia, wondering who Miss +Muir was going to write to. He said nothing to his brother of the +purpose which took him to town, lest a word should produce the +catastrophe which he hoped to prevent; and Ned, who now lived in a sort +of dream, seemed to forget Gerald’s existence altogether. + +With unwonted energy Coventry was astir seven next morning. Lucia gave +him his breakfast, and as he left the room to order the carriage, Miss +Muir came gliding downstairs, very pale and heavy-eyed (with a +sleepless, tearful night, he thought) and, putting a delicate little +letter into his hand, said hurriedly, “Please leave this at Lady +Sydney’s, and if you see her, say ‘I have remembered.’” + +Her peculiar manner and peculiar message struck him. His eye +involuntarily glanced at the address of the letter and read young +Sydney’s name. Then, conscious of his mistake, he thrust it into his +pocket with a hasty “Good morning,” and left Miss Muir standing with +one hand pressed on her heart, the other half extended as if to recall +the letter. + +All the way to London, Coventry found it impossible to forget the +almost tragical expression of the girl’s face, and it haunted him +through the bustle of two busy days. Ned’s affair was put in the way of +being speedily accomplished, Bella’s commissions were executed, his +mother’s pet delicacies provided for her, and a gift for Lucia, whom +the family had given him for his future mate, as he was too lazy to +choose for himself. + +Jean Muir’s letter he had not delivered, for Lady Sydney was in the +country and her townhouse closed. Curious to see how she would receive +his tidings, he went quietly in on his arrival at home. Everyone had +dispersed to dress for dinner except Miss Muir, who was in the garden, +the servant said. + +“Very well, I have a message for her”; and, turning, the “young master,” + as they called him, went to seek her. In a remote corner he saw her +sitting alone, buried in thought. As his step roused her, a look of +surprise, followed by one of satisfaction, passed over her face, and, +rising, she beckoned to him with an almost eager gesture. Much amazed, +he went to her and offered the letter, saying kindly, “I regret that I +could not deliver it. Lady Sydney is in the country, and I did not like +to post it without your leave. Did I do right?” + +“Quite right, thank you very much--it is better so.” And with an air of +relief, she tore the letter to atoms, and scattered them to the wind. + +More amazed than ever, the young man was about to leave her when she +said, with a mixture of entreaty and command, “Please stay a moment. I +want to speak to you.” + +He paused, eyeing her with visible surprise, for a sudden color dyed her +cheeks, and her lips trembled. Only for a moment, then she was quite +self-possessed again. Motioning him to the seat she had left, she +remained standing while she said, in a low, rapid tone full of pain and +of decision: + +“Mr. Coventry, as the head of the house I want to speak to you, rather +than to your mother, of a most unhappy affair which has occurred during +your absence. My month of probation ends today; your mother wishes me to +remain; I, too, wish it sincerely, for I am happy here, but I ought not. +Read this, and you will see why.” + +She put a hastily written note into his hand and watched him intently +while he read it. She saw him flush with anger, bite his lips, and knit +his brows, then assume his haughtiest look, as he lifted his eyes and +said in his most sarcastic tone, “Very well for a beginning. The boy has +eloquence. Pity that it should be wasted. May I ask if you have replied +to this rhapsody?” + +“I have.” + +“And what follows? He begs you ‘to fly with him, to share his fortunes, +and be the good angel of his life.’ Of course you consent?” + +There was no answer, for, standing erect before him, Miss Muir regarded +him with an expression of proud patience, like one who expected +reproaches, yet was too generous to resent them. Her manner had its +effect. Dropping his bitter tone, Coventry asked briefly, “Why do you +show me this? What can I do?” + +“I show it that you may see how much in earnest ‘the boy’ is, and how +open I desire to be. You can control, advise, and comfort your brother, +and help me to see what is my duty.” + +“You love him?” demanded Coventry bluntly. + +“No!” was the quick, decided answer. + +“Then why make him love you?” + +“I never tried to do it. Your sister will testify that I have endeavored +to avoid him as I--” And he finished the sentence with an unconscious +tone of pique, “As you have avoided me.” + +She bowed silently, and he went on: + +“I will do you the justice to say that nothing can be more blameless +than your conduct toward myself; but why allow Ned to haunt you evening +after evening? What could you expect of a romantic boy who had nothing +to do but lose his heart to the first attractive woman he met?” + +A momentary glisten shone in Jean Muir’s steel-blue eyes as the last +words left the young man’s lips; but it was gone instantly, and her +voice was full of reproach, as she said, steadily, impulsively, “If the +‘romantic boy’ had been allowed to lead the life of a man, as he longed +to do, he would have had no time to lose his heart to the first +sorrowful girl whom he pitied. Mr. Coventry, the fault is yours. Do not +blame your brother, but generously own your mistake and retrieve it in +the speediest, kindest manner.” + +For an instant Gerald sat dumb. Never since his father died had anyone +reproved him; seldom in his life had he been blamed. It was a new +experience, and the very novelty added to the effect. He saw his fault, +regretted it, and admired the brave sincerity of the girl in telling him +of it. But he did not know how to deal with the case, and was forced to +confess not only past negligence but present incapacity. He was as +honorable as he was proud, and with an effort he said frankly, “You are +right, Miss Muir. I _am_ to blame, yet as soon as I saw the danger, I +tried to avert it. My visit to town was on Ned’s account; he will have +his commission very soon, and then he will be sent out of harm’s way. +Can I do more?” + +“No, it is too late to send him away with a free and happy heart. He +must bear his pain as he can, and it may help to make a man of him,” she +said sadly. + +“He’ll soon forget,” began Coventry, who found the thought of gay Ned +suffering an uncomfortable one. + +“Yes, thank heaven, that is possible, for men.” + +Miss Muir pressed her hands together, with a dark expression on her +half-averted face. Something in her tone, her manner, touched Coventry; +he fancied that some old wound bled, some bitter memory awoke at the +approach of a new lover. He was young, heart-whole, and romantic, under +all his cool nonchalance of manner. This girl, who he fancied loved his +friend and who was beloved by his brother, became an object of interest +to him. He pitied her, desired to help her, and regretted his past +distrust, as a chivalrous man always regrets injustice to a woman. She +was happy here, poor, homeless soul, and she should stay. Bella loved +her, his mother took comfort in her, and when Ned was gone, no one’s +peace would be endangered by her winning ways, her rich accomplishments. +These thoughts swept through his mind during a brief pause, and when he +spoke, it was to say gently: + +“Miss Muir, I thank you for the frankness which must have been painful +to you, and I will do my best to be worthy of the confidence which you +repose in me. You were both discreet and kind to speak only to me. This +thing would have troubled my mother extremely, and have done no good. I +shall see Ned, and try and repair my long neglect as promptly as +possible. I know you will help me, and in return let me beg of you to +remain, for he will soon be gone.” + +She looked at him with eyes full of tears, and there was no coolness in +the voice that answered softly, “You are too kind, but I had better go; +it is not wise to stay.” + +“Why not?” + +She colored beautifully, hesitated, then spoke out in the clear, steady +voice which was her greatest charm, “If I had known there were sons in +this family, I never should have come. Lady Sydney spoke only of your +sister, and when I found two gentlemen, I was troubled, because--I am so +unfortunate--or rather, people are so kind as to like me more than I +deserve. I thought I could stay a month, at least, as your brother spoke +of going away, and you were already affianced, but--” + +“I am not affianced.” + +Why he said that, Coventry could not tell, but the words passed his lips +hastily and could not be recalled. Jean Muir took the announcement oddly +enough. She shrugged her shoulders with an air of extreme annoyance, and +said almost rudely, “Then you should be; you will be soon. But that is +nothing to me. Miss Beaufort wishes me gone, and I am too proud to +remain and become the cause of disunion in a happy family. No, I will +go, and go at once.” + +She turned away impetuously, but Edward’s arm detained her, and Edward’s +voice demanded, tenderly, “Where will you go, my Jean?” + +The tender touch and name seemed to rob her of her courage and calmness, +for, leaning on her lover, she hid her face and sobbed audibly. + +“Now don’t make a scene, for heaven’s sake,” began Coventry impatiently, +as his brother eyed him fiercely, divining at once what had passed, for +his letter was still in Gerald’s hand and Jean’s last words had reached +her lover’s ear. + +“Who gave you the right to read that, and to interfere in my affairs?” + demanded Edward hotly. + +“Miss Muir” was the reply, as Coventry threw away the paper. + +“And you add to the insult by ordering her out of the house,” cried Ned +with increasing wrath. + +“On the contrary, I beg her to remain.” + +“The deuce you do! And why?” + +“Because she is useful and happy here, and I am unwilling that your +folly should rob her of a home which she likes.” + +“You are very thoughtful and devoted all at once, but I beg you will not +trouble yourself. Jean’s happiness and home will be my care now.” + +“My dear boy, do be reasonable. The thing is impossible. Miss Muir sees +it herself; she came to tell me, to ask how best to arrange matters +without troubling my mother. I’ve been to town to attend to your +affairs, and you may be off now very soon.” + +“I have no desire to go. Last month it was the wish of my heart. Now +I’ll accept nothing from you.” And Edward turned moodily away from +his brother. + +“What folly! Ned, you _must_ leave home. It is all arranged and cannot +be given up now. A change is what you need, and it will make a man of +you. We shall miss you, of course, but you will be where you’ll see +something of life, and that is better for you than getting into +mischief here.” + +“Are you going away, Jean?” asked Edward, ignoring his brother entirely +and bending over the girl, who still hid her face and wept. She did not +speak, and Gerald answered for her. + +“No, why should she if you are gone?” + +“Do you mean to stay?” asked the lover eagerly of Jean. + +“I wish to remain, but--” She paused and looked up. Her eyes went from +one face to the other, and she added, decidedly, “Yes, I must go, it is +not wise to stay even when you are gone.” + +Neither of the young men could have explained why that hurried glance +affected them as it did, but each felt conscious of a willful desire to +oppose the other. Edward suddenly felt that his brother loved Miss Muir, +and was bent on removing her from his way. Gerald had a vague idea that +Miss Muir feared to remain on his account, and he longed to show her +that he was quite safe. Each felt angry, and each showed it in a +different way, one being violent, the other satirical. + +“You are right, Jean, this is not the place for you; and you must let me +see you in a safer home before I go,” said Ned, significantly. + +“It strikes me that this will be a particularly safe home when your +dangerous self is removed,” began Coventry, with an aggravating smile of +calm superiority. + +“And _I_ think that I leave a more dangerous person than myself behind +me, as poor Lucia can testify.” + +“Be careful what you say, Ned, or I shall be forced to remind you that I +am master here. Leave Lucia’s name out of this disagreeable affair, if +you please.” + +“You _are_ master here, but not of me, or my actions, and you have no +right to expect obedience or respect, for you inspire neither. Jean, I +asked you to go with me secretly; now I ask you openly to share my +fortune. In my brother’s presence I ask, and _will_ have an answer.” + +He caught her hand impetuously, with a defiant look at Coventry, who +still smiled, as if at boy’s play, though his eyes were kindling and his +face changing with the still, white wrath which is more terrible than +any sudden outburst. Miss Muir looked frightened; she shrank away from +her passionate young lover, cast an appealing glance at Gerald, and +seemed as if she longed to claim his protection yet dared not. + +“Speak!” cried Edward, desperately. “Don’t look to him, tell me truly, +with your own lips, do you, can you love me, Jean?” + +“I have told you once. Why pain me by forcing another hard reply,” she +said pitifully, still shrinking from his grasp and seeming to appeal to +his brother. + +“You wrote a few lines, but I’ll not be satisfied with that. You shall +answer; I’ve seen love in your eyes, heard it in your voice, and I know +it is hidden in your heart. You fear to own it; do not hesitate, no one +can part us--speak, Jean, and satisfy me.” + +Drawing her hand decidedly away, she went a step nearer Coventry, and +answered, slowly, distinctly, though her lips trembled, and she +evidently dreaded the effect of her words, “I will speak, and speak +truly. You have seen love in my face; it is in my heart, and I do not +hesitate to own it, cruel as it is to force the truth from me, but this +love is not for you. Are you satisfied?” + +He looked at her with a despairing glance and stretched his hand toward +her beseechingly. She seemed to fear a blow, for suddenly she clung to +Gerald with a faint cry. The act, the look of fear, the protecting +gesture Coventry involuntarily made were too much for Edward, already +excited by conflicting passions. In a paroxysm of blind wrath, he caught +up a large pruning knife left there by the gardener, and would have +dealt his brother a fatal blow had he not warded it off with his arm. +The stroke fell, and another might have followed had not Miss Muir with +unexpected courage and strength wrested the knife from Edward and flung +it into the little pond near by. Coventry dropped down upon the seat, +for the blood poured from a deep wound in his arm, showing by its rapid +flow that an artery had been severed. Edward stood aghast, for with the +blow his fury passed, leaving him overwhelmed with remorse and shame. + +Gerald looked up at him, smiled faintly, and said, with no sign of +reproach or anger, “Never mind, Ned. Forgive and forget. Lend me a hand +to the house, and don’t disturb anyone. It’s not much, I dare say.” But +his lips whitened as he spoke, and his strength failed him. Edward +sprang to support him, and Miss Muir, forgetting her terrors, proved +herself a girl of uncommon skill and courage. + +“Quick! Lay him down. Give me your handkerchief, and bring some water,” + she said, in a tone of quiet command. Poor Ned obeyed and watched her +with breathless suspense while she tied the handkerchief tightly around +the arm, thrust the handle of his riding whip underneath, and pressed it +firmly above the severed artery to stop the dangerous flow of blood. + +“Dr. Scott is with your mother, I think. Go and bring him here” was +the next order; and Edward darted away, thankful to do anything to +ease the terror which possessed him. He was gone some minutes, and +while they waited Coventry watched the girl as she knelt beside him, +bathing his face with one hand while with the other she held the +bandage firmly in its place. She was pale, but quite steady and +self-possessed, and her eyes shone with a strange brilliancy as she +looked down at him. Once, meeting his look of grateful wonder, she +smiled a reassuring smile that made her lovely, and said, in a soft, +sweet tone never used to him before, “Be quiet. There is no danger. I +will stay by you till help comes.” + +Help did come speedily, and the doctor’s first words were “Who +improvised that tourniquet?” + +“She did,” murmured Coventry. + +“Then you may thank her for saving your life. By Jove! It was capitally +done”; and the old doctor looked at the girl with as much admiration as +curiosity in his face. + +“Never mind that. See to the wound, please, while I ran for bandages, +and salts, and wine.” + +Miss Muir was gone as she spoke, so fleetly that it was in vain to call +her back or catch her. During her brief absence, the story was told by +repentant Ned and the wound examined. + +“Fortunately I have my case of instruments with me,” said the doctor, +spreading on the bench a long array of tiny, glittering implements of +torture. “Now, Mr. Ned, come here, and hold the arm in that way, while I +tie the artery. Hey! That will never do. Don’t tremble so, man, look +away and hold it steadily.” + +“I can’t!” And poor Ned turned faint and white, not at the sight but +with the bitter thought that he had longed to kill his brother. + +“I will hold it,” and a slender white hand lifted the bare and bloody +arm so firmly, steadily, that Coventry sighed a sigh of relief, and Dr. +Scott fell to work with an emphatic nod of approval. + +It was soon over, and while Edward ran in to bid the servants beware of +alarming their mistress, Dr. Scott put up his instruments and Miss Muir +used salts, water, and wine so skillfully that Gerald was able to walk +to his room, leaning on the old man, while the girl supported the +wounded arm, as no sling could be made on the spot. As he entered the +chamber, Coventry turned, put out his left hand, and with much feeling +in his fine eyes said simply, “Miss Muir, I thank you.” + +The color came up beautifully in her pale cheeks as she pressed the hand +and without a word vanished from the room. Lucia and the housekeeper +came bustling in, and there was no lack of attendance on the invalid. He +soon wearied of it, and sent them all away but Ned, who remorsefully +haunted the chamber, looking like a comely young Cain and feeling like +an outcast. + +“Come here, lad, and tell me all about it. I was wrong to be +domineering. Forgive me, and believe that I care for your happiness more +sincerely than for my own.” + +These frank and friendly words healed the breach between the two +brothers and completely conquered Ned. Gladly did he relate his love +passages, for no young lover ever tires of that amusement if he has a +sympathizing auditor, and Gerald _was_ sympathetic now. For an hour did +he lie listening patiently to the history of the growth of his brother’s +passion. Emotion gave the narrator eloquence, and Jean Muir’s character +was painted in glowing colors. All her unsuspected kindness to those +about her was dwelt upon; all her faithful care, her sisterly interest +in Bella, her gentle attentions to their mother, her sweet forbearance +with Lucia, who plainly showed her dislike, and most of all, her +friendly counsel, sympathy, and regard for Ned himself. + +“She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as no +one else can. She is unlike any girl I ever saw; there’s no +sentimentality about her; she is wise, and kind, and sweet. She says +what she means, looks you straight in the eye, and is as true as steel. +I’ve tried her, I know her, and--ah, Gerald, I love her so!” + +Here the poor lad leaned his face into his hands and sighed a sigh that +made his brother’s heart ache. + +“Upon my soul, Ned, I feel for you; and if there was no obstacle on her +part, I’d do my best for you. She loves Sydney, and so there is nothing +for it but to bear your fate like a man.” + +“Are you sure about Sydney? May it not be some one else?” and Ned eyed +his brother with a suspicious look. + +Coventry told him all he knew and surmised concerning his friend, not +forgetting the letter. Edward mused a moment, then seemed relieved, and +said frankly, “I’m glad it’s Sydney and not you. I can bear it better.” + +“Me!” ejaculated Gerald, with a laugh. + +“Yes, you; I’ve been tormented lately with a fear that you cared for +her, or rather, she for you.” + +“You jealous young fool! We never see or speak to one another scarcely, +so how could we get up a tender interest?” + +“What do you lounge about on that terrace for every evening? And why +does she get fluttered when your shadow begins to come and go?” + demanded Edward. + +“I like the music and don’t care for the society of the singer, that’s +why I walk there. The fluttering is all your imagination; Miss Muir +isn’t a woman to be fluttered by a man’s shadow.” And Coventry glanced +at his useless arm. + +“Thank you for that, and for not saying ‘little Muir,’ as you generally +do. Perhaps it was my imagination. But she never makes fun of you now, +and so I fancied she might have lost her heart to the ‘young master.’ +Women often do, you know.” + +“She used to ridicule me, did she?” asked Coventry, taking no notice of +the latter part of his brother’s speech, which was quite true +nevertheless. + +“Not exactly, she was too well-bred for that. But sometimes when Bella +and I joked about you, she’d say something so odd or witty that it was +irresistible. You’re used to being laughed at, so you don’t mind, I +know, just among ourselves.” + +“Not I. Laugh away as much as you like,” said Gerald. But he did mind, +and wanted exceedingly to know what Miss Muir had said, yet was too +proud to ask. He turned restlessly and uttered a sigh of pain. + +“I’m talking too much; it’s bad for you. Dr. Scott said you must be +quiet. Now go to sleep, if you can.” + +Edward left the bedside but not the room, for he would let no one take +his place. Coventry tried to sleep, found it impossible, and after a +restless hour called his brother back. + +“If the bandage was loosened a bit, it would ease my arm and then I +could sleep. Can you do it, Ned?” + +“I dare not touch it. The doctor gave orders to leave it till he came in +the morning, and I shall only do harm if I try.” + +“But I tell you it’s too tight. My arm is swelling and the pain is +intense. It can’t be right to leave it so. Dr. Scott dressed it in a +hurry and did it too tight. Common sense will tell you that,” said +Coventry impatiently. + +“I’ll call Mrs. Morris; she will understand what’s best to be done.” And +Edward moved toward the door, looking anxious. + +“Not she, she’ll only make a stir and torment me with her chatter. I’ll +bear it as long as I can, and perhaps Dr. Scott will come tonight. He +said he would if possible. Go to your dinner, Ned. I can ring for Neal +if I need anything. I shall sleep if I’m alone, perhaps.” + +Edward reluctantly obeyed, and his brother was left to himself. Little +rest did he find, however, for the pain of the wounded arm grew +unbearable, and, taking a sudden resolution, he rang for his servant. + +“Neal, go to Miss Coventry’s study, and if Miss Muir is there, ask her +to be kind enough to come to me. I’m in great pain, and she understand +wounds better than anyone else in the house.” + +With much surprise in his face, the man departed and a few moments after +the door noiselessly opened and Miss Muir came in. It had been a very +warm day, and for the first time she had left off her plain black dress. +All in white, with no ornament but her fair hair, and a fragrant posy of +violets in her belt, she looked a different woman from the meek, nunlike +creature one usually saw about the house. Her face was as altered as her +dress, for now a soft color glowed in her cheeks, her eyes smiled shyly, +and her lips no longer wore the firm look of one who forcibly repressed +every emotion. A fresh, gentle, and charming woman she seemed, and +Coventry found the dull room suddenly brightened by her presence. Going +straight to him, she said simply, and with a happy, helpful look very +comforting to see, “I’m glad you sent for me. What can I do for you?” + +He told her, and before the complaint was ended, she began loosening the +bandages with the decision of one who understood what was to be done and +had faith in herself. + +“Ah, that’s relief, that’s comfort!” ejaculated Coventry, as the last +tight fold fell away. “Ned was afraid I should bleed to death if he +touched me. What will the doctor say to us?” + +“I neither know nor care. I shall say to him that he is a bad surgeon to +bind it so closely, and not leave orders to have it untied if necessary. +Now I shall make it easy and put you to sleep, for that is what you +need. Shall I? May I?” + +“I wish you would, if you can.” + +And while she deftly rearranged the bandages, the young man watched her +curiously. Presently he asked, “How came you to know so much about +these things?” + +“In the hospital where I was ill, I saw much that interested me, and +when I got better, I used to sing to the patients sometimes.” + +“Do you mean to sing to me?” he asked, in the submissive tone men +unconsciously adopt when ill and in a woman’s care. + +“If you like it better than reading aloud in a dreamy tone,” she +answered, as she tied the last knot. + +“I do, much better,” he said decidedly. + +“You are feverish. I shall wet your forehead, and then you will be quite +comfortable.” She moved about the room in the quiet way which made it a +pleasure to watch her, and, having mingled a little cologne with water, +bathed his face as unconcernedly as if he had been a child. Her +proceedings not only comforted but amused Coventry, who mentally +contrasted her with the stout, beer-drinking matron who had ruled over +him in his last illness. + +“A clever, kindly little woman,” he thought, and felt quite at his ease, +she was so perfectly easy herself. + +“There, now you look more like yourself,” she said with an approving nod +as she finished, and smoothed the dark locks off his forehead with a +cool, soft hand. Then seating herself in a large chair near by, she +began to sing, while tidily rolling up the fresh bandages which had been +left for the morning. Coventry lay watching her by the dim light that +burned in the room, and she sang on as easily as a bird, a dreamy, +low-toned lullaby, which soothed the listener like a spell. Presently, +looking up to see the effect of her song, she found the young man wide +awake, and regarding her with a curious mixture of pleasure, interest, +and admiration. + +“Shut your eyes, Mr. Coventry,” she said, with a reproving shake of the +head, and an odd little smile. + +He laughed and obeyed, but could not resist an occasional covert glance +from under his lashes at the slender white figure in the great velvet +chair. She saw him and frowned. + +“You are very disobedient; why won’t you sleep?” + +“I can’t, I want to listen. I’m fond of nightingales.” + +“Then I shall sing no more, but try something that has never failed yet. +Give me your hand, please.” + +Much amazed, he gave it, and, taking it in both her small ones, she sat +down behind the curtain and remained as mute and motionless as a statue. +Coventry smiled to himself at first, and wondered which would tire +first. But soon a subtle warmth seemed to steal from the soft palms that +enclosed his own, his heart beat quicker, his breath grew unequal, and a +thousand fancies danced through his brain. He sighed, and said dreamily, +as he turned his face toward her, “I like this.” And in the act of +speaking, seemed to sink into a soft cloud which encompassed him about +with an atmosphere of perfect repose. More than this he could not +remember, for sleep, deep and dreamless, fell upon him, and when he +woke, daylight was shining in between the curtains, his hand lay alone +on the coverlet, and his fair-haired enchantress was gone. + + + + +_Chapter IV_ + + +A DISCOVERY + +For several days Coventry was confined to his room, much against his +will, though everyone did their best to lighten his irksome captivity. +His mother petted him, Bella sang, Lucia read, Edward was devoted, and +all the household, with one exception, were eager to serve the young +master. Jean Muir never came near him, and Jean Muir alone seemed to +possess the power of amusing him. He soon tired of the others, wanted +something new; recalled the piquant character of the girl and took a +fancy into his head that she would lighten his ennui. After some +hesitation, he carelessly spoke of her to Bella, but nothing came of +it, for Bella only said Jean was well, and very busy doing something +lovely to surprise Mamma with. Edward complained that he never saw +her, and Lucia ignored her existence altogether. The only intelligence +the invalid received was from the gossip of two housemaids over their +work in the next room. From them he learned that the governess had +been “scolded” by Miss Beaufort for going to Mr. Coventry’s room; that +she had taken it very sweetly and kept herself carefully out of the +way of both young gentlemen, though it was plain to see that Mr. Ned +was dying for her. + +Mr. Gerald amused himself by thinking over this gossip, and quite +annoyed his sister by his absence of mind. + +“Gerald, do you know Ned’s commission has come?” + +“Very interesting. Read on, Bella.” + +“You stupid boy! You don’t know a word I say,” and she put down the book +to repeat her news. + +“I’m glad of it; now we must get him off as soon as possible--that is, I +suppose he will want to be off as soon as possible.” And Coventry woke +up from his reverie. + +“You needn’t check yourself, I know all about it. I think Ned was very +foolish, and that Miss Muir has behaved beautifully. It’s quite +impossible, of course, but I wish it wasn’t, I do so like to watch +lovers. You and Lucia are so cold you are not a bit interesting.” + +“You’ll do me a favor if you’ll stop all that nonsense about Lucia and +me. We are not lovers, and never shall be, I fancy. At all events, I’m +tired of the thing, and wish you and Mamma would let it drop, for the +present at least.” + +“Oh Gerald, you know Mamma has set her heart upon it, that Papa desired +it, and poor Lucia loves you so much. How can you speak of dropping what +will make us all so happy?” + +“It won’t make me happy, and I take the liberty of thinking that this is +of some importance. I’m not bound in any way, and don’t intend to be +till I am ready. Now we’ll talk about Ned.” + +Much grieved and surprised, Bella obeyed, and devoted herself to Edward, +who very wisely submitted to his fate and prepared to leave home for +some months. For a week the house was in a state of excitement about his +departure, and everyone but Jean was busied for him. She was scarcely +seen; every morning she gave Bella her lessons, every afternoon drove +out with Mrs. Coventry, and nearly every evening went up to the Hall to +read to Sir John, who found his wish granted without exactly knowing how +it had been done. + +The day Edward left, he came down from bidding his mother good-bye, +looking very pale, for he had lingered in his sister’s little room with +Miss Muir as long as he dared. + +“Good-bye, dear. Be kind to Jean,” he whispered as he kissed his sister. + +“I will, I will,” returned Bella, with tearful eyes. + +“Take care of Mamma, and remember Lucia,” he said again, as he touched +his cousin’s beautiful cheek. + +“Fear nothing. I will keep them apart,” she whispered back, and +Coventry heard it. + +Edward offered his hand to his brother, saying, significantly, as he +looked him in the eye, “I trust you, Gerald.” + +“You may, Ned.” + +Then he went, and Coventry tired himself with wondering what Lucia +meant. A few days later he understood. + +Now Ned is gone, little Muir will appear, I fancy, he said to himself; +but “little Muir” did not appear, and seemed to shun him more carefully +than she had done her lover. If he went to the drawing room in the +evening hoping for music, Lucia alone was there. If he tapped at Bella’s +door, there was always a pause before she opened it, and no sign of Jean +appeared though her voice had been audible when he knocked. If he went +to the library, a hasty rustle and the sound of flying feet betrayed +that the room was deserted at his approach. In the garden Miss Muir +never failed to avoid him, and if by chance they met in hall or +breakfast room, she passed him with downcast eyes and the briefest, +coldest greeting. All this annoyed him intensely, and the more she +eluded him, the more he desired to see her--from a spirit of opposition, +he said, nothing more. It fretted and yet it entertained him, and he +found a lazy sort of pleasure in thwarting the girl’s little maneuvers. +His patience gave out at last, and he resolved to know what was the +meaning of this peculiar conduct. Having locked and taken away the key +of one door in the library, he waited till Miss Muir went in to get a +book for his uncle. He had heard her speak to Bella of it, knew that she +believed him with his mother, and smiled to himself as he stole after +her. She was standing in a chair, reaching up, and he had time to see a +slender waist, a pretty foot, before he spoke. + +“Can I help you, Miss Muir?” + +She started, dropped several books, and turned scarlet, as she said +hurriedly, “Thank you, no; I can get the steps.” + +“My long arm will be less trouble. I’ve got but one, and that is tired +of being idle, so it is very much at your service. What will you have?” + +“I--I--you startled me so I’ve forgotten.” And Jean laughed, nervously, +as she looked about her as if planning to escape. + +“I beg your pardon, wait till you remember, and let me thank you for the +enchanted sleep you gave me ten days ago. I’ve had no chance yet, you’ve +shunned me so pertinaciously.” + +“Indeed I try not to be rude, but--” She checked herself, and turned her +face away, adding, with an accent of pain in her voice, “It is not my +fault, Mr. Coventry. I only obey orders.” + +“Whose orders?” he demanded, still standing so that she could not +escape. + +“Don’t ask; it is one who has a right to command where you are +concerned. Be sure that it is kindly meant, though it may seem folly +to us. Nay, don’t be angry, laugh at it, as I do, and let me run +away, please.” + +She turned, and looked down at him with tears in her eyes, a smile on +her lips, and an expression half sad, half arch, which was altogether +charming. The frown passed from his face, but he still looked grave and +said decidedly, “No one has a right to command in this house but my +mother or myself. Was it she who bade you avoid me as if I was a madman +or a pest?” + +“Ah, don’t ask. I promised not to tell, and you would not have me break +my word, I know.” And still smiling, she regarded him with a look of +merry malice which made any other reply unnecessary. It was Lucia, he +thought, and disliked his cousin intensely just then. Miss Muir moved as +if to step down; he detained her, saying earnestly, yet with a smile, +“Do you consider me the master here?” + +“Yes,” and to the word she gave a sweet, submissive intonation which +made it expressive of the respect, regard, and confidence which men find +pleasantest when women feel and show it. Unconsciously his face +softened, and he looked up at her with a different glance from any he +had ever given her before. + +“Well, then, will you consent to obey me if I am not tyrannical or +unreasonable in my demands?” + +“I’ll try.” + +“Good! Now frankly, I want to say that all this sort of thing is very +disagreeable to me. It annoys me to be a restraint upon anyone’s liberty +or comfort, and I beg you will go and come as freely as you like, and +not mind Lucia’s absurdities. She means well, but hasn’t a particle of +penetration or tact. Will you promise this?” + +“No.” + +“Why not?” + +“It is better as it is, perhaps.” + +“But you called it folly just now.” + +“Yes, it seems so, and yet--” She paused, looking both confused and +distressed. + +Coventry lost patience, and said hastily, “You women are such enigmas I +never expect to understand you! Well, I’ve done my best to make you +comfortable, but if you prefer to lead this sort of life, I beg you +will do so.” + +“I _don’t_ prefer it; it is hateful to me. I like to be myself, to have +my liberty, and the confidence of those about me. But I cannot think it +kind to disturb the peace of anyone, and so I try to obey. I’ve promised +Bella to remain, but I will go rather than have another scene with Miss +Beaufort or with you.” + +Miss Muir had burst out impetuously, and stood there with a sudden fire +in her eyes, sudden warmth and spirit in her face and voice that amazed +Coventry. She was angry, hurt, and haughty, and the change only made her +more attractive, for not a trace of her former meek self remained. +Coventry was electrified, and still more surprised when she added, +imperiously, with a gesture as if to put him aside, “Hand me that book +and move away. I wish to go.” + +He obeyed, even offered his hand, but she refused it, stepped lightly +down, and went to the door. There she turned, and with the same +indignant voice, the same kindling eyes and glowing cheeks, she said +rapidly, “I know I have no right to speak in this way. I restrain myself +as long as I can, but when I can bear no more, my true self breaks +loose, and I defy everything. I am tired of being a cold, calm machine; +it is impossible with an ardent nature like mine, and I shall try no +longer. I cannot help it if people love me. I don’t want their love. I +only ask to be left in peace, and why I am tormented so I cannot see. +I’ve neither beauty, money, nor rank, yet every foolish boy mistakes my +frank interest for something warmer, and makes me miserable. It is my +misfortune. Think of me what you will, but beware of me in time, for +against my will I may do you harm.” + +Almost fiercely she had spoken, and with a warning gesture she hurried +from the room, leaving the young man feeling as if a sudden thunder-gust +had swept through the house. For several minutes he sat in the chair she +left, thinking deeply. Suddenly he rose, went to his sister, and said, +in his usual tone of indolent good nature, “Bella, didn’t I hear Ned ask +you to be kind to Miss Muir?” + +“Yes, and I try to be, but she is so odd lately.” + +“Odd! How do you mean?” + +“Why, she is either as calm and cold as a statue, or restless and queer; +she cries at night, I know, and sighs sadly when she thinks I don’t +hear. Something is the matter.” + +“She frets for Ned perhaps,” began Coventry. + +“Oh dear, no; it’s a great relief to her that he is gone. I’m afraid +that she likes someone very much, and someone don’t like her. Can it be +Mr. Sydney?” + +“She called him a ‘titled fool’ once, but perhaps that didn’t mean +anything. Did you ever ask her about him?” said Coventry, feeling rather +ashamed of his curiosity, yet unable to resist the temptation of +questioning unsuspecting Bella. + +“Yes, but she only looked at me in her tragical way, and said, so +pitifully, ‘My little friend, I hope you will never have to pass through +the scenes I’ve passed through, but keep your peace unbroken all your +life.’ After that I dared say no more. I’m very fond of her, I want to +make her happy, but I don’t know how. Can you propose anything?” + +“I was going to propose that you make her come among us more, now Ned is +gone. It must be dull for her, moping about alone. I’m sure it is for +me. She is an entertaining little person, and I enjoy her music very +much. It’s good for Mamma to have gay evenings; so you bestir yourself, +and see what you can do for the general good of the family.” + +“That’s all very charming, and I’ve proposed it more than once, but +Lucia spoils all my plans. She is afraid you’ll follow Ned’s example, +and that is so silly.” + +“Lucia is a--no, I won’t say fool, because she has sense enough when she +chooses; but I wish you’d just settle things with Mamma, and then Lucia +can do nothing but submit,” said Gerald angrily. + +“I’ll try, but she goes up to read to Uncle, you know, and since he has +had the gout, she stays later, so I see little of her in the evening. +There she goes now. I think she will captivate the old one as well as +the young one, she is so devoted.” + +Coventry looked after her slender black figure, just vanishing through +the great gate, and an uncomfortable fancy took possession of him, born +of Bella’s careless words. He sauntered away, and after eluding his +cousin, who seemed looking for him, he turned toward the Hall, saying to +himself, I will see what is going on up here. Such things have happened. +Uncle is the simplest soul alive, and if the girl is ambitious, she can +do what she will with him. + +Here a servant came running after him and gave him a letter, which he +thrust into his pocket without examining it. When he reached the Hall, +he went quietly to his uncle’s study. The door was ajar, and looking in, +he saw a scene of tranquil comfort, very pleasant to watch. Sir John +leaned in his easy chair with one foot on a cushion. He was dressed with +his usual care and, in spite of the gout, looked like a handsome, +well-preserved old gentleman. He was smiling as he listened, and his +eyes rested complacently on Jean Muir, who sat near him reading in her +musical voice, while the sunshine glittered on her hair and the soft +rose of her cheek. She read well, yet Coventry thought her heart was not +in her task, for once when she paused, while Sir John spoke, her eyes +had an absent expression, and she leaned her head upon her hand, with an +air of patient weariness. + +Poor girl! I did her great injustice; she has no thought of captivating +the old man, but amuses him from simple kindness. She is tired. I’ll put +an end to her task; and Coventry entered without knocking. + +Sir John received him with an air of polite resignation, Miss Muir with +a perfectly expressionless face. + +“Mother’s love, and how are you today, sir?” + +“Comfortable, but dull, so I want you to bring the girls over this +evening, to amuse the old gentleman. Mrs. King has got out the +antique costumes and trumpery, as I promised Bella she should have +them, and tonight we are to have a merrymaking, as we used to do when +Ned was here.” + +“Very well, sir, I’ll bring them. We’ve all been out of sorts since the +lad left, and a little jollity will do us good. Are you going back, Miss +Muir?” asked Coventry. + +“No, I shall keep her to give me my tea and get things ready. Don’t read +anymore, my dear, but go and amuse yourself with the pictures, or +whatever you like,” said Sir John; and like a dutiful daughter she +obeyed, as if glad to get away. + +“That’s a very charming girl, Gerald,” began Sir John as she left the +room. “I’m much interested in her, both on her own account and on her +mother’s.” + +“Her mother’s! What do you know of her mother?” asked Coventry, much +surprised. + +“Her mother was Lady Grace Howard, who ran away with a poor Scotch +minister twenty years ago. The family cast her off, and she lived and +died so obscurely that very little is known of her except that she left +an orphan girl at some small French pension. This is the girl, and a +fine girl, too. I’m surprised that you did not know this.” + +“So am I, but it is like her not to tell. She is a strange, proud +creature. Lady Howard’s daughter! Upon my word, that is a discovery,” + and Coventry felt his interest in his sister’s governess much increased +by this fact; for, like all wellborn Englishmen, he valued rank and +gentle blood even more than he cared to own. + +“She has had a hard life of it, this poor little girl, but she has a +brave spirit, and will make her way anywhere,” said Sir John admiringly. + +“Did Ned know this?” asked Gerald suddenly. + +“No, she only told me yesterday. I was looking in the _Peerage_ and +chanced to speak of the Howards. She forgot herself and called Lady +Grace her mother. Then I got the whole story, for the lonely little +thing was glad to make a confidant of someone.” + +“That accounts for her rejection of Sydney and Ned: she knows she is +their equal and will not snatch at the rank which is hers by right. No, +she’s not mercenary or ambitious.” + +“What do you say?” asked Sir John, for Coventry had spoken more to +himself than to his uncle. + +“I wonder if Lady Sydney was aware of this?” was all Gerald’s answer. + +“No, Jean said she did not wish to be pitied, and so told nothing to the +mother. I think the son knew, but that was a delicate point, and I asked +no questions.” + +“I shall write to him as soon as I discover his address. We have been so +intimate I can venture to make a few inquiries about Miss Muir, and +prove the truth of her story.” + +“Do you mean to say that you doubt it?” demanded Sir John angrily. + +“I beg your pardon, Uncle, but I must confess I have an instinctive +distrust of that young person. It is unjust, I dare say, yet I cannot +banish it.” + +“Don’t annoy me by expressing it, if you please. I have some penetration +and experience, and I respect and pity Miss Muir heartily. This dislike +of yours may be the cause of her late melancholy, hey, Gerald?” And Sir +John looked suspiciously at his nephew. + +Anxious to avert the rising storm, Coventry said hastily as he turned +away, “I’ve neither time nor inclination to discuss the matter now, sir, +but will be careful not to offend again. I’ll take your message to +Bella, so good-bye for an hour, Uncle.” + +And Coventry went his way through the park, thinking within himself, The +dear old gentleman is getting fascinated, like poor Ned. How the deuce +does the girl do it? Lady Howard’s daughter, yet never told us; I don’t +understand that. + + + + +_Chapter V_ + + +HOW THE GIRL DID IT + +At home he found a party of young friends, who hailed with delight the +prospect of a revel at the Hall. An hour later, the blithe company +trooped into the great saloon, where preparations had already been made +for a dramatic evening. + +Good Sir John was in his element, for he was never so happy as when his +house was full of young people. Several persons were chosen, and in a +few moments the curtains were withdrawn from the first of these +impromptu tableaux. A swarthy, darkly bearded man lay asleep on a tiger +skin, in the shadow of a tent. Oriental arms and drapery surrounded him; +an antique silver lamp burned dimly on a table where fruit lay heaped in +costly dishes, and wine shone redly in half-emptied goblets. Bending +over the sleeper was a woman robed with barbaric splendor. One hand +turned back the embroidered sleeve from the arm which held a scimitar; +one slender foot in a scarlet sandal was visible under the white tunic; +her purple mantle swept down from snowy shoulders; fillets of gold bound +her hair, and jewels shone on neck and arms. She was looking over her +shoulder toward the entrance of the tent, with a steady yet stealthy +look, so effective that for a moment the spectators held their breath, +as if they also heard a passing footstep. + +“Who is it?” whispered Lucia, for the face was new to her. + +“Jean Muir,” answered Coventry, with an absorbed look. + +“Impossible! She is small and fair,” began Lucia, but a hasty “Hush, let +me look!” from her cousin silenced her. + +Impossible as it seemed, he was right nevertheless; for Jean Muir it +was. She had darkened her skin, painted her eyebrows, disposed some wild +black locks over her fair hair, and thrown such an intensity of +expression into her eyes that they darkened and dilated till they were +as fierce as any southern eyes that ever flashed. Hatred, the deepest +and bitterest, was written on her sternly beautiful face, courage glowed +in her glance, power spoke in the nervous grip of the slender hand that +held the weapon, and the indomitable will of the woman was +expressed--even the firm pressure of the little foot half hidden in the +tiger skin. + +“Oh, isn’t she splendid?” cried Bella under her breath. + +“She looks as if she’d use her sword well when the time comes,” said +someone admiringly. + +“Good night to Holofernes; his fate is certain,” added another. + +“He is the image of Sydney, with that beard on.” + +“Doesn’t she look as if she really hated him?” + +“Perhaps she does.” + +Coventry uttered the last exclamation, for the two which preceded it +suggested an explanation of the marvelous change in Jean. It was not all +art: the intense detestation mingled with a savage joy that the object +of her hatred was in her power was too perfect to be feigned; and having +the key to a part of her story, Coventry felt as if he caught a glimpse +of the truth. It was but a glimpse, however, for the curtain dropped +before he had half analyzed the significance of that strange face. + +“Horrible! I’m glad it’s over,” said Lucia coldly. + +“Magnificent! Encore! Encore!” cried Gerald enthusiastically. + +But the scene was over, and no applause could recall the actress. Two or +three graceful or gay pictures followed, but Jean was in none, and each +lacked the charm which real talent lends to the simplest part. + +“Coventry, you are wanted,” called a voice. And to everyone’s surprise, +Coventry went, though heretofore he had always refused to exert himself +when handsome actors were in demand. + +“What part am I to spoil?” he asked, as he entered the green room, where +several excited young gentlemen were costuming and attitudinizing. + +“A fugitive cavalier. Put yourself into this suit, and lose no time +asking questions. Miss Muir will tell you what to do. She is in the +tableau, so no one will mind you,” said the manager pro tem, throwing a +rich old suit toward Coventry and resuming the painting of a moustache +on his own boyish face. + +A gallant cavalier was the result of Gerald’s hasty toilet, and when +he appeared before the ladies a general glance of admiration was +bestowed upon him. + +“Come along and be placed; Jean is ready on the stage.” And Bella ran +before him, exclaiming to her governess, “Here he is, quite splendid. +Wasn’t he good to do it?” + +Miss Muir, in the charmingly prim and puritanical dress of a Roundhead +damsel, was arranging some shrubs, but turned suddenly and dropped the +green branch she held, as her eye met the glittering figure advancing +toward her. + +“You!” she said with a troubled look, adding low to Bella, “Why did you +ask _him?_ I begged you not.” + +“He is the only handsome man here, and the best actor if he likes. He +won’t play usually, so make the most of him.” And Bella was off to +finish powdering her hair for “The Marriage à la Mode.” + +“I was sent for and I came. Do you prefer some other person?” asked +Coventry, at a loss to understand the half-anxious, half-eager +expression of the face under the little cap. + +It changed to one of mingled annoyance and resignation as she said, “It +is too late. Please kneel here, half behind the shrubs; put down your +hat, and--allow me--you are too elegant for a fugitive.” + +As he knelt before her, she disheveled his hair, pulled his lace collar +awry, threw away his gloves and sword, and half untied the cloak that +hung about his shoulders. + +“That is better; your paleness is excellent--nay, don’t spoil it. We are +to represent the picture which hangs in the Hall. I need tell you no +more. Now, Roundheads, place yourselves, and then ring up the curtain.” + +With a smile, Coventry obeyed her; for the picture was of two lovers, +the young cavalier kneeling, with his arm around the waist of the girl, +who tries to hide him with her little mantle, and presses his head to +her bosom in an ecstasy of fear, as she glances back at the approaching +pursuers. Jean hesitated an instant and shrank a little as his hand +touched her; she blushed deeply, and her eyes fell before his. Then, as +the bell rang, she threw herself into her part with sudden spirit. One +arm half covered him with her cloak, the other pillowed his head on the +muslin kerchief folded over her bosom, and she looked backward with such +terror in her eyes that more than one chivalrous young spectator longed +to hurry to the rescue. It lasted but a moment; yet in that moment +Coventry experienced another new sensation. Many women had smiled on +him, but he had remained heart-whole, cool, and careless, quite +unconscious of the power which a woman possesses and knows how to use, +for the weal or woe of man. Now, as he knelt there with a soft arm about +him, a slender waist yielding to his touch, and a maiden heart throbbing +against his cheek, for the first time in his life he felt the +indescribable spell of womanhood, and looked the ardent lover to +perfection. Just as his face assumed this new and most becoming aspect, +the curtain dropped, and clamorous encores recalled him to the fact that +Miss Muir was trying to escape from his hold, which had grown painful in +its unconscious pressure. He sprang up, half bewildered, and looking as +he had never looked before. + +“Again! Again!” called Sir John. And the young men who played the +Roundheads, eager to share in the applause begged for a repetition in +new attitudes. + +“A rustle has betrayed you, we have fired and shot the brave girl, and +she lies dying, you know. That will be effective; try it, Miss Muir,” + said one. And with a long breath, Jean complied. + +The curtain went up, showing the lover still on his knees, unmindful of +the captors who clutched him by the shoulder, for at his feet the girl +lay dying. Her head was on his breast, now, her eyes looked full into +his, no longer wild with fear, but eloquent with the love which even +death could not conquer. The power of those tender eyes thrilled +Coventry with a strange delight, and set his heart beating as rapidly as +hers had done. She felt his hands tremble, saw the color flash into his +cheek, knew that she had touched him at last, and when she rose it was +with a sense of triumph which she found it hard to conceal. Others +thought it fine acting; Coventry tried to believe so; but Lucia set her +teeth, and, as the curtain fell on that second picture, she left her +place to hurry behind the scenes, bent on putting an end to such +dangerous play. Several actors were complimenting the mimic lovers. Jean +took it merrily, but Coventry, in spite of himself, betrayed that he was +excited by something deeper than mere gratified vanity. + +As Lucia appeared, his manner changed to its usual indifference; but he +could not quench the unwonted fire of his eyes, or keep all trace of +emotion out of his face, and she saw this with a sharp pang. + +“I have come to offer my help. You must be tired, Miss Muir. Can I +relieve you?” said Lucia hastily. + +“Yes, thank you. I shall be very glad to leave the rest to you, and +enjoy them from the front.” + +So with a sweet smile Jean tripped away, and to Lucia’s dismay +Coventry followed. + +“I want you, Gerald; please stay,” she cried. + +“I’ve done my part--no more tragedy for me tonight.” And he was gone +before she could entreat or command. + +There was no help for it; she must stay and do her duty, or expose her +jealousy to the quick eyes about her. For a time she bore it; but the +sight of her cousin leaning over the chair she had left and chatting +with the governess, who now filled it, grew unbearable, and she +dispatched a little girl with a message to Miss Muir. + +“Please, Miss Beaufort wants you for Queen Bess, as you are the only +lady with red hair. Will you come?” whispered the child, quite +unconscious of any hidden sting in her words. + +“Yes, dear, willingly though I’m not stately enough for Her Majesty, nor +handsome enough,” said Jean, rising with an untroubled face, though she +resented the feminine insult. + +“Do you want an Essex? I’m all dressed for it,” said Coventry, following +to the door with a wistful look. + +“No, Miss Beaufort said _you_ were not to come. She doesn’t want you +both together,” said the child decidedly. + +Jean gave him a significant look, shrugged her shoulders, and went away +smiling her odd smile, while Coventry paced up and down the hall in a +curious state of unrest, which made him forgetful of everything till the +young people came gaily out to supper. + +“Come, bonny Prince Charlie, take me down, and play the lover as +charmingly as you did an hour ago. I never thought you had so much +warmth in you,” said Bella, taking his arm and drawing him on +against his will. + +“Don’t be foolish, child. Where is--Lucia?” + +Why he checked Jean’s name on his lips and substituted another’s, he +could not tell; but a sudden shyness in speaking of her possessed him, +and though he saw her nowhere, he would not ask for her. His cousin came +down looking lovely in a classical costume; but Gerald scarcely saw her, +and, when the merriment was at its height, he slipped away to discover +what had become of Miss Muir. + +Alone in the deserted drawing room he found her, and paused to watch her +a moment before he spoke; for something in her attitude and face struck +him. She was leaning wearily back in the great chair which had served +for a throne. Her royal robes were still unchanged, though the crown was +off and all her fair hair hung about her shoulders. Excitement and +exertion made her brilliant, the rich dress became her wonderfully, and +an air of luxurious indolence changed the meek governess into a charming +woman. She leaned on the velvet cushions as if she were used to such +support; she played with the jewels which had crowned her as carelessly +as if she were born to wear them; her attitude was full of negligent +grace, and the expression of her face half proud, half pensive, as if +her thoughts were bittersweet. + +One would know she was wellborn to see her now. Poor girl, what a +burden a life of dependence must be to a spirit like hers! I wonder +what she is thinking of so intently. And Coventry indulged in another +look before he spoke. + +“Shall I bring you some supper, Miss Muir?” + +“Supper!” she ejaculated, with a start. “Who thinks of one’s body when +one’s soul is--” She stopped there, knit her brows, and laughed faintly +as she added, “No, thank you. I want nothing but advice, and that I dare +not ask of anyone.” + +“Why not?” + +“Because I have no right.” + +“Everyone has a right to ask help, especially the weak of the strong. +Can I help you? Believe me, I most heartily offer my poor services.” + +“Ah, you forget! This dress, the borrowed splendor of these jewels, the +freedom of this gay evening, the romance of the part you played, all +blind you to the reality. For a moment I cease to be a servant, and for +a moment you treat me as an equal.” + +It was true; he _had_ forgotten. That soft, reproachful glance touched +him, his distrust melted under the new charm, and he answered with real +feeling in voice and face, “I treat you as an equal because you _are_ +one; and when I offered help, it is not to my sister’s governess alone, +but to Lady Howard’s daughter.” + +“Who told you that?” she demanded, sitting erect. + +“My uncle. Do not reproach him. It shall go no further, if you forbid +it. Are you sorry that I know it?” + +“Yes.” + +“Why?” + +“Because I will not be pitied!” And her eyes flashed as she made a +half-defiant gesture. + +“Then, if I may not pity the hard fate which has befallen an innocent +life, may I admire the courage which meets adverse fortune so bravely, +and conquers the world by winning the respect and regard of all who see +and honor it?” + +Miss Muir averted her face, put up her hand, and answered hastily, “No, +no, not that! Do not be kind; it destroys the only barrier now left +between us. Be cold to me as before, forget what I am, and let me go on +my way, unknown, unpitied, and unloved!” + +Her voice faltered and failed as the last word was uttered, and she bent +her face upon her hand. Something jarred upon Coventry in this speech, +and moved him to say, almost rudely, “You need have no fears for me. +Lucia will tell you what an iceberg I am.” + +“Then Lucia would tell me wrong. I have the fatal power of reading +character; I know you better than she does, and I see--” There she +stopped abruptly. + +“What? Tell me and prove your skill,” he said eagerly. + +Turning, she fixed her eyes on him with a penetrating power that made +him shrink as she said slowly, “Under the ice I see fire, and warn you +to beware lest it prove a volcano.” + +For a moment he sat dumb, wondering at the insight of the girl; for she +was the first to discover the hidden warmth of a nature too proud to +confess its tender impulses, or the ambitions that slept till some +potent voice awoke them. The blunt, almost stern manner in which she +warned him away from her only made her more attractive; for there was no +conceit or arrogance in it, only a foreboding fear emboldened by past +suffering to be frank. Suddenly he spoke impetuously: + +“You are right! I am not what I seem, and my indolent indifference is +but the mask under which I conceal my real self. I could be as +passionate, as energetic and aspiring as Ned, if I had any aim in +life. I have none, and so I am what you once called me, a thing to +pity and despise.” + +“I never said that!” cried Jean indignantly. + +“Not in those words, perhaps; but you looked it and thought it, though +you phrased it more mildly. I deserved it, but I shall deserve it no +longer. I am beginning to wake from my disgraceful idleness, and long +for some work that shall make a man of me. Why do you go? I annoy you +with my confessions. Pardon me. They are the first I ever made; they +shall be the last.” + +“No, oh no! I am too much honored by your confidence; but is it wise, is +it loyal to tell _me_ your hopes and aims? Has not Miss Beaufort the +first right to be your confidante?” + +Coventry drew back, looking intensely annoyed, for the name recalled +much that he would gladly have forgotten in the novel excitement of the +hour. Lucia’s love, Edward’s parting words, his own reserve so strangely +thrown aside, so difficult to resume. What he would have said was +checked by the sight of a half-open letter which fell from Jean’s dress +as she moved away. Mechanically he took it up to return it, and, as he +did so, he recognized Sydney’s handwriting. Jean snatched it from him, +turning pale to the lips as she cried, “Did you read it? What did you +see? Tell me, tell me, on your honor!” + +“On my honor, I saw nothing but this single sentence, ‘By the love I +bear you, believe what I say.’ No more, as I am a gentleman. I know the +hand, I guess the purport of the letter, and as a friend of Sydney, I +earnestly desire to help you, if I can. Is this the matter upon which +you want advice?” + +“Yes.” + +“Then let me give it?” + +“You cannot, without knowing all, and it is so hard to tell!” + +“Let me guess it, and spare you the pain of telling. May I?” And +Coventry waited eagerly for her reply, for the spell was still upon him. + +Holding the letter fast, she beckoned him to follow, and glided before +him to a secluded little nook, half boudoir, half conservatory. There +she paused, stood an instant as if in doubt, then looked up at him with +confiding eyes and said decidedly, “I will do it; for, strange as it may +seem, you are the only person to whom I _can_ speak. You know Sydney, +you have discovered that I am an equal, you have offered your help. I +accept it; but oh, do not think me unwomanly! Remember how alone I am, +how young, and how much I rely upon your sincerity, your sympathy!” + +“Speak freely. I am indeed your friend.” And Coventry sat down beside +her, forgetful of everything but the soft-eyed girl who confided in him +so entirely. + +Speaking rapidly, Jean went on, “You know that Sydney loved me, that I +refused him and went away. But you do not know that his importunities +nearly drove me wild, that he threatened to rob me of my only treasure, +my good name, and that, in desperation, I tried to kill myself. Yes, +mad, wicked as it was, I did long to end the life which was, at best, a +burden, and under his persecution had become a torment. You are shocked, +yet what I say is the living truth. Lady Sydney will confirm it, the +nurses at the hospital will confess that it was not a fever which +brought me there; and here, though the external wound is healed, my +heart still aches and burns with the shame and indignation which only a +proud woman can feel.” + +She paused and sat with kindling eyes, glowing cheeks, and both hands +pressed to her heaving bosom, as if the old insult roused her spirit +anew. Coventry said not a word, for surprise, anger, incredulity, and +admiration mingled so confusedly in his mind that he forgot to speak, +and Jean went on, “That wild act of mine convinced him of my indomitable +dislike. He went away, and I believed that this stormy love of his would +be cured by absence. It is not, and I live in daily fear of fresh +entreaties, renewed persecution. His mother promised not to betray where +I had gone, but he found me out and wrote to me. The letter I asked you +to take to Lady Sydney was a reply to his, imploring him to leave me in +peace. You failed to deliver it, and I was glad, for I thought silence +might quench hope. All in vain; this is a more passionate appeal than +ever, and he vows he will never desist from his endeavors till I give +another man the right to protect me. I _can_ do this--I am sorely +tempted to do it, but I rebel against the cruelty. I love my freedom, I +have no wish to marry at this man’s bidding. What can I do? How can I +free myself? Be my friend, and help me!” + +Tears streamed down her cheeks, sobs choked her words, and she clasped +her hands imploringly as she turned toward the young man in all the +abandonment of sorrow, fear, and supplication. Coventry found it hard to +meet those eloquent eyes and answer calmly, for he had no experience in +such scenes and knew not how to play his part. It is this absurd dress +and that romantic nonsense which makes me feel so unlike myself, he +thought, quite unconscious of the dangerous power which the dusky room, +the midsummer warmth and fragrance, the memory of the “romantic +nonsense,” and, most of all, the presence of a beautiful, afflicted +woman had over him. His usual self-possession deserted him, and he could +only echo the words which had made the strongest impression upon him: + +“You _can_ do this, you are tempted to do it. Is Ned the man who can +protect you?” + +“No” was the soft reply. + +“Who then?” + +“Do not ask me. A good and honorable man; one who loves me well, and +would devote his life to me; one whom once it would have been happiness +to marry, but now--” + +There her voice ended in a sigh, and all her fair hair fell down about +her face, hiding it in a shining veil. + +“Why not now? This is a sure and speedy way of ending your distress. Is +it impossible?” + +In spite of himself, Gerald leaned nearer, took one of the little hands +in his, and pressed it as he spoke, urgently, compassionately, nay, +almost tenderly. From behind the veil came a heavy sigh, and the brief +answer, “It is impossible.” + +“Why, Jean?” + +She flung her hair back with a sudden gesture, drew away her hand, and +answered, almost fiercely, “Because I do not love him! Why do you +torment me with such questions? I tell you I am in a sore strait and +cannot see my way. Shall I deceive the good man, and secure peace at the +price of liberty and truth? Or shall I defy Sydney and lead a life of +dread? If he menaced my life, I should not fear; but he menaces that +which is dearer than life--my good name. A look, a word can tarnish it; +a scornful smile, a significant shrug can do me more harm than any blow; +for I am a woman--friendless, poor, and at the mercy of his tongue. Ah, +better to have died, and so have been saved the bitter pain that has +come now!” + +She sprang up, clasped her hands over her head, and paced despairingly +through the little room, not weeping, but wearing an expression more +tragical than tears. Still feeling as if he had suddenly stepped into a +romance, yet finding a keen pleasure in the part assigned him, Coventry +threw himself into it with spirit, and heartily did his best to console +the poor girl who needed help so much. Going to her, he said as +impetuously as Ned ever did, “Miss Muir--nay, I will say Jean, if that +will comfort you--listen, and rest assured that no harm shall touch you +if I can ward it off. You are needlessly alarmed. Indignant you may well +be, but, upon my life, I think you wrong Sydney. He is violent, I know, +but he is too honorable a man to injure you by a light word, an unjust +act. He did but threaten, hoping to soften you. Let me see him, or write +to him. He is my friend; he will listen to me. Of that I am sure.” + +“Be sure of nothing. When a man like Sydney loves and is thwarted in his +love, nothing can control his headstrong will. Promise me you will not +see or write to him. Much as I fear and despise him, I will submit, +rather than any harm should befall you--or your brother. You promise me, +Mr. Coventry?” + +He hesitated. She clung to his arm with unfeigned solicitude in her +eager, pleading face, and he could not resist it. + +“I promise; but in return you must promise to let me give what help I +can; and, Jean, never say again that you are friendless.” + +“You are so kind! God bless you for it. But I dare not accept +your friendship; she will not permit it, and I have no right to +mar her peace.” + +“Who will not permit it?” he demanded hotly. + +“Miss Beaufort.” + +“Hang Miss Beaufort!” exclaimed Coventry, with such energy that Jean +broke into a musical laugh, despite her trouble. He joined in it, and, +for an instant they stood looking at one another as if the last barrier +were down, and they were friends indeed. Jean paused suddenly, with the +smile on her lips, the tears still on her cheek, and made a warning +gesture. He listened: the sound of feet mingled with calls and laughter +proved that they were missed and sought. + +“That laugh betrayed us. Stay and meet them. I cannot.” And Jean darted +out upon the lawn. Coventry followed; for the thought of confronting so +many eyes, so many questions, daunted him, and he fled like a coward. +The sound of Jean’s flying footsteps guided him, and he overtook her +just as she paused behind a rose thicket to take breath. + +“Fainthearted knight! You should have stayed and covered my retreat. +Hark! they are coming! Hide! Hide!” she panted, half in fear, half in +merriment, as the gay pursuers rapidly drew nearer. + +“Kneel down; the moon is coming out and the glitter of your embroidery +will betray you,” whispered Jean, as they cowered behind the roses. + +“Your arms and hair will betray you. ‘Come under my plaiddie,’ as the +song says.” And Coventry tried to make his velvet cloak cover the white +shoulders and fair locks. + +“We are acting our parts in reality now. How Bella will enjoy the thing +when I tell her!” said Jean as the noises died away. + +“Do not tell her,” whispered Coventry. + +“And why not?” she asked, looking up into the face so near her own, with +an artless glance. + +“Can you not guess why?” + +“Ah, you are so proud you cannot bear to be laughed at.” + +“It is not that. It is because I do not want you to be annoyed by silly +tongues; you have enough to pain you without that. I am your friend, +now, and I do my best to prove it.” + +“So kind, so kind! How can I thank you?” murmured Jean. And she +involuntarily nestled closer under the cloak that sheltered both. + +Neither spoke for a moment, and in the silence the rapid beating of two +hearts was heard. To drown the sound, Coventry said softly, “Are you +frightened?” + +“No, I like it,” she answered, as softly, then added abruptly, “But why +do we hide? There is nothing to fear. It is late. I must go. You are +kneeling on my train. Please rise.” + +“Why in such haste? This flight and search only adds to the charm of the +evening. I’ll not get up yet. Will you have a rose, Jean?” + +“No, I will not. Let me go, Mr. Coventry, I insist. There has been +enough of this folly. You forget yourself.” + +She spoke imperiously, flung off the cloak, and put him from her. He +rose at once, saying, like one waking suddenly from a pleasant dream, “I +do indeed forget myself.” + +Here the sound of voices broke on them, nearer than before. Pointing to +a covered walk that led to the house, he said, in his usually cool, calm +tone, “Go in that way; I will cover your retreat.” And turning, he went +to meet the merry hunters. + +Half an hour later, when the party broke up, Miss Muir joined them in +her usual quiet dress, looking paler, meeker, and sadder than usual. +Coventry saw this, though he neither looked at her nor addressed her. +Lucia saw it also, and was glad that the dangerous girl had fallen back +into her proper place again, for she had suffered much that night. She +appropriated her cousin’s arm as they went through the park, but he was +in one of his taciturn moods, and all her attempts at conversation were +in vain. Miss Muir walked alone, singing softly to herself as she +followed in the dusk. Was Gerald so silent because he listened to that +fitful song? Lucia thought so, and felt her dislike rapidly deepening +to hatred. + +When the young friends were gone, and the family were exchanging +good-nights among themselves, Jean was surprised by Coventry’s offering +his hand, for he had never done it before, and whispering, as he held +it, though Lucia watched him all the while, “I have not given my +advice, yet.” + +“Thanks, I no longer need it. I have decided for myself.” + +“May I ask how?” + +“To brave my enemy.” + +“Good! But what decided you so suddenly?” + +“The finding of a friend.” And with a grateful glance she was gone. + + + + +_Chapter VI_ + + +ON THE WATCH + +“If you please, Mr. Coventry, did you get the letter last night?” were +the first words that greeted the “young master” as he left his room +next morning. + +“What letter, Dean? I don’t remember any,” he answered, pausing, for +something in the maid’s manner struck him as peculiar. + +“It came just as you left for the Hall, sir. Benson ran after you with +it, as it was marked ‘Haste.’ Didn’t you get it, sir?” asked the woman, +anxiously. + +“Yes, but upon my life, I forgot all about it till this minute. It’s in +my other coat, I suppose, if I’ve not lost it. That absurd masquerading +put everything else out of my head.” And speaking more to himself than +to the maid, Coventry turned back to look for the missing letter. + +Dean remained where she was, apparently busy about the arrangement of +the curtains at the hall window, but furtively watching meanwhile with a +most unwonted air of curiosity. + +“Not there, I thought so!” she muttered, as Coventry impatiently thrust +his hand into one pocket after another. But as she spoke, an expression +of amazement appeared in her face, for suddenly the letter was +discovered. + +“I’d have sworn it wasn’t there! I don’t understand it, but she’s a deep +one, or I’m much deceived.” And Dean shook her head like one perplexed, +but not convinced. + +Coventry uttered an exclamation of satisfaction on glancing at the +address and, standing where he was, tore open the letter. + + Dear C: + + I’m off to Baden. Come and join me, then you’ll be out of harm’s way; + for if you fall in love with J.M. (and you can’t escape if you stay + where she is), you will incur the trifling inconvenience of having + your brains blown out by + + Yours truly, F.R. Sydney + +“The man is mad!” ejaculated Coventry, staring at the letter while an +angry flush rose to his face. “What the deuce does he mean by writing to +me in that style? Join him--not I! And as for the threat, I laugh at it. +Poor Jean! This headstrong fool seems bent on tormenting her. Well, +Dean, what are you waiting for?” he demanded, as if suddenly conscious +of her presence. + +“Nothing, sir; I only stopped to see if you found the letter. Beg +pardon, sir.” + +And she was moving on when Coventry asked, with a suspicious look, “What +made you think it was lost? You seem to take an uncommon interest in my +affairs today.” + +“Oh dear, no, sir. I felt a bit anxious, Benson is so forgetful, and it +was me who sent him after you, for I happened to see you go out, so I +felt responsible. Being marked that way, I thought it might be important +so I asked about it.” + +“Very well, you can go, Dean. It’s all right, you see.” + +“I’m not so sure of that,” muttered the woman, as she curtsied +respectfully and went away, looking as if the letter had _not_ +been found. + +Dean was Miss Beaufort’s maid, a grave, middle-aged woman with keen eyes +and a somewhat grim air. Having been long in the family, she enjoyed all +the privileges of a faithful and favorite servant. She loved her young +mistress with an almost jealous affection. She watched over her with the +vigilant care of a mother and resented any attempt at interference on +the part of others. At first she had pitied and liked Jean Muir, then +distrusted her, and now heartily hated her, as the cause of the +increased indifference of Coventry toward his cousin. Dean knew the +depth of Lucia’s love, and though no man, in her eyes, was worthy of her +mistress, still, having honored him with her regard, Dean felt bound to +like him, and the late change in his manner disturbed the maid almost as +much as it did the mistress. She watched Jean narrowly, causing that +amiable creature much amusement but little annoyance, as yet, for Dean’s +slow English wit was no match for the subtle mind of the governess. On +the preceding night, Dean had been sent up to the Hall with costumes and +had there seen something which much disturbed her. She began to speak of +it while undressing her mistress, but Lucia, being in an unhappy mood, +had so sternly ordered her not to gossip that the tale remained untold, +and she was forced to bide her tune. + +Now I’ll see how _she_ looks after it; though there’s not much to be got +out of _her_ face, the deceitful hussy, thought Dean, marching down the +corridor and knitting her black brows as she went. + +“Good morning, Mrs. Dean. I hope you are none the worse for last night’s +frolic. You had the work and we the play,” said a blithe voice behind +her; and turning sharply, she confronted Miss Muir. Fresh and smiling, +the governess nodded with an air of cordiality which would have been +irresistible with anyone but Dean. + +“I’m quite well, thank you, miss,” she returned coldly, as her keen eye +fastened on the girl as if to watch the effect of her words. “I had a +good rest when the young ladies and gentlemen were at supper, for while +the maids cleared up, I sat in the ‘little anteroom.’” + +“Yes, I saw you, and feared you’d take cold. Very glad you didn’t. How +is Miss Beaufort? She seemed rather poorly last night” was the tranquil +reply, as Jean settled the little frills about her delicate wrists. The +cool question was a return shot for Dean’s hint that she had been where +she could oversee the interview between Coventry and Miss Muir. + +“She is a bit tired, as any _lady_ would be after such an evening. +People who are _used_ to _play-acting_ wouldn’t mind it, perhaps, but +Miss Beaufort don’t enjoy _romps_ as much as _some_ do.” + +The emphasis upon certain words made Dean’s speech as impertinent as she +desired. But Jean only laughed, and as Coventry’s step was heard behind +them, she ran downstairs, saying blandly, but with a wicked look, “I +won’t stop to thank you now, lest Mr. Coventry should bid me +good-morning, and so increase Miss Beaufort’s indisposition.” + +Dean’s eyes flashed as she looked after the girl with a wrathful face, +and went her way, saying grimly, “I’ll bide my time, but I’ll get the +better of her yet.” + +Fancying himself quite removed from “last night’s absurdity,” yet +curious to see how Jean would meet him, Coventry lounged into the +breakfast room with his usual air of listless indifference. A languid +nod and murmur was all the reply he vouchsafed to the greetings of +cousin, sister, and governess as he sat down and took up his paper. + +“Have you had a letter from Ned?” asked Bella, looking at the note which +her brother still held. + +“No” was the brief answer. + +“Who then? You look as if you had received bad news.” + +There was no reply, and, peeping over his arm, Bella caught sight of the +seal and exclaimed, in a disappointed tone, “It is the Sydney crest. I +don’t care about the note now. Men’s letters to each other are not +interesting.” + +Miss Muir had been quietly feeding one of Edward’s dogs, but at the name +she looked up and met Coventry’s eyes, coloring so distressfully that he +pitied her. Why he should take the trouble to cover her confusion, he +did not stop to ask himself, but seeing the curl of Lucia’s lip, he +suddenly addressed her with an air of displeasure, “Do you know that +Dean is getting impertinent? She presumes too much on her age and your +indulgence, and forgets her place.” + +“What has she done?” asked Lucia coldly. + +“She troubles herself about my affairs and takes it upon herself to keep +Benson in order.” + +Here Coventry told about the letter and the woman’s evident curiosity. + +“Poor Dean, she gets no thanks for reminding you of what you had +forgotten. Next time she will leave your letters to their fate, and +perhaps it will be as well, if they have such a bad effect upon your +temper, Gerald.” + +Lucia spoke calmly, but there was an angry color in her cheek as she +rose and left the room. Coventry looked much annoyed, for on Jean’s face +he detected a faint smile, half pitiful, half satirical, which disturbed +him more than his cousin’s insinuation. Bella broke the awkward silence +by saying, with a sigh, “Poor Ned! I do so long to hear again from him. +I thought a letter had come for some of us. Dean said she saw one +bearing his writing on the hall table yesterday.” + +“She seems to have a mania for inspecting letters. I won’t allow it. Who +was the letter for, Bella?” said Coventry, putting down his paper. + +“She wouldn’t or couldn’t tell, but looked very cross and told me +to ask you.” + +“Very odd! I’ve had none,” began Coventry. + +“But I had one several days ago. Will you please read it, and my reply?” + And as she spoke, Jean laid two letters before him. + +“Certainly not. It would be dishonorable to read what Ned intended for +no eyes but your own. You are too scrupulous in one way, and not enough +so in another, Miss Muir.” And Coventry offered both the letters with +an air of grave decision, which could not conceal the interest and +surprise he felt. + +“You are right. Mr. Edward’s note _should_ be kept sacred, for in it the +poor boy has laid bare his heart to me. But mine I beg you will read, +that you may see how well I try to keep my word to you. Oblige me in +this, Mr. Coventry; I have a right to ask it of you.” + +So urgently she spoke, so wistfully she looked, that he could not refuse +and, going to the window, read the letter. It was evidently an answer to +a passionate appeal from the young lover, and was written with +consummate skill. As he read, Gerald could not help thinking, If this +girl writes in this way to a man whom she does _not_ love, with what a +world of power and passion would she write to one whom she _did_ love. +And this thought kept returning to him as his eye went over line after +line of wise argument, gentle reproof, good counsel, and friendly +regard. Here and there a word, a phrase, betrayed what she had already +confessed, and Coventry forgot to return the letter, as he stood +wondering who was the man whom Jean loved. + +The sound of Bella’s voice recalled him, for she was saying, half +kindly, half petulantly, “Don’t look so sad, Jean. Ned will outlive it, +I dare say. You remember you said once men never died of love, though +women might. In his one note to me, he spoke so beautifully of you, and +begged me to be kind to you for his sake, that I try to be with all my +heart, though if it was anyone but you, I really think I should hate +them for making my dear boy so unhappy.” + +“You are too kind, Bella, and I often think I’ll go away to relieve you +of my presence; but unwise and dangerous as it is to stay, I haven’t the +courage to go. I’ve been so happy here.” And as she spoke, Jean’s head +dropped lower over the dog as it nestled to her affectionately. + +Before Bella could utter half the loving words that sprang to her lips, +Coventry came to them with all languor gone from face and mien, and +laying Jean’s letter before her, he said, with an undertone of deep +feeling in his usually emotionless voice, “A right womanly and eloquent +letter, but I fear it will only increase the fire it was meant to +quench. I pity my brother more than ever now.” + +“Shall I send it?” asked Jean, looking straight up at him, like one who +had entire reliance on his judgment. + +“Yes, I have not the heart to rob him of such a sweet sermon upon +self-sacrifice. Shall I post it for you?” + +“Thank you; in a moment.” And with a grateful look, Jean dropped her +eyes. Producing her little purse, she selected a penny, folded it in a +bit of paper, and then offered both letter and coin to Coventry, with +such a pretty air of business, that he could not control a laugh. + +“So you won’t be indebted to me for a penny? What a proud woman you are, +Miss Muir.” + +“I am; it’s a family failing.” And she gave him a significant glance, +which recalled to him the memory of who she was. He understood her +feeling, and liked her the better for it, knowing that he would have +done the same had he been in her place. It was a little thing, but if +done for effect, it answered admirably, for it showed a quick insight +into his character on her part, and betrayed to him the existence of a +pride in which he sympathized heartily. He stood by Jean a moment, +watching her as she burnt Edward’s letter in the blaze of the spirit +lamp under the urn. + +“Why do you do that?” he asked involuntarily. + +“Because it is my duty to forget” was all her answer. + +“Can you always forget when it becomes a duty?” + +“I wish I could! I wish I could!” + +She spoke passionately, as if the words broke from her against her will, +and, rising hastily, she went into the garden, as if afraid to stay. + +“Poor, dear Jean is very unhappy about something, but I can’t discover +what it is. Last night I found her crying over a rose, and now she runs +away, looking as if her heart was broken. I’m glad I’ve got no lessons.” + +“What kind of a rose?” asked Coventry from behind his paper as +Bella paused. + +“A lovely white one. It must have come from the Hall; we have none like +it. I wonder if Jean was ever going to be married, and lost her lover, +and felt sad because the flower reminded her of bridal roses.” + +Coventry made no reply, but felt himself change countenance as he +recalled the little scene behind the rose hedge, where he gave Jean the +flower which she had refused yet taken. Presently, to Bella’s surprise, +he flung down the paper, tore Sydney’s note to atoms, and rang for his +horse with an energy which amazed her. + +“Why, Gerald, what has come over you? One would think Ned’s restless +spirit had suddenly taken possession of you. What are you going to do?” + +“I’m going to work” was the unexpected answer, as Coventry turned toward +her with an expression so rarely seen on his fine face. + +“What has waked you up all at once?” asked Bella, looking more and +more amazed. + +“You did,” he said, drawing her toward him. + +“I! When? How?” + +“Do you remember saying once that energy was better than beauty in a +man, and that no one could respect an idler?” + +“I never said anything half so sensible as that. Jean said something +like it once, I believe, but I forgot. Are you tired of doing nothing, +at last, Gerald?” + +“Yes, I neglected my duty to Ned, till he got into trouble, and now I +reproach myself for it. It’s not too late to do other neglected tasks, +so I’m going at them with a will. Don’t say anything about it to anyone, +and don’t laugh at me, for I’m in earnest, Bell.” + +“I know you are, and I admire and love you for it, my dear old boy,” + cried Bella enthusiastically, as she threw her arms about his neck and +kissed him heartily. “What will you do first?” she asked, as he stood +thoughtfully smoothing the bright head that leaned upon his shoulder, +with that new expression still clear and steady in his face. + +“I’m going to ride over the whole estate, and attend to things as a +master should; not leave it all to Bent, of whom I’ve heard many +complaints, but have been too idle to inquire about them. I shall +consult Uncle, and endeavor to be all that my father was in his time. Is +that a worthy ambition, dear?” + +“Oh, Gerald, let me tell Mamma. It will make her so happy. You are her +idol, and to hear you say these things, to see you look so like dear +Papa, would do more for her spirits than all the doctors in England.” + +“Wait till I prove what my resolution is worth. When I have really done +something, then I’ll surprise Mamma with a sample of my work.” + +“Of course you’ll tell Lucia?” + +“Not on any account. It is a little secret between us, so keep it till I +give you leave to tell it.” + +“But Jean will see it at once; she knows everything that happens, she is +so quick and wise. Do you mind her knowing?” + +“I don’t see that I can help it if she is so wonderfully gifted. Let her +see what she can, I don’t mind her. Now I’m off.” And with a kiss to his +sister, a sudden smile on his face, Coventry sprang upon his horse and +rode away at a pace which caused the groom to stare after him in blank +amazement. + +Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so +exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some +difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once +astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which +till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him. Lucia was +amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire +to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him +with the air of one who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of +it.” This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself +to silently contradict that prophecy. + +“Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all +scattered about the drawing room after dinner. + +“No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless +steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin. + +“I ask because I remembered that Ned sent a message for him in my last +note, as he thought you would know Sydney’s address. Here it is, +something about a horse. Please put it in when you write,” and Bella +laid the note on the writing table nearby. + +“I’ll send it at once and have done with it,” muttered Coventry and, +seating himself, he dashed off a few lines, sealed and sent the letter, +and then resumed his march, eyeing the three young ladies with three +different expressions, as he passed and repassed. Lucia sat apart, +feigning to be intent upon a book, and her handsome face looked almost +stern in its haughty composure, for though her heart ached, she was too +proud to own it. Bella now lay on the sofa, half asleep, a rosy little +creature, as unconsciously pretty as a child. Miss Muir sat in the +recess of a deep window, in a low lounging chair, working at an +embroidery frame with a graceful industry pleasant to see. Of late she +had worn colors, for Bella had been generous in gifts, and the pale blue +muslin which flowed in soft waves about her was very becoming to her +fair skin and golden hair. The close braids were gone, and loose curls +dropped here and there from the heavy coil wound around her well-shaped +head. The tip of one dainty foot was visible, and a petulant little +gesture which now and then shook back the falling sleeve gave glimpses +of a round white arm. Ned’s great hound lay nearby, the sunshine +flickered on her through the leaves, and as she sat smiling to herself, +while the dexterous hands shaped leaf and flower, she made a charming +picture of all that is most womanly and winning; a picture which few +men’s eyes would not have liked to rest upon. + +Another chair stood near her, and as Coventry went up and down, a strong +desire to take it possessed him. He was tired of his thoughts and wished +to be amused by watching the changes of the girl’s expressive face, +listening to the varying tones of her voice, and trying to discover the +spell which so strongly attracted him in spite of himself. More than +once he swerved from his course to gratify his whim, but Lucia’s +presence always restrained him, and with a word to the dog, or a glance +from the window, as pretext for a pause, he resumed his walk again. +Something in his cousin’s face reproached him, but her manner of late +was so repellent that he felt no desire to resume their former +familiarity, and, wishing to show that he did not consider himself +bound, he kept aloof. It was a quiet test of the power of each woman +over this man; they instinctively felt it, and both tried to conquer. +Lucia spoke several times, and tried to speak frankly and affably; but +her manner was constrained, and Coventry, having answered politely, +relapsed into silence. Jean said nothing, but silently appealed to eye +and ear by the pretty picture she made of herself, the snatches of song +she softly sang, as if forgetting that she was not alone, and a shy +glance now and then, half wistful, half merry, which was more alluring +than graceful figure or sweet voice. When she had tormented Lucia and +tempted Coventry long enough, she quietly asserted her supremacy in a +way which astonished her rival, who knew nothing of the secret of her +birth, which knowledge did much to attract and charm the young man. +Letting a ball of silk escape from her lap, she watched it roll toward +the promenader, who caught and returned it with an alacrity which added +grace to the trifling service. As she took it, she said, in the frank +way that never failed to win him, “I think you must be tired; but if +exercise is necessary, employ your energies to some purpose and put your +mother’s basket of silks in order. They are in a tangle, and it will +please her to know that you did it, as your brother used to do.” + +“Hercules at the distaff,” said Coventry gaily, and down he sat in the +long-desired seat. Jean put the basket on his knee, and as he surveyed +it, as if daunted at his task, she leaned back, and indulged in a +musical little peal of laughter charming to hear. Lucia sat dumb with +surprise, to see her proud, indolent cousin obeying the commands of a +governess, and looking as if he heartily enjoyed it. In ten minutes she +was as entirely forgotten as if she had been miles away; for Jean seemed +in her wittiest, gayest mood, and as she now treated the “young master” + like an equal, there was none of the former meek timidity. Yet often her +eyes fell, her color changed, and the piquant sallies faltered on her +tongue, as Coventry involuntarily looked deep into the fine eyes which +had once shone on him so tenderly in that mimic tragedy. He could not +forget it, and though neither alluded to it, the memory of the previous +evening seemed to haunt both and lend a secret charm to the present +moment. Lucia bore this as long as she could, and then left the room +with the air of an insulted princess; but Coventry did not, and Jean +feigned not to see her go. Bella was fast asleep, and before he knew how +it came to pass, the young man was listening to the story of his +companion’s life. A sad tale, told with wonderful skill, for soon he was +absorbed in it. The basket slid unobserved from his knee, the dog was +pushed away, and, leaning forward, he listened eagerly as the girl’s low +voice recounted all the hardships, loneliness, and grief of her short +life. In the midst of a touching episode she started, stopped, and +looked straight before her, with an intent expression which changed to +one of intense contempt, and her eye turned to Coventry’s, as she said, +pointing to the window behind him, “We are watched.” + +“By whom?” he demanded, starting up angrily. + +“Hush, say nothing, let it pass. I am used to it.” + +“But _I_ am not, and I’ll not submit to it. Who was it, Jean?” he +answered hotly. + +She smiled significantly at a knot of rose-colored ribbon, which a +little gust was blowing toward them along the terrace. A black frown +darkened the young man’s face as he sprang out of the long window and +went rapidly out of sight, scrutinizing each green nook as he passed. +Jean laughed quietly as she watched him, and said softly to herself, +with her eyes on the fluttering ribbon, “That was a fortunate accident, +and a happy inspiration. Yes, my dear Mrs. Dean, you will find that +playing the spy will only get your mistress as well as yourself into +trouble. You would not be warned, and you must take the consequences, +reluctant as I am to injure a worthy creature like yourself.” + +Soon Coventry was heard returning. Jean listened with suspended breath +to catch his first words, for he was not alone. + +“Since you insist that it was you and not your mistress, I let it pass, +although I still have my suspicions. Tell Miss Beaufort I desire to see +her for a few moments in the library. Now go, Dean, and be careful for +the future, if you wish to stay in my house.” + +The maid retired, and the young man came in looking both ireful +and stern. + +“I wish I had said nothing, but I was startled, and spoke involuntarily. +Now you are angry, and I have made fresh trouble for poor Miss Lucia. +Forgive me as I forgive her, and let it pass. I have learned to bear +this surveillance, and pity her causeless jealousy,” said Jean, with a +self-reproachful air. + +“I will forgive the dishonorable act, but I cannot forget it, and I +intend to put a stop to it. I am not betrothed to my cousin, as I told +you once, but you, like all the rest, seem bent on believing that I am. +Hitherto I have cared too little about the matter to settle it, but now +I shall prove beyond all doubt that I am free.” + +As he uttered the last word, Coventry cast on Jean a look that affected +her strangely. She grew pale, her work dropped on her lap, and her eyes +rose to his, with an eager, questioning expression, which slowly changed +to one of mingled pain and pity, as she turned her face away, murmuring +in a tone of tender sorrow, “Poor Lucia, who will comfort her?” + +For a moment Coventry stood silent, as if weighing some fateful purpose +in his mind. As Jean’s rapt sigh of compassion reached his ear, he had +echoed it within himself, and half repented of his resolution; then his +eye rested on the girl before him looking so lonely in her sweet +sympathy for another that his heart yearned toward her. Sudden fire shot +into his eye, sudden warmth replaced the cold sternness of his face, and +his steady voice faltered suddenly, as he said, very low, yet very +earnestly, “Jean, I have tried to love her, but I cannot. Ought I to +deceive her, and make myself miserable to please my family?” + +“She is beautiful and good, and loves you tenderly; is there no hope for +her?” asked Jean, still pale, but very quiet, though she held one hand +against her heart, as if to still or hide its rapid beating. + +“None,” answered Coventry. + +“But can you not learn to love her? Your will is strong, and most men +would not find it a hard task.” + +“I cannot, for something stronger than my own will controls me.” + +“What is that?” And Jean’s dark eyes were fixed upon him, full of +innocent wonder. + +His fell, and he said hastily, “I dare not tell you yet.” + +“Pardon! I should not have asked. Do not consult me in this matter; I am +not the person to advise you. I can only say that it seems to me as if +any man with an empty heart would be glad to have so beautiful a woman +as your cousin.” + +“My heart is not empty,” began Coventry, drawing a step nearer, and +speaking in a passionate voice. “Jean, I _must_ speak; hear me. I cannot +love my cousin, because I love you.” + +“Stop!” And Jean sprang up with a commanding gesture. “I will not hear +you while any promise binds you to another. Remember your mother’s +wishes, Lucia’s hopes, Edward’s last words, your own pride, my humble +lot. You forget yourself, Mr. Coventry. Think well before you speak, +weigh the cost of this act, and recollect who I am before you insult me +by any transient passion, any false vows.” + +“I have thought, I do weigh the cost, and I swear that I desire to woo +you as humbly, honestly as I would any lady in the land. You speak of my +pride. Do I stoop in loving my equal in rank? You speak of your lowly +lot, but poverty is no disgrace, and the courage with which you bear it +makes it beautiful. I should have broken with Lucia before I spoke, but +I could not control myself. My mother loves you, and will be happy in my +happiness. Edward must forgive me, for I have tried to do my best, but +love is irresistible. Tell me, Jean, is there any hope for me?” + +He had seized her hand and was speaking impetuously, with ardent face +and tender tone, but no answer came, for as Jean turned her eloquent +countenance toward him, full of maiden shame and timid love, Dean’s prim +figure appeared at the door, and her harsh voice broke the momentary +silence, saying, sternly, “Miss Beaufort is waiting for you, sir.” + +“Go, go at once, and be kind, for my sake, Gerald,” whispered Jean, for +he stood as if deaf and blind to everything but her voice, her face. + +As she drew his head down to whisper, her cheek touched his, and +regardless of Dean, he kissed it, passionately, whispering back, “My +little Jean! For your sake I can be anything.” + +“Miss Beaufort is waiting. Shall I say you will come, sir?” demanded +Dean, pale and grim with indignation. + +“Yes, yes, I’ll come. Wait for me in the garden, Jean.” And Coventry +hurried away, in no mood for the interview but anxious to have it over. + +As the door closed behind him, Dean walked up to Miss Muir, trembling +with anger, and laying a heavy hand on her arm, she said below her +breath, “I’ve been expecting this, you artful creature. I saw your game +and did my best to spoil it, but you are too quick for me. You think +you’ve got him. There you are mistaken; for as sure as my name is Hester +Dean, I’ll prevent it, or Sir John shall.” + +“Take your hand away and treat me with proper respect, or you will be +dismissed from this house. Do you know who I am?” And Jean drew herself +up with a haughty air, which impressed the woman more deeply than her +words. “I am the daughter of Lady Howard and, if I choose it, can be the +wife of Mr. Coventry.” + +Dean drew back amazed, yet not convinced. Being a well-trained servant, +as well as a prudent woman, she feared to overstep the bounds of +respect, to go too far, and get her mistress as well as herself into +trouble. So, though she still doubted Jean, and hated her more than +ever, she controlled herself. Dropping a curtsy, she assumed her usual +air of deference, and said, meekly, “I beg pardon, miss. If I’d known, I +should have conducted myself differently, of course, but ordinary +governesses make so much mischief in a house, one can’t help mistrusting +them. I don’t wish to meddle or be overbold, but being fond of my dear +young lady, I naturally take her part, and must say that Mr. Coventry +has not acted like a gentleman.” + +“Think what you please, Dean, but I advise you to say as little as +possible if you wish to remain. I have not accepted Mr. Coventry yet, +and if he chooses to set aside the engagement his family made for him, I +think he has a right to do so. Miss Beaufort would hardly care to marry +him against his will, because he pities her for her unhappy love,” and +with a tranquil smile, Miss Muir walked away. + + + + +_Chapter VII_ + + +THE LAST CHANCE + +“She will tell Sir John, will she? Then I must be before her, and hasten +events. It will be as well to have all sure before there can be any +danger. My poor Dean, you are no match for me, but you may prove +annoying, nevertheless.” + +These thoughts passed through Miss Muir’s mind as she went down the +hall, pausing an instant at the library door, for the murmur of voices +was heard. She caught no word, and had only time for an instant’s +pause as Dean’s heavy step followed her. Turning, Jean drew a chair +before the door, and, beckoning to the woman, she said, smiling still, +“Sit here and play watchdog. I am going to Miss Bella, so you can nod +if you will.” + +“Thank you, miss. I will wait for my young lady. She may need me when +this hard time is over.” And Dean seated herself with a resolute face. + +Jean laughed and went on; but her eyes gleamed with sudden malice, and +she glanced over her shoulder with an expression which boded ill for the +faithful old servant. + +“I’ve got a letter from Ned, and here is a tiny note for you,” cried +Bella as Jean entered the boudoir. “Mine is a very odd, hasty letter, +with no news in it, but his meeting with Sydney. I hope yours is better, +or it won’t be very satisfactory.” + +As Sydney’s name passed Bella’s lips, all the color died out of Miss +Muir’s face, and the note shook with the tremor of her hand. Her very +lips were white, but she said calmly, “Thank you. As you are busy, +I’ll go and read my letter on the lawn.” And before Bella could speak, +she was gone. + +Hurrying to a quiet nook, Jean tore open the note and read the few +blotted lines it contained. + +_I have seen Sydney; he has told me all; and, hard as I found it to +believe, it was impossible to doubt, for he has discovered proofs which +cannot be denied. I make no reproaches, shall demand no confession or +atonement, for I cannot forget that I once loved you. I give you three +days to find another home, before I return to tell the family who you +are. Go at once, I beseech you, and spare me the pain of seeing your +disgrace._ + +Slowly, steadily she read it twice over, then sat motionless, knitting +her brows in deep thought. Presently she drew a long breath, tore up the +note, and rising, went slowly toward the Hall, saying to herself, “Three +days, only three days! Can it be accomplished in so short a time? It +shall be, if wit and will can do it, for it is my last chance. If this +fails, I’ll not go back to my old life, but end all at once.” + +Setting her teeth and clenching her hands, as if some memory stung her, +she went on through the twilight, to find Sir John waiting to give her a +hearty welcome. + +“You look tired, my dear. Never mind the reading tonight; rest yourself, +and let the book go,” he said kindly, observing her worn look. + +“Thank you, sir. I am tired, but I’d rather read, else the book will not +be finished before I go.” + +“Go, child! Where are you going?” demanded Sir John, looking anxiously +at her as she sat down. + +“I will tell you by-and-by, sir.” And opening the book, Jean read for a +little while. + +But the usual charm was gone; there was no spirit in the voice of the +reader, no interest in the face of the listener, and soon he said, +abruptly, “My dear, pray stop! I cannot listen with a divided mind. What +troubles you? Tell your friend, and let him comfort you.” + +As if the kind words overcame her, Jean dropped the book, covered up her +face, and wept so bitterly that Sir John was much alarmed; for such a +demonstration was doubly touching in one who usually was all gaiety and +smiles. As he tried to soothe her, his words grew tender, his solicitude +full of a more than paternal anxiety, and his kind heart overflowed with +pity and affection for the weeping girl. As she grew calmer, he urged +her to be frank, promising to help and counsel her, whatever the +affliction or fault might be. + +“Ah, you are too kind, too generous! How can I go away and leave my one +friend?” sighed Jean, wiping the tears away and looking up at him with +grateful eyes. + +“Then you do care a little for the old man?” said Sir John with an eager +look, an involuntary pressure of the hand he held. + +Jean turned her face away, and answered, very low, “No one ever was +so kind to me as you have been. Can I help caring for you more than I +can express?” + +Sir John was a little deaf at times, but he heard that, and looked well +pleased. He had been rather thoughtful of late, had dressed with unusual +care, been particularly gallant and gay when the young ladies visited +him, and more than once, when Jean paused in the reading to ask a +question, he had been forced to confess that he had not been listening; +though, as she well knew, his eyes had been fixed upon her. Since the +discovery of her birth, his manner had been peculiarly benignant, and +many little acts had proved his interest and goodwill. Now, when Jean +spoke of going, a panic seized him, and desolation seemed about to fall +upon the old Hall. Something in her unusual agitation struck him as +peculiar and excited his curiosity. Never had she seemed so interesting +as now, when she sat beside him with tearful eyes, and some soft trouble +in her heart which she dared not confess. + +“Tell me everything, child, and let your friend help you if he can.” + Formerly he said “father” or “the old man,” but lately he always spoke +of himself as her “friend.” + +“I will tell you, for I have no one else to turn to. I must go away +because Mr. Coventry has been weak enough to love me.” + +“What, Gerald?” cried Sir John, amazed. + +“Yes; today he told me this, and left me to break with Lucia; so I ran +to you to help me prevent him from disappointing his mother’s hopes +and plans.” + +Sir John had started up and paced down the room, but as Jean paused he +turned toward her, saying, with an altered face, “Then you do not love +him? Is it possible?” + +“No, I do not love him,” she answered promptly. + +“Yet he is all that women usually find attractive. How is it that you +have escaped, Jean?” + +“I love someone else” was the scarcely audible reply. + +Sir John resumed his seat with the air of a man bent on getting at a +mystery, if possible. + +“It will be unjust to let you suffer for the folly of these boys, my +little girl. Ned is gone, and I was sure that Gerald was safe; but now +that his turn has come, I am perplexed, for he cannot be sent away.” + +“No, it is I who must go; but it seems so hard to leave this safe and +happy home, and wander away into the wide, cold world again. You have +all been too kind to me, and now separation breaks my heart.” + +A sob ended the speech, and Jean’s head went down upon her hands again. +Sir John looked at her a moment, and his fine old face was full of +genuine emotion, as he said slowly, “Jean, will you stay and be a +daughter to the solitary old man?” + +“No, sir” was the unexpected answer. + +“And why not?” asked Sir John, looking surprised, but rather pleased +than angry. + +“Because I could not be a daughter to you; and even if I could, it would +not be wise, for the gossips would say you were not old enough to be the +adopted father of a girl like me. Sir John, young as I am, I know much +of the world, and am sure that this kind plan is impractical; but I +thank you from the bottom of my heart.” + +“Where will you go, Jean?” asked Sir John, after a pause. + +“To London, and try to find another situation where I can do no harm.” + +“Will it be difficult to find another home?” + +“Yes. I cannot ask Mrs. Coventry to recommend me, when I have innocently +brought so much trouble into her family; and Lady Sydney is gone, so I +have no friend.” + +“Except John Coventry. I will arrange all that. When will you go, Jean?” + +“Tomorrow.” + +“So soon!” And the old man’s voice betrayed the trouble he was trying +to conceal. + +Jean had grown very calm, but it was the calmness of desperation. She +had hoped that the first tears would produce the avowal for which she +waited. It had not, and she began to fear that her last chance was +slipping from her. Did the old man love her? If so, why did he not +speak? Eager to profit by each moment, she was on the alert for any +hopeful hint, any propitious word, look, or act, and every nerve was +strung to the utmost. + +“Jean, may I ask one question?” said Sir John. + +“Anything of me, sir.” + +“This man whom you love--can he not help you?” + +“He could if he knew, but he must not.” + +“If he knew what? Your present trouble?” + +“No. My love.” + +“He does not know this, then?” + +“No, thank heaven! And he never will.” + +“Why not?” + +“Because I am too proud to own it.” + +“He loves you, my child?” + +“I do not know--I dare not hope it,” murmured Jean. + +“Can I not help you here? Believe me, I desire to see you safe and +happy. Is there nothing I can do?” + +“Nothing, nothing.” + +“May I know the name?” + +“No! No! Let me go; I cannot bear this questioning!” And Jean’s +distressful face warned him to ask no more. + +“Forgive me, and let me do what I may. Rest here quietly. I’ll write a +letter to a good friend of mine, who will find you a home, if you +leave us.” + +As Sir John passed into his inner study, Jean watched him with +despairing eyes and wrung her hands, saying to herself, Has all my +skill deserted me when I need it most? How can I make him understand, +yet not overstep the bounds of maiden modesty? He is so blind, so +timid, or so dull he will not see, and time is going fast. What shall I +do to open his eyes? + +Her own eyes roved about the room, seeking for some aid from inanimate +things, and soon she found it. Close behind the couch where she sat hung +a fine miniature of Sir John. At first her eye rested on it as she +contrasted its placid comeliness with the unusual pallor and disquiet of +the living face seen through the open door, as the old man sat at his +desk trying to write and casting covert glances at the girlish figure he +had left behind him. Affecting unconsciousness of this, Jean gazed on as +if forgetful of everything but the picture, and suddenly, as if obeying +an irresistible impulse, she took it down, looked long and fondly at it, +then, shaking her curls about her face, as if to hide the act, pressed +it to her lips and seemed to weep over it in an uncontrollable paroxysm +of tender grief. A sound startled her, and like a guilty thing, she +turned to replace the picture; but it dropped from her hand as she +uttered a faint cry and hid her face, for Sir John stood before her, +with an expression which she could not mistake. + +“Jean, why did you do that?” he asked, in an eager, agitated voice. + +No answer, as the girl sank lower, like one overwhelmed with shame. +Laying his hand on the bent head, and bending his own, he whispered, +“Tell me, is the name John Coventry?” + +Still no answer, but a stifled sound betrayed that his words had +gone home. + +“Jean, shall I go back and write the letter, or may I stay and tell you +that the old man loves you better than a daughter?” + +She did not speak, but a little hand stole out from under the falling +hair, as if to keep him. With a broken exclamation he seized it, drew +her up into his arms, and laid his gray head on her fair one, too happy +for words. For a moment Jean Muir enjoyed her success; then, fearing +lest some sudden mishap should destroy it, she hastened to make all +secure. Looking up with well-feigned timidity and half-confessed +affection, she said softly, “Forgive me that I could not hide this +better. I meant to go away and never tell it, but you were so kind it +made the parting doubly hard. Why did you ask such dangerous questions? +Why did you look, when you should have been writing my dismissal?” + +“How could I dream that you loved me, Jean, when you refused the only +offer I dared make? Could I be presumptuous enough to fancy you would +reject young lovers for an old man like me?” asked Sir John, +caressing her. + +“You are not old, to me, but everything I love and honor!” interrupted +Jean, with a touch of genuine remorse, as this generous, honorable +gentleman gave her both heart and home, unconscious of deceit. “It is I +who am presumptuous, to dare to love one so far above me. But I did not +know how dear you were to me till I felt that I must go. I ought not to +accept this happiness. I am not worthy of it; and you will regret your +kindness when the world blames you for giving a home to one so poor, and +plain, and humble as I.” + +“Hush, my darling. I care nothing for the idle gossip of the world. If +you are happy here, let tongues wag as they will. I shall be too busy +enjoying the sunshine of your presence to heed anything that goes on +about me. But, Jean, you are sure you love me? It seems incredible +that I should win the heart that has been so cold to younger, better +men than I.” + +“Dear Sir John, be sure of this, I love you truly. I will do my best to +be a good wife to you, and prove that, in spite of my many faults, I +possess the virtue of gratitude.” + +If he had known the strait she was in, he would have understood the +cause of the sudden fervor of her words, the intense thankfulness that +shone in her face, the real humility that made her stoop and kiss the +generous hand that gave so much. For a few moments she enjoyed and let +him enjoy the happy present, undisturbed. But the anxiety which devoured +her, the danger which menaced her, soon recalled her, and forced her to +wring yet more from the unsuspicious heart she had conquered. + +“No need of letters now,” said Sir John, as they sat side by side, with +the summer moonlight glorifying all the room. “You have found a home for +life; may it prove a happy one.” + +“It is not mine yet, and I have a strange foreboding that it never will +be,” she answered sadly. + +“Why, my child?” + +“Because I have an enemy who will try to destroy my peace, to poison +your mind against me, and to drive me out from my paradise, to suffer +again all I have suffered this last year.” + +“You mean that mad Sydney of whom you told me?” + +“Yes. As soon as he hears of this good fortune to poor little Jean, he +will hasten to mar it. He is my fate; I cannot escape him, and wherever +he goes my friends desert me; for he has the power and uses it for my +destruction. Let me go away and hide before he comes, for, having shared +your confidence, it will break my heart to see you distrust and turn +from me, instead of loving and protecting.” + +“My poor child, you are superstitious. Be easy. No one can harm you now, +no one would dare attempt it. And as for my deserting you, that will +soon be out of my power, if I have my way.” + +“How, dear Sir John?” asked Jean, with a flutter of intense relief at +her heart, for the way seemed smoothing before her. + +“I will make you my wife at once, if I may. This will free you from +Gerald’s love, protect you from Sydney’s persecution, give you a safe +home, and me the right to cherish and defend with heart and hand. Shall +it be so, my child?” + +“Yes; but oh, remember that I have no friend but you! Promise me to be +faithful to the last--to believe in me, to trust me, protect and love +me, in spite of all misfortunes, faults, and follies. I will be true as +steel to you, and make your life as happy as it deserves to be. Let us +promise these things now, and keep the promises unbroken to the end.” + +Her solemn air touched Sir John. Too honorable and upright himself to +suspect falsehood in others, he saw only the natural impulse of a lovely +girl in Jean’s words, and, taking the hand she gave him in both of his, +he promised all she asked, and kept that promise to the end. She paused +an instant, with a pale, absent expression, as if she searched herself, +then looked up clearly in the confiding face above her, and promised +what she faithfully performed in afteryears. + +“When shall it be, little sweetheart? I leave all to you, only let it be +soon, else some gay young lover will appear, and take you from me,” said +Sir John, playfully, anxious to chase away the dark expression which had +stolen over Jean’s face. + +“Can you keep a secret?” asked the girl, smiling up at him, all her +charming self again. + +“Try me.” + +“I will. Edward is coming home in three days. I must be gone before he +comes. Tell no one of this; he wishes to surprise them. And if you love +me, tell nobody of your approaching marriage. Do not betray that you +care for me until I am really yours. There will be such a stir, such +remonstrances, explanations, and reproaches that I shall be worn out, +and run away from you all to escape the trial. If I could have my wish, +I would go to some quiet place tomorrow and wait till you come for me. I +know so little of such things, I cannot tell how soon we may be married; +not for some weeks, I think.” + +“Tomorrow, if we like. A special license permits people to marry when +and where they please. My plan is better than yours. Listen, and tell me +if it can be carried out. I will go to town tomorrow, get the license, +invite my friend, the Reverend Paul Fairfax, to return with me, and +tomorrow evening you come at your usual time, and, in the presence of my +discreet old servants, make me the happiest man in England. How does +this suit you, my little Lady Coventry?” + +The plan which seemed made to meet her ends, the name which was the +height of her ambition, and the blessed sense of safety which came to +her filled Jean Muir with such intense satisfaction that tears of real +feeling stood in her eyes, and the glad assent she gave was the truest +word that had passed her lips for months. + +“We will go abroad or to Scotland for our honeymoon, till the storm +blows over,” said Sir John, well knowing that this hasty marriage would +surprise or offend all his relations, and feeling as glad as Jean to +escape the first excitement. + +“To Scotland, please. I long to see my father’s home,” said Jean, who +dreaded to meet Sydney on the continent. + +They talked a little longer, arranging all things, Sir John so intent on +hurrying the event that Jean had nothing to do but give a ready assent +to all his suggestions. One fear alone disturbed her. If Sir John went +to town, he might meet Edward, might hear and believe his statements. +Then all would be lost. Yet this risk must be incurred, if the marriage +was to be speedily and safely accomplished; and to guard against the +meeting was Jean’s sole care. As they went through the park--for Sir +John insisted upon taking her home--she said, clinging to his arm: + +“Dear friend, bear one thing in mind, else we shall be much annoyed, and +all our plans disarranged. Avoid your nephews; you are so frank your +face will betray you. They both love me, are both hot-tempered, and in +the first excitement of the discovery might be violent. You must incur +no danger, no disrespect for my sake; so shun them both till we are +safe--particularly Edward. He will feel that his brother has wronged +him, and that you have succeeded where he failed. This will irritate +him, and I fear a stormy scene. Promise to avoid both for a day or two; +do not listen to them, do not see them, do not write to or receive +letters from them. It is foolish, I know; but you are all I have, and I +am haunted by a strange foreboding that I am to lose you.” + +Touched and flattered by her tender solicitude, Sir John promised +everything, even while he laughed at her fears. Love blinded the good +gentleman to the peculiarity of the request; the novelty, romance, and +secrecy of the affair rather bewildered though it charmed him; and the +knowledge that he had outrivaled three young and ardent lovers +gratified his vanity more than he would confess. Parting from the girl +at the garden gate, he turned homeward, feeling like a boy again, and +loitered back, humming a love lay, quite forgetful of evening damps, +gout, and the five-and-fifty years which lay so lightly on his +shoulders since Jean’s arms had rested there. She hurried toward the +house, anxious to escape Coventry; but he was waiting for her, and she +was forced to meet him. + +“How could you linger so long, and keep me in suspense?” he said +reproachfully, as he took her hand and tried to catch a glimpse of her +face in the shadow of her hat brim. “Come and rest in the grotto. I have +so much to say, to hear and enjoy.” + +“Not now; I am too tired. Let me go in and sleep. Tomorrow we will talk. +It is damp and chilly, and my head aches with all this worry.” Jean +spoke wearily, yet with a touch of petulance, and Coventry, fancying +that she was piqued at his not coming for her, hastened to explain with +eager tenderness. + +“My poor little Jean, you do need rest. We wear you out, among us, and +you never complain. I should have come to bring you home, but Lucia +detained me, and when I got away I saw my uncle had forestalled me. I +shall be jealous of the old gentleman, if he is so devoted. Jean, tell +me one thing before we part; I am free as air, now, and have a right to +speak. Do you love me? Am I the happy man who has won your heart? I +dare to think so, to believe that this telltale face of yours has +betrayed you, and to hope that I have gained what poor Ned and wild +Sydney have lost.” + +“Before I answer, tell me of your interview with Lucia. I have a right +to know,” said Jean. + +Coventry hesitated, for pity and remorse were busy at his heart when he +recalled poor Lucia’s grief. Jean was bent on hearing the humiliation of +her rival. As the young man paused, she frowned, then lifted up her face +wreathed in softest smiles, and laying her hand on his arm, she said, +with most effective emphasis, half shy, half fond, upon his name, +“Please tell me, Gerald!” + +He could not resist the look, the touch, the tone, and taking the little +hand in his, he said rapidly, as if the task was distasteful to him, “I +told her that I did not, could not love her; that I had submitted to my +mother’s wish, and, for a time, had felt tacitly bound to her, though no +words had passed between us. But now I demanded my liberty, regretting +that the separation was not mutually desired.” + +“And she--what did she say? How did she bear it?” asked Jean, feeling +in her own woman’s heart how deeply Lucia’s must have been wounded by +that avowal. + +“Poor girl! It was hard to bear, but her pride sustained her to the end. +She owned that no pledge tied me, fully relinquished any claim my past +behavior had seemed to have given her, and prayed that I might find +another woman to love me as truly, tenderly as she had done. Jean, I +felt like a villain; and yet I never plighted my word to her, never +really loved her, and had a perfect right to leave her, if I would.” + +“Did she speak of me?” + +“Yes.” + +“What did she say?” + +“Must I tell you?” + +“Yes, tell me everything. I know she hates me and I forgive her, knowing +that I should hate any woman whom _you_ loved.” + +“Are you jealous, dear?” + +“Of you, Gerald?” And the fine eyes glanced up at him, full of a +brilliancy that looked like the light of love. + +“You make a slave of me already. How do you do it? I never obeyed a +woman before. Jean, I think you are a witch. Scotland is the home of +weird, uncanny creatures, who take lovely shapes for the bedevilment of +poor weak souls. Are you one of those fair deceivers?” + +“You are complimentary,” laughed the girl. “I _am_ a witch, and one +day my disguise will drop away and you will see me as I am, old, ugly, +bad and lost. Beware of me in time. I’ve warned you. Now love me at +your peril.” + +Coventry had paused as he spoke, and eyed her with an unquiet look, +conscious of some fascination which conquered yet brought no happiness. +A feverish yet pleasurable excitement possessed him; a reckless mood, +making him eager to obliterate the past by any rash act, any new +experience which his passion brought. Jean regarded him with a wistful, +almost woeful face, for one short moment; then a strange smile broke +over it, as she spoke in a tone of malicious mockery, under which lurked +the bitterness of a sad truth. Coventry looked half bewildered, and his +eye went from the girl’s mysterious face to a dimly lighted window, +behind whose curtains poor Lucia hid her aching heart, praying for him +the tender prayers that loving women give to those whose sins are all +forgiven for love’s sake. His heart smote him, and a momentary feeling +of repulsion came over him, as he looked at Jean. She saw it, felt +angry, yet conscious of a sense of relief; for now that her own safety +was so nearly secured, she felt no wish to do mischief, but rather a +desire to undo what was already done, and be at peace with all the +world. To recall him to his allegiance, she sighed and walked on, saying +gently yet coldly, “Will you tell me what I ask before I answer your +question, Mr. Coventry?” + +“What Lucia said of you? Well, it was this. ‘Beware of Miss Muir. We +instinctively distrusted her when we had no cause. I believe in +instincts, and mine have never changed, for she has not tried to delude +me. Her art is wonderful; I feel yet cannot explain or detect it, except +in the working of events which her hand seems to guide. She has brought +sorrow and dissension into this hitherto happy family. We are all +changed, and this girl has done it. Me she can harm no further; you she +will ruin, if she can. Beware of her in time, or you win bitterly repent +your blind infatuation!’” + +“And what answer did you make?” asked Jean, as the last words came +reluctantly from Coventry’s lips. + +“I told her that I loved you in spite of myself, and would make you my +wife in the face of all opposition. Now, Jean, your answer.” + +“Give me three days to think of it. Good night.” And gliding from him, +she vanished into the house, leaving him to roam about half the night, +tormented with remorse, suspense, and the old distrust which would +return when Jean was not there to banish it by her art. + + + + +_Chapter VIII_ + + +SUSPENSE + +All the next day, Jean was in a state of the most intense anxiety, as +every hour brought the crisis nearer, and every hour might bring defeat, +for the subtlest human skill is often thwarted by some unforeseen +accident. She longed to assure herself that Sir John was gone, but no +servants came or went that day, and she could devise no pretext for +sending to glean intelligence. She dared not go herself, lest the +unusual act should excite suspicion, for she never went till evening. +Even had she determined to venture, there was no time, for Mrs. Coventry +was in one of her nervous states, and no one but Miss Muir could amuse +her; Lucia was ill, and Miss Muir must give orders; Bella had a studious +fit, and Jean must help her. Coventry lingered about the house for +several hours, but Jean dared not send him, lest some hint of the truth +might reach him. He had ridden away to his new duties when Jean did not +appear, and the day dragged on wearisomely. Night came at last, and as +Jean dressed for the late dinner, she hardly knew herself when she stood +before her mirror, excitement lent such color and brilliancy to her +countenance. Remembering the wedding which was to take place that +evening, she put on a simple white dress and added a cluster of white +roses in bosom and hair. She often wore flowers, but in spite of her +desire to look and seem as usual, Bella’s first words as she entered the +drawing room were “Why, Jean, how like a bride you look; a veil and +gloves would make you quite complete!” + +“You forget one other trifle, Bell,” said Gerald, with eyes that +brightened as they rested on Miss Muir. + +“What is that?” asked his sister. + +“A bridegroom.” + +Bella looked to see how Jean received this, but she seemed quite +composed as she smiled one of her sudden smiles, and merely said, “That +trifle will doubtless be found when the time comes. Is Miss Beaufort too +ill for dinner?” + +“She begs to be excused, and said you would be willing to take her +place, she thought.” + +As innocent Bella delivered this message, Jean glanced at Coventry, who +evaded her eye and looked ill at ease. + +A little remorse will do him good, and prepare him for repentance after +the grand _coup_, she said to herself, and was particularly gay at +dinnertime, though Coventry looked often at Lucia’s empty seat, as if he +missed her. As soon as they left the table, Miss Muir sent Bella to her +mother; and, knowing that Coventry would not linger long at his wine, +she hurried away to the Hall. A servant was lounging at the door, and of +him she asked, in a tone which was eager in spite of all efforts to be +calm, “Is Sir John at home?” + +“No, miss, he’s just gone to town.” + +“Just gone! When do you mean?” cried Jean, forgetting the relief she +felt in hearing of his absence in surprise at his late departure. + +“He went half an hour ago, in the last train, miss.” + +“I thought he was going early this morning; he told me he should be back +this evening.” + +“I believe he did mean to go, but was delayed by company. The steward +came up on business, and a load of gentlemen called, so Sir John could +not get off till night, when he wasn’t fit to go, being worn out, and +far from well.” + +“Do you think he will be ill? Did he look so?” And as Jean spoke, a +thrill of fear passed over her, lest death should rob her of her prize. + +“Well, you know, miss, hurry of any kind is bad for elderly gentlemen +inclined to apoplexy. Sir John was in a worry all day, and not like +himself. I wanted him to take his man, but he wouldn’t; and drove off +looking flushed and excited like. I’m anxious about him, for I know +something is amiss to hurry him off in this way.” + +“When will he be back, Ralph?” + +“Tomorrow noon, if possible; at night, certainly, he bid me tell anyone +that called.” + +“Did he leave no note or message for Miss Coventry, or someone of +the family?” + +“No, miss, nothing.” + +“Thank you.” And Jean walked back to spend a restless night and rise to +meet renewed suspense. + +The morning seemed endless, but noon came at last, and under the +pretense of seeking coolness in the grotto, Jean stole away to a slope +whence the gate to the Hall park was visible. For two long hours she +watched, and no one came. She was just turning away when a horseman +dashed through the gate and came galloping toward the Hall. Heedless of +everything but the uncontrollable longing to gain some tidings, she ran +to meet him, feeling assured that he brought ill news. It was a young +man from the station, and as he caught sight of her, he drew bridle, +looking agitated and undecided. + +“Has anything happened?” she cried breathlessly. + +“A dreadful accident on the railroad, just the other side of +Croydon. News telegraphed half an hour ago,” answered the man, +wiping his hot face. + +“The noon train? Was Sir John in it? Quick, tell me all!” + +“It was that train, miss, but whether Sir John was in it or not, we +don’t know; for the guard is killed, and everything is in such confusion +that nothing can be certain. They are at work getting out the dead and +wounded. We heard that Sir John was expected, and I came up to tell Mr. +Coventry, thinking he would wish to go down. A train leaves in fifteen +minutes; where shall I find him? I was told he was at the Hall.” + +“Ride on, ride on! And find him if he is there. I’ll run home and look +for him. Lose no time. Ride! Ride!” And turning, Jean sped back like a +deer, while the man tore up the avenue to rouse the Hall. + +Coventry was there, and went off at once, leaving both Hall and house in +dismay. Fearing to betray the horrible anxiety that possessed her, Jean +shut herself up in her room and suffered untold agonies as the day wore +on and no news came. At dark a sudden cry rang through the house, and +Jean rushed down to learn the cause. Bella was standing in the hall, +holding a letter, while a group of excited servants hovered near her. + +“What is it?” demanded Miss Muir, pale and steady, though her heart +died within her as she recognized Gerald’s handwriting. Bella gave +her the note, and hushed her sobbing to hear again the heavy tidings +that had come. + + Dear Bella: + + Uncle is safe; he did not go in the noon train. But several persons + are sure that Ned was there. No trace of him as yet, but many bodies + are in the river, under the ruins of the bridge, and I am doing my + best to find the poor lad, if he is there. I have sent to all his + haunts in town, and as he has not been seen, I hope it is a false + report and he is safe with his regiment. Keep this from my mother + till we are sure. I write you, because Lucia is ill. Miss Muir will + comfort and sustain you. Hope for the best, dear. + + Yours, G.C. + +Those who watched Miss Muir as she read these words wondered at the +strange expressions which passed over her face, for the joy which +appeared there as Sir John’s safety was made known did not change to +grief or horror at poor Edward’s possible fate. The smile died on her +lips, but her voice did not falter, and in her downcast eyes shone an +inexplicable look of something like triumph. No wonder, for if this +was true, the danger which menaced her was averted for a time, and the +marriage might be consummated without such desperate haste. This sad +and sudden event seemed to her the mysterious fulfilment of a secret +wish; and though startled she was not daunted but inspirited, for fate +seemed to favor her designs. She did comfort Bella, control the +excited household, and keep the rumors from Mrs. Coventry all that +dreadful night. + +At dawn Gerald came home exhausted, and bringing no tiding of the +missing man. He had telegraphed to the headquarters of the regiment and +received a reply, stating that Edward had left for London the previous +day, meaning to go home before returning. The fact of his having been at +the London station was also established, but whether he left by the +train or not was still uncertain. The ruins were still being searched, +and the body might yet appear. + +“Is Sir John coming at noon?” asked Jean, as the three sat together in +the rosy hush of dawn, trying to hope against hope. + +“No, he had been ill, I learned from young Gower, who is just from town, +and so had not completed his business. I sent him word to wait till +night, for the bridge won’t be passable till then. Now I must try and +rest an hour; I’ve worked all night and have no strength left. Call me +the instant any messenger arrives.” + +With that Coventry went to his room, Bella followed to wait on him, and +Jean roamed through house and grounds, unable to rest. The morning was +far spent when the messenger arrived. Jean went to receive his tidings, +with the wicked hope still lurking at her heart. + +“Is he found?” she asked calmly, as the man hesitated to speak. + +“Yes, ma’am.” + +“You are sure?” + +“I am certain, ma’am, though some won’t say till Mr. Coventry +comes to look.” + +“Is he alive?” And Jean’s white lips trembled as she put the question. + +“Oh no, ma’am, that warn’t possible, under all them stones and water. +The poor young gentleman is so wet, and crushed, and torn, no one +would know him, except for the uniform, and the white hand with the +ring on it.” + +Jean sat down, very pale, and the man described the finding of the poor +shattered body. As he finished, Coventry appeared, and with one look of +mingled remorse, shame, and sorrow, the elder brother went away, to find +and bring the younger home. Jean crept into the garden like a guilty +thing, trying to hide the satisfaction which struggled with a woman’s +natural pity, for so sad an end for this brave young life. + +“Why waste tears or feign sorrow when I must be glad?” she muttered, as +she paced to and fro along the terrace. “The poor boy is out of pain, +and I am out of danger.” + +She got no further, for, turning as she spoke, she stood face to face +with Edward! Bearing no mark of peril on dress or person, but stalwart +and strong as ever, he stood there looking at her, with contempt and +compassion struggling in his face. As if turned to stone, she remained +motionless, with dilated eyes, arrested breath, and paling cheek. He did +not speak but watched her silently till she put out a trembling hand, as +if to assure herself by touch that it was really he. Then he drew back, +and as if the act convinced as fully as words, she said slowly, “They +told me you were dead.” + +“And you were glad to believe it. No, it was my comrade, young Courtney, +who unconsciously deceived you all, and lost his life, as I should have +done, if I had not gone to Ascot after seeing him off yesterday.” + +“To Ascot?” echoed Jean, shrinking back, for Edward’s eye was on her, +and his voice was stern and cold. + +“Yes; you know the place. I went there to make inquiries concerning you +and was well satisfied. Why are you still here?” + +“The three days are not over yet. I hold you to your promise. Before +night I shall be gone; till then you will be silent, if you have honor +enough to keep your word.” + +“I have.” Edward took out his watch and, as he put it back, said with +cool precision, “It is now two, the train leaves for London at half-past +six; a carriage will wait for you at the side door. Allow me to advise +you to go then, for the instant dinner is over I shall speak.” And with +a bow he went into the house, leaving Jean nearly suffocated with a +throng of contending emotions. + +For a few minutes she seemed paralyzed; but the native energy of the +woman forbade utter despair, till the last hope was gone. Frail as that +now was, she still clung to it tenaciously, resolving to win the game in +defiance of everything. Springing up, she went to her room, packed her +few valuables, dressed herself with care, and then sat down to wait. She +heard a joyful stir below, saw Coventry come hurrying back, and from a +garrulous maid learned that the body was that of young Courtney. The +uniform being the same as Edward’s and the ring, a gift from him, had +caused the men to believe the disfigured corpse to be that of the +younger Coventry. No one but the maid came near her; once Bella’s voice +called her, but some one checked the girl, and the call was not +repeated. At five an envelope was brought her, directed in Edward’s +hand, and containing a check which more than paid a year’s salary. No +word accompanied the gift, yet the generosity of it touched her, for +Jean Muir had the relics of a once honest nature, and despite her +falsehood could still admire nobleness and respect virtue. A tear of +genuine shame dropped on the paper, and real gratitude filled her heart, +as she thought that even if all else failed, she was not thrust out +penniless into the world, which had no pity for poverty. + +As the clock struck six, she heard a carriage drive around and went down +to meet it. A servant put on her trunk, gave the order, “To the station, +James,” and she drove away without meeting anyone, speaking to anyone, +or apparently being seen by anyone. A sense of utter weariness came over +her, and she longed to lie down and forget. But the last chance still +remained, and till that failed, she would not give up. Dismissing the +carriage, she seated herself to watch for the quarter-past-six train +from London, for in that Sir John would come if he came at all that +night. She was haunted by the fear that Edward had met and told him. The +first glimpse of Sir John’s frank face would betray the truth. If he +knew all, there was no hope, and she would go her way alone. If he knew +nothing, there was yet time for the marriage; and once his wife, she +knew she was safe, because for the honor of his name he would screen and +protect her. + +Up rushed the train, out stepped Sir John, and Jean’s heart died within +her. Grave, and pale, and worn he looked, and leaned heavily on the arm +of a portly gentleman in black. The Reverend Mr. Fairfax, why has he +come, if the secret is out? thought Jean, slowly advancing to meet them +and fearing to read her fate in Sir John’s face. He saw her, dropped his +friend’s arm, and hurried forward with the ardor of a young man, +exclaiming, as he seized her hand with a beaming face, a glad voice, “My +little girl! Did you think I would never come?” + +She could not answer, the reaction was too strong, but she clung to him, +regardless of time or place, and felt that her last hope had not failed. +Mr. Fairfax proved himself equal to the occasion. Asking no questions, +he hurried Sir John and Jean into a carriage and stepped in after them +with a bland apology. Jean was soon herself again, and, having told her +fears at his delay, listened eagerly while he related the various +mishaps which had detained him. + +“Have you seen Edward?” was her first question. + +“Not yet, but I know he has come, and have heard of his narrow escape. I +should have been in that train, if I had not been delayed by the +indisposition which I then cursed, but now bless. Are you ready, Jean? +Do you repent your choice, my child?” + +“No, no! I am ready, I am only too happy to become your wife, dear, +generous Sir John,” cried Jean, with a glad alacrity, which touched the +old man to the heart, and charmed the Reverend Mr. Fairfax, who +concealed the romance of a boy under his clerical suit. + +They reached the Hall. Sir John gave orders to admit no one and after a +hasty dinner sent for his old housekeeper and his steward, told them of +his purpose, and desired them to witness his marriage. Obedience had +been the law of their lives, and Master could do nothing wrong in their +eyes, so they played their parts willingly, for Jean was a favorite at +the Hall. Pale as her gown, but calm and steady, she stood beside Sir +John, uttering her vows in a clear tone and taking upon herself the vows +of a wife with more than a bride’s usual docility. When the ring was +fairly on, a smile broke over her face. When Sir John kissed and called +her his “little wife,” she shed a tear or two of sincere happiness; and +when Mr. Fairfax addressed her as “my lady,” she laughed her musical +laugh, and glanced up at a picture of Gerald with eyes full of +exultation. As the servants left the room, a message was brought from +Mrs. Coventry, begging Sir John to come to her at once. + +“You will not go and leave me so soon?” pleaded Jean, well knowing why +he was sent for. + +“My darling, I must.” And in spite of its tenderness, Sir John’s manner +was too decided to be withstood. + +“Then I shall go with you,” cried Jean, resolving that no earthly power +should part them. + + + + +_Chapter IX_ + + +LADY COVENTRY + +When the first excitement of Edward’s return had subsided, and before +they could question him as to the cause of this unexpected visit, he +told them that after dinner their curiosity should be gratified, and +meantime he begged them to leave Miss Muir alone, for she had received +bad news and must not be disturbed. The family with difficulty +restrained their tongues and waited impatiently. Gerald confessed his +love for Jean and asked his brother’s pardon for betraying his trust. He +had expected an outbreak, but Edward only looked at him with pitying +eyes, and said sadly, “You too! I have no reproaches to make, for I know +what you will suffer when the truth is known.” + +“What do you mean?” demanded Coventry. + +“You will soon know, my poor Gerald, and we will comfort one another.” + +Nothing more could be drawn from Edward till dinner was over, the +servants gone, and all the family alone together. Then pale and grave, +but very self-possessed, for trouble had made a man of him, he produced +a packet of letters, and said, addressing himself to his brother, “Jean +Muir has deceived us all. I know her story; let me tell it before I read +her letters.” + +“Stop! I’ll not listen to any false tales against her. The poor girl has +enemies who belie her!” cried Gerald, starting up. + +“For the honor of the family, you must listen, and learn what fools she +has made of us. I can prove what I say, and convince you that she has +the art of a devil. Sit still ten minutes, then go, if you will.” + +Edward spoke with authority, and his brother obeyed him with a +foreboding heart. + +“I met Sydney, and he begged me to beware of her. Nay, listen, Gerald! I +know she has told her story, and that you believe it; but her own +letters convict her. She tried to charm Sydney as she did us, and nearly +succeeded in inducing him to marry her. Rash and wild as he is, he is +still a gentleman, and when an incautious word of hers roused his +suspicions, he refused to make her his wife. A stormy scene ensued, and, +hoping to intimidate him, she feigned to stab herself as if in despair. +She did wound herself, but failed to gain her point and insisted upon +going to a hospital to die. Lady Sydney, good, simple soul, believed the +girl’s version of the story, thought her son was in the wrong, and when +he was gone, tried to atone for his fault by finding Jean Muir another +home. She thought Gerald was soon to marry Lucia, and that I was away, +so sent her here as a safe and comfortable retreat.” + +“But, Ned, are you sure of all this? Is Sydney to be believed?” began +Coventry, still incredulous. + +“To convince you, I’ll read Jean’s letters before I say more. They +were written to an accomplice and were purchased by Sydney. There was +a compact between the two women, that each should keep the other +informed of all adventures, plots and plans, and share whatever good +fortune fell to the lot of either. Thus Jean wrote freely, as you +shall judge. The letters concern us alone. The first was written a few +days after she came. + + “Dear Hortense: + + “Another failure. Sydney was more wily than I thought. All was going + well, when one day my old fault beset me, I took too much wine, and + I carelessly owned that I had been an actress. He was shocked, and + retreated. I got up a scene, and gave myself a safe little wound, to + frighten him. The brute was not frightened, but coolly left me to my + fate. I’d have died to spite him, if I dared, but as I didn’t, I + lived to torment him. As yet, I have had no chance, but I will not + forget him. His mother is a poor, weak creature, whom I could use as + I would, and through her I found an excellent place. A sick mother, + silly daughter, and two eligible sons. One is engaged to a handsome + iceberg, but that only renders him more interesting in my eyes, + rivalry adds so much to the charm of one’s conquests. Well, my dear, + I went, got up in the meek style, intending to do the pathetic; but + before I saw the family, I was so angry I could hardly control + myself. Through the indolence of Monsieur the young master, no + carriage was sent for me, and I intend he shall atone for that + rudeness by-and-by. The younger son, the mother, and the girl + received me patronizingly, and I understood the simple souls at + once. Monsieur (as I shall call him, as names are unsafe) was + unapproachable, and took no pains to conceal his dislike of + governesses. The cousin was lovely, but detestable with her pride, + her coldness, and her very visible adoration of Monsieur, who let + her worship him, like an inanimate idol as he is. I hated them both, + of course, and in return for their insolence shall torment her with + jealousy, and teach him how to woo a woman by making his heart ache. + They are an intensely proud family, but I can humble them all, I + think, by captivating the sons, and when they have committed + themselves, cast them off, and marry the old uncle, whose title + takes my fancy.” + +“She never wrote that! It is impossible. A woman could not do it,” cried +Lucia indignantly, while Bella sat bewildered and Mrs. Coventry +supported herself with salts and fan. Coventry went to his brother, +examined the writing, and returned to his seat, saying, in a tone of +suppressed wrath, “She did write it. I posted some of those letters +myself. Go on, Ned.” + + “I made myself useful and agreeable to the amiable ones, and + overheard the chat of the lovers. It did not suit me, so I fainted + away to stop it, and excite interest in the provoking pair. I + thought I had succeeded, but Monsieur suspected me and showed me + that he did. I forgot my meek role and gave him a stage look. It had + a good effect, and I shall try it again. The man is well worth + winning, but I prefer the title, and as the uncle is a hale, + handsome gentleman, I can’t wait for him to die, though Monsieur is + very charming, with his elegant languor, and his heart so fast + asleep no woman has had power to wake it yet. I told my story, and + they believed it, though I had the audacity to say I was but + nineteen, to talk Scotch, and bashfully confess that Sydney wished + to marry me. Monsieur knows S. and evidently suspects something. I + must watch him and keep the truth from him, if possible. + + “I was very miserable that night when I got alone. Something in the + atmosphere of this happy home made me wish I was anything but what I + am. As I sat there trying to pluck up my spirits, I thought of the + days when I was lovely and young, good and gay. My glass showed me + an old woman of thirty, for my false locks were off, my paint gone, + and my face was without its mask. Bah! how I hate sentiment! I drank + your health from your own little flask, and went to bed to dream + that I was playing Lady Tartuffe--as I am. Adieu, more soon.” + +No one spoke as Edward paused, and taking up another letter, he read on: + + “My Dear Creature: + + “All goes well. Next day I began my task, and having caught a hint + of the character of each, tried my power over them. Early in the + morning I ran over to see the Hall. Approved of it highly, and took + the first step toward becoming its mistress, by piquing the + curiosity and flattering the pride of its master. His estate is his + idol; I praised it with a few artless compliments to himself, and he + was charmed. The cadet of the family adores horses. I risked my neck + to pet his beast, and_ he _was charmed. The little girl is romantic + about flowers; I made a posy and was sentimental, and_ she _was + charmed. The fair icicle loves her departed mamma, I had raptures + over an old picture, and she thawed. Monsieur is used to being + worshipped. I took no notice of him, and by the natural perversity + of human nature, he began to take notice of me. He likes music; I + sang, and stopped when he’d listened long enough to want more. He is + lazily fond of being amused; I showed him my skill, but refused to + exert it in his behalf. In short, I gave him no peace till he began + to wake up. In order to get rid of the boy, I fascinated him, and he + was sent away. Poor lad, I rather liked him, and if the title had + been nearer would have married him. + +“Many thanks for the honor.” And Edward’s lip curled with intense scorn. +But Gerald sat like a statue, his teeth set, his eyes fiery, his brows +bent, waiting for the end. + + “The passionate boy nearly killed his brother, but I turned the + affair to good account, and bewitched Monsieur by playing nurse, + till Vashti (the icicle) interfered. Then I enacted injured virtue, + and kept out of his way, knowing that he would miss me, I mystified + him about S. by sending a letter where S. would not get it, and got + up all manner of soft scenes to win this proud creature. I get on + well and meanwhile privately fascinate Sir J. by being daughterly + and devoted. He is a worthy old man, simple as a child, honest as + the day, and generous as a prince. I shall be a happy woman if I win + him, and you shall share my good fortune; so wish me success. + +“This is the third, and contains something which will surprise you,” + Edward said, as he lifted another paper. + + “Hortense: + + “I’ve done what I once planned to do on another occasion. You know + my handsome, dissipated father married a lady of rank for his second + wife. I never saw Lady H----d but once, for I was kept out of the + way. Finding that this good Sir J. knew something of her when a + girl, and being sure that he did not know of the death of her little + daughter, I boldly said I was the child, and told a pitiful tale of + my early life. It worked like a charm; he told Monsieur, and both + felt the most chivalrous compassion for Lady Howard’s daughter, + though before they had secretly looked down on me, and my real + poverty and my lowliness. That boy pitied me with an honest warmth + and never waited to learn my birth. I don’t forget that and shall + repay it if I can. Wishing to bring Monsieur’s affair to a + successful crisis, I got up a theatrical evening and was in my + element. One little event I must tell you, because I committed an + actionable offense and was nearly discovered. I did not go down to + supper, knowing that the moth would return to flutter about the + candle, and preferring that the fluttering should be done in + private, as Vashti’s jealousy is getting uncontrollable. Passing + throught the gentlemen’s dressing room, my quick eye caught sight of + a letter lying among the costumes. It was no stage affair, and an + odd sensation of fear ran through me as I recognized the hand of S. + I had feared this, but I believe in chance; and having found the + letter, I examined it. You know I can imitate almost any hand. When + I read in this paper the whole story of my affair with S., truly + told, and also that he had made inquiries into my past life and + discovered the truth, I was in a fury. To be so near success and + fail was terrible, and I resolved to risk everything. I opened the + letter by means of a heated knife blade under the seal, therefore + the envelope was perfect; imitating S.’s hand, I penned a few lines + in his hasty style, saying he was at Baden, so that if Monsieur + answered, the reply would not reach him, for he is in London, it + seems. This letter I put into the pocket whence the other must have + fallen, and was just congratulating myself on this narrow escape, + when Dean, the maid of Vashti, appeared as if watching me. She had + evidently seen the letter in my hand, and suspected something. I + took no notice of her, but must be careful, for she is on the watch. + After this the evening closed with strictly private theatricals, in + which Monsieur and myself were the only actors. To make sure that he + received my version of the story first, I told him a romantic story + of S.’s persecution, and he believed it. This I followed up by a + moonlight episode behind a rose hedge, and sent the young gentleman + home in a half-dazed condition. What fools men are!” + +“She is right!” muttered Coventry, who had flushed scarlet with +shame and anger, as his folly became known and Lucia listened in +astonished silence. + +“Only one more, and my distasteful task will be nearly over,” said +Edward, unfolding the last of the papers. “This is not a letter, but a +copy of one written three nights ago. Dean boldly ransacked Jean Muir’s +desk while she was at the Hall, and, fearing to betray the deed by +keeping the letter, she made a hasty copy which she gave me today, +begging me to save the family from disgrace. This makes the chain +complete. Go now, if you will, Gerald. I would gladly spare you the pain +of hearing this.” + +“I will not spare myself; I deserve it. Read on,” replied Coventry, +guessing what was to follow and nerving himself to hear it. Reluctantly +his brother read these lines: + + “The enemy has surrendered! Give me joy, Hortense; I can be the + wife of this proud monsieur, if I will. Think what an honor for the + divorced wife of a disreputable actor. I laugh at the farce and + enjoy it, for I only wait till the prize I desire is fairly mine, to + turn and reject this lover who has proved himself false to brother, + mistress, and his own conscience. I resolved to be revenged on both, + and I have kept my word. For my sake he cast off the beautiful woman + who truly loved him; he forgot his promise to his brother, and put + by his pride to beg of me the worn-out heart that is not worth a + good man’s love. Ah well, I am satisfied, for Vashti has suffered + the sharpest pain a proud woman can endure, and will feel another + pang when I tell her that I scorn her recreant lover, and give him + back to her, to deal with as she will.” + +Coventry started from his seat with a fierce exclamation, but Lucia +bowed her face upon her hands, weeping, as if the pang had been sharper +than even Jean foresaw. + +“Send for Sir John! I am mortally afraid of this creature. Take her +away; do something to her. My poor Bella, what a companion for you! Send +for Sir John at once!” cried Mrs. Coventry incoherently, and clasped her +daughter in her arms, as if Jean Muir would burst in to annihilate the +whole family. Edward alone was calm. + +“I have already sent, and while we wait, let me finish this story. It is +true that Jean is the daughter of Lady Howard’s husband, the pretended +clergyman, but really a worthless man who married her for her money. Her +own child died, but this girl, having beauty, wit and a bold spirit, +took her fate into her own hands, and became an actress. She married an +actor, led a reckless life for some years; quarreled with her husband, +was divorced, and went to Paris; left the stage, and tried to support +herself as governess and companion. You know how she fared with the +Sydneys, how she has duped us, and but for this discovery would have +duped Sir John. I was in time to prevent this, thank heaven. She is +gone; no one knows the truth but Sydney and ourselves; he will be +silent, for his own sake; we will be for ours, and leave this dangerous +woman to the fate which will surely overtake her.” + +“Thank you, it has overtaken her, and a very happy one she finds it.” + +A soft voice uttered the words, and an apparition appeared at the door, +which made all start and recoil with amazement--Jean Muir leaning on the +arm of Sir John. + +“How dare you return?” began Edward, losing the self-control so long +preserved. “How dare you insult us by coming back to enjoy the mischief +you have done? Uncle, you do not know that woman!” + +“Hush, boy, I will not listen to a word, unless you remember where you +are,” said Sir John with a commanding gesture. + +“Remember your promise: love me, forgive me, protect me, and do not +listen to their accusations,” whispered Jean, whose quick eye had +discovered the letters. + +“I will; have no fears, my child,” he answered, drawing her nearer as he +took his accustomed place before the fire, always lighted when Mrs. +Coventry was down. + +Gerald, who had been pacing the room excitedly, paused behind Lucia’s +chair as if to shield her from insult; Bella clung to her mother; and +Edward, calming himself by a strong effort, handed his uncle the +letters, saying briefly, “Look at those, sir, and let them speak.” + +“I will look at nothing, hear nothing, believe nothing which can in any +way lessen my respect and affection for this young lady. She has +prepared me for this. I know the enemy who is unmanly enough to belie +and threaten her. I know that you both are unsuccessful lovers, and this +explains your unjust, uncourteous treatment now. We all have committed +faults and follies. I freely forgive Jean hers, and desire to know +nothing of them from your lips. If she has innocently offended, pardon +it for my sake, and forget the past.” + +“But, Uncle, we have proofs that this woman is not what she seems. Her +own letters convict her. Read them, and do not blindly deceive +yourself,” cried Edward, indignant at his uncle’s words. + +A low laugh startled them all, and in an instant they saw the cause of +it. While Sir John spoke, Jean had taken the letters from the hand which +he had put behind him, a favorite gesture of his, and, unobserved, had +dropped them on the fire. The mocking laugh, the sudden blaze, showed +what had been done. Both young men sprang forward, but it was too late; +the proofs were ashes, and Jean Muir’s bold, bright eyes defied them, as +she said, with a disdainful little gesture. “Hands off, gentlemen! You +may degrade yourselves to the work of detectives, but I am not a +prisoner yet. Poor Jean Muir you might harm, but Lady Coventry is beyond +your reach.” + +“Lady Coventry!” echoed the dismayed family, in varying tones of +incredulity, indignation, and amazement. + +“Aye, my dear and honored wife,” said Sir John, with a protecting arm +about the slender figure at his side; and in the act, the words, there +was a tender dignity that touched the listeners with pity and respect +for the deceived man. “Receive her as such, and for my sake, forbear all +further accusation,” he continued steadily. “I know what I have done. I +have no fear that I shall repent it. If I am blind, let me remain so +till time opens my eyes. We are going away for a little while, and when +we return, let the old life return again, unchanged, except that Jean +makes sunshine for me as well as for you.” + +No one spoke, for no one knew what to say. Jean broke the silence, +saying coolly, “May I ask how those letters came into your possession?” + +“In tracing out your past life, Sydney found your friend Hortense. She +was poor, money bribed her, and your letters were given up to him as +soon as received. Traitors are always betrayed in the end,” replied +Edward sternly. + +Jean shrugged her shoulders, and shot a glance at Gerald, saying with +her significant smile, “Remember that, monsieur, and allow me to hope +that in wedding you will be happier than in wooing. Receive my +congratulations, Miss Beaufort, and let me beg of you to follow my +example, if you would keep your lovers.” + +Here all the sarcasm passed from her voice, the defiance from her eye, +and the one unspoiled attribute which still lingered in this woman’s +artful nature shone in her face, as she turned toward Edward and Bella +at their mother’s side. + +“You have been kind to me,” she said, with grateful warmth. “I thank you +for it, and will repay it if I can. To you I will acknowledge that I am +not worthy to be this good man’s wife, and to you I will solemnly +promise to devote my life to his happiness. For his sake forgive me, and +let there be peace between us.” + +There was no reply, but Edward’s indignant eyes fell before hers. Bella +half put out her hand, and Mrs. Coventry sobbed as if some regret +mingled with her resentment. Jean seemed to expect no friendly +demonstration, and to understand that they forbore for Sir John’s sake, +not for hers, and to accept their contempt as her just punishment. + +“Come home, love, and forget all this,” said her husband, ringing the +bell, and eager to be gone. “Lady Coventry’s carriage.” + +And as he gave the order, a smile broke over her face, for the sound +assured her that the game was won. Pausing an instant on the threshold +before she vanished from their sight, she looked backward, and fixing on +Gerald the strange glance he remembered well, she said in her +penetrating voice, “Is not the last scene better than the first?” + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Behind A Mask, Or A Woman’s Power, by A. M. 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Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/8677-0.zip b/8677-0.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6f8980a --- /dev/null +++ b/8677-0.zip diff --git a/8677-8.txt b/8677-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e911bbc --- /dev/null +++ b/8677-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4948 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Behind A Mask, Or A Woman's Power, by A. M. Barnard + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Behind A Mask, Or A Woman's Power + +Author: A. M. Barnard + + +Release Date: August, 2005 [EBook #8677] +This file was first posted on July 31, 2003 +Last Updated: April 24, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEHIND A MASK, OR A WOMAN'S POWER *** + + + + +Produced by Beginners Projects, Martin Agren and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + +BEHIND A MASK _OR_ A WOMAN'S POWER + +By A.M. Barnard + + + + +_Chapter I_ + + +JEAN MUIR + +"Has she come?" + +"No, Mamma, not yet." + +"I wish it were well over. The thought of it worries and excites me. A +cushion for my back, Bella." + +And poor, peevish Mrs. Coventry sank into an easy chair with a nervous +sigh and the air of a martyr, while her pretty daughter hovered about +her with affectionate solicitude. + +"Who are they talking of, Lucia?" asked the languid young man lounging +on a couch near his cousin, who bent over her tapestry work with a happy +smile on her usually haughty face. + +"The new governess, Miss Muir. Shall I tell you about her?" + +"No, thank you. I have an inveterate aversion to the whole tribe. I've +often thanked heaven that I had but one sister, and she a spoiled child, +so that I have escaped the infliction of a governess so long." + +"How will you bear it now?" asked Lucia. + +"Leave the house while she is in it." + +"No, you won't. You're too lazy, Gerald," called out a younger and more +energetic man, from the recess where he stood teasing his dogs. + +"I'll give her a three days' trial; if she proves endurable I shall not +disturb myself; if, as I am sure, she is a bore, I'm off anywhere, +anywhere out of her way." + +"I beg you won't talk in that depressing manner, boys. I dread the +coming of a stranger more than you possibly can, but Bella _must_ not be +neglected; so I have nerved myself to endure this woman, and Lucia is +good enough to say she will attend to her after tonight." + +"Don't be troubled, Mamma. She is a nice person, I dare say, and when +once we are used to her, I've no doubt we shall be glad to have her, +it's so dull here just now. Lady Sydney said she was a quiet, +accomplished, amiable girl, who needed a home, and would be a help to +poor stupid me, so try to like her for my sake." + +"I will, dear, but isn't it getting late? I do hope nothing has +happened. Did you tell them to send a carriage to the station for +her, Gerald?" + +"I forgot it. But it's not far, it won't hurt her to walk" was the +languid reply. + +"It was indolence, not forgetfulness, I know. I'm very sorry; she will +think it so rude to leave her to find her way so late. Do go and see +to it, Ned." + +"Too late, Bella, the train was in some time ago. Give your orders to me +next time. Mother and I'll see that they are obeyed," said Edward. + +"Ned is just at an age to make a fool of himself for any girl who +comes in his way. Have a care of the governess, Lucia, or she will +bewitch him." + +Gerald spoke in a satirical whisper, but his brother heard him and +answered with a good-humored laugh. + +"I wish there was any hope of your making a fool of yourself in that +way, old fellow. Set me a good example, and I promise to follow it. As +for the governess, she is a woman, and should be treated with common +civility. I should say a little extra kindness wouldn't be amiss, +either, because she is poor, and a stranger." + +"That is my dear, good-hearted Ned! We'll stand by poor little Muir, +won't we?" And running to her brother, Bella stood on tiptoe to offer +him a kiss which he could not refuse, for the rosy lips were pursed up +invitingly, and the bright eyes full of sisterly affection. + +"I do hope she has come, for, when I make an effort to see anyone, I +hate to make it in vain. Punctuality is _such_ a virtue, and I know this +woman hasn't got it, for she promised to be here at seven, and now it is +long after," began Mrs. Coventry, in an injured tone. + +Before she could get breath for another complaint, the clock struck +seven and the doorbell rang. + +"There she is!" cried Bella, and turned toward the door as if to go and +meet the newcomer. + +But Lucia arrested her, saying authoritatively, "Stay here, child. It is +her place to come to you, not yours to go to her." + +"Miss Muir," announced a servant, and a little black-robed figure stood +in the doorway. For an instant no one stirred, and the governess had +time to see and be seen before a word was uttered. All looked at her, +and she cast on the household group a keen glance that impressed them +curiously; then her eyes fell, and bowing slightly she walked in. Edward +came forward and received her with the frank cordiality which nothing +could daunt or chill. + +"Mother, this is the lady whom you expected. Miss Muir, allow me to +apologize for our apparent neglect in not sending for you. There was a +mistake about the carriage, or, rather, the lazy fellow to whom the +order was given forgot it. Bella, come here." + +"Thank you, no apology is needed. I did not expect to be sent for." And +the governess meekly sat down without lifting her eyes. + +"I am glad to see you. Let me take your things," said Bella, rather +shyly, for Gerald, still lounging, watched the fireside group with +languid interest, and Lucia never stirred. Mrs. Coventry took a second +survey and began: + +"You were punctual, Miss Muir, which pleases me. I'm a sad invalid, as +Lady Sydney told you, I hope; so that Miss Coventry's lessons will be +directed by my niece, and you will go to her for directions, as she +knows what I wish. You will excuse me if I ask you a few questions, for +Lady Sydney's note was very brief, and I left everything to her +judgment." + +"Ask anything you like, madam," answered the soft, sad voice. + +"You are Scotch, I believe." + +"Yes, madam." + +"Are your parents living?" + +"I have not a relation in the world." + +"Dear me, how sad! Do you mind telling me your age?" + +"Nineteen." And a smile passed over Miss Muir's lips, as she folded her +hands with an air of resignation, for the catechism was evidently to be +a long one. + +"So young! Lady Sydney mentioned five-and-twenty, I think, didn't +she, Bella?" + +"No, Mamma, she only said she thought so. Don't ask such questions. It's +not pleasant before us all," whispered Bella. + +A quick, grateful glance shone on her from the suddenly lifted eyes of +Miss Muir, as she said quietly, "I wish I was thirty, but, as I am not, +I do my best to look and seem old." + +Of course, every one looked at her then, and all felt a touch of pity at +the sight of the pale-faced girl in her plain black dress, with no +ornament but a little silver cross at her throat. Small, thin, and +colorless she was, with yellow hair, gray eyes, and sharply cut, +irregular, but very expressive features. Poverty seemed to have set its +bond stamp upon her, and life to have had for her more frost than +sunshine. But something in the lines of the mouth betrayed strength, and +the clear, low voice had a curious mixture of command and entreaty in +its varying tones. Not an attractive woman, yet not an ordinary one; +and, as she sat there with her delicate hands lying in her lap, her head +bent, and a bitter look on her thin face, she was more interesting than +many a blithe and blooming girl. Bella's heart warmed to her at once, +and she drew her seat nearer, while Edward went back to his dogs that +his presence might not embarrass her. + +"You have been ill, I think," continued Mrs. Coventry, who considered +this fact the most interesting of all she had heard concerning the +governess. + +"Yes, madam, I left the hospital only a week ago." + +"Are you quite sure it is safe to begin teaching so soon?" + +"I have no time to lose, and shall soon gain strength here in the +country, if you care to keep me." + +"And you are fitted to teach music, French, and drawing?" + +"I shall endeavor to prove that I am." + +"Be kind enough to go and play an air or two. I can judge by your touch; +I used to play finely when a girl." + +Miss Muir rose, looked about her for the instrument, and seeing it at +the other end of the room went toward it, passing Gerald and Lucia as if +she did not see them. Bella followed, and in a moment forgot everything +in admiration. Miss Muir played like one who loved music and was perfect +mistress of her art. She charmed them all by the magic of this spell; +even indolent Gerald sat up to listen, and Lucia put down her needle, +while Ned watched the slender white fingers as they flew, and wondered +at the strength and skill which they possessed. + +"Please sing," pleaded Bella, as a brilliant overture ended. + +With the same meek obedience Miss Muir complied, and began a little +Scotch melody, so sweet, so sad, that the girl's eyes filled, and Mrs. +Coventry looked for one of her many pocket-handkerchiefs. But suddenly +the music ceased, for, with a vain attempt to support herself, the +singer slid from her seat and lay before the startled listeners, as +white and rigid as if struck with death. Edward caught her up, and, +ordering his brother off the couch, laid her there, while Bella chafed +her hands, and her mother rang for her maid. Lucia bathed the poor +girl's temples, and Gerald, with unwonted energy, brought a glass of +wine. Soon Miss Muir's lips trembled, she sighed, then murmured, +tenderly, with a pretty Scotch accent, as if wandering in the past, +"Bide wi' me, Mither, I'm sae sick an sad here all alone." + +"Take a sip of this, and it will do you good, my dear," said Mrs. +Coventry, quite touched by the plaintive words. + +The strange voice seemed to recall her. She sat up, looked about her, a +little wildly, for a moment, then collected herself and said, with a +pathetic look and tone, "Pardon me. I have been on my feet all day, and, +in my eagerness to keep my appointment, I forgot to eat since morning. +I'm better now; shall I finish the song?" + +"By no means. Come and have some tea," said Bella, full of pity +and remorse. + +"Scene first, very well done," whispered Gerald to his cousin. + +Miss Muir was just before them, apparently listening to Mrs. Coventry's +remarks upon fainting fits; but she heard, and looked over her shoulders +with a gesture like Rachel. Her eyes were gray, but at that instant they +seemed black with some strong emotion of anger, pride, or defiance. A +curious smile passed over her face as she bowed, and said in her +penetrating voice, "Thanks. The last scene shall be still better." + +Young Coventry was a cool, indolent man, seldom conscious of any +emotion, any passion, pleasurable or otherwise; but at the look, the +tone of the governess, he experienced a new sensation, indefinable, yet +strong. He colored and, for the first time in his life, looked abashed. +Lucia saw it, and hated Miss Muir with a sudden hatred; for, in all the +years she had passed with her cousin, no look or word of hers had +possessed such power. Coventry was himself again in an instant, with no +trace of that passing change, but a look of interest in his usually +dreamy eyes, and a touch of anger in his sarcastic voice. + +"What a melodramatic young lady! I shall go tomorrow." + +Lucia laughed, and was well pleased when he sauntered away to bring her +a cup of tea from the table where a little scene was just taking place. +Mrs. Coventry had sunk into her chair again, exhausted by the flurry of +the fainting fit. Bella was busied about her; and Edward, eager to feed +the pale governess, was awkwardly trying to make the tea, after a +beseeching glance at his cousin which she did not choose to answer. As +he upset the caddy and uttered a despairing exclamation, Miss Muir +quietly took her place behind the urn, saying with a smile, and a shy +glance at the young man, "Allow me to assume my duty at once, and serve +you all. I understand the art of making people comfortable in this way. +The scoop, please. I can gather this up quite well alone, if you will +tell me how your mother likes her tea." + +Edward pulled a chair to the table and made merry over his mishaps, +while Miss Muir performed her little task with a skill and grace that +made it pleasant to watch her. Coventry lingered a moment after she had +given him a steaming cup, to observe her more nearly, while he asked a +question or two of his brother. She took no more notice of him than if +he had been a statue, and in the middle of the one remark he addressed +to her, she rose to take the sugar basin to Mrs. Coventry, who was quite +won by the modest, domestic graces of the new governess. + +"Really, my dear, you are a treasure; I haven't tasted such tea since my +poor maid Ellis died. Bella never makes it good, and Miss Lucia always +forgets the cream. Whatever you do you seem to do well, and that is +_such_ a comfort." + +"Let me always do this for you, then. It will be a pleasure, madam." And +Miss Muir came back to her seat with a faint color in her cheek which +improved her much. + +"My brother asked if young Sydney was at home when you left," said +Edward, for Gerald would not take the trouble to repeat the question. + +Miss Muir fixed her eyes on Coventry, and answered with a slight tremor +of the lips, "No, he left home some weeks ago." + +The young man went back to his cousin, saying, as he threw himself +down beside her, "I shall not go tomorrow, but wait till the three +days are out." + +"Why?" demanded Lucia. + +Lowering his voice he said, with a significant nod toward the governess, +"Because I have a fancy that she is at the bottom of Sydney's mystery. +He's not been himself lately, and now he is gone without a word. I +rather like romances in real life, if they are not too long, or +difficult to read." + +"Do you think her pretty?" + +"Far from it, a most uncanny little specimen." + +"Then why fancy Sydney loves her?" + +"He is an oddity, and likes sensations and things of that sort." + +"What do you mean, Gerald?" + +"Get the Muir to look at you, as she did at me, and you will understand. +Will you have another cup, Juno?" + +"Yes, please." She liked to have him wait upon her, for he did it to no +other woman except his mother. + +Before he could slowly rise, Miss Muir glided to them with another cup +on the salver; and, as Lucia took it with a cold nod, the girl said +under her breath, "I think it honest to tell you that I possess a quick +ear, and cannot help hearing what is said anywhere in the room. What you +say of me is of no consequence, but you may speak of things which you +prefer I should not hear; therefore, allow me to warn you." And she was +gone again as noiselessly as she came. + +"How do you like that?" whispered Coventry, as his cousin sat looking +after the girl, with a disturbed expression. + +"What an uncomfortable creature to have in the house! I am very sorry I +urged her coming, for your mother has taken a fancy to her, and it will +be hard to get rid of her," said Lucia, half angry, half amused. + +"Hush, she hears every word you say. I know it by the expression of her +face, for Ned is talking about horses, and she looks as haughty as ever +you did, and that is saying much. Faith, this is getting interesting." + +"Hark, she is speaking; I want to hear," and Lucia laid her hand on her +cousin's lips. He kissed it, and then idly amused himself with turning +the rings to and fro on the slender fingers. + +"I have been in France several years, madam, but my friend died and I +came back to be with Lady Sydney, till--" Muir paused an instant, then +added, slowly, "till I fell ill. It was a contagious fever, so I went of +my own accord to the hospital, not wishing to endanger her." + +"Very right, but are you sure there is no danger of infection now?" +asked Mrs. Coventry anxiously. + +"None, I assure you. I have been well for some time, but did not leave +because I preferred to stay there, than to return to Lady Sydney." + +"No quarrel, I hope? No trouble of any kind?" + +"No quarrel, but--well, why not? You have a right to know, and I will +not make a foolish mystery out of a very simple thing. As your family, +only, is present, I may tell the truth. I did not go back on the young +gentleman's account. Please ask no more." + +"Ah, I see. Quite prudent and proper, Miss Muir. I shall never allude to +it again. Thank you for your frankness. Bella, you will be careful not +to mention this to young friends; girls gossip sadly, and it would annoy +Lady Sydney beyond everything to have this talked of." + +"Very neighborly of Lady S. to send the dangerous young lady here, +where there are _two_ young gentlemen to be captivated. I wonder why +she didn't keep Sydney after she had caught him," murmured Coventry to +his cousin. + +"Because she had the utmost contempt for a titled fool." Miss Muir +dropped the words almost into his ear, as she bent to take her shawl +from the sofa corner. + +"How the deuce did she get there?" ejaculated Coventry, looking as if he +had received another sensation. "She has spirit, though, and upon my +word I pity Sydney, if he did try to dazzle her, for he must have got a +splendid dismissal." + +"Come and play billiards. You promised, and I hold you to your word," +said Lucia, rising with decision, for Gerald was showing too much +interest in another to suit Miss Beaufort. + +"I am, as ever, your most devoted. My mother is a charming woman, but I +find our evening parties slightly dull, when only my own family are +present. Good night, Mamma." He shook hands with his mother, whose pride +and idol he was, and, with a comprehensive nod to the others, strolled +after his cousin. + +"Now they are gone we can be quite cozy, and talk over things, for I +don't mind Ned any more than I do his dogs," said Bella, settling +herself on her mother's footstool. + +"I merely wish to say, Miss Muir, that my daughter has never had a +governess and is sadly backward for a girl of sixteen. I want you to +pass the mornings with her, and get her on as rapidly as possible. In +the afternoon you will walk or drive with her, and in the evening sit +with us here, if you like, or amuse yourself as you please. While in the +country we are very quiet, for I cannot bear much company, and when my +sons want gaiety, they go away for it. Miss Beaufort oversees the +servants, and takes my place as far as possible. I am very delicate and +keep my room till evening, except for an airing at noon. We will try +each other for a month, and I hope we shall get on quite comfortably +together." + +"I shall do my best, madam." + +One would not have believed that the meek, spiritless voice which +uttered these words was the same that had startled Coventry a few +minutes before, nor that the pale, patient face could ever have kindled +with such sudden fire as that which looked over Miss Muir's shoulder +when she answered her young host's speech. + +Edward thought within himself, Poor little woman! She has had a hard +life. We will try and make it easier while she is here; and began his +charitable work by suggesting that she might be tired. She acknowledged +she was, and Bella led her away to a bright, cozy room, where with a +pretty little speech and a good-night kiss she left her. + +When alone Miss Muir's conduct was decidedly peculiar. Her first act was +to clench her hands and mutter between her teeth, with passionate force, +"I'll not fail again if there is power in a woman's wit and will!" She +stood a moment motionless, with an expression of almost fierce disdain +on her face, then shook her clenched hand as if menacing some unseen +enemy. Next she laughed, and shrugged her shoulders with a true French +shrug, saying low to herself, "Yes, the last scene _shall_ be better +than the first. _Mon dieu_, how tired and hungry I am!" + +Kneeling before the one small trunk which held her worldly possessions, +she opened it, drew out a flask, and mixed a glass of some ardent +cordial, which she seemed to enjoy extremely as she sat on the carpet, +musing, while her quick eyes examined every corner of the room. + +"Not bad! It will be a good field for me to work in, and the harder the +task the better I shall like it. _Merci_, old friend. You put heart and +courage into me when nothing else will. Come, the curtain is down, so I +may be myself for a few hours, if actresses ever are themselves." + +Still sitting on the floor she unbound and removed the long abundant +braids from her head, wiped the pink from her face, took out several +pearly teeth, and slipping off her dress appeared herself indeed, a +haggard, worn, and moody woman of thirty at least. The metamorphosis was +wonderful, but the disguise was more in the expression she assumed than +in any art of costume or false adornment. Now she was alone, and her +mobile features settled into their natural expression, weary, hard, +bitter. She had been lovely once, happy, innocent, and tender; but +nothing of all this remained to the gloomy woman who leaned there +brooding over some wrong, or loss, or disappointment which had darkened +all her life. For an hour she sat so, sometimes playing absently with +the scanty locks that hung about her face, sometimes lifting the glass +to her lips as if the fiery draught warmed her cold blood; and once she +half uncovered her breast to eye with a terrible glance the scar of a +newly healed wound. At last she rose and crept to bed, like one worn out +with weariness and mental pain. + + + + +_Chapter II_ + + +A GOOD BEGINNING + +Only the housemaids were astir when Miss Muir left her room next morning +and quietly found her way into the garden. As she walked, apparently +intent upon the flowers, her quick eye scrutinized the fine old house +and its picturesque surroundings. + +"Not bad," she said to herself, adding, as she passed into the adjoining +park, "but the other may be better, and I will have the best." + +Walking rapidly, she came out at length upon the wide green lawn which +lay before the ancient hall where Sir John Coventry lived in solitary +splendor. A stately old place, rich in oaks, well-kept shrubberies, gay +gardens, sunny terraces, carved gables, spacious rooms, liveried +servants, and every luxury befitting the ancestral home of a rich and +honorable race. Miss Muir's eyes brightened as she looked, her step grew +firmer, her carriage prouder, and a smile broke over her face; the smile +of one well pleased at the prospect of the success of some cherished +hope. Suddenly her whole air changed, she pushed back her hat, clasped +her hands loosely before her, and seemed absorbed in girlish admiration +of the fair scene that could not fail to charm any beauty-loving eye. +The cause of this rapid change soon appeared. A hale, handsome man, +between fifty and sixty, came through the little gate leading to the +park, and, seeing the young stranger, paused to examine her. He had only +time for a glance, however; she seemed conscious of his presence in a +moment, turned with a startled look, uttered an exclamation of surprise, +and looked as if hesitating whether to speak or run away. Gallant Sir +John took off his hat and said, with the old-fashioned courtesy which +became him well, "I beg your pardon for disturbing you, young lady. +Allow me to atone for it by inviting you to walk where you will, and +gather what flowers you like. I see you love them, so pray make free +with those about you." + +With a charming air of maidenly timidity and artlessness, Miss Muir +replied, "Oh, thank you, sir! But it is I who should ask pardon for +trespassing. I never should have dared if I had not known that Sir John +was absent. I always wanted to see this fine old place, and ran over the +first thing, to satisfy myself." + +"And _are_ you satisfied?" he asked, with a smile. + +"More than satisfied--I'm charmed; for it is the most beautiful spot I +ever saw, and I've seen many famous seats, both at home and abroad," she +answered enthusiastically. + +"The Hall is much flattered, and so would its master be if he heard +you," began the gentleman, with an odd expression. + +"I should not praise it to him--at least, not as freely as I have to +you, sir," said the girl, with eyes still turned away. + +"Why not?" asked her companion, looking much amused. + +"I should be afraid. Not that I dread Sir John; but I've heard so many +beautiful and noble things about him, and respect him so highly, that I +should not dare to say much, lest he should see how I admire and--" + +"And what, young lady? Finish, if you please." + +"I was going to say, love him. I will say it, for he is an old man, and +one cannot help loving virtue and bravery." + +Miss Muir looked very earnest and pretty as she spoke, standing there +with the sunshine glinting on her yellow hair, delicate face, and +downcast eyes. Sir John was not a vain man, but he found it pleasant to +hear himself commended by this unknown girl, and felt redoubled +curiosity to learn who she was. Too well-bred to ask, or to abash her by +avowing what she seemed unconscious of, he left both discoveries to +chance; and when she turned, as if to retrace her steps, he offered her +the handful of hothouse flowers which he held, saying, with a gallant +bow, "In Sir John's name let me give you my little nosegay, with thanks +for your good opinion, which, I assure you, is not entirely deserved, +for I know him well." + +Miss Muir looked up quickly, eyed him an instant, then dropped her eyes, +and, coloring deeply, stammered out, "I did not know--I beg your +pardon--you are too kind, Sir John." + +He laughed like a boy, asking, mischievously, "Why call me Sir John? How +do you know that I am not the gardener or the butler?" + +"I did not see your face before, and no one but yourself would say that +any praise was undeserved," murmured Miss Muir, still overcome with +girlish confusion. + +"Well, well, we will let that pass, and the next time you come we will +be properly introduced. Bella always brings her friends to the Hall, for +I am fond of young people." + +"I am not a friend. I am only Miss Coventry's governess." And Miss Muir +dropped a meek curtsy. A slight change passed over Sir John's manner. +Few would have perceived it, but Miss Muir felt it at once, and bit her +lips with an angry feeling at her heart. With a curious air of pride, +mingled with respect, she accepted the still offered bouquet, returned +Sir John's parting bow, and tripped away, leaving the old gentleman to +wonder where Mrs. Coventry found such a piquant little governess. + +"That is done, and very well for a beginning," she said to herself as +she approached the house. + +In a green paddock close by fed a fine horse, who lifted up his head and +eyed her inquiringly, like one who expected a greeting. Following a +sudden impulse, she entered the paddock and, pulling a handful of +clover, invited the creature to come and eat. This was evidently a new +proceeding on the part of a lady, and the horse careered about as if +bent on frightening the newcomer away. + +"I see," she said aloud, laughing to herself. "I am not your master, and +you rebel. Nevertheless, I'll conquer you, my fine brute." + +Seating herself in the grass, she began to pull daisies, singing idly +the while, as if unconscious of the spirited prancings of the horse. +Presently he drew nearer, sniffing curiously and eyeing her with +surprise. She took no notice, but plaited the daisies and sang on as if +he was not there. This seemed to pique the petted creature, for, slowly +approaching, he came at length so close that he could smell her little +foot and nibble at her dress. Then she offered the clover, uttering +caressing words and making soothing sounds, till by degrees and with +much coquetting, the horse permitted her to stroke his glossy neck and +smooth his mane. + +It was a pretty sight--the slender figure in the grass, the +high-spirited horse bending his proud head to her hand. Edward Coventry, +who had watched the scene, found it impossible to restrain himself any +longer and, leaping the wall, came to join the group, saying, with +mingled admiration and wonder in countenance and voice, "Good morning, +Miss Muir. If I had not seen your skill and courage proved before my +eyes, I should be alarmed for your safety. Hector is a wild, wayward +beast, and has damaged more than one groom who tried to conquer him." + +"Good morning, Mr. Coventry. Don't tell tales of this noble creature, +who has not deceived my faith in him. Your grooms did not know how to +win his heart, and so subdue his spirit without breaking it." + +Miss Muir rose as she spoke, and stood with her hand on Hector's neck +while he ate the grass which she had gathered in the skirt of her dress. + +"You have the secret, and Hector is your subject now, though heretofore +he has rejected all friends but his master. Will you give him his +morning feast? I always bring him bread and play with him before +breakfast." + +"Then you are not jealous?" And she looked up at him with eyes so bright +and beautiful in expression that the young man wondered he had not +observed them before. + +"Not I. Pet him as much as you will; it will do him good. He is a +solitary fellow, for he scorns his own kind and lives alone, like his +master," he added, half to himself. + +"Alone, with such a happy home, Mr. Coventry?" And a softly +compassionate glance stole from the bright eyes. + +"That was an ungrateful speech, and I retract it for Bella's sake. +Younger sons have no position but such as they can make for themselves, +you know, and I've had no chance yet." + +"Younger sons! I thought--I beg pardon." And Miss Muir paused, as if +remembering that she had no right to question. + +Edward smiled and answered frankly, "Nay, don't mind me. You thought I +was the heir, perhaps. Whom did you take my brother for last night?" + +"For some guest who admired Miss Beaufort. I did not hear his name, nor +observe him enough to discover who he was. I saw only your kind mother, +your charming little sister, and--" + +She stopped there, with a half-shy, half-grateful look at the young man +which finished the sentence better than any words. He was still a boy, +in spite of his one-and-twenty years, and a little color came into his +brown cheek as the eloquent eyes met his and fell before them. + +"Yes, Bella is a capital girl, and one can't help loving her. I know +you'll get her on, for, really, she is the most delightful little dunce. +My mother's ill health and Bella's devotion to her have prevented our +attending to her education before. Next winter, when we go to town, she +is to come out, and must be prepared for that great event, you know," he +said, choosing a safe subject. + +"I shall do my best. And that reminds me that I should report myself to +her, instead of enjoying myself here. When one has been ill and shut up +a long time, the country is so lovely one is apt to forget duty for +pleasure. Please remind me if I am negligent, Mr. Coventry." + +"That name belongs to Gerald. I'm only Mr. Ned here," he said as they +walked toward the house, while Hector followed to the wall and sent a +sonorous farewell after them. + +Bella came running to meet them, and greeted Miss Muir as if she had +made up her mind to like her heartily. "What a lovely bouquet you have +got! I never can arrange flowers prettily, which vexes me, for Mamma is +so fond of them and cannot go out herself. You have charming taste," she +said, examining the graceful posy which Miss Muir had much improved by +adding feathery grasses, delicate ferns, and fragrant wild flowers to +Sir John's exotics. + +Putting them into Bella's hand, she said, in a winning way, "Take them +to your mother, then, and ask her if I may have the pleasure of making +her a daily nosegay; for I should find real delight in doing it, if it +would please her." + +"How kind you are! Of course it would please her. I'll take them to her +while the dew is still on them." And away flew Bella, eager to give both +the flowers and the pretty message to the poor invalid. + +Edward stopped to speak to the gardener, and Miss Muir went up the steps +alone. The long hall was lined with portraits, and pacing slowly down it +she examined them with interest. One caught her eye, and, pausing before +it, she scrutinized it carefully. A young, beautiful, but very haughty +female face. Miss Muir suspected at once who it was, and gave a decided +nod, as if she saw and caught at some unexpected chance. A soft rustle +behind her made her look around, and, seeing Lucia, she bowed, half +turned, as if for another glance at the picture, and said, as if +involuntarily, "How beautiful it is! May I ask if it is an ancestor, +Miss Beaufort?" + +"It is the likeness of my mother" was the reply, given with a softened +voice and eyes that looked up tenderly. + +"Ah, I might have known, from the resemblance, but I scarcely saw you +last night. Excuse my freedom, but Lady Sydney treated me as a friend, +and I forget my position. Allow me." + +As she spoke, Miss Muir stooped to return the handkerchief which had +fallen from Lucia's hand, and did so with a humble mien which touched +the other's heart; for, though a proud, it was also a very generous one. + +"Thank you. Are you better, this morning?" she said, graciously. And +having received an affirmative reply, she added, as she walked on, "I +will show you to the breakfast room, as Bella is not here. It is a very +informal meal with us, for my aunt is never down and my cousins are very +irregular in their hours. You can always have yours when you like, +without waiting for us if you are an early riser." + +Bella and Edward appeared before the others were seated, and Miss Muir +quietly ate her breakfast, feeling well satisfied with her hour's +work. Ned recounted her exploit with Hector, Bella delivered her +mother's thanks for the flowers, and Lucia more than once recalled, +with pardonable vanity, that the governess had compared her to her +lovely mother, expressing by a look as much admiration for the living +likeness as for the painted one. All kindly did their best to make the +pale girl feel at home, and their cordial manner seemed to warm and +draw her out; for soon she put off her sad, meek air and entertained +them with gay anecdotes of her life in Paris, her travels in Russia +when governess in Prince Jermadoff's family, and all manner of witty +stories that kept them interested and merry long after the meal was +over. In the middle of an absorbing adventure, Coventry came in, +nodded lazily, lifted his brows, as if surprised at seeing the +governess there, and began his breakfast as if the ennui of another +day had already taken possession of him. Miss Muir stopped short, and +no entreaties could induce her to go on. + +"Another time I will finish it, if you like. Now Miss Bella and I should +be at our books." And she left the room, followed by her pupil, taking +no notice of the young master of the house, beyond a graceful bow in +answer to his careless nod. + +"Merciful creature! she goes when I come, and does not make life +unendurable by moping about before my eyes. Does she belong to the +moral, the melancholy, the romantic, or the dashing class, Ned?" said +Gerald, lounging over his coffee as he did over everything he attempted. + +"To none of them; she is a capital little woman. I wish you had seen her +tame Hector this morning." And Edward repeated his story. + +"Not a bad move on her part," said Coventry in reply. "She must be an +observing as well as an energetic young person, to discover your chief +weakness and attack it so soon. First tame the horse, and then the +master. It will be amusing to watch the game, only I shall be under the +painful necessity of checkmating you both, if it gets serious." + +"You needn't exert yourself, old fellow, on my account. If I was not +above thinking ill of an inoffensive girl, I should say you were the +prize best worth winning, and advise you to take care of your own heart, +if you've got one, which I rather doubt." + +"I often doubt it, myself; but I fancy the little Scotchwoman will not +be able to satisfy either of us upon that point. How does your highness +like her?" asked Coventry of his cousin, who sat near him. + +"Better than I thought I should. She is well-bred, unassuming, and very +entertaining when she likes. She has told us some of the wittiest +stories I've heard for a long time. Didn't our laughter wake you?" +replied Lucia. + +"Yes. Now atone for it by amusing me with a repetition of these +witty tales." + +"That is impossible; her accent and manner are half the charm," said +Ned. "I wish you had kept away ten minutes longer, for your appearance +spoilt the best story of all." + +"Why didn't she go on?" asked Coventry, with a ray of curiosity. + +"You forget that she overheard us last night, and must feel that you +consider her a bore. She has pride, and no woman forgets speeches like +those you made," answered Lucia. + +"Or forgives them, either, I believe. Well, I must be resigned to +languish under her displeasure then. On Sydney's account I take a slight +interest in her; not that I expect to learn anything from her, for a +woman with a mouth like that never confides or confesses anything. But I +have a fancy to see what captivated him; for captivated he was, beyond a +doubt, and by no lady whom he met in society. Did you ever hear anything +of it, Ned?" asked Gerald. + +"I'm not fond of scandal or gossip, and never listen to either." With +which remark Edward left the room. + +Lucia was called out by the housekeeper a moment after, and Coventry +left to the society most wearisome to him, namely his own. As he +entered, he had caught a part of the story which Miss Muir had been +telling, and it had excited his curiosity so much that he found himself +wondering what the end could be and wishing that he might hear it. + +What the deuce did she run away for, when I came in? he thought. If she +_is_ amusing, she must make herself useful; for it's intensely dull, I +own, here, in spite of Lucia. Hey, what's that? + +It was a rich, sweet voice, singing a brilliant Italian air, and singing +it with an expression that made the music doubly delicious. Stepping out +of the French window, Coventry strolled along the sunny terrace, +enjoying the song with the relish of a connoisseur. Others followed, and +still he walked and listened, forgetful of weariness or tune. As one +exquisite air ended, he involuntarily applauded. Miss Muir's face +appeared for an instant, then vanished, and no more music followed, +though Coventry lingered, hoping to hear the voice again. For music was +the one thing of which he never wearied, and neither Lucia nor Bella +possessed skill enough to charm him. For an hour he loitered on the +terrace or the lawn, basking in the sunshine, too indolent to seek +occupation or society. At length Bella came out, hat in hand, and nearly +stumbled over her brother, who lay on the grass. + +"You lazy man, have you been dawdling here all this time?" she said, +looking down at him. + +"No, I've been very busy. Come and tell me how you've got on with the +little dragon." + +"Can't stop. She bade me take a run after my French, so that I might be +ready for my drawing, and so I must." + +"It's too warm to run. Sit down and amuse your deserted brother, who has +had no society but bees and lizards for an hour." + +He drew her down as he spoke, and Bella obeyed; for, in spite of his +indolence, he was one to whom all submitted without dreaming of refusal. + +"What have you been doing? Muddling your poor little brains with all +manner of elegant rubbish?" + +"No, I've been enjoying myself immensely. Jean is _so_ interesting, so +kind and clever. She didn't bore me with stupid grammar, but just talked +to me in such pretty French that I got on capitally, and like it as I +never expected to, after Lucia's dull way of teaching it." + +"What did you talk about?" + +"Oh, all manner of things. She asked questions, and I answered, and she +corrected me." + +"Questions about our affairs, I suppose?" + +"Not one. She don't care two sous for us or our affairs. I thought she +might like to know what sort of people we were, so I told her about +Papa's sudden death, Uncle John, and you, and Ned; but in the midst of +it she said, in her quiet way, 'You are getting too confidential, my +dear. It is not best to talk too freely of one's affairs to strangers. +Let us speak of something else.'" + +"What were you talking of when she said that, Bell?" + +"You." + +"Ah, then no wonder she was bored." + +"She was tired of my chatter, and didn't hear half I said; for she was +busy sketching something for me to copy, and thinking of something more +interesting than the Coventrys." + +"How do you know?" + +"By the expression of her face. Did you like her music, Gerald?" + +"Yes. Was she angry when I clapped?" + +"She looked surprised, then rather proud, and shut the piano at once, +though I begged her to go on. Isn't Jean a pretty name?" + +"Not bad; but why don't you call her Miss Muir?" + +"She begged me not. She hates it, and loves to be called Jean, alone. +I've imagined such a nice little romance about her, and someday I shall +tell her, for I'm sure she has had a love trouble." + +"Don't get such nonsense into your head, but follow Miss Muir's +well-bred example and don't be curious about other people's affairs. Ask +her to sing tonight; it amuses me." + +"She won't come down, I think. We've planned to read and work in my +boudoir, which is to be our study now. Mamma will stay in her room, so +you and Lucia can have the drawing room all to yourselves." + +"Thank you. What will Ned do?" + +"He will amuse Mamma, he says. Dear old Ned! I wish you'd stir about and +get him his commission. He is so impatient to be doing something and yet +so proud he won't ask again, after you have neglected it so many times +and refused Uncle's help." + +"I'll attend to it very soon; don't worry me, child. He will do very +well for a time, quietly here with us." + +"You always say that, yet you know he chafes and is unhappy at being +dependent on you. Mamma and I don't mind; but he is a man, and it frets +him. He said he'd take matters into his own hands soon, and then you may +be sorry you were so slow in helping him." + +"Miss Muir is looking out of the window. You'd better go and take your +run, else she will scold." + +"Not she. I'm not a bit afraid of her, she's so gentle and sweet. I'm +fond of her already. You'll get as brown as Ned, lying here in the +sun. By the way, Miss Muir agrees with me in thinking him handsomer +than you." + +"I admire her taste and quite agree with her." + +"She said he was manly, and that was more attractive than beauty in a +man. She does express things so nicely. Now I'm off." And away danced +Bella, humming the burden of Miss Muir's sweetest song. + +"'Energy is more attractive than beauty in a man.' She is right, but how +the deuce _can_ a man be energetic, with nothing to expend his energies +upon?" mused Coventry, with his hat over his eyes. + +A few moments later, the sweep of a dress caught his ear. Without +stirring, a sidelong glance showed him Miss Muir coming across the +terrace, as if to join Bella. Two stone steps led down to the lawn. He +lay near them, and Miss Muir did not see him till close upon him. She +started and slipped on the last step, recovered herself, and glided on, +with a glance of unmistakable contempt as she passed the recumbent +figure of the apparent sleeper. Several things in Bella's report had +nettled him, but this look made him angry, though he would not own it, +even to himself. + +"Gerald, come here, quick!" presently called Bella, from the rustic seat +where she stood beside her governess, who sat with her hand over her +face as if in pain. + +Gathering himself up, Coventry slowly obeyed, but involuntarily +quickened his pace as he heard Miss Muir say, "Don't call him; _he_ can +do nothing"; for the emphasis on the word "he" was very significant. + +"What is it, Bella?" he asked, looking rather wider awake than usual. + +"You startled Miss Muir and made her turn her ankle. Now help her to the +house, for she is in great pain; and don't lie there anymore to frighten +people like a snake in the grass," said his sister petulantly. + +"I beg your pardon. Will you allow me?" And Coventry offered his arm. + +Miss Muir looked up with the expression which annoyed him and answered +coldly, "Thank you, Miss Bella will do as well." + +"Permit me to doubt that." And with a gesture too decided to be +resisted, Coventry drew her arm through his and led her into the house. +She submitted quietly, said the pain would soon be over, and when +settled on the couch in Bella's room dismissed him with the briefest +thanks. Considering the unwonted exertion he had made, he thought she +might have been a little more grateful, and went away to Lucia, who +always brightened when he came. + +No more was seen of Miss Muir till teatime; for now, while the family +were in retirement, they dined early and saw no company. The governess +had excused herself at dinner, but came down in the evening a little +paler than usual and with a slight limp in her gait. Sir John was there, +talking with his nephew, and they merely acknowledged her presence by +the sort of bow which gentlemen bestow on governesses. As she slowly +made her way to her place behind the urn, Coventry said to his brother, +"Take her a footstool, and ask her how she is, Ned." Then, as if +necessary to account for his politeness to his uncle, he explained how +he was the cause of the accident. + +"Yes, yes. I understand. Rather a nice little person, I fancy. Not +exactly a beauty, but accomplished and well-bred, which is better for +one of her class." + +"Some tea, Sir John?" said a soft voice at his elbow, and there was Miss +Muir, offering cups to the gentlemen. + +"Thank you, thank you," said Sir John, sincerely hoping she had +overheard him. + +As Coventry took his, he said graciously, "You are very forgiving, Miss +Muir, to wait upon me, after I have caused you so much pain." + +"It is my duty, sir" was her reply, in a tone which plainly said, "but +not my pleasure." And she returned to her place, to smile, and chat, and +be charming, with Bella and her brother. + +Lucia, hovering near her uncle and Gerald, kept them to herself, but +was disturbed to find that their eyes often wandered to the cheerful +group about the table, and that their attention seemed distracted by +the frequent bursts of laughter and fragments of animated conversation +which reached them. In the midst of an account of a tragic affair which +she endeavored to make as interesting and pathetic as possible, Sir +John burst into a hearty laugh, which betrayed that he had been +listening to a livelier story than her own. Much annoyed, she said +hastily, "I knew it would be so! Bella has no idea of the proper manner +in which to treat a governess. She and Ned will forget the difference +of rank and spoil that person for her work. She is inclined to be +presumptuous already, and if my aunt won't trouble herself to give Miss +Muir a hint in time, I shall." + +"Wait until she has finished that story, I beg of you," said Coventry, +for Sir John was already off. + +"If you find that nonsense so entertaining, why don't you follow Uncle's +example? I don't need you." + +"Thank you. I will." And Lucia was deserted. + +But Miss Muir had ended and, beckoning to Bella, left the room, as if +quite unconscious of the honor conferred upon her or the dullness she +left behind her. Ned went up to his mother, Gerald returned to make his +peace with Lucia, and, bidding them good-night, Sir John turned +homeward. Strolling along the terrace, he came to the lighted window of +Bella's study, and wishing to say a word to her, he half pushed aside +the curtain and looked in. A pleasant little scene. Bella working +busily, and near her in a low chair, with the light falling on her fair +hair and delicate profile, sat Miss Muir reading aloud. "Novels!" +thought Sir John, and smiled at them for a pair of romantic girls. But +pausing to listen a moment before he spoke, he found it was no novel, +but history, read with a fluency which made every fact interesting, +every sketch of character memorable, by the dramatic effect given to it. +Sir John was fond of history, and failing eyesight often curtailed his +favorite amusement. He had tried readers, but none suited him, and he +had given up the plan. Now as he listened, he thought how pleasantly the +smoothly flowing voice would wile away his evenings, and he envied Bella +her new acquisition. + +A bell rang, and Bella sprang up, saying, "Wait for me a minute. I must +run to Mamma, and then we will go on with this charming prince." + +Away she went, and Sir John was about to retire as quietly as he came, +when Miss Muir's peculiar behavior arrested him for an instant. Dropping +the book, she threw her arms across the table, laid her head down upon +them, and broke into a passion of tears, like one who could bear +restraint no longer. Shocked and amazed, Sir John stole away; but all +that night the kindhearted gentleman puzzled his brains with conjectures +about his niece's interesting young governess, quite unconscious that +she intended he should do so. + + + + +_Chapter III_ + + +PASSION AND PIQUE + +For several weeks the most monotonous tranquillity seemed to reign at +Coventry House, and yet, unseen, unsuspected, a storm was gathering. +The arrival of Miss Muir seemed to produce a change in everyone, though +no one could have explained how or why. Nothing could be more +unobtrusive and retiring than her manners. She was devoted to Bella, +who soon adored her, and was only happy when in her society. She +ministered in many ways to Mrs. Coventry's comfort, and that lady +declared there never was such a nurse. She amused, interested and won +Edward with her wit and womanly sympathy. She made Lucia respect and +envy her for her accomplishments, and piqued indolent Gerald by her +persistent avoidance of him, while Sir John was charmed with her +respectful deference and the graceful little attentions she paid him in +a frank and artless way, very winning to the lonely old man. The very +servants liked her; and instead of being, what most governesses are, a +forlorn creature hovering between superiors and inferiors, Jean Muir +was the life of the house, and the friend of all but two. + +Lucia disliked her, and Coventry distrusted her; neither could exactly +say why, and neither owned the feeling, even to themselves. Both watched +her covertly yet found no shortcoming anywhere. Meek, modest, faithful, +and invariably sweet-tempered--they could complain of nothing and +wondered at their own doubts, though they could not banish them. + +It soon came to pass that the family was divided, or rather that two +members were left very much to themselves. Pleading timidity, Jean Muir +kept much in Bella's study and soon made it such a pleasant little nook +that Ned and his mother, and often Sir John, came in to enjoy the music, +reading, or cheerful chat which made the evenings so gay. Lucia at first +was only too glad to have her cousin to herself, and he too lazy to care +what went on about him. But presently he wearied of her society, for she +was not a brilliant girl, and possessed few of those winning arts which +charm a man and steal into his heart. Rumors of the merry-makings that +went on reached him and made him curious to share them; echoes of fine +music went sounding through the house, as he lounged about the empty +drawing room; and peals of laughter reached him while listening to +Lucia's grave discourse. + +She soon discovered that her society had lost its charm, and the more +eagerly she tried to please him, the more signally she failed. Before +long Coventry fell into a habit of strolling out upon the terrace of an +evening, and amusing himself by passing and repassing the window of +Bella's room, catching glimpses of what was going on and reporting the +result of his observations to Lucia, who was too proud to ask admission +to the happy circle or to seem to desire it. + +"I shall go to London tomorrow, Lucia," Gerald said one evening, as he +came back from what he called "a survey," looking very much annoyed. + +"To London?" exclaimed his cousin, surprised. + +"Yes, I must bestir myself and get Ned his commission, or it will be all +over with him." + +"How do you mean?" + +"He is falling in love as fast as it is possible for a boy to do it. +That girl has bewitched him, and he will make a fool of himself very +soon, unless I put a stop to it." + +"I was afraid she would attempt a flirtation. These persons always do, +they are such a mischief-making race." + +"Ah, but there you are wrong, as far as little Muir is concerned. She +does not flirt, and Ned has too much sense and spirit to be caught by a +silly coquette. She treats him like an elder sister, and mingles the +most attractive friendliness with a quiet dignity that captivates the +boy. I've been watching them, and there he is, devouring her with his +eyes, while she reads a fascinating novel in the most fascinating +style. Bella and Mamma are absorbed in the tale, and see nothing; but +Ned makes himself the hero, Miss Muir the heroine, and lives the love +scene with all the ardor of a man whose heart has just waked up. Poor +lad! Poor lad!" + +Lucia looked at her cousin, amazed by the energy with which he spoke, +the anxiety in his usually listless face. The change became him, for it +showed what he might be, making one regret still more what he was. +Before she could speak, he was gone again, to return presently, +laughing, yet looking a little angry. + +"What now?" she asked. + +"'Listeners never hear any good of themselves' is the truest of +proverbs. I stopped a moment to look at Ned, and heard the following +flattering remarks. Mamma is gone, and Ned was asking little Muir to +sing that delicious barcarole she gave us the other evening. + +"'Not now, not here,' she said. + +"'Why not? You sang it in the drawing room readily enough,' said Ned, +imploringly. + +"'That is a very different thing,' and she looked at him with a little +shake of the head, for he was folding his hands and doing the +passionate pathetic. + +"'Come and sing it there then,' said innocent Bella. 'Gerald likes your +voice so much, and complains that you will never sing to him.' + +"'He never asks me,' said Muir, with an odd smile. + +"'He is too lazy, but he wants to hear you.' + +"'When he asks me, I will sing--if I feel like it.' And she shrugged her +shoulders with a provoking gesture of indifference. + +"'But it amuses him, and he gets so bored down here,' began stupid +little Bella. 'Don't be shy or proud, Jean, but come and entertain the +poor old fellow.' + +"'No, thank you. I engaged to teach Miss Coventry, not to amuse Mr. +Coventry' was all the answer she got. + +"'You amuse Ned, why not Gerald? Are you afraid of him?' asked Bella. + +"Miss Muir laughed, such a scornful laugh, and said, in that +peculiar tone of hers, 'I cannot fancy anyone being _afraid_ of your +elder brother.' + +"'I am, very often, and so would you be, if you ever saw him angry,' And +Bella looked as if I'd beaten her. + +"'Does he ever wake up enough to be angry?' asked that girl, with an air +of surprise. Here Ned broke into a fit of laughter, and they are at it +now, I fancy, by the sound." + +"Their foolish gossip is not worth getting excited about, but I +certainly would send Ned away. It's no use trying to get rid of 'that +girl,' as you say, for my aunt is as deluded about her as Ned and Bella, +and she really does get the child along splendidly. Dispatch Ned, and +then she can do no harm," said Lucia, watching Coventry's altered face +as he stood in the moonlight, just outside the window where she sat. + +"Have you no fears for me?" he asked smiling, as if ashamed of his +momentary petulance. + +"No, have you for yourself?" And a shade of anxiety passed over her +face. + +"I defy the Scotch witch to enchant me, except with her music," he +added, moving down the terrace again, for Jean was singing like a +nightingale. + +As the song ended, he put aside the curtain, and said, abruptly, "Has +anyone any commands for London? I am going there tomorrow." + +"A pleasant trip to you," said Ned carelessly, though usually his +brother's movements interested him extremely. + +"I want quantities of things, but I must ask Mamma first." And Bella +began to make a list. + +"May I trouble you with a letter, Mr. Coventry?" + +Jean Muir turned around on the music stool and looked at him with the +cold keen glance which always puzzled him. + +He bowed, saying, as if to them all, "I shall be off by the early train, +so you must give me your orders tonight." + +"Then come away, Ned, and leave Jean to write her letter." + +And Bella took her reluctant brother from the room. + +"I will give you the letter in the morning," said Miss Muir, with a +curious quiver in her voice, and the look of one who forcibly suppressed +some strong emotion. + +"As you please." And Coventry went back to Lucia, wondering who Miss +Muir was going to write to. He said nothing to his brother of the +purpose which took him to town, lest a word should produce the +catastrophe which he hoped to prevent; and Ned, who now lived in a sort +of dream, seemed to forget Gerald's existence altogether. + +With unwonted energy Coventry was astir seven next morning. Lucia gave +him his breakfast, and as he left the room to order the carriage, Miss +Muir came gliding downstairs, very pale and heavy-eyed (with a +sleepless, tearful night, he thought) and, putting a delicate little +letter into his hand, said hurriedly, "Please leave this at Lady +Sydney's, and if you see her, say 'I have remembered.'" + +Her peculiar manner and peculiar message struck him. His eye +involuntarily glanced at the address of the letter and read young +Sydney's name. Then, conscious of his mistake, he thrust it into his +pocket with a hasty "Good morning," and left Miss Muir standing with +one hand pressed on her heart, the other half extended as if to recall +the letter. + +All the way to London, Coventry found it impossible to forget the +almost tragical expression of the girl's face, and it haunted him +through the bustle of two busy days. Ned's affair was put in the way of +being speedily accomplished, Bella's commissions were executed, his +mother's pet delicacies provided for her, and a gift for Lucia, whom +the family had given him for his future mate, as he was too lazy to +choose for himself. + +Jean Muir's letter he had not delivered, for Lady Sydney was in the +country and her townhouse closed. Curious to see how she would receive +his tidings, he went quietly in on his arrival at home. Everyone had +dispersed to dress for dinner except Miss Muir, who was in the garden, +the servant said. + +"Very well, I have a message for her"; and, turning, the "young master," +as they called him, went to seek her. In a remote corner he saw her +sitting alone, buried in thought. As his step roused her, a look of +surprise, followed by one of satisfaction, passed over her face, and, +rising, she beckoned to him with an almost eager gesture. Much amazed, +he went to her and offered the letter, saying kindly, "I regret that I +could not deliver it. Lady Sydney is in the country, and I did not like +to post it without your leave. Did I do right?" + +"Quite right, thank you very much--it is better so." And with an air of +relief, she tore the letter to atoms, and scattered them to the wind. + +More amazed than ever, the young man was about to leave her when she +said, with a mixture of entreaty and command, "Please stay a moment. I +want to speak to you." + +He paused, eyeing her with visible surprise, for a sudden color dyed her +cheeks, and her lips trembled. Only for a moment, then she was quite +self-possessed again. Motioning him to the seat she had left, she +remained standing while she said, in a low, rapid tone full of pain and +of decision: + +"Mr. Coventry, as the head of the house I want to speak to you, rather +than to your mother, of a most unhappy affair which has occurred during +your absence. My month of probation ends today; your mother wishes me to +remain; I, too, wish it sincerely, for I am happy here, but I ought not. +Read this, and you will see why." + +She put a hastily written note into his hand and watched him intently +while he read it. She saw him flush with anger, bite his lips, and knit +his brows, then assume his haughtiest look, as he lifted his eyes and +said in his most sarcastic tone, "Very well for a beginning. The boy has +eloquence. Pity that it should be wasted. May I ask if you have replied +to this rhapsody?" + +"I have." + +"And what follows? He begs you 'to fly with him, to share his fortunes, +and be the good angel of his life.' Of course you consent?" + +There was no answer, for, standing erect before him, Miss Muir regarded +him with an expression of proud patience, like one who expected +reproaches, yet was too generous to resent them. Her manner had its +effect. Dropping his bitter tone, Coventry asked briefly, "Why do you +show me this? What can I do?" + +"I show it that you may see how much in earnest 'the boy' is, and how +open I desire to be. You can control, advise, and comfort your brother, +and help me to see what is my duty." + +"You love him?" demanded Coventry bluntly. + +"No!" was the quick, decided answer. + +"Then why make him love you?" + +"I never tried to do it. Your sister will testify that I have endeavored +to avoid him as I--" And he finished the sentence with an unconscious +tone of pique, "As you have avoided me." + +She bowed silently, and he went on: + +"I will do you the justice to say that nothing can be more blameless +than your conduct toward myself; but why allow Ned to haunt you evening +after evening? What could you expect of a romantic boy who had nothing +to do but lose his heart to the first attractive woman he met?" + +A momentary glisten shone in Jean Muir's steel-blue eyes as the last +words left the young man's lips; but it was gone instantly, and her +voice was full of reproach, as she said, steadily, impulsively, "If the +'romantic boy' had been allowed to lead the life of a man, as he longed +to do, he would have had no time to lose his heart to the first +sorrowful girl whom he pitied. Mr. Coventry, the fault is yours. Do not +blame your brother, but generously own your mistake and retrieve it in +the speediest, kindest manner." + +For an instant Gerald sat dumb. Never since his father died had anyone +reproved him; seldom in his life had he been blamed. It was a new +experience, and the very novelty added to the effect. He saw his fault, +regretted it, and admired the brave sincerity of the girl in telling him +of it. But he did not know how to deal with the case, and was forced to +confess not only past negligence but present incapacity. He was as +honorable as he was proud, and with an effort he said frankly, "You are +right, Miss Muir. I _am_ to blame, yet as soon as I saw the danger, I +tried to avert it. My visit to town was on Ned's account; he will have +his commission very soon, and then he will be sent out of harm's way. +Can I do more?" + +"No, it is too late to send him away with a free and happy heart. He +must bear his pain as he can, and it may help to make a man of him," she +said sadly. + +"He'll soon forget," began Coventry, who found the thought of gay Ned +suffering an uncomfortable one. + +"Yes, thank heaven, that is possible, for men." + +Miss Muir pressed her hands together, with a dark expression on her +half-averted face. Something in her tone, her manner, touched Coventry; +he fancied that some old wound bled, some bitter memory awoke at the +approach of a new lover. He was young, heart-whole, and romantic, under +all his cool nonchalance of manner. This girl, who he fancied loved his +friend and who was beloved by his brother, became an object of interest +to him. He pitied her, desired to help her, and regretted his past +distrust, as a chivalrous man always regrets injustice to a woman. She +was happy here, poor, homeless soul, and she should stay. Bella loved +her, his mother took comfort in her, and when Ned was gone, no one's +peace would be endangered by her winning ways, her rich accomplishments. +These thoughts swept through his mind during a brief pause, and when he +spoke, it was to say gently: + +"Miss Muir, I thank you for the frankness which must have been painful +to you, and I will do my best to be worthy of the confidence which you +repose in me. You were both discreet and kind to speak only to me. This +thing would have troubled my mother extremely, and have done no good. I +shall see Ned, and try and repair my long neglect as promptly as +possible. I know you will help me, and in return let me beg of you to +remain, for he will soon be gone." + +She looked at him with eyes full of tears, and there was no coolness in +the voice that answered softly, "You are too kind, but I had better go; +it is not wise to stay." + +"Why not?" + +She colored beautifully, hesitated, then spoke out in the clear, steady +voice which was her greatest charm, "If I had known there were sons in +this family, I never should have come. Lady Sydney spoke only of your +sister, and when I found two gentlemen, I was troubled, because--I am so +unfortunate--or rather, people are so kind as to like me more than I +deserve. I thought I could stay a month, at least, as your brother spoke +of going away, and you were already affianced, but--" + +"I am not affianced." + +Why he said that, Coventry could not tell, but the words passed his lips +hastily and could not be recalled. Jean Muir took the announcement oddly +enough. She shrugged her shoulders with an air of extreme annoyance, and +said almost rudely, "Then you should be; you will be soon. But that is +nothing to me. Miss Beaufort wishes me gone, and I am too proud to +remain and become the cause of disunion in a happy family. No, I will +go, and go at once." + +She turned away impetuously, but Edward's arm detained her, and Edward's +voice demanded, tenderly, "Where will you go, my Jean?" + +The tender touch and name seemed to rob her of her courage and calmness, +for, leaning on her lover, she hid her face and sobbed audibly. + +"Now don't make a scene, for heaven's sake," began Coventry impatiently, +as his brother eyed him fiercely, divining at once what had passed, for +his letter was still in Gerald's hand and Jean's last words had reached +her lover's ear. + +"Who gave you the right to read that, and to interfere in my affairs?" +demanded Edward hotly. + +"Miss Muir" was the reply, as Coventry threw away the paper. + +"And you add to the insult by ordering her out of the house," cried Ned +with increasing wrath. + +"On the contrary, I beg her to remain." + +"The deuce you do! And why?" + +"Because she is useful and happy here, and I am unwilling that your +folly should rob her of a home which she likes." + +"You are very thoughtful and devoted all at once, but I beg you will not +trouble yourself. Jean's happiness and home will be my care now." + +"My dear boy, do be reasonable. The thing is impossible. Miss Muir sees +it herself; she came to tell me, to ask how best to arrange matters +without troubling my mother. I've been to town to attend to your +affairs, and you may be off now very soon." + +"I have no desire to go. Last month it was the wish of my heart. Now +I'll accept nothing from you." And Edward turned moodily away from +his brother. + +"What folly! Ned, you _must_ leave home. It is all arranged and cannot +be given up now. A change is what you need, and it will make a man of +you. We shall miss you, of course, but you will be where you'll see +something of life, and that is better for you than getting into +mischief here." + +"Are you going away, Jean?" asked Edward, ignoring his brother entirely +and bending over the girl, who still hid her face and wept. She did not +speak, and Gerald answered for her. + +"No, why should she if you are gone?" + +"Do you mean to stay?" asked the lover eagerly of Jean. + +"I wish to remain, but--" She paused and looked up. Her eyes went from +one face to the other, and she added, decidedly, "Yes, I must go, it is +not wise to stay even when you are gone." + +Neither of the young men could have explained why that hurried glance +affected them as it did, but each felt conscious of a willful desire to +oppose the other. Edward suddenly felt that his brother loved Miss Muir, +and was bent on removing her from his way. Gerald had a vague idea that +Miss Muir feared to remain on his account, and he longed to show her +that he was quite safe. Each felt angry, and each showed it in a +different way, one being violent, the other satirical. + +"You are right, Jean, this is not the place for you; and you must let me +see you in a safer home before I go," said Ned, significantly. + +"It strikes me that this will be a particularly safe home when your +dangerous self is removed," began Coventry, with an aggravating smile of +calm superiority. + +"And _I_ think that I leave a more dangerous person than myself behind +me, as poor Lucia can testify." + +"Be careful what you say, Ned, or I shall be forced to remind you that I +am master here. Leave Lucia's name out of this disagreeable affair, if +you please." + +"You _are_ master here, but not of me, or my actions, and you have no +right to expect obedience or respect, for you inspire neither. Jean, I +asked you to go with me secretly; now I ask you openly to share my +fortune. In my brother's presence I ask, and _will_ have an answer." + +He caught her hand impetuously, with a defiant look at Coventry, who +still smiled, as if at boy's play, though his eyes were kindling and his +face changing with the still, white wrath which is more terrible than +any sudden outburst. Miss Muir looked frightened; she shrank away from +her passionate young lover, cast an appealing glance at Gerald, and +seemed as if she longed to claim his protection yet dared not. + +"Speak!" cried Edward, desperately. "Don't look to him, tell me truly, +with your own lips, do you, can you love me, Jean?" + +"I have told you once. Why pain me by forcing another hard reply," she +said pitifully, still shrinking from his grasp and seeming to appeal to +his brother. + +"You wrote a few lines, but I'll not be satisfied with that. You shall +answer; I've seen love in your eyes, heard it in your voice, and I know +it is hidden in your heart. You fear to own it; do not hesitate, no one +can part us--speak, Jean, and satisfy me." + +Drawing her hand decidedly away, she went a step nearer Coventry, and +answered, slowly, distinctly, though her lips trembled, and she +evidently dreaded the effect of her words, "I will speak, and speak +truly. You have seen love in my face; it is in my heart, and I do not +hesitate to own it, cruel as it is to force the truth from me, but this +love is not for you. Are you satisfied?" + +He looked at her with a despairing glance and stretched his hand toward +her beseechingly. She seemed to fear a blow, for suddenly she clung to +Gerald with a faint cry. The act, the look of fear, the protecting +gesture Coventry involuntarily made were too much for Edward, already +excited by conflicting passions. In a paroxysm of blind wrath, he caught +up a large pruning knife left there by the gardener, and would have +dealt his brother a fatal blow had he not warded it off with his arm. +The stroke fell, and another might have followed had not Miss Muir with +unexpected courage and strength wrested the knife from Edward and flung +it into the little pond near by. Coventry dropped down upon the seat, +for the blood poured from a deep wound in his arm, showing by its rapid +flow that an artery had been severed. Edward stood aghast, for with the +blow his fury passed, leaving him overwhelmed with remorse and shame. + +Gerald looked up at him, smiled faintly, and said, with no sign of +reproach or anger, "Never mind, Ned. Forgive and forget. Lend me a hand +to the house, and don't disturb anyone. It's not much, I dare say." But +his lips whitened as he spoke, and his strength failed him. Edward +sprang to support him, and Miss Muir, forgetting her terrors, proved +herself a girl of uncommon skill and courage. + +"Quick! Lay him down. Give me your handkerchief, and bring some water," +she said, in a tone of quiet command. Poor Ned obeyed and watched her +with breathless suspense while she tied the handkerchief tightly around +the arm, thrust the handle of his riding whip underneath, and pressed it +firmly above the severed artery to stop the dangerous flow of blood. + +"Dr. Scott is with your mother, I think. Go and bring him here" was +the next order; and Edward darted away, thankful to do anything to +ease the terror which possessed him. He was gone some minutes, and +while they waited Coventry watched the girl as she knelt beside him, +bathing his face with one hand while with the other she held the +bandage firmly in its place. She was pale, but quite steady and +self-possessed, and her eyes shone with a strange brilliancy as she +looked down at him. Once, meeting his look of grateful wonder, she +smiled a reassuring smile that made her lovely, and said, in a soft, +sweet tone never used to him before, "Be quiet. There is no danger. I +will stay by you till help comes." + +Help did come speedily, and the doctor's first words were "Who +improvised that tourniquet?" + +"She did," murmured Coventry. + +"Then you may thank her for saving your life. By Jove! It was capitally +done"; and the old doctor looked at the girl with as much admiration as +curiosity in his face. + +"Never mind that. See to the wound, please, while I ran for bandages, +and salts, and wine." + +Miss Muir was gone as she spoke, so fleetly that it was in vain to call +her back or catch her. During her brief absence, the story was told by +repentant Ned and the wound examined. + +"Fortunately I have my case of instruments with me," said the doctor, +spreading on the bench a long array of tiny, glittering implements of +torture. "Now, Mr. Ned, come here, and hold the arm in that way, while I +tie the artery. Hey! That will never do. Don't tremble so, man, look +away and hold it steadily." + +"I can't!" And poor Ned turned faint and white, not at the sight but +with the bitter thought that he had longed to kill his brother. + +"I will hold it," and a slender white hand lifted the bare and bloody +arm so firmly, steadily, that Coventry sighed a sigh of relief, and Dr. +Scott fell to work with an emphatic nod of approval. + +It was soon over, and while Edward ran in to bid the servants beware of +alarming their mistress, Dr. Scott put up his instruments and Miss Muir +used salts, water, and wine so skillfully that Gerald was able to walk +to his room, leaning on the old man, while the girl supported the +wounded arm, as no sling could be made on the spot. As he entered the +chamber, Coventry turned, put out his left hand, and with much feeling +in his fine eyes said simply, "Miss Muir, I thank you." + +The color came up beautifully in her pale cheeks as she pressed the hand +and without a word vanished from the room. Lucia and the housekeeper +came bustling in, and there was no lack of attendance on the invalid. He +soon wearied of it, and sent them all away but Ned, who remorsefully +haunted the chamber, looking like a comely young Cain and feeling like +an outcast. + +"Come here, lad, and tell me all about it. I was wrong to be +domineering. Forgive me, and believe that I care for your happiness more +sincerely than for my own." + +These frank and friendly words healed the breach between the two +brothers and completely conquered Ned. Gladly did he relate his love +passages, for no young lover ever tires of that amusement if he has a +sympathizing auditor, and Gerald _was_ sympathetic now. For an hour did +he lie listening patiently to the history of the growth of his brother's +passion. Emotion gave the narrator eloquence, and Jean Muir's character +was painted in glowing colors. All her unsuspected kindness to those +about her was dwelt upon; all her faithful care, her sisterly interest +in Bella, her gentle attentions to their mother, her sweet forbearance +with Lucia, who plainly showed her dislike, and most of all, her +friendly counsel, sympathy, and regard for Ned himself. + +"She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as no +one else can. She is unlike any girl I ever saw; there's no +sentimentality about her; she is wise, and kind, and sweet. She says +what she means, looks you straight in the eye, and is as true as steel. +I've tried her, I know her, and--ah, Gerald, I love her so!" + +Here the poor lad leaned his face into his hands and sighed a sigh that +made his brother's heart ache. + +"Upon my soul, Ned, I feel for you; and if there was no obstacle on her +part, I'd do my best for you. She loves Sydney, and so there is nothing +for it but to bear your fate like a man." + +"Are you sure about Sydney? May it not be some one else?" and Ned eyed +his brother with a suspicious look. + +Coventry told him all he knew and surmised concerning his friend, not +forgetting the letter. Edward mused a moment, then seemed relieved, and +said frankly, "I'm glad it's Sydney and not you. I can bear it better." + +"Me!" ejaculated Gerald, with a laugh. + +"Yes, you; I've been tormented lately with a fear that you cared for +her, or rather, she for you." + +"You jealous young fool! We never see or speak to one another scarcely, +so how could we get up a tender interest?" + +"What do you lounge about on that terrace for every evening? And why +does she get fluttered when your shadow begins to come and go?" +demanded Edward. + +"I like the music and don't care for the society of the singer, that's +why I walk there. The fluttering is all your imagination; Miss Muir +isn't a woman to be fluttered by a man's shadow." And Coventry glanced +at his useless arm. + +"Thank you for that, and for not saying 'little Muir,' as you generally +do. Perhaps it was my imagination. But she never makes fun of you now, +and so I fancied she might have lost her heart to the 'young master.' +Women often do, you know." + +"She used to ridicule me, did she?" asked Coventry, taking no notice of +the latter part of his brother's speech, which was quite true +nevertheless. + +"Not exactly, she was too well-bred for that. But sometimes when Bella +and I joked about you, she'd say something so odd or witty that it was +irresistible. You're used to being laughed at, so you don't mind, I +know, just among ourselves." + +"Not I. Laugh away as much as you like," said Gerald. But he did mind, +and wanted exceedingly to know what Miss Muir had said, yet was too +proud to ask. He turned restlessly and uttered a sigh of pain. + +"I'm talking too much; it's bad for you. Dr. Scott said you must be +quiet. Now go to sleep, if you can." + +Edward left the bedside but not the room, for he would let no one take +his place. Coventry tried to sleep, found it impossible, and after a +restless hour called his brother back. + +"If the bandage was loosened a bit, it would ease my arm and then I +could sleep. Can you do it, Ned?" + +"I dare not touch it. The doctor gave orders to leave it till he came in +the morning, and I shall only do harm if I try." + +"But I tell you it's too tight. My arm is swelling and the pain is +intense. It can't be right to leave it so. Dr. Scott dressed it in a +hurry and did it too tight. Common sense will tell you that," said +Coventry impatiently. + +"I'll call Mrs. Morris; she will understand what's best to be done." And +Edward moved toward the door, looking anxious. + +"Not she, she'll only make a stir and torment me with her chatter. I'll +bear it as long as I can, and perhaps Dr. Scott will come tonight. He +said he would if possible. Go to your dinner, Ned. I can ring for Neal +if I need anything. I shall sleep if I'm alone, perhaps." + +Edward reluctantly obeyed, and his brother was left to himself. Little +rest did he find, however, for the pain of the wounded arm grew +unbearable, and, taking a sudden resolution, he rang for his servant. + +"Neal, go to Miss Coventry's study, and if Miss Muir is there, ask her +to be kind enough to come to me. I'm in great pain, and she understand +wounds better than anyone else in the house." + +With much surprise in his face, the man departed and a few moments after +the door noiselessly opened and Miss Muir came in. It had been a very +warm day, and for the first time she had left off her plain black dress. +All in white, with no ornament but her fair hair, and a fragrant posy of +violets in her belt, she looked a different woman from the meek, nunlike +creature one usually saw about the house. Her face was as altered as her +dress, for now a soft color glowed in her cheeks, her eyes smiled shyly, +and her lips no longer wore the firm look of one who forcibly repressed +every emotion. A fresh, gentle, and charming woman she seemed, and +Coventry found the dull room suddenly brightened by her presence. Going +straight to him, she said simply, and with a happy, helpful look very +comforting to see, "I'm glad you sent for me. What can I do for you?" + +He told her, and before the complaint was ended, she began loosening the +bandages with the decision of one who understood what was to be done and +had faith in herself. + +"Ah, that's relief, that's comfort!" ejaculated Coventry, as the last +tight fold fell away. "Ned was afraid I should bleed to death if he +touched me. What will the doctor say to us?" + +"I neither know nor care. I shall say to him that he is a bad surgeon to +bind it so closely, and not leave orders to have it untied if necessary. +Now I shall make it easy and put you to sleep, for that is what you +need. Shall I? May I?" + +"I wish you would, if you can." + +And while she deftly rearranged the bandages, the young man watched her +curiously. Presently he asked, "How came you to know so much about +these things?" + +"In the hospital where I was ill, I saw much that interested me, and +when I got better, I used to sing to the patients sometimes." + +"Do you mean to sing to me?" he asked, in the submissive tone men +unconsciously adopt when ill and in a woman's care. + +"If you like it better than reading aloud in a dreamy tone," she +answered, as she tied the last knot. + +"I do, much better," he said decidedly. + +"You are feverish. I shall wet your forehead, and then you will be quite +comfortable." She moved about the room in the quiet way which made it a +pleasure to watch her, and, having mingled a little cologne with water, +bathed his face as unconcernedly as if he had been a child. Her +proceedings not only comforted but amused Coventry, who mentally +contrasted her with the stout, beer-drinking matron who had ruled over +him in his last illness. + +"A clever, kindly little woman," he thought, and felt quite at his ease, +she was so perfectly easy herself. + +"There, now you look more like yourself," she said with an approving nod +as she finished, and smoothed the dark locks off his forehead with a +cool, soft hand. Then seating herself in a large chair near by, she +began to sing, while tidily rolling up the fresh bandages which had been +left for the morning. Coventry lay watching her by the dim light that +burned in the room, and she sang on as easily as a bird, a dreamy, +low-toned lullaby, which soothed the listener like a spell. Presently, +looking up to see the effect of her song, she found the young man wide +awake, and regarding her with a curious mixture of pleasure, interest, +and admiration. + +"Shut your eyes, Mr. Coventry," she said, with a reproving shake of the +head, and an odd little smile. + +He laughed and obeyed, but could not resist an occasional covert glance +from under his lashes at the slender white figure in the great velvet +chair. She saw him and frowned. + +"You are very disobedient; why won't you sleep?" + +"I can't, I want to listen. I'm fond of nightingales." + +"Then I shall sing no more, but try something that has never failed yet. +Give me your hand, please." + +Much amazed, he gave it, and, taking it in both her small ones, she sat +down behind the curtain and remained as mute and motionless as a statue. +Coventry smiled to himself at first, and wondered which would tire +first. But soon a subtle warmth seemed to steal from the soft palms that +enclosed his own, his heart beat quicker, his breath grew unequal, and a +thousand fancies danced through his brain. He sighed, and said dreamily, +as he turned his face toward her, "I like this." And in the act of +speaking, seemed to sink into a soft cloud which encompassed him about +with an atmosphere of perfect repose. More than this he could not +remember, for sleep, deep and dreamless, fell upon him, and when he +woke, daylight was shining in between the curtains, his hand lay alone +on the coverlet, and his fair-haired enchantress was gone. + + + + +_Chapter IV_ + + +A DISCOVERY + +For several days Coventry was confined to his room, much against his +will, though everyone did their best to lighten his irksome captivity. +His mother petted him, Bella sang, Lucia read, Edward was devoted, and +all the household, with one exception, were eager to serve the young +master. Jean Muir never came near him, and Jean Muir alone seemed to +possess the power of amusing him. He soon tired of the others, wanted +something new; recalled the piquant character of the girl and took a +fancy into his head that she would lighten his ennui. After some +hesitation, he carelessly spoke of her to Bella, but nothing came of +it, for Bella only said Jean was well, and very busy doing something +lovely to surprise Mamma with. Edward complained that he never saw +her, and Lucia ignored her existence altogether. The only intelligence +the invalid received was from the gossip of two housemaids over their +work in the next room. From them he learned that the governess had +been "scolded" by Miss Beaufort for going to Mr. Coventry's room; that +she had taken it very sweetly and kept herself carefully out of the +way of both young gentlemen, though it was plain to see that Mr. Ned +was dying for her. + +Mr. Gerald amused himself by thinking over this gossip, and quite +annoyed his sister by his absence of mind. + +"Gerald, do you know Ned's commission has come?" + +"Very interesting. Read on, Bella." + +"You stupid boy! You don't know a word I say," and she put down the book +to repeat her news. + +"I'm glad of it; now we must get him off as soon as possible--that is, I +suppose he will want to be off as soon as possible." And Coventry woke +up from his reverie. + +"You needn't check yourself, I know all about it. I think Ned was very +foolish, and that Miss Muir has behaved beautifully. It's quite +impossible, of course, but I wish it wasn't, I do so like to watch +lovers. You and Lucia are so cold you are not a bit interesting." + +"You'll do me a favor if you'll stop all that nonsense about Lucia and +me. We are not lovers, and never shall be, I fancy. At all events, I'm +tired of the thing, and wish you and Mamma would let it drop, for the +present at least." + +"Oh Gerald, you know Mamma has set her heart upon it, that Papa desired +it, and poor Lucia loves you so much. How can you speak of dropping what +will make us all so happy?" + +"It won't make me happy, and I take the liberty of thinking that this is +of some importance. I'm not bound in any way, and don't intend to be +till I am ready. Now we'll talk about Ned." + +Much grieved and surprised, Bella obeyed, and devoted herself to Edward, +who very wisely submitted to his fate and prepared to leave home for +some months. For a week the house was in a state of excitement about his +departure, and everyone but Jean was busied for him. She was scarcely +seen; every morning she gave Bella her lessons, every afternoon drove +out with Mrs. Coventry, and nearly every evening went up to the Hall to +read to Sir John, who found his wish granted without exactly knowing how +it had been done. + +The day Edward left, he came down from bidding his mother good-bye, +looking very pale, for he had lingered in his sister's little room with +Miss Muir as long as he dared. + +"Good-bye, dear. Be kind to Jean," he whispered as he kissed his sister. + +"I will, I will," returned Bella, with tearful eyes. + +"Take care of Mamma, and remember Lucia," he said again, as he touched +his cousin's beautiful cheek. + +"Fear nothing. I will keep them apart," she whispered back, and +Coventry heard it. + +Edward offered his hand to his brother, saying, significantly, as he +looked him in the eye, "I trust you, Gerald." + +"You may, Ned." + +Then he went, and Coventry tired himself with wondering what Lucia +meant. A few days later he understood. + +Now Ned is gone, little Muir will appear, I fancy, he said to himself; +but "little Muir" did not appear, and seemed to shun him more carefully +than she had done her lover. If he went to the drawing room in the +evening hoping for music, Lucia alone was there. If he tapped at Bella's +door, there was always a pause before she opened it, and no sign of Jean +appeared though her voice had been audible when he knocked. If he went +to the library, a hasty rustle and the sound of flying feet betrayed +that the room was deserted at his approach. In the garden Miss Muir +never failed to avoid him, and if by chance they met in hall or +breakfast room, she passed him with downcast eyes and the briefest, +coldest greeting. All this annoyed him intensely, and the more she +eluded him, the more he desired to see her--from a spirit of opposition, +he said, nothing more. It fretted and yet it entertained him, and he +found a lazy sort of pleasure in thwarting the girl's little maneuvers. +His patience gave out at last, and he resolved to know what was the +meaning of this peculiar conduct. Having locked and taken away the key +of one door in the library, he waited till Miss Muir went in to get a +book for his uncle. He had heard her speak to Bella of it, knew that she +believed him with his mother, and smiled to himself as he stole after +her. She was standing in a chair, reaching up, and he had time to see a +slender waist, a pretty foot, before he spoke. + +"Can I help you, Miss Muir?" + +She started, dropped several books, and turned scarlet, as she said +hurriedly, "Thank you, no; I can get the steps." + +"My long arm will be less trouble. I've got but one, and that is tired +of being idle, so it is very much at your service. What will you have?" + +"I--I--you startled me so I've forgotten." And Jean laughed, nervously, +as she looked about her as if planning to escape. + +"I beg your pardon, wait till you remember, and let me thank you for the +enchanted sleep you gave me ten days ago. I've had no chance yet, you've +shunned me so pertinaciously." + +"Indeed I try not to be rude, but--" She checked herself, and turned her +face away, adding, with an accent of pain in her voice, "It is not my +fault, Mr. Coventry. I only obey orders." + +"Whose orders?" he demanded, still standing so that she could not +escape. + +"Don't ask; it is one who has a right to command where you are +concerned. Be sure that it is kindly meant, though it may seem folly +to us. Nay, don't be angry, laugh at it, as I do, and let me run +away, please." + +She turned, and looked down at him with tears in her eyes, a smile on +her lips, and an expression half sad, half arch, which was altogether +charming. The frown passed from his face, but he still looked grave and +said decidedly, "No one has a right to command in this house but my +mother or myself. Was it she who bade you avoid me as if I was a madman +or a pest?" + +"Ah, don't ask. I promised not to tell, and you would not have me break +my word, I know." And still smiling, she regarded him with a look of +merry malice which made any other reply unnecessary. It was Lucia, he +thought, and disliked his cousin intensely just then. Miss Muir moved as +if to step down; he detained her, saying earnestly, yet with a smile, +"Do you consider me the master here?" + +"Yes," and to the word she gave a sweet, submissive intonation which +made it expressive of the respect, regard, and confidence which men find +pleasantest when women feel and show it. Unconsciously his face +softened, and he looked up at her with a different glance from any he +had ever given her before. + +"Well, then, will you consent to obey me if I am not tyrannical or +unreasonable in my demands?" + +"I'll try." + +"Good! Now frankly, I want to say that all this sort of thing is very +disagreeable to me. It annoys me to be a restraint upon anyone's liberty +or comfort, and I beg you will go and come as freely as you like, and +not mind Lucia's absurdities. She means well, but hasn't a particle of +penetration or tact. Will you promise this?" + +"No." + +"Why not?" + +"It is better as it is, perhaps." + +"But you called it folly just now." + +"Yes, it seems so, and yet--" She paused, looking both confused and +distressed. + +Coventry lost patience, and said hastily, "You women are such enigmas I +never expect to understand you! Well, I've done my best to make you +comfortable, but if you prefer to lead this sort of life, I beg you +will do so." + +"I _don't_ prefer it; it is hateful to me. I like to be myself, to have +my liberty, and the confidence of those about me. But I cannot think it +kind to disturb the peace of anyone, and so I try to obey. I've promised +Bella to remain, but I will go rather than have another scene with Miss +Beaufort or with you." + +Miss Muir had burst out impetuously, and stood there with a sudden fire +in her eyes, sudden warmth and spirit in her face and voice that amazed +Coventry. She was angry, hurt, and haughty, and the change only made her +more attractive, for not a trace of her former meek self remained. +Coventry was electrified, and still more surprised when she added, +imperiously, with a gesture as if to put him aside, "Hand me that book +and move away. I wish to go." + +He obeyed, even offered his hand, but she refused it, stepped lightly +down, and went to the door. There she turned, and with the same +indignant voice, the same kindling eyes and glowing cheeks, she said +rapidly, "I know I have no right to speak in this way. I restrain myself +as long as I can, but when I can bear no more, my true self breaks +loose, and I defy everything. I am tired of being a cold, calm machine; +it is impossible with an ardent nature like mine, and I shall try no +longer. I cannot help it if people love me. I don't want their love. I +only ask to be left in peace, and why I am tormented so I cannot see. +I've neither beauty, money, nor rank, yet every foolish boy mistakes my +frank interest for something warmer, and makes me miserable. It is my +misfortune. Think of me what you will, but beware of me in time, for +against my will I may do you harm." + +Almost fiercely she had spoken, and with a warning gesture she hurried +from the room, leaving the young man feeling as if a sudden thunder-gust +had swept through the house. For several minutes he sat in the chair she +left, thinking deeply. Suddenly he rose, went to his sister, and said, +in his usual tone of indolent good nature, "Bella, didn't I hear Ned ask +you to be kind to Miss Muir?" + +"Yes, and I try to be, but she is so odd lately." + +"Odd! How do you mean?" + +"Why, she is either as calm and cold as a statue, or restless and queer; +she cries at night, I know, and sighs sadly when she thinks I don't +hear. Something is the matter." + +"She frets for Ned perhaps," began Coventry. + +"Oh dear, no; it's a great relief to her that he is gone. I'm afraid +that she likes someone very much, and someone don't like her. Can it be +Mr. Sydney?" + +"She called him a 'titled fool' once, but perhaps that didn't mean +anything. Did you ever ask her about him?" said Coventry, feeling rather +ashamed of his curiosity, yet unable to resist the temptation of +questioning unsuspecting Bella. + +"Yes, but she only looked at me in her tragical way, and said, so +pitifully, 'My little friend, I hope you will never have to pass through +the scenes I've passed through, but keep your peace unbroken all your +life.' After that I dared say no more. I'm very fond of her, I want to +make her happy, but I don't know how. Can you propose anything?" + +"I was going to propose that you make her come among us more, now Ned is +gone. It must be dull for her, moping about alone. I'm sure it is for +me. She is an entertaining little person, and I enjoy her music very +much. It's good for Mamma to have gay evenings; so you bestir yourself, +and see what you can do for the general good of the family." + +"That's all very charming, and I've proposed it more than once, but +Lucia spoils all my plans. She is afraid you'll follow Ned's example, +and that is so silly." + +"Lucia is a--no, I won't say fool, because she has sense enough when she +chooses; but I wish you'd just settle things with Mamma, and then Lucia +can do nothing but submit," said Gerald angrily. + +"I'll try, but she goes up to read to Uncle, you know, and since he has +had the gout, she stays later, so I see little of her in the evening. +There she goes now. I think she will captivate the old one as well as +the young one, she is so devoted." + +Coventry looked after her slender black figure, just vanishing through +the great gate, and an uncomfortable fancy took possession of him, born +of Bella's careless words. He sauntered away, and after eluding his +cousin, who seemed looking for him, he turned toward the Hall, saying to +himself, I will see what is going on up here. Such things have happened. +Uncle is the simplest soul alive, and if the girl is ambitious, she can +do what she will with him. + +Here a servant came running after him and gave him a letter, which he +thrust into his pocket without examining it. When he reached the Hall, +he went quietly to his uncle's study. The door was ajar, and looking in, +he saw a scene of tranquil comfort, very pleasant to watch. Sir John +leaned in his easy chair with one foot on a cushion. He was dressed with +his usual care and, in spite of the gout, looked like a handsome, +well-preserved old gentleman. He was smiling as he listened, and his +eyes rested complacently on Jean Muir, who sat near him reading in her +musical voice, while the sunshine glittered on her hair and the soft +rose of her cheek. She read well, yet Coventry thought her heart was not +in her task, for once when she paused, while Sir John spoke, her eyes +had an absent expression, and she leaned her head upon her hand, with an +air of patient weariness. + +Poor girl! I did her great injustice; she has no thought of captivating +the old man, but amuses him from simple kindness. She is tired. I'll put +an end to her task; and Coventry entered without knocking. + +Sir John received him with an air of polite resignation, Miss Muir with +a perfectly expressionless face. + +"Mother's love, and how are you today, sir?" + +"Comfortable, but dull, so I want you to bring the girls over this +evening, to amuse the old gentleman. Mrs. King has got out the +antique costumes and trumpery, as I promised Bella she should have +them, and tonight we are to have a merrymaking, as we used to do when +Ned was here." + +"Very well, sir, I'll bring them. We've all been out of sorts since the +lad left, and a little jollity will do us good. Are you going back, Miss +Muir?" asked Coventry. + +"No, I shall keep her to give me my tea and get things ready. Don't read +anymore, my dear, but go and amuse yourself with the pictures, or +whatever you like," said Sir John; and like a dutiful daughter she +obeyed, as if glad to get away. + +"That's a very charming girl, Gerald," began Sir John as she left the +room. "I'm much interested in her, both on her own account and on her +mother's." + +"Her mother's! What do you know of her mother?" asked Coventry, much +surprised. + +"Her mother was Lady Grace Howard, who ran away with a poor Scotch +minister twenty years ago. The family cast her off, and she lived and +died so obscurely that very little is known of her except that she left +an orphan girl at some small French pension. This is the girl, and a +fine girl, too. I'm surprised that you did not know this." + +"So am I, but it is like her not to tell. She is a strange, proud +creature. Lady Howard's daughter! Upon my word, that is a discovery," +and Coventry felt his interest in his sister's governess much increased +by this fact; for, like all wellborn Englishmen, he valued rank and +gentle blood even more than he cared to own. + +"She has had a hard life of it, this poor little girl, but she has a +brave spirit, and will make her way anywhere," said Sir John admiringly. + +"Did Ned know this?" asked Gerald suddenly. + +"No, she only told me yesterday. I was looking in the _Peerage_ and +chanced to speak of the Howards. She forgot herself and called Lady +Grace her mother. Then I got the whole story, for the lonely little +thing was glad to make a confidant of someone." + +"That accounts for her rejection of Sydney and Ned: she knows she is +their equal and will not snatch at the rank which is hers by right. No, +she's not mercenary or ambitious." + +"What do you say?" asked Sir John, for Coventry had spoken more to +himself than to his uncle. + +"I wonder if Lady Sydney was aware of this?" was all Gerald's answer. + +"No, Jean said she did not wish to be pitied, and so told nothing to the +mother. I think the son knew, but that was a delicate point, and I asked +no questions." + +"I shall write to him as soon as I discover his address. We have been so +intimate I can venture to make a few inquiries about Miss Muir, and +prove the truth of her story." + +"Do you mean to say that you doubt it?" demanded Sir John angrily. + +"I beg your pardon, Uncle, but I must confess I have an instinctive +distrust of that young person. It is unjust, I dare say, yet I cannot +banish it." + +"Don't annoy me by expressing it, if you please. I have some penetration +and experience, and I respect and pity Miss Muir heartily. This dislike +of yours may be the cause of her late melancholy, hey, Gerald?" And Sir +John looked suspiciously at his nephew. + +Anxious to avert the rising storm, Coventry said hastily as he turned +away, "I've neither time nor inclination to discuss the matter now, sir, +but will be careful not to offend again. I'll take your message to +Bella, so good-bye for an hour, Uncle." + +And Coventry went his way through the park, thinking within himself, The +dear old gentleman is getting fascinated, like poor Ned. How the deuce +does the girl do it? Lady Howard's daughter, yet never told us; I don't +understand that. + + + + +_Chapter V_ + + +HOW THE GIRL DID IT + +At home he found a party of young friends, who hailed with delight the +prospect of a revel at the Hall. An hour later, the blithe company +trooped into the great saloon, where preparations had already been made +for a dramatic evening. + +Good Sir John was in his element, for he was never so happy as when his +house was full of young people. Several persons were chosen, and in a +few moments the curtains were withdrawn from the first of these +impromptu tableaux. A swarthy, darkly bearded man lay asleep on a tiger +skin, in the shadow of a tent. Oriental arms and drapery surrounded him; +an antique silver lamp burned dimly on a table where fruit lay heaped in +costly dishes, and wine shone redly in half-emptied goblets. Bending +over the sleeper was a woman robed with barbaric splendor. One hand +turned back the embroidered sleeve from the arm which held a scimitar; +one slender foot in a scarlet sandal was visible under the white tunic; +her purple mantle swept down from snowy shoulders; fillets of gold bound +her hair, and jewels shone on neck and arms. She was looking over her +shoulder toward the entrance of the tent, with a steady yet stealthy +look, so effective that for a moment the spectators held their breath, +as if they also heard a passing footstep. + +"Who is it?" whispered Lucia, for the face was new to her. + +"Jean Muir," answered Coventry, with an absorbed look. + +"Impossible! She is small and fair," began Lucia, but a hasty "Hush, let +me look!" from her cousin silenced her. + +Impossible as it seemed, he was right nevertheless; for Jean Muir it +was. She had darkened her skin, painted her eyebrows, disposed some wild +black locks over her fair hair, and thrown such an intensity of +expression into her eyes that they darkened and dilated till they were +as fierce as any southern eyes that ever flashed. Hatred, the deepest +and bitterest, was written on her sternly beautiful face, courage glowed +in her glance, power spoke in the nervous grip of the slender hand that +held the weapon, and the indomitable will of the woman was +expressed--even the firm pressure of the little foot half hidden in the +tiger skin. + +"Oh, isn't she splendid?" cried Bella under her breath. + +"She looks as if she'd use her sword well when the time comes," said +someone admiringly. + +"Good night to Holofernes; his fate is certain," added another. + +"He is the image of Sydney, with that beard on." + +"Doesn't she look as if she really hated him?" + +"Perhaps she does." + +Coventry uttered the last exclamation, for the two which preceded it +suggested an explanation of the marvelous change in Jean. It was not all +art: the intense detestation mingled with a savage joy that the object +of her hatred was in her power was too perfect to be feigned; and having +the key to a part of her story, Coventry felt as if he caught a glimpse +of the truth. It was but a glimpse, however, for the curtain dropped +before he had half analyzed the significance of that strange face. + +"Horrible! I'm glad it's over," said Lucia coldly. + +"Magnificent! Encore! Encore!" cried Gerald enthusiastically. + +But the scene was over, and no applause could recall the actress. Two or +three graceful or gay pictures followed, but Jean was in none, and each +lacked the charm which real talent lends to the simplest part. + +"Coventry, you are wanted," called a voice. And to everyone's surprise, +Coventry went, though heretofore he had always refused to exert himself +when handsome actors were in demand. + +"What part am I to spoil?" he asked, as he entered the green room, where +several excited young gentlemen were costuming and attitudinizing. + +"A fugitive cavalier. Put yourself into this suit, and lose no time +asking questions. Miss Muir will tell you what to do. She is in the +tableau, so no one will mind you," said the manager pro tem, throwing a +rich old suit toward Coventry and resuming the painting of a moustache +on his own boyish face. + +A gallant cavalier was the result of Gerald's hasty toilet, and when +he appeared before the ladies a general glance of admiration was +bestowed upon him. + +"Come along and be placed; Jean is ready on the stage." And Bella ran +before him, exclaiming to her governess, "Here he is, quite splendid. +Wasn't he good to do it?" + +Miss Muir, in the charmingly prim and puritanical dress of a Roundhead +damsel, was arranging some shrubs, but turned suddenly and dropped the +green branch she held, as her eye met the glittering figure advancing +toward her. + +"You!" she said with a troubled look, adding low to Bella, "Why did you +ask _him?_ I begged you not." + +"He is the only handsome man here, and the best actor if he likes. He +won't play usually, so make the most of him." And Bella was off to +finish powdering her hair for "The Marriage la Mode." + +"I was sent for and I came. Do you prefer some other person?" asked +Coventry, at a loss to understand the half-anxious, half-eager +expression of the face under the little cap. + +It changed to one of mingled annoyance and resignation as she said, "It +is too late. Please kneel here, half behind the shrubs; put down your +hat, and--allow me--you are too elegant for a fugitive." + +As he knelt before her, she disheveled his hair, pulled his lace collar +awry, threw away his gloves and sword, and half untied the cloak that +hung about his shoulders. + +"That is better; your paleness is excellent--nay, don't spoil it. We are +to represent the picture which hangs in the Hall. I need tell you no +more. Now, Roundheads, place yourselves, and then ring up the curtain." + +With a smile, Coventry obeyed her; for the picture was of two lovers, +the young cavalier kneeling, with his arm around the waist of the girl, +who tries to hide him with her little mantle, and presses his head to +her bosom in an ecstasy of fear, as she glances back at the approaching +pursuers. Jean hesitated an instant and shrank a little as his hand +touched her; she blushed deeply, and her eyes fell before his. Then, as +the bell rang, she threw herself into her part with sudden spirit. One +arm half covered him with her cloak, the other pillowed his head on the +muslin kerchief folded over her bosom, and she looked backward with such +terror in her eyes that more than one chivalrous young spectator longed +to hurry to the rescue. It lasted but a moment; yet in that moment +Coventry experienced another new sensation. Many women had smiled on +him, but he had remained heart-whole, cool, and careless, quite +unconscious of the power which a woman possesses and knows how to use, +for the weal or woe of man. Now, as he knelt there with a soft arm about +him, a slender waist yielding to his touch, and a maiden heart throbbing +against his cheek, for the first time in his life he felt the +indescribable spell of womanhood, and looked the ardent lover to +perfection. Just as his face assumed this new and most becoming aspect, +the curtain dropped, and clamorous encores recalled him to the fact that +Miss Muir was trying to escape from his hold, which had grown painful in +its unconscious pressure. He sprang up, half bewildered, and looking as +he had never looked before. + +"Again! Again!" called Sir John. And the young men who played the +Roundheads, eager to share in the applause begged for a repetition in +new attitudes. + +"A rustle has betrayed you, we have fired and shot the brave girl, and +she lies dying, you know. That will be effective; try it, Miss Muir," +said one. And with a long breath, Jean complied. + +The curtain went up, showing the lover still on his knees, unmindful of +the captors who clutched him by the shoulder, for at his feet the girl +lay dying. Her head was on his breast, now, her eyes looked full into +his, no longer wild with fear, but eloquent with the love which even +death could not conquer. The power of those tender eyes thrilled +Coventry with a strange delight, and set his heart beating as rapidly as +hers had done. She felt his hands tremble, saw the color flash into his +cheek, knew that she had touched him at last, and when she rose it was +with a sense of triumph which she found it hard to conceal. Others +thought it fine acting; Coventry tried to believe so; but Lucia set her +teeth, and, as the curtain fell on that second picture, she left her +place to hurry behind the scenes, bent on putting an end to such +dangerous play. Several actors were complimenting the mimic lovers. Jean +took it merrily, but Coventry, in spite of himself, betrayed that he was +excited by something deeper than mere gratified vanity. + +As Lucia appeared, his manner changed to its usual indifference; but he +could not quench the unwonted fire of his eyes, or keep all trace of +emotion out of his face, and she saw this with a sharp pang. + +"I have come to offer my help. You must be tired, Miss Muir. Can I +relieve you?" said Lucia hastily. + +"Yes, thank you. I shall be very glad to leave the rest to you, and +enjoy them from the front." + +So with a sweet smile Jean tripped away, and to Lucia's dismay +Coventry followed. + +"I want you, Gerald; please stay," she cried. + +"I've done my part--no more tragedy for me tonight." And he was gone +before she could entreat or command. + +There was no help for it; she must stay and do her duty, or expose her +jealousy to the quick eyes about her. For a time she bore it; but the +sight of her cousin leaning over the chair she had left and chatting +with the governess, who now filled it, grew unbearable, and she +dispatched a little girl with a message to Miss Muir. + +"Please, Miss Beaufort wants you for Queen Bess, as you are the only +lady with red hair. Will you come?" whispered the child, quite +unconscious of any hidden sting in her words. + +"Yes, dear, willingly though I'm not stately enough for Her Majesty, nor +handsome enough," said Jean, rising with an untroubled face, though she +resented the feminine insult. + +"Do you want an Essex? I'm all dressed for it," said Coventry, following +to the door with a wistful look. + +"No, Miss Beaufort said _you_ were not to come. She doesn't want you +both together," said the child decidedly. + +Jean gave him a significant look, shrugged her shoulders, and went away +smiling her odd smile, while Coventry paced up and down the hall in a +curious state of unrest, which made him forgetful of everything till the +young people came gaily out to supper. + +"Come, bonny Prince Charlie, take me down, and play the lover as +charmingly as you did an hour ago. I never thought you had so much +warmth in you," said Bella, taking his arm and drawing him on +against his will. + +"Don't be foolish, child. Where is--Lucia?" + +Why he checked Jean's name on his lips and substituted another's, he +could not tell; but a sudden shyness in speaking of her possessed him, +and though he saw her nowhere, he would not ask for her. His cousin came +down looking lovely in a classical costume; but Gerald scarcely saw her, +and, when the merriment was at its height, he slipped away to discover +what had become of Miss Muir. + +Alone in the deserted drawing room he found her, and paused to watch her +a moment before he spoke; for something in her attitude and face struck +him. She was leaning wearily back in the great chair which had served +for a throne. Her royal robes were still unchanged, though the crown was +off and all her fair hair hung about her shoulders. Excitement and +exertion made her brilliant, the rich dress became her wonderfully, and +an air of luxurious indolence changed the meek governess into a charming +woman. She leaned on the velvet cushions as if she were used to such +support; she played with the jewels which had crowned her as carelessly +as if she were born to wear them; her attitude was full of negligent +grace, and the expression of her face half proud, half pensive, as if +her thoughts were bittersweet. + +One would know she was wellborn to see her now. Poor girl, what a +burden a life of dependence must be to a spirit like hers! I wonder +what she is thinking of so intently. And Coventry indulged in another +look before he spoke. + +"Shall I bring you some supper, Miss Muir?" + +"Supper!" she ejaculated, with a start. "Who thinks of one's body when +one's soul is--" She stopped there, knit her brows, and laughed faintly +as she added, "No, thank you. I want nothing but advice, and that I dare +not ask of anyone." + +"Why not?" + +"Because I have no right." + +"Everyone has a right to ask help, especially the weak of the strong. +Can I help you? Believe me, I most heartily offer my poor services." + +"Ah, you forget! This dress, the borrowed splendor of these jewels, the +freedom of this gay evening, the romance of the part you played, all +blind you to the reality. For a moment I cease to be a servant, and for +a moment you treat me as an equal." + +It was true; he _had_ forgotten. That soft, reproachful glance touched +him, his distrust melted under the new charm, and he answered with real +feeling in voice and face, "I treat you as an equal because you _are_ +one; and when I offered help, it is not to my sister's governess alone, +but to Lady Howard's daughter." + +"Who told you that?" she demanded, sitting erect. + +"My uncle. Do not reproach him. It shall go no further, if you forbid +it. Are you sorry that I know it?" + +"Yes." + +"Why?" + +"Because I will not be pitied!" And her eyes flashed as she made a +half-defiant gesture. + +"Then, if I may not pity the hard fate which has befallen an innocent +life, may I admire the courage which meets adverse fortune so bravely, +and conquers the world by winning the respect and regard of all who see +and honor it?" + +Miss Muir averted her face, put up her hand, and answered hastily, "No, +no, not that! Do not be kind; it destroys the only barrier now left +between us. Be cold to me as before, forget what I am, and let me go on +my way, unknown, unpitied, and unloved!" + +Her voice faltered and failed as the last word was uttered, and she bent +her face upon her hand. Something jarred upon Coventry in this speech, +and moved him to say, almost rudely, "You need have no fears for me. +Lucia will tell you what an iceberg I am." + +"Then Lucia would tell me wrong. I have the fatal power of reading +character; I know you better than she does, and I see--" There she +stopped abruptly. + +"What? Tell me and prove your skill," he said eagerly. + +Turning, she fixed her eyes on him with a penetrating power that made +him shrink as she said slowly, "Under the ice I see fire, and warn you +to beware lest it prove a volcano." + +For a moment he sat dumb, wondering at the insight of the girl; for she +was the first to discover the hidden warmth of a nature too proud to +confess its tender impulses, or the ambitions that slept till some +potent voice awoke them. The blunt, almost stern manner in which she +warned him away from her only made her more attractive; for there was no +conceit or arrogance in it, only a foreboding fear emboldened by past +suffering to be frank. Suddenly he spoke impetuously: + +"You are right! I am not what I seem, and my indolent indifference is +but the mask under which I conceal my real self. I could be as +passionate, as energetic and aspiring as Ned, if I had any aim in +life. I have none, and so I am what you once called me, a thing to +pity and despise." + +"I never said that!" cried Jean indignantly. + +"Not in those words, perhaps; but you looked it and thought it, though +you phrased it more mildly. I deserved it, but I shall deserve it no +longer. I am beginning to wake from my disgraceful idleness, and long +for some work that shall make a man of me. Why do you go? I annoy you +with my confessions. Pardon me. They are the first I ever made; they +shall be the last." + +"No, oh no! I am too much honored by your confidence; but is it wise, is +it loyal to tell _me_ your hopes and aims? Has not Miss Beaufort the +first right to be your confidante?" + +Coventry drew back, looking intensely annoyed, for the name recalled +much that he would gladly have forgotten in the novel excitement of the +hour. Lucia's love, Edward's parting words, his own reserve so strangely +thrown aside, so difficult to resume. What he would have said was +checked by the sight of a half-open letter which fell from Jean's dress +as she moved away. Mechanically he took it up to return it, and, as he +did so, he recognized Sydney's handwriting. Jean snatched it from him, +turning pale to the lips as she cried, "Did you read it? What did you +see? Tell me, tell me, on your honor!" + +"On my honor, I saw nothing but this single sentence, 'By the love I +bear you, believe what I say.' No more, as I am a gentleman. I know the +hand, I guess the purport of the letter, and as a friend of Sydney, I +earnestly desire to help you, if I can. Is this the matter upon which +you want advice?" + +"Yes." + +"Then let me give it?" + +"You cannot, without knowing all, and it is so hard to tell!" + +"Let me guess it, and spare you the pain of telling. May I?" And +Coventry waited eagerly for her reply, for the spell was still upon him. + +Holding the letter fast, she beckoned him to follow, and glided before +him to a secluded little nook, half boudoir, half conservatory. There +she paused, stood an instant as if in doubt, then looked up at him with +confiding eyes and said decidedly, "I will do it; for, strange as it may +seem, you are the only person to whom I _can_ speak. You know Sydney, +you have discovered that I am an equal, you have offered your help. I +accept it; but oh, do not think me unwomanly! Remember how alone I am, +how young, and how much I rely upon your sincerity, your sympathy!" + +"Speak freely. I am indeed your friend." And Coventry sat down beside +her, forgetful of everything but the soft-eyed girl who confided in him +so entirely. + +Speaking rapidly, Jean went on, "You know that Sydney loved me, that I +refused him and went away. But you do not know that his importunities +nearly drove me wild, that he threatened to rob me of my only treasure, +my good name, and that, in desperation, I tried to kill myself. Yes, +mad, wicked as it was, I did long to end the life which was, at best, a +burden, and under his persecution had become a torment. You are shocked, +yet what I say is the living truth. Lady Sydney will confirm it, the +nurses at the hospital will confess that it was not a fever which +brought me there; and here, though the external wound is healed, my +heart still aches and burns with the shame and indignation which only a +proud woman can feel." + +She paused and sat with kindling eyes, glowing cheeks, and both hands +pressed to her heaving bosom, as if the old insult roused her spirit +anew. Coventry said not a word, for surprise, anger, incredulity, and +admiration mingled so confusedly in his mind that he forgot to speak, +and Jean went on, "That wild act of mine convinced him of my indomitable +dislike. He went away, and I believed that this stormy love of his would +be cured by absence. It is not, and I live in daily fear of fresh +entreaties, renewed persecution. His mother promised not to betray where +I had gone, but he found me out and wrote to me. The letter I asked you +to take to Lady Sydney was a reply to his, imploring him to leave me in +peace. You failed to deliver it, and I was glad, for I thought silence +might quench hope. All in vain; this is a more passionate appeal than +ever, and he vows he will never desist from his endeavors till I give +another man the right to protect me. I _can_ do this--I am sorely +tempted to do it, but I rebel against the cruelty. I love my freedom, I +have no wish to marry at this man's bidding. What can I do? How can I +free myself? Be my friend, and help me!" + +Tears streamed down her cheeks, sobs choked her words, and she clasped +her hands imploringly as she turned toward the young man in all the +abandonment of sorrow, fear, and supplication. Coventry found it hard to +meet those eloquent eyes and answer calmly, for he had no experience in +such scenes and knew not how to play his part. It is this absurd dress +and that romantic nonsense which makes me feel so unlike myself, he +thought, quite unconscious of the dangerous power which the dusky room, +the midsummer warmth and fragrance, the memory of the "romantic +nonsense," and, most of all, the presence of a beautiful, afflicted +woman had over him. His usual self-possession deserted him, and he could +only echo the words which had made the strongest impression upon him: + +"You _can_ do this, you are tempted to do it. Is Ned the man who can +protect you?" + +"No" was the soft reply. + +"Who then?" + +"Do not ask me. A good and honorable man; one who loves me well, and +would devote his life to me; one whom once it would have been happiness +to marry, but now--" + +There her voice ended in a sigh, and all her fair hair fell down about +her face, hiding it in a shining veil. + +"Why not now? This is a sure and speedy way of ending your distress. Is +it impossible?" + +In spite of himself, Gerald leaned nearer, took one of the little hands +in his, and pressed it as he spoke, urgently, compassionately, nay, +almost tenderly. From behind the veil came a heavy sigh, and the brief +answer, "It is impossible." + +"Why, Jean?" + +She flung her hair back with a sudden gesture, drew away her hand, and +answered, almost fiercely, "Because I do not love him! Why do you +torment me with such questions? I tell you I am in a sore strait and +cannot see my way. Shall I deceive the good man, and secure peace at the +price of liberty and truth? Or shall I defy Sydney and lead a life of +dread? If he menaced my life, I should not fear; but he menaces that +which is dearer than life--my good name. A look, a word can tarnish it; +a scornful smile, a significant shrug can do me more harm than any blow; +for I am a woman--friendless, poor, and at the mercy of his tongue. Ah, +better to have died, and so have been saved the bitter pain that has +come now!" + +She sprang up, clasped her hands over her head, and paced despairingly +through the little room, not weeping, but wearing an expression more +tragical than tears. Still feeling as if he had suddenly stepped into a +romance, yet finding a keen pleasure in the part assigned him, Coventry +threw himself into it with spirit, and heartily did his best to console +the poor girl who needed help so much. Going to her, he said as +impetuously as Ned ever did, "Miss Muir--nay, I will say Jean, if that +will comfort you--listen, and rest assured that no harm shall touch you +if I can ward it off. You are needlessly alarmed. Indignant you may well +be, but, upon my life, I think you wrong Sydney. He is violent, I know, +but he is too honorable a man to injure you by a light word, an unjust +act. He did but threaten, hoping to soften you. Let me see him, or write +to him. He is my friend; he will listen to me. Of that I am sure." + +"Be sure of nothing. When a man like Sydney loves and is thwarted in his +love, nothing can control his headstrong will. Promise me you will not +see or write to him. Much as I fear and despise him, I will submit, +rather than any harm should befall you--or your brother. You promise me, +Mr. Coventry?" + +He hesitated. She clung to his arm with unfeigned solicitude in her +eager, pleading face, and he could not resist it. + +"I promise; but in return you must promise to let me give what help I +can; and, Jean, never say again that you are friendless." + +"You are so kind! God bless you for it. But I dare not accept +your friendship; she will not permit it, and I have no right to +mar her peace." + +"Who will not permit it?" he demanded hotly. + +"Miss Beaufort." + +"Hang Miss Beaufort!" exclaimed Coventry, with such energy that Jean +broke into a musical laugh, despite her trouble. He joined in it, and, +for an instant they stood looking at one another as if the last barrier +were down, and they were friends indeed. Jean paused suddenly, with the +smile on her lips, the tears still on her cheek, and made a warning +gesture. He listened: the sound of feet mingled with calls and laughter +proved that they were missed and sought. + +"That laugh betrayed us. Stay and meet them. I cannot." And Jean darted +out upon the lawn. Coventry followed; for the thought of confronting so +many eyes, so many questions, daunted him, and he fled like a coward. +The sound of Jean's flying footsteps guided him, and he overtook her +just as she paused behind a rose thicket to take breath. + +"Fainthearted knight! You should have stayed and covered my retreat. +Hark! they are coming! Hide! Hide!" she panted, half in fear, half in +merriment, as the gay pursuers rapidly drew nearer. + +"Kneel down; the moon is coming out and the glitter of your embroidery +will betray you," whispered Jean, as they cowered behind the roses. + +"Your arms and hair will betray you. 'Come under my plaiddie,' as the +song says." And Coventry tried to make his velvet cloak cover the white +shoulders and fair locks. + +"We are acting our parts in reality now. How Bella will enjoy the thing +when I tell her!" said Jean as the noises died away. + +"Do not tell her," whispered Coventry. + +"And why not?" she asked, looking up into the face so near her own, with +an artless glance. + +"Can you not guess why?" + +"Ah, you are so proud you cannot bear to be laughed at." + +"It is not that. It is because I do not want you to be annoyed by silly +tongues; you have enough to pain you without that. I am your friend, +now, and I do my best to prove it." + +"So kind, so kind! How can I thank you?" murmured Jean. And she +involuntarily nestled closer under the cloak that sheltered both. + +Neither spoke for a moment, and in the silence the rapid beating of two +hearts was heard. To drown the sound, Coventry said softly, "Are you +frightened?" + +"No, I like it," she answered, as softly, then added abruptly, "But why +do we hide? There is nothing to fear. It is late. I must go. You are +kneeling on my train. Please rise." + +"Why in such haste? This flight and search only adds to the charm of the +evening. I'll not get up yet. Will you have a rose, Jean?" + +"No, I will not. Let me go, Mr. Coventry, I insist. There has been +enough of this folly. You forget yourself." + +She spoke imperiously, flung off the cloak, and put him from her. He +rose at once, saying, like one waking suddenly from a pleasant dream, "I +do indeed forget myself." + +Here the sound of voices broke on them, nearer than before. Pointing to +a covered walk that led to the house, he said, in his usually cool, calm +tone, "Go in that way; I will cover your retreat." And turning, he went +to meet the merry hunters. + +Half an hour later, when the party broke up, Miss Muir joined them in +her usual quiet dress, looking paler, meeker, and sadder than usual. +Coventry saw this, though he neither looked at her nor addressed her. +Lucia saw it also, and was glad that the dangerous girl had fallen back +into her proper place again, for she had suffered much that night. She +appropriated her cousin's arm as they went through the park, but he was +in one of his taciturn moods, and all her attempts at conversation were +in vain. Miss Muir walked alone, singing softly to herself as she +followed in the dusk. Was Gerald so silent because he listened to that +fitful song? Lucia thought so, and felt her dislike rapidly deepening +to hatred. + +When the young friends were gone, and the family were exchanging +good-nights among themselves, Jean was surprised by Coventry's offering +his hand, for he had never done it before, and whispering, as he held +it, though Lucia watched him all the while, "I have not given my +advice, yet." + +"Thanks, I no longer need it. I have decided for myself." + +"May I ask how?" + +"To brave my enemy." + +"Good! But what decided you so suddenly?" + +"The finding of a friend." And with a grateful glance she was gone. + + + + +_Chapter VI_ + + +ON THE WATCH + +"If you please, Mr. Coventry, did you get the letter last night?" were +the first words that greeted the "young master" as he left his room +next morning. + +"What letter, Dean? I don't remember any," he answered, pausing, for +something in the maid's manner struck him as peculiar. + +"It came just as you left for the Hall, sir. Benson ran after you with +it, as it was marked 'Haste.' Didn't you get it, sir?" asked the woman, +anxiously. + +"Yes, but upon my life, I forgot all about it till this minute. It's in +my other coat, I suppose, if I've not lost it. That absurd masquerading +put everything else out of my head." And speaking more to himself than +to the maid, Coventry turned back to look for the missing letter. + +Dean remained where she was, apparently busy about the arrangement of +the curtains at the hall window, but furtively watching meanwhile with a +most unwonted air of curiosity. + +"Not there, I thought so!" she muttered, as Coventry impatiently thrust +his hand into one pocket after another. But as she spoke, an expression +of amazement appeared in her face, for suddenly the letter was +discovered. + +"I'd have sworn it wasn't there! I don't understand it, but she's a deep +one, or I'm much deceived." And Dean shook her head like one perplexed, +but not convinced. + +Coventry uttered an exclamation of satisfaction on glancing at the +address and, standing where he was, tore open the letter. + + Dear C: + + I'm off to Baden. Come and join me, then you'll be out of harm's way; + for if you fall in love with J.M. (and you can't escape if you stay + where she is), you will incur the trifling inconvenience of having + your brains blown out by + + Yours truly, F.R. Sydney + +"The man is mad!" ejaculated Coventry, staring at the letter while an +angry flush rose to his face. "What the deuce does he mean by writing to +me in that style? Join him--not I! And as for the threat, I laugh at it. +Poor Jean! This headstrong fool seems bent on tormenting her. Well, +Dean, what are you waiting for?" he demanded, as if suddenly conscious +of her presence. + +"Nothing, sir; I only stopped to see if you found the letter. Beg +pardon, sir." + +And she was moving on when Coventry asked, with a suspicious look, "What +made you think it was lost? You seem to take an uncommon interest in my +affairs today." + +"Oh dear, no, sir. I felt a bit anxious, Benson is so forgetful, and it +was me who sent him after you, for I happened to see you go out, so I +felt responsible. Being marked that way, I thought it might be important +so I asked about it." + +"Very well, you can go, Dean. It's all right, you see." + +"I'm not so sure of that," muttered the woman, as she curtsied +respectfully and went away, looking as if the letter had _not_ +been found. + +Dean was Miss Beaufort's maid, a grave, middle-aged woman with keen eyes +and a somewhat grim air. Having been long in the family, she enjoyed all +the privileges of a faithful and favorite servant. She loved her young +mistress with an almost jealous affection. She watched over her with the +vigilant care of a mother and resented any attempt at interference on +the part of others. At first she had pitied and liked Jean Muir, then +distrusted her, and now heartily hated her, as the cause of the +increased indifference of Coventry toward his cousin. Dean knew the +depth of Lucia's love, and though no man, in her eyes, was worthy of her +mistress, still, having honored him with her regard, Dean felt bound to +like him, and the late change in his manner disturbed the maid almost as +much as it did the mistress. She watched Jean narrowly, causing that +amiable creature much amusement but little annoyance, as yet, for Dean's +slow English wit was no match for the subtle mind of the governess. On +the preceding night, Dean had been sent up to the Hall with costumes and +had there seen something which much disturbed her. She began to speak of +it while undressing her mistress, but Lucia, being in an unhappy mood, +had so sternly ordered her not to gossip that the tale remained untold, +and she was forced to bide her tune. + +Now I'll see how _she_ looks after it; though there's not much to be got +out of _her_ face, the deceitful hussy, thought Dean, marching down the +corridor and knitting her black brows as she went. + +"Good morning, Mrs. Dean. I hope you are none the worse for last night's +frolic. You had the work and we the play," said a blithe voice behind +her; and turning sharply, she confronted Miss Muir. Fresh and smiling, +the governess nodded with an air of cordiality which would have been +irresistible with anyone but Dean. + +"I'm quite well, thank you, miss," she returned coldly, as her keen eye +fastened on the girl as if to watch the effect of her words. "I had a +good rest when the young ladies and gentlemen were at supper, for while +the maids cleared up, I sat in the 'little anteroom.'" + +"Yes, I saw you, and feared you'd take cold. Very glad you didn't. How +is Miss Beaufort? She seemed rather poorly last night" was the tranquil +reply, as Jean settled the little frills about her delicate wrists. The +cool question was a return shot for Dean's hint that she had been where +she could oversee the interview between Coventry and Miss Muir. + +"She is a bit tired, as any _lady_ would be after such an evening. +People who are _used_ to _play-acting_ wouldn't mind it, perhaps, but +Miss Beaufort don't enjoy _romps_ as much as _some_ do." + +The emphasis upon certain words made Dean's speech as impertinent as she +desired. But Jean only laughed, and as Coventry's step was heard behind +them, she ran downstairs, saying blandly, but with a wicked look, "I +won't stop to thank you now, lest Mr. Coventry should bid me +good-morning, and so increase Miss Beaufort's indisposition." + +Dean's eyes flashed as she looked after the girl with a wrathful face, +and went her way, saying grimly, "I'll bide my time, but I'll get the +better of her yet." + +Fancying himself quite removed from "last night's absurdity," yet +curious to see how Jean would meet him, Coventry lounged into the +breakfast room with his usual air of listless indifference. A languid +nod and murmur was all the reply he vouchsafed to the greetings of +cousin, sister, and governess as he sat down and took up his paper. + +"Have you had a letter from Ned?" asked Bella, looking at the note which +her brother still held. + +"No" was the brief answer. + +"Who then? You look as if you had received bad news." + +There was no reply, and, peeping over his arm, Bella caught sight of the +seal and exclaimed, in a disappointed tone, "It is the Sydney crest. I +don't care about the note now. Men's letters to each other are not +interesting." + +Miss Muir had been quietly feeding one of Edward's dogs, but at the name +she looked up and met Coventry's eyes, coloring so distressfully that he +pitied her. Why he should take the trouble to cover her confusion, he +did not stop to ask himself, but seeing the curl of Lucia's lip, he +suddenly addressed her with an air of displeasure, "Do you know that +Dean is getting impertinent? She presumes too much on her age and your +indulgence, and forgets her place." + +"What has she done?" asked Lucia coldly. + +"She troubles herself about my affairs and takes it upon herself to keep +Benson in order." + +Here Coventry told about the letter and the woman's evident curiosity. + +"Poor Dean, she gets no thanks for reminding you of what you had +forgotten. Next time she will leave your letters to their fate, and +perhaps it will be as well, if they have such a bad effect upon your +temper, Gerald." + +Lucia spoke calmly, but there was an angry color in her cheek as she +rose and left the room. Coventry looked much annoyed, for on Jean's face +he detected a faint smile, half pitiful, half satirical, which disturbed +him more than his cousin's insinuation. Bella broke the awkward silence +by saying, with a sigh, "Poor Ned! I do so long to hear again from him. +I thought a letter had come for some of us. Dean said she saw one +bearing his writing on the hall table yesterday." + +"She seems to have a mania for inspecting letters. I won't allow it. Who +was the letter for, Bella?" said Coventry, putting down his paper. + +"She wouldn't or couldn't tell, but looked very cross and told me +to ask you." + +"Very odd! I've had none," began Coventry. + +"But I had one several days ago. Will you please read it, and my reply?" +And as she spoke, Jean laid two letters before him. + +"Certainly not. It would be dishonorable to read what Ned intended for +no eyes but your own. You are too scrupulous in one way, and not enough +so in another, Miss Muir." And Coventry offered both the letters with +an air of grave decision, which could not conceal the interest and +surprise he felt. + +"You are right. Mr. Edward's note _should_ be kept sacred, for in it the +poor boy has laid bare his heart to me. But mine I beg you will read, +that you may see how well I try to keep my word to you. Oblige me in +this, Mr. Coventry; I have a right to ask it of you." + +So urgently she spoke, so wistfully she looked, that he could not refuse +and, going to the window, read the letter. It was evidently an answer to +a passionate appeal from the young lover, and was written with +consummate skill. As he read, Gerald could not help thinking, If this +girl writes in this way to a man whom she does _not_ love, with what a +world of power and passion would she write to one whom she _did_ love. +And this thought kept returning to him as his eye went over line after +line of wise argument, gentle reproof, good counsel, and friendly +regard. Here and there a word, a phrase, betrayed what she had already +confessed, and Coventry forgot to return the letter, as he stood +wondering who was the man whom Jean loved. + +The sound of Bella's voice recalled him, for she was saying, half +kindly, half petulantly, "Don't look so sad, Jean. Ned will outlive it, +I dare say. You remember you said once men never died of love, though +women might. In his one note to me, he spoke so beautifully of you, and +begged me to be kind to you for his sake, that I try to be with all my +heart, though if it was anyone but you, I really think I should hate +them for making my dear boy so unhappy." + +"You are too kind, Bella, and I often think I'll go away to relieve you +of my presence; but unwise and dangerous as it is to stay, I haven't the +courage to go. I've been so happy here." And as she spoke, Jean's head +dropped lower over the dog as it nestled to her affectionately. + +Before Bella could utter half the loving words that sprang to her lips, +Coventry came to them with all languor gone from face and mien, and +laying Jean's letter before her, he said, with an undertone of deep +feeling in his usually emotionless voice, "A right womanly and eloquent +letter, but I fear it will only increase the fire it was meant to +quench. I pity my brother more than ever now." + +"Shall I send it?" asked Jean, looking straight up at him, like one who +had entire reliance on his judgment. + +"Yes, I have not the heart to rob him of such a sweet sermon upon +self-sacrifice. Shall I post it for you?" + +"Thank you; in a moment." And with a grateful look, Jean dropped her +eyes. Producing her little purse, she selected a penny, folded it in a +bit of paper, and then offered both letter and coin to Coventry, with +such a pretty air of business, that he could not control a laugh. + +"So you won't be indebted to me for a penny? What a proud woman you are, +Miss Muir." + +"I am; it's a family failing." And she gave him a significant glance, +which recalled to him the memory of who she was. He understood her +feeling, and liked her the better for it, knowing that he would have +done the same had he been in her place. It was a little thing, but if +done for effect, it answered admirably, for it showed a quick insight +into his character on her part, and betrayed to him the existence of a +pride in which he sympathized heartily. He stood by Jean a moment, +watching her as she burnt Edward's letter in the blaze of the spirit +lamp under the urn. + +"Why do you do that?" he asked involuntarily. + +"Because it is my duty to forget" was all her answer. + +"Can you always forget when it becomes a duty?" + +"I wish I could! I wish I could!" + +She spoke passionately, as if the words broke from her against her will, +and, rising hastily, she went into the garden, as if afraid to stay. + +"Poor, dear Jean is very unhappy about something, but I can't discover +what it is. Last night I found her crying over a rose, and now she runs +away, looking as if her heart was broken. I'm glad I've got no lessons." + +"What kind of a rose?" asked Coventry from behind his paper as +Bella paused. + +"A lovely white one. It must have come from the Hall; we have none like +it. I wonder if Jean was ever going to be married, and lost her lover, +and felt sad because the flower reminded her of bridal roses." + +Coventry made no reply, but felt himself change countenance as he +recalled the little scene behind the rose hedge, where he gave Jean the +flower which she had refused yet taken. Presently, to Bella's surprise, +he flung down the paper, tore Sydney's note to atoms, and rang for his +horse with an energy which amazed her. + +"Why, Gerald, what has come over you? One would think Ned's restless +spirit had suddenly taken possession of you. What are you going to do?" + +"I'm going to work" was the unexpected answer, as Coventry turned toward +her with an expression so rarely seen on his fine face. + +"What has waked you up all at once?" asked Bella, looking more and +more amazed. + +"You did," he said, drawing her toward him. + +"I! When? How?" + +"Do you remember saying once that energy was better than beauty in a +man, and that no one could respect an idler?" + +"I never said anything half so sensible as that. Jean said something +like it once, I believe, but I forgot. Are you tired of doing nothing, +at last, Gerald?" + +"Yes, I neglected my duty to Ned, till he got into trouble, and now I +reproach myself for it. It's not too late to do other neglected tasks, +so I'm going at them with a will. Don't say anything about it to anyone, +and don't laugh at me, for I'm in earnest, Bell." + +"I know you are, and I admire and love you for it, my dear old boy," +cried Bella enthusiastically, as she threw her arms about his neck and +kissed him heartily. "What will you do first?" she asked, as he stood +thoughtfully smoothing the bright head that leaned upon his shoulder, +with that new expression still clear and steady in his face. + +"I'm going to ride over the whole estate, and attend to things as a +master should; not leave it all to Bent, of whom I've heard many +complaints, but have been too idle to inquire about them. I shall +consult Uncle, and endeavor to be all that my father was in his time. Is +that a worthy ambition, dear?" + +"Oh, Gerald, let me tell Mamma. It will make her so happy. You are her +idol, and to hear you say these things, to see you look so like dear +Papa, would do more for her spirits than all the doctors in England." + +"Wait till I prove what my resolution is worth. When I have really done +something, then I'll surprise Mamma with a sample of my work." + +"Of course you'll tell Lucia?" + +"Not on any account. It is a little secret between us, so keep it till I +give you leave to tell it." + +"But Jean will see it at once; she knows everything that happens, she is +so quick and wise. Do you mind her knowing?" + +"I don't see that I can help it if she is so wonderfully gifted. Let her +see what she can, I don't mind her. Now I'm off." And with a kiss to his +sister, a sudden smile on his face, Coventry sprang upon his horse and +rode away at a pace which caused the groom to stare after him in blank +amazement. + +Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so +exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some +difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once +astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which +till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him. Lucia was +amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire +to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him +with the air of one who said, "I understand, but you will soon tire of +it." This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself +to silently contradict that prophecy. + +"Have you answered Mr. Sydney's letter?" asked Bella, when they were all +scattered about the drawing room after dinner. + +"No," answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless +steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin. + +"I ask because I remembered that Ned sent a message for him in my last +note, as he thought you would know Sydney's address. Here it is, +something about a horse. Please put it in when you write," and Bella +laid the note on the writing table nearby. + +"I'll send it at once and have done with it," muttered Coventry and, +seating himself, he dashed off a few lines, sealed and sent the letter, +and then resumed his march, eyeing the three young ladies with three +different expressions, as he passed and repassed. Lucia sat apart, +feigning to be intent upon a book, and her handsome face looked almost +stern in its haughty composure, for though her heart ached, she was too +proud to own it. Bella now lay on the sofa, half asleep, a rosy little +creature, as unconsciously pretty as a child. Miss Muir sat in the +recess of a deep window, in a low lounging chair, working at an +embroidery frame with a graceful industry pleasant to see. Of late she +had worn colors, for Bella had been generous in gifts, and the pale blue +muslin which flowed in soft waves about her was very becoming to her +fair skin and golden hair. The close braids were gone, and loose curls +dropped here and there from the heavy coil wound around her well-shaped +head. The tip of one dainty foot was visible, and a petulant little +gesture which now and then shook back the falling sleeve gave glimpses +of a round white arm. Ned's great hound lay nearby, the sunshine +flickered on her through the leaves, and as she sat smiling to herself, +while the dexterous hands shaped leaf and flower, she made a charming +picture of all that is most womanly and winning; a picture which few +men's eyes would not have liked to rest upon. + +Another chair stood near her, and as Coventry went up and down, a strong +desire to take it possessed him. He was tired of his thoughts and wished +to be amused by watching the changes of the girl's expressive face, +listening to the varying tones of her voice, and trying to discover the +spell which so strongly attracted him in spite of himself. More than +once he swerved from his course to gratify his whim, but Lucia's +presence always restrained him, and with a word to the dog, or a glance +from the window, as pretext for a pause, he resumed his walk again. +Something in his cousin's face reproached him, but her manner of late +was so repellent that he felt no desire to resume their former +familiarity, and, wishing to show that he did not consider himself +bound, he kept aloof. It was a quiet test of the power of each woman +over this man; they instinctively felt it, and both tried to conquer. +Lucia spoke several times, and tried to speak frankly and affably; but +her manner was constrained, and Coventry, having answered politely, +relapsed into silence. Jean said nothing, but silently appealed to eye +and ear by the pretty picture she made of herself, the snatches of song +she softly sang, as if forgetting that she was not alone, and a shy +glance now and then, half wistful, half merry, which was more alluring +than graceful figure or sweet voice. When she had tormented Lucia and +tempted Coventry long enough, she quietly asserted her supremacy in a +way which astonished her rival, who knew nothing of the secret of her +birth, which knowledge did much to attract and charm the young man. +Letting a ball of silk escape from her lap, she watched it roll toward +the promenader, who caught and returned it with an alacrity which added +grace to the trifling service. As she took it, she said, in the frank +way that never failed to win him, "I think you must be tired; but if +exercise is necessary, employ your energies to some purpose and put your +mother's basket of silks in order. They are in a tangle, and it will +please her to know that you did it, as your brother used to do." + +"Hercules at the distaff," said Coventry gaily, and down he sat in the +long-desired seat. Jean put the basket on his knee, and as he surveyed +it, as if daunted at his task, she leaned back, and indulged in a +musical little peal of laughter charming to hear. Lucia sat dumb with +surprise, to see her proud, indolent cousin obeying the commands of a +governess, and looking as if he heartily enjoyed it. In ten minutes she +was as entirely forgotten as if she had been miles away; for Jean seemed +in her wittiest, gayest mood, and as she now treated the "young master" +like an equal, there was none of the former meek timidity. Yet often her +eyes fell, her color changed, and the piquant sallies faltered on her +tongue, as Coventry involuntarily looked deep into the fine eyes which +had once shone on him so tenderly in that mimic tragedy. He could not +forget it, and though neither alluded to it, the memory of the previous +evening seemed to haunt both and lend a secret charm to the present +moment. Lucia bore this as long as she could, and then left the room +with the air of an insulted princess; but Coventry did not, and Jean +feigned not to see her go. Bella was fast asleep, and before he knew how +it came to pass, the young man was listening to the story of his +companion's life. A sad tale, told with wonderful skill, for soon he was +absorbed in it. The basket slid unobserved from his knee, the dog was +pushed away, and, leaning forward, he listened eagerly as the girl's low +voice recounted all the hardships, loneliness, and grief of her short +life. In the midst of a touching episode she started, stopped, and +looked straight before her, with an intent expression which changed to +one of intense contempt, and her eye turned to Coventry's, as she said, +pointing to the window behind him, "We are watched." + +"By whom?" he demanded, starting up angrily. + +"Hush, say nothing, let it pass. I am used to it." + +"But _I_ am not, and I'll not submit to it. Who was it, Jean?" he +answered hotly. + +She smiled significantly at a knot of rose-colored ribbon, which a +little gust was blowing toward them along the terrace. A black frown +darkened the young man's face as he sprang out of the long window and +went rapidly out of sight, scrutinizing each green nook as he passed. +Jean laughed quietly as she watched him, and said softly to herself, +with her eyes on the fluttering ribbon, "That was a fortunate accident, +and a happy inspiration. Yes, my dear Mrs. Dean, you will find that +playing the spy will only get your mistress as well as yourself into +trouble. You would not be warned, and you must take the consequences, +reluctant as I am to injure a worthy creature like yourself." + +Soon Coventry was heard returning. Jean listened with suspended breath +to catch his first words, for he was not alone. + +"Since you insist that it was you and not your mistress, I let it pass, +although I still have my suspicions. Tell Miss Beaufort I desire to see +her for a few moments in the library. Now go, Dean, and be careful for +the future, if you wish to stay in my house." + +The maid retired, and the young man came in looking both ireful +and stern. + +"I wish I had said nothing, but I was startled, and spoke involuntarily. +Now you are angry, and I have made fresh trouble for poor Miss Lucia. +Forgive me as I forgive her, and let it pass. I have learned to bear +this surveillance, and pity her causeless jealousy," said Jean, with a +self-reproachful air. + +"I will forgive the dishonorable act, but I cannot forget it, and I +intend to put a stop to it. I am not betrothed to my cousin, as I told +you once, but you, like all the rest, seem bent on believing that I am. +Hitherto I have cared too little about the matter to settle it, but now +I shall prove beyond all doubt that I am free." + +As he uttered the last word, Coventry cast on Jean a look that affected +her strangely. She grew pale, her work dropped on her lap, and her eyes +rose to his, with an eager, questioning expression, which slowly changed +to one of mingled pain and pity, as she turned her face away, murmuring +in a tone of tender sorrow, "Poor Lucia, who will comfort her?" + +For a moment Coventry stood silent, as if weighing some fateful purpose +in his mind. As Jean's rapt sigh of compassion reached his ear, he had +echoed it within himself, and half repented of his resolution; then his +eye rested on the girl before him looking so lonely in her sweet +sympathy for another that his heart yearned toward her. Sudden fire shot +into his eye, sudden warmth replaced the cold sternness of his face, and +his steady voice faltered suddenly, as he said, very low, yet very +earnestly, "Jean, I have tried to love her, but I cannot. Ought I to +deceive her, and make myself miserable to please my family?" + +"She is beautiful and good, and loves you tenderly; is there no hope for +her?" asked Jean, still pale, but very quiet, though she held one hand +against her heart, as if to still or hide its rapid beating. + +"None," answered Coventry. + +"But can you not learn to love her? Your will is strong, and most men +would not find it a hard task." + +"I cannot, for something stronger than my own will controls me." + +"What is that?" And Jean's dark eyes were fixed upon him, full of +innocent wonder. + +His fell, and he said hastily, "I dare not tell you yet." + +"Pardon! I should not have asked. Do not consult me in this matter; I am +not the person to advise you. I can only say that it seems to me as if +any man with an empty heart would be glad to have so beautiful a woman +as your cousin." + +"My heart is not empty," began Coventry, drawing a step nearer, and +speaking in a passionate voice. "Jean, I _must_ speak; hear me. I cannot +love my cousin, because I love you." + +"Stop!" And Jean sprang up with a commanding gesture. "I will not hear +you while any promise binds you to another. Remember your mother's +wishes, Lucia's hopes, Edward's last words, your own pride, my humble +lot. You forget yourself, Mr. Coventry. Think well before you speak, +weigh the cost of this act, and recollect who I am before you insult me +by any transient passion, any false vows." + +"I have thought, I do weigh the cost, and I swear that I desire to woo +you as humbly, honestly as I would any lady in the land. You speak of my +pride. Do I stoop in loving my equal in rank? You speak of your lowly +lot, but poverty is no disgrace, and the courage with which you bear it +makes it beautiful. I should have broken with Lucia before I spoke, but +I could not control myself. My mother loves you, and will be happy in my +happiness. Edward must forgive me, for I have tried to do my best, but +love is irresistible. Tell me, Jean, is there any hope for me?" + +He had seized her hand and was speaking impetuously, with ardent face +and tender tone, but no answer came, for as Jean turned her eloquent +countenance toward him, full of maiden shame and timid love, Dean's prim +figure appeared at the door, and her harsh voice broke the momentary +silence, saying, sternly, "Miss Beaufort is waiting for you, sir." + +"Go, go at once, and be kind, for my sake, Gerald," whispered Jean, for +he stood as if deaf and blind to everything but her voice, her face. + +As she drew his head down to whisper, her cheek touched his, and +regardless of Dean, he kissed it, passionately, whispering back, "My +little Jean! For your sake I can be anything." + +"Miss Beaufort is waiting. Shall I say you will come, sir?" demanded +Dean, pale and grim with indignation. + +"Yes, yes, I'll come. Wait for me in the garden, Jean." And Coventry +hurried away, in no mood for the interview but anxious to have it over. + +As the door closed behind him, Dean walked up to Miss Muir, trembling +with anger, and laying a heavy hand on her arm, she said below her +breath, "I've been expecting this, you artful creature. I saw your game +and did my best to spoil it, but you are too quick for me. You think +you've got him. There you are mistaken; for as sure as my name is Hester +Dean, I'll prevent it, or Sir John shall." + +"Take your hand away and treat me with proper respect, or you will be +dismissed from this house. Do you know who I am?" And Jean drew herself +up with a haughty air, which impressed the woman more deeply than her +words. "I am the daughter of Lady Howard and, if I choose it, can be the +wife of Mr. Coventry." + +Dean drew back amazed, yet not convinced. Being a well-trained servant, +as well as a prudent woman, she feared to overstep the bounds of +respect, to go too far, and get her mistress as well as herself into +trouble. So, though she still doubted Jean, and hated her more than +ever, she controlled herself. Dropping a curtsy, she assumed her usual +air of deference, and said, meekly, "I beg pardon, miss. If I'd known, I +should have conducted myself differently, of course, but ordinary +governesses make so much mischief in a house, one can't help mistrusting +them. I don't wish to meddle or be overbold, but being fond of my dear +young lady, I naturally take her part, and must say that Mr. Coventry +has not acted like a gentleman." + +"Think what you please, Dean, but I advise you to say as little as +possible if you wish to remain. I have not accepted Mr. Coventry yet, +and if he chooses to set aside the engagement his family made for him, I +think he has a right to do so. Miss Beaufort would hardly care to marry +him against his will, because he pities her for her unhappy love," and +with a tranquil smile, Miss Muir walked away. + + + + +_Chapter VII_ + + +THE LAST CHANCE + +"She will tell Sir John, will she? Then I must be before her, and hasten +events. It will be as well to have all sure before there can be any +danger. My poor Dean, you are no match for me, but you may prove +annoying, nevertheless." + +These thoughts passed through Miss Muir's mind as she went down the +hall, pausing an instant at the library door, for the murmur of voices +was heard. She caught no word, and had only time for an instant's +pause as Dean's heavy step followed her. Turning, Jean drew a chair +before the door, and, beckoning to the woman, she said, smiling still, +"Sit here and play watchdog. I am going to Miss Bella, so you can nod +if you will." + +"Thank you, miss. I will wait for my young lady. She may need me when +this hard time is over." And Dean seated herself with a resolute face. + +Jean laughed and went on; but her eyes gleamed with sudden malice, and +she glanced over her shoulder with an expression which boded ill for the +faithful old servant. + +"I've got a letter from Ned, and here is a tiny note for you," cried +Bella as Jean entered the boudoir. "Mine is a very odd, hasty letter, +with no news in it, but his meeting with Sydney. I hope yours is better, +or it won't be very satisfactory." + +As Sydney's name passed Bella's lips, all the color died out of Miss +Muir's face, and the note shook with the tremor of her hand. Her very +lips were white, but she said calmly, "Thank you. As you are busy, +I'll go and read my letter on the lawn." And before Bella could speak, +she was gone. + +Hurrying to a quiet nook, Jean tore open the note and read the few +blotted lines it contained. + +_I have seen Sydney; he has told me all; and, hard as I found it to +believe, it was impossible to doubt, for he has discovered proofs which +cannot be denied. I make no reproaches, shall demand no confession or +atonement, for I cannot forget that I once loved you. I give you three +days to find another home, before I return to tell the family who you +are. Go at once, I beseech you, and spare me the pain of seeing your +disgrace._ + +Slowly, steadily she read it twice over, then sat motionless, knitting +her brows in deep thought. Presently she drew a long breath, tore up the +note, and rising, went slowly toward the Hall, saying to herself, "Three +days, only three days! Can it be accomplished in so short a time? It +shall be, if wit and will can do it, for it is my last chance. If this +fails, I'll not go back to my old life, but end all at once." + +Setting her teeth and clenching her hands, as if some memory stung her, +she went on through the twilight, to find Sir John waiting to give her a +hearty welcome. + +"You look tired, my dear. Never mind the reading tonight; rest yourself, +and let the book go," he said kindly, observing her worn look. + +"Thank you, sir. I am tired, but I'd rather read, else the book will not +be finished before I go." + +"Go, child! Where are you going?" demanded Sir John, looking anxiously +at her as she sat down. + +"I will tell you by-and-by, sir." And opening the book, Jean read for a +little while. + +But the usual charm was gone; there was no spirit in the voice of the +reader, no interest in the face of the listener, and soon he said, +abruptly, "My dear, pray stop! I cannot listen with a divided mind. What +troubles you? Tell your friend, and let him comfort you." + +As if the kind words overcame her, Jean dropped the book, covered up her +face, and wept so bitterly that Sir John was much alarmed; for such a +demonstration was doubly touching in one who usually was all gaiety and +smiles. As he tried to soothe her, his words grew tender, his solicitude +full of a more than paternal anxiety, and his kind heart overflowed with +pity and affection for the weeping girl. As she grew calmer, he urged +her to be frank, promising to help and counsel her, whatever the +affliction or fault might be. + +"Ah, you are too kind, too generous! How can I go away and leave my one +friend?" sighed Jean, wiping the tears away and looking up at him with +grateful eyes. + +"Then you do care a little for the old man?" said Sir John with an eager +look, an involuntary pressure of the hand he held. + +Jean turned her face away, and answered, very low, "No one ever was +so kind to me as you have been. Can I help caring for you more than I +can express?" + +Sir John was a little deaf at times, but he heard that, and looked well +pleased. He had been rather thoughtful of late, had dressed with unusual +care, been particularly gallant and gay when the young ladies visited +him, and more than once, when Jean paused in the reading to ask a +question, he had been forced to confess that he had not been listening; +though, as she well knew, his eyes had been fixed upon her. Since the +discovery of her birth, his manner had been peculiarly benignant, and +many little acts had proved his interest and goodwill. Now, when Jean +spoke of going, a panic seized him, and desolation seemed about to fall +upon the old Hall. Something in her unusual agitation struck him as +peculiar and excited his curiosity. Never had she seemed so interesting +as now, when she sat beside him with tearful eyes, and some soft trouble +in her heart which she dared not confess. + +"Tell me everything, child, and let your friend help you if he can." +Formerly he said "father" or "the old man," but lately he always spoke +of himself as her "friend." + +"I will tell you, for I have no one else to turn to. I must go away +because Mr. Coventry has been weak enough to love me." + +"What, Gerald?" cried Sir John, amazed. + +"Yes; today he told me this, and left me to break with Lucia; so I ran +to you to help me prevent him from disappointing his mother's hopes +and plans." + +Sir John had started up and paced down the room, but as Jean paused he +turned toward her, saying, with an altered face, "Then you do not love +him? Is it possible?" + +"No, I do not love him," she answered promptly. + +"Yet he is all that women usually find attractive. How is it that you +have escaped, Jean?" + +"I love someone else" was the scarcely audible reply. + +Sir John resumed his seat with the air of a man bent on getting at a +mystery, if possible. + +"It will be unjust to let you suffer for the folly of these boys, my +little girl. Ned is gone, and I was sure that Gerald was safe; but now +that his turn has come, I am perplexed, for he cannot be sent away." + +"No, it is I who must go; but it seems so hard to leave this safe and +happy home, and wander away into the wide, cold world again. You have +all been too kind to me, and now separation breaks my heart." + +A sob ended the speech, and Jean's head went down upon her hands again. +Sir John looked at her a moment, and his fine old face was full of +genuine emotion, as he said slowly, "Jean, will you stay and be a +daughter to the solitary old man?" + +"No, sir" was the unexpected answer. + +"And why not?" asked Sir John, looking surprised, but rather pleased +than angry. + +"Because I could not be a daughter to you; and even if I could, it would +not be wise, for the gossips would say you were not old enough to be the +adopted father of a girl like me. Sir John, young as I am, I know much +of the world, and am sure that this kind plan is impractical; but I +thank you from the bottom of my heart." + +"Where will you go, Jean?" asked Sir John, after a pause. + +"To London, and try to find another situation where I can do no harm." + +"Will it be difficult to find another home?" + +"Yes. I cannot ask Mrs. Coventry to recommend me, when I have innocently +brought so much trouble into her family; and Lady Sydney is gone, so I +have no friend." + +"Except John Coventry. I will arrange all that. When will you go, Jean?" + +"Tomorrow." + +"So soon!" And the old man's voice betrayed the trouble he was trying +to conceal. + +Jean had grown very calm, but it was the calmness of desperation. She +had hoped that the first tears would produce the avowal for which she +waited. It had not, and she began to fear that her last chance was +slipping from her. Did the old man love her? If so, why did he not +speak? Eager to profit by each moment, she was on the alert for any +hopeful hint, any propitious word, look, or act, and every nerve was +strung to the utmost. + +"Jean, may I ask one question?" said Sir John. + +"Anything of me, sir." + +"This man whom you love--can he not help you?" + +"He could if he knew, but he must not." + +"If he knew what? Your present trouble?" + +"No. My love." + +"He does not know this, then?" + +"No, thank heaven! And he never will." + +"Why not?" + +"Because I am too proud to own it." + +"He loves you, my child?" + +"I do not know--I dare not hope it," murmured Jean. + +"Can I not help you here? Believe me, I desire to see you safe and +happy. Is there nothing I can do?" + +"Nothing, nothing." + +"May I know the name?" + +"No! No! Let me go; I cannot bear this questioning!" And Jean's +distressful face warned him to ask no more. + +"Forgive me, and let me do what I may. Rest here quietly. I'll write a +letter to a good friend of mine, who will find you a home, if you +leave us." + +As Sir John passed into his inner study, Jean watched him with +despairing eyes and wrung her hands, saying to herself, Has all my +skill deserted me when I need it most? How can I make him understand, +yet not overstep the bounds of maiden modesty? He is so blind, so +timid, or so dull he will not see, and time is going fast. What shall I +do to open his eyes? + +Her own eyes roved about the room, seeking for some aid from inanimate +things, and soon she found it. Close behind the couch where she sat hung +a fine miniature of Sir John. At first her eye rested on it as she +contrasted its placid comeliness with the unusual pallor and disquiet of +the living face seen through the open door, as the old man sat at his +desk trying to write and casting covert glances at the girlish figure he +had left behind him. Affecting unconsciousness of this, Jean gazed on as +if forgetful of everything but the picture, and suddenly, as if obeying +an irresistible impulse, she took it down, looked long and fondly at it, +then, shaking her curls about her face, as if to hide the act, pressed +it to her lips and seemed to weep over it in an uncontrollable paroxysm +of tender grief. A sound startled her, and like a guilty thing, she +turned to replace the picture; but it dropped from her hand as she +uttered a faint cry and hid her face, for Sir John stood before her, +with an expression which she could not mistake. + +"Jean, why did you do that?" he asked, in an eager, agitated voice. + +No answer, as the girl sank lower, like one overwhelmed with shame. +Laying his hand on the bent head, and bending his own, he whispered, +"Tell me, is the name John Coventry?" + +Still no answer, but a stifled sound betrayed that his words had +gone home. + +"Jean, shall I go back and write the letter, or may I stay and tell you +that the old man loves you better than a daughter?" + +She did not speak, but a little hand stole out from under the falling +hair, as if to keep him. With a broken exclamation he seized it, drew +her up into his arms, and laid his gray head on her fair one, too happy +for words. For a moment Jean Muir enjoyed her success; then, fearing +lest some sudden mishap should destroy it, she hastened to make all +secure. Looking up with well-feigned timidity and half-confessed +affection, she said softly, "Forgive me that I could not hide this +better. I meant to go away and never tell it, but you were so kind it +made the parting doubly hard. Why did you ask such dangerous questions? +Why did you look, when you should have been writing my dismissal?" + +"How could I dream that you loved me, Jean, when you refused the only +offer I dared make? Could I be presumptuous enough to fancy you would +reject young lovers for an old man like me?" asked Sir John, +caressing her. + +"You are not old, to me, but everything I love and honor!" interrupted +Jean, with a touch of genuine remorse, as this generous, honorable +gentleman gave her both heart and home, unconscious of deceit. "It is I +who am presumptuous, to dare to love one so far above me. But I did not +know how dear you were to me till I felt that I must go. I ought not to +accept this happiness. I am not worthy of it; and you will regret your +kindness when the world blames you for giving a home to one so poor, and +plain, and humble as I." + +"Hush, my darling. I care nothing for the idle gossip of the world. If +you are happy here, let tongues wag as they will. I shall be too busy +enjoying the sunshine of your presence to heed anything that goes on +about me. But, Jean, you are sure you love me? It seems incredible +that I should win the heart that has been so cold to younger, better +men than I." + +"Dear Sir John, be sure of this, I love you truly. I will do my best to +be a good wife to you, and prove that, in spite of my many faults, I +possess the virtue of gratitude." + +If he had known the strait she was in, he would have understood the +cause of the sudden fervor of her words, the intense thankfulness that +shone in her face, the real humility that made her stoop and kiss the +generous hand that gave so much. For a few moments she enjoyed and let +him enjoy the happy present, undisturbed. But the anxiety which devoured +her, the danger which menaced her, soon recalled her, and forced her to +wring yet more from the unsuspicious heart she had conquered. + +"No need of letters now," said Sir John, as they sat side by side, with +the summer moonlight glorifying all the room. "You have found a home for +life; may it prove a happy one." + +"It is not mine yet, and I have a strange foreboding that it never will +be," she answered sadly. + +"Why, my child?" + +"Because I have an enemy who will try to destroy my peace, to poison +your mind against me, and to drive me out from my paradise, to suffer +again all I have suffered this last year." + +"You mean that mad Sydney of whom you told me?" + +"Yes. As soon as he hears of this good fortune to poor little Jean, he +will hasten to mar it. He is my fate; I cannot escape him, and wherever +he goes my friends desert me; for he has the power and uses it for my +destruction. Let me go away and hide before he comes, for, having shared +your confidence, it will break my heart to see you distrust and turn +from me, instead of loving and protecting." + +"My poor child, you are superstitious. Be easy. No one can harm you now, +no one would dare attempt it. And as for my deserting you, that will +soon be out of my power, if I have my way." + +"How, dear Sir John?" asked Jean, with a flutter of intense relief at +her heart, for the way seemed smoothing before her. + +"I will make you my wife at once, if I may. This will free you from +Gerald's love, protect you from Sydney's persecution, give you a safe +home, and me the right to cherish and defend with heart and hand. Shall +it be so, my child?" + +"Yes; but oh, remember that I have no friend but you! Promise me to be +faithful to the last--to believe in me, to trust me, protect and love +me, in spite of all misfortunes, faults, and follies. I will be true as +steel to you, and make your life as happy as it deserves to be. Let us +promise these things now, and keep the promises unbroken to the end." + +Her solemn air touched Sir John. Too honorable and upright himself to +suspect falsehood in others, he saw only the natural impulse of a lovely +girl in Jean's words, and, taking the hand she gave him in both of his, +he promised all she asked, and kept that promise to the end. She paused +an instant, with a pale, absent expression, as if she searched herself, +then looked up clearly in the confiding face above her, and promised +what she faithfully performed in afteryears. + +"When shall it be, little sweetheart? I leave all to you, only let it be +soon, else some gay young lover will appear, and take you from me," said +Sir John, playfully, anxious to chase away the dark expression which had +stolen over Jean's face. + +"Can you keep a secret?" asked the girl, smiling up at him, all her +charming self again. + +"Try me." + +"I will. Edward is coming home in three days. I must be gone before he +comes. Tell no one of this; he wishes to surprise them. And if you love +me, tell nobody of your approaching marriage. Do not betray that you +care for me until I am really yours. There will be such a stir, such +remonstrances, explanations, and reproaches that I shall be worn out, +and run away from you all to escape the trial. If I could have my wish, +I would go to some quiet place tomorrow and wait till you come for me. I +know so little of such things, I cannot tell how soon we may be married; +not for some weeks, I think." + +"Tomorrow, if we like. A special license permits people to marry when +and where they please. My plan is better than yours. Listen, and tell me +if it can be carried out. I will go to town tomorrow, get the license, +invite my friend, the Reverend Paul Fairfax, to return with me, and +tomorrow evening you come at your usual time, and, in the presence of my +discreet old servants, make me the happiest man in England. How does +this suit you, my little Lady Coventry?" + +The plan which seemed made to meet her ends, the name which was the +height of her ambition, and the blessed sense of safety which came to +her filled Jean Muir with such intense satisfaction that tears of real +feeling stood in her eyes, and the glad assent she gave was the truest +word that had passed her lips for months. + +"We will go abroad or to Scotland for our honeymoon, till the storm +blows over," said Sir John, well knowing that this hasty marriage would +surprise or offend all his relations, and feeling as glad as Jean to +escape the first excitement. + +"To Scotland, please. I long to see my father's home," said Jean, who +dreaded to meet Sydney on the continent. + +They talked a little longer, arranging all things, Sir John so intent on +hurrying the event that Jean had nothing to do but give a ready assent +to all his suggestions. One fear alone disturbed her. If Sir John went +to town, he might meet Edward, might hear and believe his statements. +Then all would be lost. Yet this risk must be incurred, if the marriage +was to be speedily and safely accomplished; and to guard against the +meeting was Jean's sole care. As they went through the park--for Sir +John insisted upon taking her home--she said, clinging to his arm: + +"Dear friend, bear one thing in mind, else we shall be much annoyed, and +all our plans disarranged. Avoid your nephews; you are so frank your +face will betray you. They both love me, are both hot-tempered, and in +the first excitement of the discovery might be violent. You must incur +no danger, no disrespect for my sake; so shun them both till we are +safe--particularly Edward. He will feel that his brother has wronged +him, and that you have succeeded where he failed. This will irritate +him, and I fear a stormy scene. Promise to avoid both for a day or two; +do not listen to them, do not see them, do not write to or receive +letters from them. It is foolish, I know; but you are all I have, and I +am haunted by a strange foreboding that I am to lose you." + +Touched and flattered by her tender solicitude, Sir John promised +everything, even while he laughed at her fears. Love blinded the good +gentleman to the peculiarity of the request; the novelty, romance, and +secrecy of the affair rather bewildered though it charmed him; and the +knowledge that he had outrivaled three young and ardent lovers +gratified his vanity more than he would confess. Parting from the girl +at the garden gate, he turned homeward, feeling like a boy again, and +loitered back, humming a love lay, quite forgetful of evening damps, +gout, and the five-and-fifty years which lay so lightly on his +shoulders since Jean's arms had rested there. She hurried toward the +house, anxious to escape Coventry; but he was waiting for her, and she +was forced to meet him. + +"How could you linger so long, and keep me in suspense?" he said +reproachfully, as he took her hand and tried to catch a glimpse of her +face in the shadow of her hat brim. "Come and rest in the grotto. I have +so much to say, to hear and enjoy." + +"Not now; I am too tired. Let me go in and sleep. Tomorrow we will talk. +It is damp and chilly, and my head aches with all this worry." Jean +spoke wearily, yet with a touch of petulance, and Coventry, fancying +that she was piqued at his not coming for her, hastened to explain with +eager tenderness. + +"My poor little Jean, you do need rest. We wear you out, among us, and +you never complain. I should have come to bring you home, but Lucia +detained me, and when I got away I saw my uncle had forestalled me. I +shall be jealous of the old gentleman, if he is so devoted. Jean, tell +me one thing before we part; I am free as air, now, and have a right to +speak. Do you love me? Am I the happy man who has won your heart? I +dare to think so, to believe that this telltale face of yours has +betrayed you, and to hope that I have gained what poor Ned and wild +Sydney have lost." + +"Before I answer, tell me of your interview with Lucia. I have a right +to know," said Jean. + +Coventry hesitated, for pity and remorse were busy at his heart when he +recalled poor Lucia's grief. Jean was bent on hearing the humiliation of +her rival. As the young man paused, she frowned, then lifted up her face +wreathed in softest smiles, and laying her hand on his arm, she said, +with most effective emphasis, half shy, half fond, upon his name, +"Please tell me, Gerald!" + +He could not resist the look, the touch, the tone, and taking the little +hand in his, he said rapidly, as if the task was distasteful to him, "I +told her that I did not, could not love her; that I had submitted to my +mother's wish, and, for a time, had felt tacitly bound to her, though no +words had passed between us. But now I demanded my liberty, regretting +that the separation was not mutually desired." + +"And she--what did she say? How did she bear it?" asked Jean, feeling +in her own woman's heart how deeply Lucia's must have been wounded by +that avowal. + +"Poor girl! It was hard to bear, but her pride sustained her to the end. +She owned that no pledge tied me, fully relinquished any claim my past +behavior had seemed to have given her, and prayed that I might find +another woman to love me as truly, tenderly as she had done. Jean, I +felt like a villain; and yet I never plighted my word to her, never +really loved her, and had a perfect right to leave her, if I would." + +"Did she speak of me?" + +"Yes." + +"What did she say?" + +"Must I tell you?" + +"Yes, tell me everything. I know she hates me and I forgive her, knowing +that I should hate any woman whom _you_ loved." + +"Are you jealous, dear?" + +"Of you, Gerald?" And the fine eyes glanced up at him, full of a +brilliancy that looked like the light of love. + +"You make a slave of me already. How do you do it? I never obeyed a +woman before. Jean, I think you are a witch. Scotland is the home of +weird, uncanny creatures, who take lovely shapes for the bedevilment of +poor weak souls. Are you one of those fair deceivers?" + +"You are complimentary," laughed the girl. "I _am_ a witch, and one +day my disguise will drop away and you will see me as I am, old, ugly, +bad and lost. Beware of me in time. I've warned you. Now love me at +your peril." + +Coventry had paused as he spoke, and eyed her with an unquiet look, +conscious of some fascination which conquered yet brought no happiness. +A feverish yet pleasurable excitement possessed him; a reckless mood, +making him eager to obliterate the past by any rash act, any new +experience which his passion brought. Jean regarded him with a wistful, +almost woeful face, for one short moment; then a strange smile broke +over it, as she spoke in a tone of malicious mockery, under which lurked +the bitterness of a sad truth. Coventry looked half bewildered, and his +eye went from the girl's mysterious face to a dimly lighted window, +behind whose curtains poor Lucia hid her aching heart, praying for him +the tender prayers that loving women give to those whose sins are all +forgiven for love's sake. His heart smote him, and a momentary feeling +of repulsion came over him, as he looked at Jean. She saw it, felt +angry, yet conscious of a sense of relief; for now that her own safety +was so nearly secured, she felt no wish to do mischief, but rather a +desire to undo what was already done, and be at peace with all the +world. To recall him to his allegiance, she sighed and walked on, saying +gently yet coldly, "Will you tell me what I ask before I answer your +question, Mr. Coventry?" + +"What Lucia said of you? Well, it was this. 'Beware of Miss Muir. We +instinctively distrusted her when we had no cause. I believe in +instincts, and mine have never changed, for she has not tried to delude +me. Her art is wonderful; I feel yet cannot explain or detect it, except +in the working of events which her hand seems to guide. She has brought +sorrow and dissension into this hitherto happy family. We are all +changed, and this girl has done it. Me she can harm no further; you she +will ruin, if she can. Beware of her in time, or you win bitterly repent +your blind infatuation!'" + +"And what answer did you make?" asked Jean, as the last words came +reluctantly from Coventry's lips. + +"I told her that I loved you in spite of myself, and would make you my +wife in the face of all opposition. Now, Jean, your answer." + +"Give me three days to think of it. Good night." And gliding from him, +she vanished into the house, leaving him to roam about half the night, +tormented with remorse, suspense, and the old distrust which would +return when Jean was not there to banish it by her art. + + + + +_Chapter VIII_ + + +SUSPENSE + +All the next day, Jean was in a state of the most intense anxiety, as +every hour brought the crisis nearer, and every hour might bring defeat, +for the subtlest human skill is often thwarted by some unforeseen +accident. She longed to assure herself that Sir John was gone, but no +servants came or went that day, and she could devise no pretext for +sending to glean intelligence. She dared not go herself, lest the +unusual act should excite suspicion, for she never went till evening. +Even had she determined to venture, there was no time, for Mrs. Coventry +was in one of her nervous states, and no one but Miss Muir could amuse +her; Lucia was ill, and Miss Muir must give orders; Bella had a studious +fit, and Jean must help her. Coventry lingered about the house for +several hours, but Jean dared not send him, lest some hint of the truth +might reach him. He had ridden away to his new duties when Jean did not +appear, and the day dragged on wearisomely. Night came at last, and as +Jean dressed for the late dinner, she hardly knew herself when she stood +before her mirror, excitement lent such color and brilliancy to her +countenance. Remembering the wedding which was to take place that +evening, she put on a simple white dress and added a cluster of white +roses in bosom and hair. She often wore flowers, but in spite of her +desire to look and seem as usual, Bella's first words as she entered the +drawing room were "Why, Jean, how like a bride you look; a veil and +gloves would make you quite complete!" + +"You forget one other trifle, Bell," said Gerald, with eyes that +brightened as they rested on Miss Muir. + +"What is that?" asked his sister. + +"A bridegroom." + +Bella looked to see how Jean received this, but she seemed quite +composed as she smiled one of her sudden smiles, and merely said, "That +trifle will doubtless be found when the time comes. Is Miss Beaufort too +ill for dinner?" + +"She begs to be excused, and said you would be willing to take her +place, she thought." + +As innocent Bella delivered this message, Jean glanced at Coventry, who +evaded her eye and looked ill at ease. + +A little remorse will do him good, and prepare him for repentance after +the grand _coup_, she said to herself, and was particularly gay at +dinnertime, though Coventry looked often at Lucia's empty seat, as if he +missed her. As soon as they left the table, Miss Muir sent Bella to her +mother; and, knowing that Coventry would not linger long at his wine, +she hurried away to the Hall. A servant was lounging at the door, and of +him she asked, in a tone which was eager in spite of all efforts to be +calm, "Is Sir John at home?" + +"No, miss, he's just gone to town." + +"Just gone! When do you mean?" cried Jean, forgetting the relief she +felt in hearing of his absence in surprise at his late departure. + +"He went half an hour ago, in the last train, miss." + +"I thought he was going early this morning; he told me he should be back +this evening." + +"I believe he did mean to go, but was delayed by company. The steward +came up on business, and a load of gentlemen called, so Sir John could +not get off till night, when he wasn't fit to go, being worn out, and +far from well." + +"Do you think he will be ill? Did he look so?" And as Jean spoke, a +thrill of fear passed over her, lest death should rob her of her prize. + +"Well, you know, miss, hurry of any kind is bad for elderly gentlemen +inclined to apoplexy. Sir John was in a worry all day, and not like +himself. I wanted him to take his man, but he wouldn't; and drove off +looking flushed and excited like. I'm anxious about him, for I know +something is amiss to hurry him off in this way." + +"When will he be back, Ralph?" + +"Tomorrow noon, if possible; at night, certainly, he bid me tell anyone +that called." + +"Did he leave no note or message for Miss Coventry, or someone of +the family?" + +"No, miss, nothing." + +"Thank you." And Jean walked back to spend a restless night and rise to +meet renewed suspense. + +The morning seemed endless, but noon came at last, and under the +pretense of seeking coolness in the grotto, Jean stole away to a slope +whence the gate to the Hall park was visible. For two long hours she +watched, and no one came. She was just turning away when a horseman +dashed through the gate and came galloping toward the Hall. Heedless of +everything but the uncontrollable longing to gain some tidings, she ran +to meet him, feeling assured that he brought ill news. It was a young +man from the station, and as he caught sight of her, he drew bridle, +looking agitated and undecided. + +"Has anything happened?" she cried breathlessly. + +"A dreadful accident on the railroad, just the other side of +Croydon. News telegraphed half an hour ago," answered the man, +wiping his hot face. + +"The noon train? Was Sir John in it? Quick, tell me all!" + +"It was that train, miss, but whether Sir John was in it or not, we +don't know; for the guard is killed, and everything is in such confusion +that nothing can be certain. They are at work getting out the dead and +wounded. We heard that Sir John was expected, and I came up to tell Mr. +Coventry, thinking he would wish to go down. A train leaves in fifteen +minutes; where shall I find him? I was told he was at the Hall." + +"Ride on, ride on! And find him if he is there. I'll run home and look +for him. Lose no time. Ride! Ride!" And turning, Jean sped back like a +deer, while the man tore up the avenue to rouse the Hall. + +Coventry was there, and went off at once, leaving both Hall and house in +dismay. Fearing to betray the horrible anxiety that possessed her, Jean +shut herself up in her room and suffered untold agonies as the day wore +on and no news came. At dark a sudden cry rang through the house, and +Jean rushed down to learn the cause. Bella was standing in the hall, +holding a letter, while a group of excited servants hovered near her. + +"What is it?" demanded Miss Muir, pale and steady, though her heart +died within her as she recognized Gerald's handwriting. Bella gave +her the note, and hushed her sobbing to hear again the heavy tidings +that had come. + + Dear Bella: + + Uncle is safe; he did not go in the noon train. But several persons + are sure that Ned was there. No trace of him as yet, but many bodies + are in the river, under the ruins of the bridge, and I am doing my + best to find the poor lad, if he is there. I have sent to all his + haunts in town, and as he has not been seen, I hope it is a false + report and he is safe with his regiment. Keep this from my mother + till we are sure. I write you, because Lucia is ill. Miss Muir will + comfort and sustain you. Hope for the best, dear. + + Yours, G.C. + +Those who watched Miss Muir as she read these words wondered at the +strange expressions which passed over her face, for the joy which +appeared there as Sir John's safety was made known did not change to +grief or horror at poor Edward's possible fate. The smile died on her +lips, but her voice did not falter, and in her downcast eyes shone an +inexplicable look of something like triumph. No wonder, for if this +was true, the danger which menaced her was averted for a time, and the +marriage might be consummated without such desperate haste. This sad +and sudden event seemed to her the mysterious fulfilment of a secret +wish; and though startled she was not daunted but inspirited, for fate +seemed to favor her designs. She did comfort Bella, control the +excited household, and keep the rumors from Mrs. Coventry all that +dreadful night. + +At dawn Gerald came home exhausted, and bringing no tiding of the +missing man. He had telegraphed to the headquarters of the regiment and +received a reply, stating that Edward had left for London the previous +day, meaning to go home before returning. The fact of his having been at +the London station was also established, but whether he left by the +train or not was still uncertain. The ruins were still being searched, +and the body might yet appear. + +"Is Sir John coming at noon?" asked Jean, as the three sat together in +the rosy hush of dawn, trying to hope against hope. + +"No, he had been ill, I learned from young Gower, who is just from town, +and so had not completed his business. I sent him word to wait till +night, for the bridge won't be passable till then. Now I must try and +rest an hour; I've worked all night and have no strength left. Call me +the instant any messenger arrives." + +With that Coventry went to his room, Bella followed to wait on him, and +Jean roamed through house and grounds, unable to rest. The morning was +far spent when the messenger arrived. Jean went to receive his tidings, +with the wicked hope still lurking at her heart. + +"Is he found?" she asked calmly, as the man hesitated to speak. + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"You are sure?" + +"I am certain, ma'am, though some won't say till Mr. Coventry +comes to look." + +"Is he alive?" And Jean's white lips trembled as she put the question. + +"Oh no, ma'am, that warn't possible, under all them stones and water. +The poor young gentleman is so wet, and crushed, and torn, no one +would know him, except for the uniform, and the white hand with the +ring on it." + +Jean sat down, very pale, and the man described the finding of the poor +shattered body. As he finished, Coventry appeared, and with one look of +mingled remorse, shame, and sorrow, the elder brother went away, to find +and bring the younger home. Jean crept into the garden like a guilty +thing, trying to hide the satisfaction which struggled with a woman's +natural pity, for so sad an end for this brave young life. + +"Why waste tears or feign sorrow when I must be glad?" she muttered, as +she paced to and fro along the terrace. "The poor boy is out of pain, +and I am out of danger." + +She got no further, for, turning as she spoke, she stood face to face +with Edward! Bearing no mark of peril on dress or person, but stalwart +and strong as ever, he stood there looking at her, with contempt and +compassion struggling in his face. As if turned to stone, she remained +motionless, with dilated eyes, arrested breath, and paling cheek. He did +not speak but watched her silently till she put out a trembling hand, as +if to assure herself by touch that it was really he. Then he drew back, +and as if the act convinced as fully as words, she said slowly, "They +told me you were dead." + +"And you were glad to believe it. No, it was my comrade, young Courtney, +who unconsciously deceived you all, and lost his life, as I should have +done, if I had not gone to Ascot after seeing him off yesterday." + +"To Ascot?" echoed Jean, shrinking back, for Edward's eye was on her, +and his voice was stern and cold. + +"Yes; you know the place. I went there to make inquiries concerning you +and was well satisfied. Why are you still here?" + +"The three days are not over yet. I hold you to your promise. Before +night I shall be gone; till then you will be silent, if you have honor +enough to keep your word." + +"I have." Edward took out his watch and, as he put it back, said with +cool precision, "It is now two, the train leaves for London at half-past +six; a carriage will wait for you at the side door. Allow me to advise +you to go then, for the instant dinner is over I shall speak." And with +a bow he went into the house, leaving Jean nearly suffocated with a +throng of contending emotions. + +For a few minutes she seemed paralyzed; but the native energy of the +woman forbade utter despair, till the last hope was gone. Frail as that +now was, she still clung to it tenaciously, resolving to win the game in +defiance of everything. Springing up, she went to her room, packed her +few valuables, dressed herself with care, and then sat down to wait. She +heard a joyful stir below, saw Coventry come hurrying back, and from a +garrulous maid learned that the body was that of young Courtney. The +uniform being the same as Edward's and the ring, a gift from him, had +caused the men to believe the disfigured corpse to be that of the +younger Coventry. No one but the maid came near her; once Bella's voice +called her, but some one checked the girl, and the call was not +repeated. At five an envelope was brought her, directed in Edward's +hand, and containing a check which more than paid a year's salary. No +word accompanied the gift, yet the generosity of it touched her, for +Jean Muir had the relics of a once honest nature, and despite her +falsehood could still admire nobleness and respect virtue. A tear of +genuine shame dropped on the paper, and real gratitude filled her heart, +as she thought that even if all else failed, she was not thrust out +penniless into the world, which had no pity for poverty. + +As the clock struck six, she heard a carriage drive around and went down +to meet it. A servant put on her trunk, gave the order, "To the station, +James," and she drove away without meeting anyone, speaking to anyone, +or apparently being seen by anyone. A sense of utter weariness came over +her, and she longed to lie down and forget. But the last chance still +remained, and till that failed, she would not give up. Dismissing the +carriage, she seated herself to watch for the quarter-past-six train +from London, for in that Sir John would come if he came at all that +night. She was haunted by the fear that Edward had met and told him. The +first glimpse of Sir John's frank face would betray the truth. If he +knew all, there was no hope, and she would go her way alone. If he knew +nothing, there was yet time for the marriage; and once his wife, she +knew she was safe, because for the honor of his name he would screen and +protect her. + +Up rushed the train, out stepped Sir John, and Jean's heart died within +her. Grave, and pale, and worn he looked, and leaned heavily on the arm +of a portly gentleman in black. The Reverend Mr. Fairfax, why has he +come, if the secret is out? thought Jean, slowly advancing to meet them +and fearing to read her fate in Sir John's face. He saw her, dropped his +friend's arm, and hurried forward with the ardor of a young man, +exclaiming, as he seized her hand with a beaming face, a glad voice, "My +little girl! Did you think I would never come?" + +She could not answer, the reaction was too strong, but she clung to him, +regardless of time or place, and felt that her last hope had not failed. +Mr. Fairfax proved himself equal to the occasion. Asking no questions, +he hurried Sir John and Jean into a carriage and stepped in after them +with a bland apology. Jean was soon herself again, and, having told her +fears at his delay, listened eagerly while he related the various +mishaps which had detained him. + +"Have you seen Edward?" was her first question. + +"Not yet, but I know he has come, and have heard of his narrow escape. I +should have been in that train, if I had not been delayed by the +indisposition which I then cursed, but now bless. Are you ready, Jean? +Do you repent your choice, my child?" + +"No, no! I am ready, I am only too happy to become your wife, dear, +generous Sir John," cried Jean, with a glad alacrity, which touched the +old man to the heart, and charmed the Reverend Mr. Fairfax, who +concealed the romance of a boy under his clerical suit. + +They reached the Hall. Sir John gave orders to admit no one and after a +hasty dinner sent for his old housekeeper and his steward, told them of +his purpose, and desired them to witness his marriage. Obedience had +been the law of their lives, and Master could do nothing wrong in their +eyes, so they played their parts willingly, for Jean was a favorite at +the Hall. Pale as her gown, but calm and steady, she stood beside Sir +John, uttering her vows in a clear tone and taking upon herself the vows +of a wife with more than a bride's usual docility. When the ring was +fairly on, a smile broke over her face. When Sir John kissed and called +her his "little wife," she shed a tear or two of sincere happiness; and +when Mr. Fairfax addressed her as "my lady," she laughed her musical +laugh, and glanced up at a picture of Gerald with eyes full of +exultation. As the servants left the room, a message was brought from +Mrs. Coventry, begging Sir John to come to her at once. + +"You will not go and leave me so soon?" pleaded Jean, well knowing why +he was sent for. + +"My darling, I must." And in spite of its tenderness, Sir John's manner +was too decided to be withstood. + +"Then I shall go with you," cried Jean, resolving that no earthly power +should part them. + + + + +_Chapter IX_ + + +LADY COVENTRY + +When the first excitement of Edward's return had subsided, and before +they could question him as to the cause of this unexpected visit, he +told them that after dinner their curiosity should be gratified, and +meantime he begged them to leave Miss Muir alone, for she had received +bad news and must not be disturbed. The family with difficulty +restrained their tongues and waited impatiently. Gerald confessed his +love for Jean and asked his brother's pardon for betraying his trust. He +had expected an outbreak, but Edward only looked at him with pitying +eyes, and said sadly, "You too! I have no reproaches to make, for I know +what you will suffer when the truth is known." + +"What do you mean?" demanded Coventry. + +"You will soon know, my poor Gerald, and we will comfort one another." + +Nothing more could be drawn from Edward till dinner was over, the +servants gone, and all the family alone together. Then pale and grave, +but very self-possessed, for trouble had made a man of him, he produced +a packet of letters, and said, addressing himself to his brother, "Jean +Muir has deceived us all. I know her story; let me tell it before I read +her letters." + +"Stop! I'll not listen to any false tales against her. The poor girl has +enemies who belie her!" cried Gerald, starting up. + +"For the honor of the family, you must listen, and learn what fools she +has made of us. I can prove what I say, and convince you that she has +the art of a devil. Sit still ten minutes, then go, if you will." + +Edward spoke with authority, and his brother obeyed him with a +foreboding heart. + +"I met Sydney, and he begged me to beware of her. Nay, listen, Gerald! I +know she has told her story, and that you believe it; but her own +letters convict her. She tried to charm Sydney as she did us, and nearly +succeeded in inducing him to marry her. Rash and wild as he is, he is +still a gentleman, and when an incautious word of hers roused his +suspicions, he refused to make her his wife. A stormy scene ensued, and, +hoping to intimidate him, she feigned to stab herself as if in despair. +She did wound herself, but failed to gain her point and insisted upon +going to a hospital to die. Lady Sydney, good, simple soul, believed the +girl's version of the story, thought her son was in the wrong, and when +he was gone, tried to atone for his fault by finding Jean Muir another +home. She thought Gerald was soon to marry Lucia, and that I was away, +so sent her here as a safe and comfortable retreat." + +"But, Ned, are you sure of all this? Is Sydney to be believed?" began +Coventry, still incredulous. + +"To convince you, I'll read Jean's letters before I say more. They +were written to an accomplice and were purchased by Sydney. There was +a compact between the two women, that each should keep the other +informed of all adventures, plots and plans, and share whatever good +fortune fell to the lot of either. Thus Jean wrote freely, as you +shall judge. The letters concern us alone. The first was written a few +days after she came. + + "Dear Hortense: + + "Another failure. Sydney was more wily than I thought. All was going + well, when one day my old fault beset me, I took too much wine, and + I carelessly owned that I had been an actress. He was shocked, and + retreated. I got up a scene, and gave myself a safe little wound, to + frighten him. The brute was not frightened, but coolly left me to my + fate. I'd have died to spite him, if I dared, but as I didn't, I + lived to torment him. As yet, I have had no chance, but I will not + forget him. His mother is a poor, weak creature, whom I could use as + I would, and through her I found an excellent place. A sick mother, + silly daughter, and two eligible sons. One is engaged to a handsome + iceberg, but that only renders him more interesting in my eyes, + rivalry adds so much to the charm of one's conquests. Well, my dear, + I went, got up in the meek style, intending to do the pathetic; but + before I saw the family, I was so angry I could hardly control + myself. Through the indolence of Monsieur the young master, no + carriage was sent for me, and I intend he shall atone for that + rudeness by-and-by. The younger son, the mother, and the girl + received me patronizingly, and I understood the simple souls at + once. Monsieur (as I shall call him, as names are unsafe) was + unapproachable, and took no pains to conceal his dislike of + governesses. The cousin was lovely, but detestable with her pride, + her coldness, and her very visible adoration of Monsieur, who let + her worship him, like an inanimate idol as he is. I hated them both, + of course, and in return for their insolence shall torment her with + jealousy, and teach him how to woo a woman by making his heart ache. + They are an intensely proud family, but I can humble them all, I + think, by captivating the sons, and when they have committed + themselves, cast them off, and marry the old uncle, whose title + takes my fancy." + +"She never wrote that! It is impossible. A woman could not do it," cried +Lucia indignantly, while Bella sat bewildered and Mrs. Coventry +supported herself with salts and fan. Coventry went to his brother, +examined the writing, and returned to his seat, saying, in a tone of +suppressed wrath, "She did write it. I posted some of those letters +myself. Go on, Ned." + + "I made myself useful and agreeable to the amiable ones, and + overheard the chat of the lovers. It did not suit me, so I fainted + away to stop it, and excite interest in the provoking pair. I + thought I had succeeded, but Monsieur suspected me and showed me + that he did. I forgot my meek role and gave him a stage look. It had + a good effect, and I shall try it again. The man is well worth + winning, but I prefer the title, and as the uncle is a hale, + handsome gentleman, I can't wait for him to die, though Monsieur is + very charming, with his elegant languor, and his heart so fast + asleep no woman has had power to wake it yet. I told my story, and + they believed it, though I had the audacity to say I was but + nineteen, to talk Scotch, and bashfully confess that Sydney wished + to marry me. Monsieur knows S. and evidently suspects something. I + must watch him and keep the truth from him, if possible. + + "I was very miserable that night when I got alone. Something in the + atmosphere of this happy home made me wish I was anything but what I + am. As I sat there trying to pluck up my spirits, I thought of the + days when I was lovely and young, good and gay. My glass showed me + an old woman of thirty, for my false locks were off, my paint gone, + and my face was without its mask. Bah! how I hate sentiment! I drank + your health from your own little flask, and went to bed to dream + that I was playing Lady Tartuffe--as I am. Adieu, more soon." + +No one spoke as Edward paused, and taking up another letter, he read on: + + "My Dear Creature: + + "All goes well. Next day I began my task, and having caught a hint + of the character of each, tried my power over them. Early in the + morning I ran over to see the Hall. Approved of it highly, and took + the first step toward becoming its mistress, by piquing the + curiosity and flattering the pride of its master. His estate is his + idol; I praised it with a few artless compliments to himself, and he + was charmed. The cadet of the family adores horses. I risked my neck + to pet his beast, and_ he _was charmed. The little girl is romantic + about flowers; I made a posy and was sentimental, and_ she _was + charmed. The fair icicle loves her departed mamma, I had raptures + over an old picture, and she thawed. Monsieur is used to being + worshipped. I took no notice of him, and by the natural perversity + of human nature, he began to take notice of me. He likes music; I + sang, and stopped when he'd listened long enough to want more. He is + lazily fond of being amused; I showed him my skill, but refused to + exert it in his behalf. In short, I gave him no peace till he began + to wake up. In order to get rid of the boy, I fascinated him, and he + was sent away. Poor lad, I rather liked him, and if the title had + been nearer would have married him. + +"Many thanks for the honor." And Edward's lip curled with intense scorn. +But Gerald sat like a statue, his teeth set, his eyes fiery, his brows +bent, waiting for the end. + + "The passionate boy nearly killed his brother, but I turned the + affair to good account, and bewitched Monsieur by playing nurse, + till Vashti (the icicle) interfered. Then I enacted injured virtue, + and kept out of his way, knowing that he would miss me, I mystified + him about S. by sending a letter where S. would not get it, and got + up all manner of soft scenes to win this proud creature. I get on + well and meanwhile privately fascinate Sir J. by being daughterly + and devoted. He is a worthy old man, simple as a child, honest as + the day, and generous as a prince. I shall be a happy woman if I win + him, and you shall share my good fortune; so wish me success. + +"This is the third, and contains something which will surprise you," +Edward said, as he lifted another paper. + + "Hortense: + + "I've done what I once planned to do on another occasion. You know + my handsome, dissipated father married a lady of rank for his second + wife. I never saw Lady H----d but once, for I was kept out of the + way. Finding that this good Sir J. knew something of her when a + girl, and being sure that he did not know of the death of her little + daughter, I boldly said I was the child, and told a pitiful tale of + my early life. It worked like a charm; he told Monsieur, and both + felt the most chivalrous compassion for Lady Howard's daughter, + though before they had secretly looked down on me, and my real + poverty and my lowliness. That boy pitied me with an honest warmth + and never waited to learn my birth. I don't forget that and shall + repay it if I can. Wishing to bring Monsieur's affair to a + successful crisis, I got up a theatrical evening and was in my + element. One little event I must tell you, because I committed an + actionable offense and was nearly discovered. I did not go down to + supper, knowing that the moth would return to flutter about the + candle, and preferring that the fluttering should be done in + private, as Vashti's jealousy is getting uncontrollable. Passing + throught the gentlemen's dressing room, my quick eye caught sight of + a letter lying among the costumes. It was no stage affair, and an + odd sensation of fear ran through me as I recognized the hand of S. + I had feared this, but I believe in chance; and having found the + letter, I examined it. You know I can imitate almost any hand. When + I read in this paper the whole story of my affair with S., truly + told, and also that he had made inquiries into my past life and + discovered the truth, I was in a fury. To be so near success and + fail was terrible, and I resolved to risk everything. I opened the + letter by means of a heated knife blade under the seal, therefore + the envelope was perfect; imitating S.'s hand, I penned a few lines + in his hasty style, saying he was at Baden, so that if Monsieur + answered, the reply would not reach him, for he is in London, it + seems. This letter I put into the pocket whence the other must have + fallen, and was just congratulating myself on this narrow escape, + when Dean, the maid of Vashti, appeared as if watching me. She had + evidently seen the letter in my hand, and suspected something. I + took no notice of her, but must be careful, for she is on the watch. + After this the evening closed with strictly private theatricals, in + which Monsieur and myself were the only actors. To make sure that he + received my version of the story first, I told him a romantic story + of S.'s persecution, and he believed it. This I followed up by a + moonlight episode behind a rose hedge, and sent the young gentleman + home in a half-dazed condition. What fools men are!" + +"She is right!" muttered Coventry, who had flushed scarlet with +shame and anger, as his folly became known and Lucia listened in +astonished silence. + +"Only one more, and my distasteful task will be nearly over," said +Edward, unfolding the last of the papers. "This is not a letter, but a +copy of one written three nights ago. Dean boldly ransacked Jean Muir's +desk while she was at the Hall, and, fearing to betray the deed by +keeping the letter, she made a hasty copy which she gave me today, +begging me to save the family from disgrace. This makes the chain +complete. Go now, if you will, Gerald. I would gladly spare you the pain +of hearing this." + +"I will not spare myself; I deserve it. Read on," replied Coventry, +guessing what was to follow and nerving himself to hear it. Reluctantly +his brother read these lines: + + "The enemy has surrendered! Give me joy, Hortense; I can be the + wife of this proud monsieur, if I will. Think what an honor for the + divorced wife of a disreputable actor. I laugh at the farce and + enjoy it, for I only wait till the prize I desire is fairly mine, to + turn and reject this lover who has proved himself false to brother, + mistress, and his own conscience. I resolved to be revenged on both, + and I have kept my word. For my sake he cast off the beautiful woman + who truly loved him; he forgot his promise to his brother, and put + by his pride to beg of me the worn-out heart that is not worth a + good man's love. Ah well, I am satisfied, for Vashti has suffered + the sharpest pain a proud woman can endure, and will feel another + pang when I tell her that I scorn her recreant lover, and give him + back to her, to deal with as she will." + +Coventry started from his seat with a fierce exclamation, but Lucia +bowed her face upon her hands, weeping, as if the pang had been sharper +than even Jean foresaw. + +"Send for Sir John! I am mortally afraid of this creature. Take her +away; do something to her. My poor Bella, what a companion for you! Send +for Sir John at once!" cried Mrs. Coventry incoherently, and clasped her +daughter in her arms, as if Jean Muir would burst in to annihilate the +whole family. Edward alone was calm. + +"I have already sent, and while we wait, let me finish this story. It is +true that Jean is the daughter of Lady Howard's husband, the pretended +clergyman, but really a worthless man who married her for her money. Her +own child died, but this girl, having beauty, wit and a bold spirit, +took her fate into her own hands, and became an actress. She married an +actor, led a reckless life for some years; quarreled with her husband, +was divorced, and went to Paris; left the stage, and tried to support +herself as governess and companion. You know how she fared with the +Sydneys, how she has duped us, and but for this discovery would have +duped Sir John. I was in time to prevent this, thank heaven. She is +gone; no one knows the truth but Sydney and ourselves; he will be +silent, for his own sake; we will be for ours, and leave this dangerous +woman to the fate which will surely overtake her." + +"Thank you, it has overtaken her, and a very happy one she finds it." + +A soft voice uttered the words, and an apparition appeared at the door, +which made all start and recoil with amazement--Jean Muir leaning on the +arm of Sir John. + +"How dare you return?" began Edward, losing the self-control so long +preserved. "How dare you insult us by coming back to enjoy the mischief +you have done? Uncle, you do not know that woman!" + +"Hush, boy, I will not listen to a word, unless you remember where you +are," said Sir John with a commanding gesture. + +"Remember your promise: love me, forgive me, protect me, and do not +listen to their accusations," whispered Jean, whose quick eye had +discovered the letters. + +"I will; have no fears, my child," he answered, drawing her nearer as he +took his accustomed place before the fire, always lighted when Mrs. +Coventry was down. + +Gerald, who had been pacing the room excitedly, paused behind Lucia's +chair as if to shield her from insult; Bella clung to her mother; and +Edward, calming himself by a strong effort, handed his uncle the +letters, saying briefly, "Look at those, sir, and let them speak." + +"I will look at nothing, hear nothing, believe nothing which can in any +way lessen my respect and affection for this young lady. She has +prepared me for this. I know the enemy who is unmanly enough to belie +and threaten her. I know that you both are unsuccessful lovers, and this +explains your unjust, uncourteous treatment now. We all have committed +faults and follies. I freely forgive Jean hers, and desire to know +nothing of them from your lips. If she has innocently offended, pardon +it for my sake, and forget the past." + +"But, Uncle, we have proofs that this woman is not what she seems. Her +own letters convict her. Read them, and do not blindly deceive +yourself," cried Edward, indignant at his uncle's words. + +A low laugh startled them all, and in an instant they saw the cause of +it. While Sir John spoke, Jean had taken the letters from the hand which +he had put behind him, a favorite gesture of his, and, unobserved, had +dropped them on the fire. The mocking laugh, the sudden blaze, showed +what had been done. Both young men sprang forward, but it was too late; +the proofs were ashes, and Jean Muir's bold, bright eyes defied them, as +she said, with a disdainful little gesture. "Hands off, gentlemen! You +may degrade yourselves to the work of detectives, but I am not a +prisoner yet. Poor Jean Muir you might harm, but Lady Coventry is beyond +your reach." + +"Lady Coventry!" echoed the dismayed family, in varying tones of +incredulity, indignation, and amazement. + +"Aye, my dear and honored wife," said Sir John, with a protecting arm +about the slender figure at his side; and in the act, the words, there +was a tender dignity that touched the listeners with pity and respect +for the deceived man. "Receive her as such, and for my sake, forbear all +further accusation," he continued steadily. "I know what I have done. I +have no fear that I shall repent it. If I am blind, let me remain so +till time opens my eyes. We are going away for a little while, and when +we return, let the old life return again, unchanged, except that Jean +makes sunshine for me as well as for you." + +No one spoke, for no one knew what to say. Jean broke the silence, +saying coolly, "May I ask how those letters came into your possession?" + +"In tracing out your past life, Sydney found your friend Hortense. She +was poor, money bribed her, and your letters were given up to him as +soon as received. Traitors are always betrayed in the end," replied +Edward sternly. + +Jean shrugged her shoulders, and shot a glance at Gerald, saying with +her significant smile, "Remember that, monsieur, and allow me to hope +that in wedding you will be happier than in wooing. Receive my +congratulations, Miss Beaufort, and let me beg of you to follow my +example, if you would keep your lovers." + +Here all the sarcasm passed from her voice, the defiance from her eye, +and the one unspoiled attribute which still lingered in this woman's +artful nature shone in her face, as she turned toward Edward and Bella +at their mother's side. + +"You have been kind to me," she said, with grateful warmth. "I thank you +for it, and will repay it if I can. To you I will acknowledge that I am +not worthy to be this good man's wife, and to you I will solemnly +promise to devote my life to his happiness. For his sake forgive me, and +let there be peace between us." + +There was no reply, but Edward's indignant eyes fell before hers. Bella +half put out her hand, and Mrs. Coventry sobbed as if some regret +mingled with her resentment. Jean seemed to expect no friendly +demonstration, and to understand that they forbore for Sir John's sake, +not for hers, and to accept their contempt as her just punishment. + +"Come home, love, and forget all this," said her husband, ringing the +bell, and eager to be gone. "Lady Coventry's carriage." + +And as he gave the order, a smile broke over her face, for the sound +assured her that the game was won. Pausing an instant on the threshold +before she vanished from their sight, she looked backward, and fixing on +Gerald the strange glance he remembered well, she said in her +penetrating voice, "Is not the last scene better than the first?" + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Behind A Mask, Or A Woman's Power, by A. M. 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Barnard + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Behind A Mask, Or A Woman's Power, by A. M. Barnard + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Behind A Mask, Or A Woman's Power + +Author: A. M. Barnard + + +Release Date: August, 2005 [EBook #8677] +This file was first posted on July 31, 2003 +Last Updated: April 24, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEHIND A MASK, OR A WOMAN'S POWER *** + + + + +Text file produced by Beginners Projects, Martin Agren and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + BEHIND A MASK <i>OR</i> A WOMAN’S POWER + </h1> + <h2> + By A.M. Barnard + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <i>Chapter I</i> JEAN MUIR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <i>Chapter II</i> A GOOD BEGINNING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <i>Chapter III</i> PASSION AND PIQUE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <i>Chapter IV</i> A DISCOVERY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <i>Chapter V</i> HOW THE GIRL DID IT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> <i>Chapter VI</i> ON THE WATCH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> <i>Chapter VII</i> THE LAST CHANCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> <i>Chapter VIII</i> SUSPENSE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> <i>Chapter IX</i> LADY COVENTRY </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter I</i> JEAN MUIR + </h2> + <p> + “Has she come?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mamma, not yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it were well over. The thought of it worries and excites me. A + cushion for my back, Bella.” + </p> + <p> + And poor, peevish Mrs. Coventry sank into an easy chair with a nervous + sigh and the air of a martyr, while her pretty daughter hovered about her + with affectionate solicitude. + </p> + <p> + “Who are they talking of, Lucia?” asked the languid young man lounging on + a couch near his cousin, who bent over her tapestry work with a happy + smile on her usually haughty face. + </p> + <p> + “The new governess, Miss Muir. Shall I tell you about her?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you. I have an inveterate aversion to the whole tribe. I’ve + often thanked heaven that I had but one sister, and she a spoiled child, + so that I have escaped the infliction of a governess so long.” + </p> + <p> + “How will you bear it now?” asked Lucia. + </p> + <p> + “Leave the house while she is in it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you won’t. You’re too lazy, Gerald,” called out a younger and more + energetic man, from the recess where he stood teasing his dogs. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll give her a three days’ trial; if she proves endurable I shall not + disturb myself; if, as I am sure, she is a bore, I’m off anywhere, + anywhere out of her way.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg you won’t talk in that depressing manner, boys. I dread the coming + of a stranger more than you possibly can, but Bella <i>must</i> not be + neglected; so I have nerved myself to endure this woman, and Lucia is good + enough to say she will attend to her after tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be troubled, Mamma. She is a nice person, I dare say, and when once + we are used to her, I’ve no doubt we shall be glad to have her, it’s so + dull here just now. Lady Sydney said she was a quiet, accomplished, + amiable girl, who needed a home, and would be a help to poor stupid me, so + try to like her for my sake.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, dear, but isn’t it getting late? I do hope nothing has happened. + Did you tell them to send a carriage to the station for her, Gerald?” + </p> + <p> + “I forgot it. But it’s not far, it won’t hurt her to walk” was the languid + reply. + </p> + <p> + “It was indolence, not forgetfulness, I know. I’m very sorry; she will + think it so rude to leave her to find her way so late. Do go and see to + it, Ned.” + </p> + <p> + “Too late, Bella, the train was in some time ago. Give your orders to me + next time. Mother and I’ll see that they are obeyed,” said Edward. + </p> + <p> + “Ned is just at an age to make a fool of himself for any girl who comes in + his way. Have a care of the governess, Lucia, or she will bewitch him.” + </p> + <p> + Gerald spoke in a satirical whisper, but his brother heard him and + answered with a good-humored laugh. + </p> + <p> + “I wish there was any hope of your making a fool of yourself in that way, + old fellow. Set me a good example, and I promise to follow it. As for the + governess, she is a woman, and should be treated with common civility. I + should say a little extra kindness wouldn’t be amiss, either, because she + is poor, and a stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my dear, good-hearted Ned! We’ll stand by poor little Muir, won’t + we?” And running to her brother, Bella stood on tiptoe to offer him a kiss + which he could not refuse, for the rosy lips were pursed up invitingly, + and the bright eyes full of sisterly affection. + </p> + <p> + “I do hope she has come, for, when I make an effort to see anyone, I hate + to make it in vain. Punctuality is <i>such</i> a virtue, and I know this + woman hasn’t got it, for she promised to be here at seven, and now it is + long after,” began Mrs. Coventry, in an injured tone. + </p> + <p> + Before she could get breath for another complaint, the clock struck seven + and the doorbell rang. + </p> + <p> + “There she is!” cried Bella, and turned toward the door as if to go and + meet the newcomer. + </p> + <p> + But Lucia arrested her, saying authoritatively, “Stay here, child. It is + her place to come to you, not yours to go to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir,” announced a servant, and a little black-robed figure stood in + the doorway. For an instant no one stirred, and the governess had time to + see and be seen before a word was uttered. All looked at her, and she cast + on the household group a keen glance that impressed them curiously; then + her eyes fell, and bowing slightly she walked in. Edward came forward and + received her with the frank cordiality which nothing could daunt or chill. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, this is the lady whom you expected. Miss Muir, allow me to + apologize for our apparent neglect in not sending for you. There was a + mistake about the carriage, or, rather, the lazy fellow to whom the order + was given forgot it. Bella, come here.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, no apology is needed. I did not expect to be sent for.” And + the governess meekly sat down without lifting her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to see you. Let me take your things,” said Bella, rather shyly, + for Gerald, still lounging, watched the fireside group with languid + interest, and Lucia never stirred. Mrs. Coventry took a second survey and + began: + </p> + <p> + “You were punctual, Miss Muir, which pleases me. I’m a sad invalid, as + Lady Sydney told you, I hope; so that Miss Coventry’s lessons will be + directed by my niece, and you will go to her for directions, as she knows + what I wish. You will excuse me if I ask you a few questions, for Lady + Sydney’s note was very brief, and I left everything to her judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask anything you like, madam,” answered the soft, sad voice. + </p> + <p> + “You are Scotch, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Are your parents living?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not a relation in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, how sad! Do you mind telling me your age?” + </p> + <p> + “Nineteen.” And a smile passed over Miss Muir’s lips, as she folded her + hands with an air of resignation, for the catechism was evidently to be a + long one. + </p> + <p> + “So young! Lady Sydney mentioned five-and-twenty, I think, didn’t she, + Bella?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mamma, she only said she thought so. Don’t ask such questions. It’s + not pleasant before us all,” whispered Bella. + </p> + <p> + A quick, grateful glance shone on her from the suddenly lifted eyes of + Miss Muir, as she said quietly, “I wish I was thirty, but, as I am not, I + do my best to look and seem old.” + </p> + <p> + Of course, every one looked at her then, and all felt a touch of pity at + the sight of the pale-faced girl in her plain black dress, with no + ornament but a little silver cross at her throat. Small, thin, and + colorless she was, with yellow hair, gray eyes, and sharply cut, + irregular, but very expressive features. Poverty seemed to have set its + bond stamp upon her, and life to have had for her more frost than + sunshine. But something in the lines of the mouth betrayed strength, and + the clear, low voice had a curious mixture of command and entreaty in its + varying tones. Not an attractive woman, yet not an ordinary one; and, as + she sat there with her delicate hands lying in her lap, her head bent, and + a bitter look on her thin face, she was more interesting than many a + blithe and blooming girl. Bella’s heart warmed to her at once, and she + drew her seat nearer, while Edward went back to his dogs that his presence + might not embarrass her. + </p> + <p> + “You have been ill, I think,” continued Mrs. Coventry, who considered this + fact the most interesting of all she had heard concerning the governess. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam, I left the hospital only a week ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you quite sure it is safe to begin teaching so soon?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no time to lose, and shall soon gain strength here in the country, + if you care to keep me.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are fitted to teach music, French, and drawing?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall endeavor to prove that I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Be kind enough to go and play an air or two. I can judge by your touch; I + used to play finely when a girl.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir rose, looked about her for the instrument, and seeing it at the + other end of the room went toward it, passing Gerald and Lucia as if she + did not see them. Bella followed, and in a moment forgot everything in + admiration. Miss Muir played like one who loved music and was perfect + mistress of her art. She charmed them all by the magic of this spell; even + indolent Gerald sat up to listen, and Lucia put down her needle, while Ned + watched the slender white fingers as they flew, and wondered at the + strength and skill which they possessed. + </p> + <p> + “Please sing,” pleaded Bella, as a brilliant overture ended. + </p> + <p> + With the same meek obedience Miss Muir complied, and began a little Scotch + melody, so sweet, so sad, that the girl’s eyes filled, and Mrs. Coventry + looked for one of her many pocket-handkerchiefs. But suddenly the music + ceased, for, with a vain attempt to support herself, the singer slid from + her seat and lay before the startled listeners, as white and rigid as if + struck with death. Edward caught her up, and, ordering his brother off the + couch, laid her there, while Bella chafed her hands, and her mother rang + for her maid. Lucia bathed the poor girl’s temples, and Gerald, with + unwonted energy, brought a glass of wine. Soon Miss Muir’s lips trembled, + she sighed, then murmured, tenderly, with a pretty Scotch accent, as if + wandering in the past, “Bide wi’ me, Mither, I’m sae sick an sad here all + alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Take a sip of this, and it will do you good, my dear,” said Mrs. + Coventry, quite touched by the plaintive words. + </p> + <p> + The strange voice seemed to recall her. She sat up, looked about her, a + little wildly, for a moment, then collected herself and said, with a + pathetic look and tone, “Pardon me. I have been on my feet all day, and, + in my eagerness to keep my appointment, I forgot to eat since morning. I’m + better now; shall I finish the song?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means. Come and have some tea,” said Bella, full of pity and + remorse. + </p> + <p> + “Scene first, very well done,” whispered Gerald to his cousin. + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir was just before them, apparently listening to Mrs. Coventry’s + remarks upon fainting fits; but she heard, and looked over her shoulders + with a gesture like Rachel. Her eyes were gray, but at that instant they + seemed black with some strong emotion of anger, pride, or defiance. A + curious smile passed over her face as she bowed, and said in her + penetrating voice, “Thanks. The last scene shall be still better.” + </p> + <p> + Young Coventry was a cool, indolent man, seldom conscious of any emotion, + any passion, pleasurable or otherwise; but at the look, the tone of the + governess, he experienced a new sensation, indefinable, yet strong. He + colored and, for the first time in his life, looked abashed. Lucia saw it, + and hated Miss Muir with a sudden hatred; for, in all the years she had + passed with her cousin, no look or word of hers had possessed such power. + Coventry was himself again in an instant, with no trace of that passing + change, but a look of interest in his usually dreamy eyes, and a touch of + anger in his sarcastic voice. + </p> + <p> + “What a melodramatic young lady! I shall go tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + Lucia laughed, and was well pleased when he sauntered away to bring her a + cup of tea from the table where a little scene was just taking place. Mrs. + Coventry had sunk into her chair again, exhausted by the flurry of the + fainting fit. Bella was busied about her; and Edward, eager to feed the + pale governess, was awkwardly trying to make the tea, after a beseeching + glance at his cousin which she did not choose to answer. As he upset the + caddy and uttered a despairing exclamation, Miss Muir quietly took her + place behind the urn, saying with a smile, and a shy glance at the young + man, “Allow me to assume my duty at once, and serve you all. I understand + the art of making people comfortable in this way. The scoop, please. I can + gather this up quite well alone, if you will tell me how your mother likes + her tea.” + </p> + <p> + Edward pulled a chair to the table and made merry over his mishaps, while + Miss Muir performed her little task with a skill and grace that made it + pleasant to watch her. Coventry lingered a moment after she had given him + a steaming cup, to observe her more nearly, while he asked a question or + two of his brother. She took no more notice of him than if he had been a + statue, and in the middle of the one remark he addressed to her, she rose + to take the sugar basin to Mrs. Coventry, who was quite won by the modest, + domestic graces of the new governess. + </p> + <p> + “Really, my dear, you are a treasure; I haven’t tasted such tea since my + poor maid Ellis died. Bella never makes it good, and Miss Lucia always + forgets the cream. Whatever you do you seem to do well, and that is <i>such</i> + a comfort.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me always do this for you, then. It will be a pleasure, madam.” And + Miss Muir came back to her seat with a faint color in her cheek which + improved her much. + </p> + <p> + “My brother asked if young Sydney was at home when you left,” said Edward, + for Gerald would not take the trouble to repeat the question. + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir fixed her eyes on Coventry, and answered with a slight tremor of + the lips, “No, he left home some weeks ago.” + </p> + <p> + The young man went back to his cousin, saying, as he threw himself down + beside her, “I shall not go tomorrow, but wait till the three days are + out.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” demanded Lucia. + </p> + <p> + Lowering his voice he said, with a significant nod toward the governess, + “Because I have a fancy that she is at the bottom of Sydney’s mystery. + He’s not been himself lately, and now he is gone without a word. I rather + like romances in real life, if they are not too long, or difficult to + read.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think her pretty?” + </p> + <p> + “Far from it, a most uncanny little specimen.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why fancy Sydney loves her?” + </p> + <p> + “He is an oddity, and likes sensations and things of that sort.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, Gerald?” + </p> + <p> + “Get the Muir to look at you, as she did at me, and you will understand. + Will you have another cup, Juno?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, please.” She liked to have him wait upon her, for he did it to no + other woman except his mother. + </p> + <p> + Before he could slowly rise, Miss Muir glided to them with another cup on + the salver; and, as Lucia took it with a cold nod, the girl said under her + breath, “I think it honest to tell you that I possess a quick ear, and + cannot help hearing what is said anywhere in the room. What you say of me + is of no consequence, but you may speak of things which you prefer I + should not hear; therefore, allow me to warn you.” And she was gone again + as noiselessly as she came. + </p> + <p> + “How do you like that?” whispered Coventry, as his cousin sat looking + after the girl, with a disturbed expression. + </p> + <p> + “What an uncomfortable creature to have in the house! I am very sorry I + urged her coming, for your mother has taken a fancy to her, and it will be + hard to get rid of her,” said Lucia, half angry, half amused. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, she hears every word you say. I know it by the expression of her + face, for Ned is talking about horses, and she looks as haughty as ever + you did, and that is saying much. Faith, this is getting interesting.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark, she is speaking; I want to hear,” and Lucia laid her hand on her + cousin’s lips. He kissed it, and then idly amused himself with turning the + rings to and fro on the slender fingers. + </p> + <p> + “I have been in France several years, madam, but my friend died and I came + back to be with Lady Sydney, till—” Muir paused an instant, then + added, slowly, “till I fell ill. It was a contagious fever, so I went of + my own accord to the hospital, not wishing to endanger her.” + </p> + <p> + “Very right, but are you sure there is no danger of infection now?” asked + Mrs. Coventry anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “None, I assure you. I have been well for some time, but did not leave + because I preferred to stay there, than to return to Lady Sydney.” + </p> + <p> + “No quarrel, I hope? No trouble of any kind?” + </p> + <p> + “No quarrel, but—well, why not? You have a right to know, and I will + not make a foolish mystery out of a very simple thing. As your family, + only, is present, I may tell the truth. I did not go back on the young + gentleman’s account. Please ask no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I see. Quite prudent and proper, Miss Muir. I shall never allude to + it again. Thank you for your frankness. Bella, you will be careful not to + mention this to young friends; girls gossip sadly, and it would annoy Lady + Sydney beyond everything to have this talked of.” + </p> + <p> + “Very neighborly of Lady S. to send the dangerous young lady here, where + there are <i>two</i> young gentlemen to be captivated. I wonder why she + didn’t keep Sydney after she had caught him,” murmured Coventry to his + cousin. + </p> + <p> + “Because she had the utmost contempt for a titled fool.” Miss Muir dropped + the words almost into his ear, as she bent to take her shawl from the sofa + corner. + </p> + <p> + “How the deuce did she get there?” ejaculated Coventry, looking as if he + had received another sensation. “She has spirit, though, and upon my word + I pity Sydney, if he did try to dazzle her, for he must have got a + splendid dismissal.” + </p> + <p> + “Come and play billiards. You promised, and I hold you to your word,” said + Lucia, rising with decision, for Gerald was showing too much interest in + another to suit Miss Beaufort. + </p> + <p> + “I am, as ever, your most devoted. My mother is a charming woman, but I + find our evening parties slightly dull, when only my own family are + present. Good night, Mamma.” He shook hands with his mother, whose pride + and idol he was, and, with a comprehensive nod to the others, strolled + after his cousin. + </p> + <p> + “Now they are gone we can be quite cozy, and talk over things, for I don’t + mind Ned any more than I do his dogs,” said Bella, settling herself on her + mother’s footstool. + </p> + <p> + “I merely wish to say, Miss Muir, that my daughter has never had a + governess and is sadly backward for a girl of sixteen. I want you to pass + the mornings with her, and get her on as rapidly as possible. In the + afternoon you will walk or drive with her, and in the evening sit with us + here, if you like, or amuse yourself as you please. While in the country + we are very quiet, for I cannot bear much company, and when my sons want + gaiety, they go away for it. Miss Beaufort oversees the servants, and + takes my place as far as possible. I am very delicate and keep my room + till evening, except for an airing at noon. We will try each other for a + month, and I hope we shall get on quite comfortably together.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall do my best, madam.” + </p> + <p> + One would not have believed that the meek, spiritless voice which uttered + these words was the same that had startled Coventry a few minutes before, + nor that the pale, patient face could ever have kindled with such sudden + fire as that which looked over Miss Muir’s shoulder when she answered her + young host’s speech. + </p> + <p> + Edward thought within himself, Poor little woman! She has had a hard life. + We will try and make it easier while she is here; and began his charitable + work by suggesting that she might be tired. She acknowledged she was, and + Bella led her away to a bright, cozy room, where with a pretty little + speech and a good-night kiss she left her. + </p> + <p> + When alone Miss Muir’s conduct was decidedly peculiar. Her first act was + to clench her hands and mutter between her teeth, with passionate force, + “I’ll not fail again if there is power in a woman’s wit and will!” She + stood a moment motionless, with an expression of almost fierce disdain on + her face, then shook her clenched hand as if menacing some unseen enemy. + Next she laughed, and shrugged her shoulders with a true French shrug, + saying low to herself, “Yes, the last scene <i>shall</i> be better than + the first. <i>Mon dieu</i>, how tired and hungry I am!” + </p> + <p> + Kneeling before the one small trunk which held her worldly possessions, + she opened it, drew out a flask, and mixed a glass of some ardent cordial, + which she seemed to enjoy extremely as she sat on the carpet, musing, + while her quick eyes examined every corner of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Not bad! It will be a good field for me to work in, and the harder the + task the better I shall like it. <i>Merci</i>, old friend. You put heart + and courage into me when nothing else will. Come, the curtain is down, so + I may be myself for a few hours, if actresses ever are themselves.” + </p> + <p> + Still sitting on the floor she unbound and removed the long abundant + braids from her head, wiped the pink from her face, took out several + pearly teeth, and slipping off her dress appeared herself indeed, a + haggard, worn, and moody woman of thirty at least. The metamorphosis was + wonderful, but the disguise was more in the expression she assumed than in + any art of costume or false adornment. Now she was alone, and her mobile + features settled into their natural expression, weary, hard, bitter. She + had been lovely once, happy, innocent, and tender; but nothing of all this + remained to the gloomy woman who leaned there brooding over some wrong, or + loss, or disappointment which had darkened all her life. For an hour she + sat so, sometimes playing absently with the scanty locks that hung about + her face, sometimes lifting the glass to her lips as if the fiery draught + warmed her cold blood; and once she half uncovered her breast to eye with + a terrible glance the scar of a newly healed wound. At last she rose and + crept to bed, like one worn out with weariness and mental pain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter II</i> A GOOD BEGINNING + </h2> + <p> + Only the housemaids were astir when Miss Muir left her room next morning + and quietly found her way into the garden. As she walked, apparently + intent upon the flowers, her quick eye scrutinized the fine old house and + its picturesque surroundings. + </p> + <p> + “Not bad,” she said to herself, adding, as she passed into the adjoining + park, “but the other may be better, and I will have the best.” + </p> + <p> + Walking rapidly, she came out at length upon the wide green lawn which lay + before the ancient hall where Sir John Coventry lived in solitary + splendor. A stately old place, rich in oaks, well-kept shrubberies, gay + gardens, sunny terraces, carved gables, spacious rooms, liveried servants, + and every luxury befitting the ancestral home of a rich and honorable + race. Miss Muir’s eyes brightened as she looked, her step grew firmer, her + carriage prouder, and a smile broke over her face; the smile of one well + pleased at the prospect of the success of some cherished hope. Suddenly + her whole air changed, she pushed back her hat, clasped her hands loosely + before her, and seemed absorbed in girlish admiration of the fair scene + that could not fail to charm any beauty-loving eye. The cause of this + rapid change soon appeared. A hale, handsome man, between fifty and sixty, + came through the little gate leading to the park, and, seeing the young + stranger, paused to examine her. He had only time for a glance, however; + she seemed conscious of his presence in a moment, turned with a startled + look, uttered an exclamation of surprise, and looked as if hesitating + whether to speak or run away. Gallant Sir John took off his hat and said, + with the old-fashioned courtesy which became him well, “I beg your pardon + for disturbing you, young lady. Allow me to atone for it by inviting you + to walk where you will, and gather what flowers you like. I see you love + them, so pray make free with those about you.” + </p> + <p> + With a charming air of maidenly timidity and artlessness, Miss Muir + replied, “Oh, thank you, sir! But it is I who should ask pardon for + trespassing. I never should have dared if I had not known that Sir John + was absent. I always wanted to see this fine old place, and ran over the + first thing, to satisfy myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And <i>are</i> you satisfied?” he asked, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “More than satisfied—I’m charmed; for it is the most beautiful spot + I ever saw, and I’ve seen many famous seats, both at home and abroad,” she + answered enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + “The Hall is much flattered, and so would its master be if he heard you,” + began the gentleman, with an odd expression. + </p> + <p> + “I should not praise it to him—at least, not as freely as I have to + you, sir,” said the girl, with eyes still turned away. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked her companion, looking much amused. + </p> + <p> + “I should be afraid. Not that I dread Sir John; but I’ve heard so many + beautiful and noble things about him, and respect him so highly, that I + should not dare to say much, lest he should see how I admire and—” + </p> + <p> + “And what, young lady? Finish, if you please.” + </p> + <p> + “I was going to say, love him. I will say it, for he is an old man, and + one cannot help loving virtue and bravery.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir looked very earnest and pretty as she spoke, standing there with + the sunshine glinting on her yellow hair, delicate face, and downcast + eyes. Sir John was not a vain man, but he found it pleasant to hear + himself commended by this unknown girl, and felt redoubled curiosity to + learn who she was. Too well-bred to ask, or to abash her by avowing what + she seemed unconscious of, he left both discoveries to chance; and when + she turned, as if to retrace her steps, he offered her the handful of + hothouse flowers which he held, saying, with a gallant bow, “In Sir John’s + name let me give you my little nosegay, with thanks for your good opinion, + which, I assure you, is not entirely deserved, for I know him well.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir looked up quickly, eyed him an instant, then dropped her eyes, + and, coloring deeply, stammered out, “I did not know—I beg your + pardon—you are too kind, Sir John.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed like a boy, asking, mischievously, “Why call me Sir John? How + do you know that I am not the gardener or the butler?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not see your face before, and no one but yourself would say that + any praise was undeserved,” murmured Miss Muir, still overcome with + girlish confusion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, we will let that pass, and the next time you come we will be + properly introduced. Bella always brings her friends to the Hall, for I am + fond of young people.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not a friend. I am only Miss Coventry’s governess.” And Miss Muir + dropped a meek curtsy. A slight change passed over Sir John’s manner. Few + would have perceived it, but Miss Muir felt it at once, and bit her lips + with an angry feeling at her heart. With a curious air of pride, mingled + with respect, she accepted the still offered bouquet, returned Sir John’s + parting bow, and tripped away, leaving the old gentleman to wonder where + Mrs. Coventry found such a piquant little governess. + </p> + <p> + “That is done, and very well for a beginning,” she said to herself as she + approached the house. + </p> + <p> + In a green paddock close by fed a fine horse, who lifted up his head and + eyed her inquiringly, like one who expected a greeting. Following a sudden + impulse, she entered the paddock and, pulling a handful of clover, invited + the creature to come and eat. This was evidently a new proceeding on the + part of a lady, and the horse careered about as if bent on frightening the + newcomer away. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” she said aloud, laughing to herself. “I am not your master, and + you rebel. Nevertheless, I’ll conquer you, my fine brute.” + </p> + <p> + Seating herself in the grass, she began to pull daisies, singing idly the + while, as if unconscious of the spirited prancings of the horse. Presently + he drew nearer, sniffing curiously and eyeing her with surprise. She took + no notice, but plaited the daisies and sang on as if he was not there. + This seemed to pique the petted creature, for, slowly approaching, he came + at length so close that he could smell her little foot and nibble at her + dress. Then she offered the clover, uttering caressing words and making + soothing sounds, till by degrees and with much coquetting, the horse + permitted her to stroke his glossy neck and smooth his mane. + </p> + <p> + It was a pretty sight—the slender figure in the grass, the + high-spirited horse bending his proud head to her hand. Edward Coventry, + who had watched the scene, found it impossible to restrain himself any + longer and, leaping the wall, came to join the group, saying, with mingled + admiration and wonder in countenance and voice, “Good morning, Miss Muir. + If I had not seen your skill and courage proved before my eyes, I should + be alarmed for your safety. Hector is a wild, wayward beast, and has + damaged more than one groom who tried to conquer him.” + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Mr. Coventry. Don’t tell tales of this noble creature, who + has not deceived my faith in him. Your grooms did not know how to win his + heart, and so subdue his spirit without breaking it.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir rose as she spoke, and stood with her hand on Hector’s neck + while he ate the grass which she had gathered in the skirt of her dress. + </p> + <p> + “You have the secret, and Hector is your subject now, though heretofore he + has rejected all friends but his master. Will you give him his morning + feast? I always bring him bread and play with him before breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are not jealous?” And she looked up at him with eyes so bright + and beautiful in expression that the young man wondered he had not + observed them before. + </p> + <p> + “Not I. Pet him as much as you will; it will do him good. He is a solitary + fellow, for he scorns his own kind and lives alone, like his master,” he + added, half to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Alone, with such a happy home, Mr. Coventry?” And a softly compassionate + glance stole from the bright eyes. + </p> + <p> + “That was an ungrateful speech, and I retract it for Bella’s sake. Younger + sons have no position but such as they can make for themselves, you know, + and I’ve had no chance yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Younger sons! I thought—I beg pardon.” And Miss Muir paused, as if + remembering that she had no right to question. + </p> + <p> + Edward smiled and answered frankly, “Nay, don’t mind me. You thought I was + the heir, perhaps. Whom did you take my brother for last night?” + </p> + <p> + “For some guest who admired Miss Beaufort. I did not hear his name, nor + observe him enough to discover who he was. I saw only your kind mother, + your charming little sister, and—” + </p> + <p> + She stopped there, with a half-shy, half-grateful look at the young man + which finished the sentence better than any words. He was still a boy, in + spite of his one-and-twenty years, and a little color came into his brown + cheek as the eloquent eyes met his and fell before them. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Bella is a capital girl, and one can’t help loving her. I know + you’ll get her on, for, really, she is the most delightful little dunce. + My mother’s ill health and Bella’s devotion to her have prevented our + attending to her education before. Next winter, when we go to town, she is + to come out, and must be prepared for that great event, you know,” he + said, choosing a safe subject. + </p> + <p> + “I shall do my best. And that reminds me that I should report myself to + her, instead of enjoying myself here. When one has been ill and shut up a + long time, the country is so lovely one is apt to forget duty for + pleasure. Please remind me if I am negligent, Mr. Coventry.” + </p> + <p> + “That name belongs to Gerald. I’m only Mr. Ned here,” he said as they + walked toward the house, while Hector followed to the wall and sent a + sonorous farewell after them. + </p> + <p> + Bella came running to meet them, and greeted Miss Muir as if she had made + up her mind to like her heartily. “What a lovely bouquet you have got! I + never can arrange flowers prettily, which vexes me, for Mamma is so fond + of them and cannot go out herself. You have charming taste,” she said, + examining the graceful posy which Miss Muir had much improved by adding + feathery grasses, delicate ferns, and fragrant wild flowers to Sir John’s + exotics. + </p> + <p> + Putting them into Bella’s hand, she said, in a winning way, “Take them to + your mother, then, and ask her if I may have the pleasure of making her a + daily nosegay; for I should find real delight in doing it, if it would + please her.” + </p> + <p> + “How kind you are! Of course it would please her. I’ll take them to her + while the dew is still on them.” And away flew Bella, eager to give both + the flowers and the pretty message to the poor invalid. + </p> + <p> + Edward stopped to speak to the gardener, and Miss Muir went up the steps + alone. The long hall was lined with portraits, and pacing slowly down it + she examined them with interest. One caught her eye, and, pausing before + it, she scrutinized it carefully. A young, beautiful, but very haughty + female face. Miss Muir suspected at once who it was, and gave a decided + nod, as if she saw and caught at some unexpected chance. A soft rustle + behind her made her look around, and, seeing Lucia, she bowed, half + turned, as if for another glance at the picture, and said, as if + involuntarily, “How beautiful it is! May I ask if it is an ancestor, Miss + Beaufort?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the likeness of my mother” was the reply, given with a softened + voice and eyes that looked up tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I might have known, from the resemblance, but I scarcely saw you last + night. Excuse my freedom, but Lady Sydney treated me as a friend, and I + forget my position. Allow me.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, Miss Muir stooped to return the handkerchief which had + fallen from Lucia’s hand, and did so with a humble mien which touched the + other’s heart; for, though a proud, it was also a very generous one. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. Are you better, this morning?” she said, graciously. And + having received an affirmative reply, she added, as she walked on, “I will + show you to the breakfast room, as Bella is not here. It is a very + informal meal with us, for my aunt is never down and my cousins are very + irregular in their hours. You can always have yours when you like, without + waiting for us if you are an early riser.” + </p> + <p> + Bella and Edward appeared before the others were seated, and Miss Muir + quietly ate her breakfast, feeling well satisfied with her hour’s work. + Ned recounted her exploit with Hector, Bella delivered her mother’s thanks + for the flowers, and Lucia more than once recalled, with pardonable + vanity, that the governess had compared her to her lovely mother, + expressing by a look as much admiration for the living likeness as for the + painted one. All kindly did their best to make the pale girl feel at home, + and their cordial manner seemed to warm and draw her out; for soon she put + off her sad, meek air and entertained them with gay anecdotes of her life + in Paris, her travels in Russia when governess in Prince Jermadoff’s + family, and all manner of witty stories that kept them interested and + merry long after the meal was over. In the middle of an absorbing + adventure, Coventry came in, nodded lazily, lifted his brows, as if + surprised at seeing the governess there, and began his breakfast as if the + ennui of another day had already taken possession of him. Miss Muir + stopped short, and no entreaties could induce her to go on. + </p> + <p> + “Another time I will finish it, if you like. Now Miss Bella and I should + be at our books.” And she left the room, followed by her pupil, taking no + notice of the young master of the house, beyond a graceful bow in answer + to his careless nod. + </p> + <p> + “Merciful creature! she goes when I come, and does not make life + unendurable by moping about before my eyes. Does she belong to the moral, + the melancholy, the romantic, or the dashing class, Ned?” said Gerald, + lounging over his coffee as he did over everything he attempted. + </p> + <p> + “To none of them; she is a capital little woman. I wish you had seen her + tame Hector this morning.” And Edward repeated his story. + </p> + <p> + “Not a bad move on her part,” said Coventry in reply. “She must be an + observing as well as an energetic young person, to discover your chief + weakness and attack it so soon. First tame the horse, and then the master. + It will be amusing to watch the game, only I shall be under the painful + necessity of checkmating you both, if it gets serious.” + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t exert yourself, old fellow, on my account. If I was not above + thinking ill of an inoffensive girl, I should say you were the prize best + worth winning, and advise you to take care of your own heart, if you’ve + got one, which I rather doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “I often doubt it, myself; but I fancy the little Scotchwoman will not be + able to satisfy either of us upon that point. How does your highness like + her?” asked Coventry of his cousin, who sat near him. + </p> + <p> + “Better than I thought I should. She is well-bred, unassuming, and very + entertaining when she likes. She has told us some of the wittiest stories + I’ve heard for a long time. Didn’t our laughter wake you?” replied Lucia. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Now atone for it by amusing me with a repetition of these witty + tales.” + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible; her accent and manner are half the charm,” said Ned. + “I wish you had kept away ten minutes longer, for your appearance spoilt + the best story of all.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t she go on?” asked Coventry, with a ray of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “You forget that she overheard us last night, and must feel that you + consider her a bore. She has pride, and no woman forgets speeches like + those you made,” answered Lucia. + </p> + <p> + “Or forgives them, either, I believe. Well, I must be resigned to languish + under her displeasure then. On Sydney’s account I take a slight interest + in her; not that I expect to learn anything from her, for a woman with a + mouth like that never confides or confesses anything. But I have a fancy + to see what captivated him; for captivated he was, beyond a doubt, and by + no lady whom he met in society. Did you ever hear anything of it, Ned?” + asked Gerald. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not fond of scandal or gossip, and never listen to either.” With + which remark Edward left the room. + </p> + <p> + Lucia was called out by the housekeeper a moment after, and Coventry left + to the society most wearisome to him, namely his own. As he entered, he + had caught a part of the story which Miss Muir had been telling, and it + had excited his curiosity so much that he found himself wondering what the + end could be and wishing that he might hear it. + </p> + <p> + What the deuce did she run away for, when I came in? he thought. If she <i>is</i> + amusing, she must make herself useful; for it’s intensely dull, I own, + here, in spite of Lucia. Hey, what’s that? + </p> + <p> + It was a rich, sweet voice, singing a brilliant Italian air, and singing + it with an expression that made the music doubly delicious. Stepping out + of the French window, Coventry strolled along the sunny terrace, enjoying + the song with the relish of a connoisseur. Others followed, and still he + walked and listened, forgetful of weariness or tune. As one exquisite air + ended, he involuntarily applauded. Miss Muir’s face appeared for an + instant, then vanished, and no more music followed, though Coventry + lingered, hoping to hear the voice again. For music was the one thing of + which he never wearied, and neither Lucia nor Bella possessed skill enough + to charm him. For an hour he loitered on the terrace or the lawn, basking + in the sunshine, too indolent to seek occupation or society. At length + Bella came out, hat in hand, and nearly stumbled over her brother, who lay + on the grass. + </p> + <p> + “You lazy man, have you been dawdling here all this time?” she said, + looking down at him. + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ve been very busy. Come and tell me how you’ve got on with the + little dragon.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t stop. She bade me take a run after my French, so that I might be + ready for my drawing, and so I must.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s too warm to run. Sit down and amuse your deserted brother, who has + had no society but bees and lizards for an hour.” + </p> + <p> + He drew her down as he spoke, and Bella obeyed; for, in spite of his + indolence, he was one to whom all submitted without dreaming of refusal. + </p> + <p> + “What have you been doing? Muddling your poor little brains with all + manner of elegant rubbish?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ve been enjoying myself immensely. Jean is <i>so</i> interesting, + so kind and clever. She didn’t bore me with stupid grammar, but just + talked to me in such pretty French that I got on capitally, and like it as + I never expected to, after Lucia’s dull way of teaching it.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you talk about?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, all manner of things. She asked questions, and I answered, and she + corrected me.” + </p> + <p> + “Questions about our affairs, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Not one. She don’t care two sous for us or our affairs. I thought she + might like to know what sort of people we were, so I told her about Papa’s + sudden death, Uncle John, and you, and Ned; but in the midst of it she + said, in her quiet way, ‘You are getting too confidential, my dear. It is + not best to talk too freely of one’s affairs to strangers. Let us speak of + something else.’” + </p> + <p> + “What were you talking of when she said that, Bell?” + </p> + <p> + “You.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, then no wonder she was bored.” + </p> + <p> + “She was tired of my chatter, and didn’t hear half I said; for she was + busy sketching something for me to copy, and thinking of something more + interesting than the Coventrys.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “By the expression of her face. Did you like her music, Gerald?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Was she angry when I clapped?” + </p> + <p> + “She looked surprised, then rather proud, and shut the piano at once, + though I begged her to go on. Isn’t Jean a pretty name?” + </p> + <p> + “Not bad; but why don’t you call her Miss Muir?” + </p> + <p> + “She begged me not. She hates it, and loves to be called Jean, alone. I’ve + imagined such a nice little romance about her, and someday I shall tell + her, for I’m sure she has had a love trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t get such nonsense into your head, but follow Miss Muir’s well-bred + example and don’t be curious about other people’s affairs. Ask her to sing + tonight; it amuses me.” + </p> + <p> + “She won’t come down, I think. We’ve planned to read and work in my + boudoir, which is to be our study now. Mamma will stay in her room, so you + and Lucia can have the drawing room all to yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. What will Ned do?” + </p> + <p> + “He will amuse Mamma, he says. Dear old Ned! I wish you’d stir about and + get him his commission. He is so impatient to be doing something and yet + so proud he won’t ask again, after you have neglected it so many times and + refused Uncle’s help.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll attend to it very soon; don’t worry me, child. He will do very well + for a time, quietly here with us.” + </p> + <p> + “You always say that, yet you know he chafes and is unhappy at being + dependent on you. Mamma and I don’t mind; but he is a man, and it frets + him. He said he’d take matters into his own hands soon, and then you may + be sorry you were so slow in helping him.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir is looking out of the window. You’d better go and take your + run, else she will scold.” + </p> + <p> + “Not she. I’m not a bit afraid of her, she’s so gentle and sweet. I’m fond + of her already. You’ll get as brown as Ned, lying here in the sun. By the + way, Miss Muir agrees with me in thinking him handsomer than you.” + </p> + <p> + “I admire her taste and quite agree with her.” + </p> + <p> + “She said he was manly, and that was more attractive than beauty in a man. + She does express things so nicely. Now I’m off.” And away danced Bella, + humming the burden of Miss Muir’s sweetest song. + </p> + <p> + “‘Energy is more attractive than beauty in a man.’ She is right, but how + the deuce <i>can</i> a man be energetic, with nothing to expend his + energies upon?” mused Coventry, with his hat over his eyes. + </p> + <p> + A few moments later, the sweep of a dress caught his ear. Without + stirring, a sidelong glance showed him Miss Muir coming across the + terrace, as if to join Bella. Two stone steps led down to the lawn. He lay + near them, and Miss Muir did not see him till close upon him. She started + and slipped on the last step, recovered herself, and glided on, with a + glance of unmistakable contempt as she passed the recumbent figure of the + apparent sleeper. Several things in Bella’s report had nettled him, but + this look made him angry, though he would not own it, even to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Gerald, come here, quick!” presently called Bella, from the rustic seat + where she stood beside her governess, who sat with her hand over her face + as if in pain. + </p> + <p> + Gathering himself up, Coventry slowly obeyed, but involuntarily quickened + his pace as he heard Miss Muir say, “Don’t call him; <i>he</i> can do + nothing”; for the emphasis on the word “he” was very significant. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Bella?” he asked, looking rather wider awake than usual. + </p> + <p> + “You startled Miss Muir and made her turn her ankle. Now help her to the + house, for she is in great pain; and don’t lie there anymore to frighten + people like a snake in the grass,” said his sister petulantly. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon. Will you allow me?” And Coventry offered his arm. + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir looked up with the expression which annoyed him and answered + coldly, “Thank you, Miss Bella will do as well.” + </p> + <p> + “Permit me to doubt that.” And with a gesture too decided to be resisted, + Coventry drew her arm through his and led her into the house. She + submitted quietly, said the pain would soon be over, and when settled on + the couch in Bella’s room dismissed him with the briefest thanks. + Considering the unwonted exertion he had made, he thought she might have + been a little more grateful, and went away to Lucia, who always brightened + when he came. + </p> + <p> + No more was seen of Miss Muir till teatime; for now, while the family were + in retirement, they dined early and saw no company. The governess had + excused herself at dinner, but came down in the evening a little paler + than usual and with a slight limp in her gait. Sir John was there, talking + with his nephew, and they merely acknowledged her presence by the sort of + bow which gentlemen bestow on governesses. As she slowly made her way to + her place behind the urn, Coventry said to his brother, “Take her a + footstool, and ask her how she is, Ned.” Then, as if necessary to account + for his politeness to his uncle, he explained how he was the cause of the + accident. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes. I understand. Rather a nice little person, I fancy. Not exactly + a beauty, but accomplished and well-bred, which is better for one of her + class.” + </p> + <p> + “Some tea, Sir John?” said a soft voice at his elbow, and there was Miss + Muir, offering cups to the gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, thank you,” said Sir John, sincerely hoping she had overheard + him. + </p> + <p> + As Coventry took his, he said graciously, “You are very forgiving, Miss + Muir, to wait upon me, after I have caused you so much pain.” + </p> + <p> + “It is my duty, sir” was her reply, in a tone which plainly said, “but not + my pleasure.” And she returned to her place, to smile, and chat, and be + charming, with Bella and her brother. + </p> + <p> + Lucia, hovering near her uncle and Gerald, kept them to herself, but was + disturbed to find that their eyes often wandered to the cheerful group + about the table, and that their attention seemed distracted by the + frequent bursts of laughter and fragments of animated conversation which + reached them. In the midst of an account of a tragic affair which she + endeavored to make as interesting and pathetic as possible, Sir John burst + into a hearty laugh, which betrayed that he had been listening to a + livelier story than her own. Much annoyed, she said hastily, “I knew it + would be so! Bella has no idea of the proper manner in which to treat a + governess. She and Ned will forget the difference of rank and spoil that + person for her work. She is inclined to be presumptuous already, and if my + aunt won’t trouble herself to give Miss Muir a hint in time, I shall.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait until she has finished that story, I beg of you,” said Coventry, for + Sir John was already off. + </p> + <p> + “If you find that nonsense so entertaining, why don’t you follow Uncle’s + example? I don’t need you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. I will.” And Lucia was deserted. + </p> + <p> + But Miss Muir had ended and, beckoning to Bella, left the room, as if + quite unconscious of the honor conferred upon her or the dullness she left + behind her. Ned went up to his mother, Gerald returned to make his peace + with Lucia, and, bidding them good-night, Sir John turned homeward. + Strolling along the terrace, he came to the lighted window of Bella’s + study, and wishing to say a word to her, he half pushed aside the curtain + and looked in. A pleasant little scene. Bella working busily, and near her + in a low chair, with the light falling on her fair hair and delicate + profile, sat Miss Muir reading aloud. “Novels!” thought Sir John, and + smiled at them for a pair of romantic girls. But pausing to listen a + moment before he spoke, he found it was no novel, but history, read with a + fluency which made every fact interesting, every sketch of character + memorable, by the dramatic effect given to it. Sir John was fond of + history, and failing eyesight often curtailed his favorite amusement. He + had tried readers, but none suited him, and he had given up the plan. Now + as he listened, he thought how pleasantly the smoothly flowing voice would + wile away his evenings, and he envied Bella her new acquisition. + </p> + <p> + A bell rang, and Bella sprang up, saying, “Wait for me a minute. I must + run to Mamma, and then we will go on with this charming prince.” + </p> + <p> + Away she went, and Sir John was about to retire as quietly as he came, + when Miss Muir’s peculiar behavior arrested him for an instant. Dropping + the book, she threw her arms across the table, laid her head down upon + them, and broke into a passion of tears, like one who could bear restraint + no longer. Shocked and amazed, Sir John stole away; but all that night the + kindhearted gentleman puzzled his brains with conjectures about his + niece’s interesting young governess, quite unconscious that she intended + he should do so. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter III</i> PASSION AND PIQUE + </h2> + <p> + For several weeks the most monotonous tranquillity seemed to reign at + Coventry House, and yet, unseen, unsuspected, a storm was gathering. The + arrival of Miss Muir seemed to produce a change in everyone, though no one + could have explained how or why. Nothing could be more unobtrusive and + retiring than her manners. She was devoted to Bella, who soon adored her, + and was only happy when in her society. She ministered in many ways to + Mrs. Coventry’s comfort, and that lady declared there never was such a + nurse. She amused, interested and won Edward with her wit and womanly + sympathy. She made Lucia respect and envy her for her accomplishments, and + piqued indolent Gerald by her persistent avoidance of him, while Sir John + was charmed with her respectful deference and the graceful little + attentions she paid him in a frank and artless way, very winning to the + lonely old man. The very servants liked her; and instead of being, what + most governesses are, a forlorn creature hovering between superiors and + inferiors, Jean Muir was the life of the house, and the friend of all but + two. + </p> + <p> + Lucia disliked her, and Coventry distrusted her; neither could exactly say + why, and neither owned the feeling, even to themselves. Both watched her + covertly yet found no shortcoming anywhere. Meek, modest, faithful, and + invariably sweet-tempered—they could complain of nothing and + wondered at their own doubts, though they could not banish them. + </p> + <p> + It soon came to pass that the family was divided, or rather that two + members were left very much to themselves. Pleading timidity, Jean Muir + kept much in Bella’s study and soon made it such a pleasant little nook + that Ned and his mother, and often Sir John, came in to enjoy the music, + reading, or cheerful chat which made the evenings so gay. Lucia at first + was only too glad to have her cousin to herself, and he too lazy to care + what went on about him. But presently he wearied of her society, for she + was not a brilliant girl, and possessed few of those winning arts which + charm a man and steal into his heart. Rumors of the merry-makings that + went on reached him and made him curious to share them; echoes of fine + music went sounding through the house, as he lounged about the empty + drawing room; and peals of laughter reached him while listening to Lucia’s + grave discourse. + </p> + <p> + She soon discovered that her society had lost its charm, and the more + eagerly she tried to please him, the more signally she failed. Before long + Coventry fell into a habit of strolling out upon the terrace of an + evening, and amusing himself by passing and repassing the window of + Bella’s room, catching glimpses of what was going on and reporting the + result of his observations to Lucia, who was too proud to ask admission to + the happy circle or to seem to desire it. + </p> + <p> + “I shall go to London tomorrow, Lucia,” Gerald said one evening, as he + came back from what he called “a survey,” looking very much annoyed. + </p> + <p> + “To London?” exclaimed his cousin, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I must bestir myself and get Ned his commission, or it will be all + over with him.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “He is falling in love as fast as it is possible for a boy to do it. That + girl has bewitched him, and he will make a fool of himself very soon, + unless I put a stop to it.” + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid she would attempt a flirtation. These persons always do, + they are such a mischief-making race.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but there you are wrong, as far as little Muir is concerned. She does + not flirt, and Ned has too much sense and spirit to be caught by a silly + coquette. She treats him like an elder sister, and mingles the most + attractive friendliness with a quiet dignity that captivates the boy. I’ve + been watching them, and there he is, devouring her with his eyes, while + she reads a fascinating novel in the most fascinating style. Bella and + Mamma are absorbed in the tale, and see nothing; but Ned makes himself the + hero, Miss Muir the heroine, and lives the love scene with all the ardor + of a man whose heart has just waked up. Poor lad! Poor lad!” + </p> + <p> + Lucia looked at her cousin, amazed by the energy with which he spoke, the + anxiety in his usually listless face. The change became him, for it showed + what he might be, making one regret still more what he was. Before she + could speak, he was gone again, to return presently, laughing, yet looking + a little angry. + </p> + <p> + “What now?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘Listeners never hear any good of themselves’ is the truest of proverbs. + I stopped a moment to look at Ned, and heard the following flattering + remarks. Mamma is gone, and Ned was asking little Muir to sing that + delicious barcarole she gave us the other evening. + </p> + <p> + “‘Not now, not here,’ she said. + </p> + <p> + “‘Why not? You sang it in the drawing room readily enough,’ said Ned, + imploringly. + </p> + <p> + “‘That is a very different thing,’ and she looked at him with a little + shake of the head, for he was folding his hands and doing the passionate + pathetic. + </p> + <p> + “‘Come and sing it there then,’ said innocent Bella. ‘Gerald likes your + voice so much, and complains that you will never sing to him.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘He never asks me,’ said Muir, with an odd smile. + </p> + <p> + “‘He is too lazy, but he wants to hear you.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘When he asks me, I will sing—if I feel like it.’ And she shrugged + her shoulders with a provoking gesture of indifference. + </p> + <p> + “‘But it amuses him, and he gets so bored down here,’ began stupid little + Bella. ‘Don’t be shy or proud, Jean, but come and entertain the poor old + fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, thank you. I engaged to teach Miss Coventry, not to amuse Mr. + Coventry’ was all the answer she got. + </p> + <p> + “‘You amuse Ned, why not Gerald? Are you afraid of him?’ asked Bella. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir laughed, such a scornful laugh, and said, in that peculiar tone + of hers, ‘I cannot fancy anyone being <i>afraid</i> of your elder + brother.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I am, very often, and so would you be, if you ever saw him angry,’ And + Bella looked as if I’d beaten her. + </p> + <p> + “‘Does he ever wake up enough to be angry?’ asked that girl, with an air + of surprise. Here Ned broke into a fit of laughter, and they are at it + now, I fancy, by the sound.” + </p> + <p> + “Their foolish gossip is not worth getting excited about, but I certainly + would send Ned away. It’s no use trying to get rid of ‘that girl,’ as you + say, for my aunt is as deluded about her as Ned and Bella, and she really + does get the child along splendidly. Dispatch Ned, and then she can do no + harm,” said Lucia, watching Coventry’s altered face as he stood in the + moonlight, just outside the window where she sat. + </p> + <p> + “Have you no fears for me?” he asked smiling, as if ashamed of his + momentary petulance. + </p> + <p> + “No, have you for yourself?” And a shade of anxiety passed over her face. + </p> + <p> + “I defy the Scotch witch to enchant me, except with her music,” he added, + moving down the terrace again, for Jean was singing like a nightingale. + </p> + <p> + As the song ended, he put aside the curtain, and said, abruptly, “Has + anyone any commands for London? I am going there tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “A pleasant trip to you,” said Ned carelessly, though usually his + brother’s movements interested him extremely. + </p> + <p> + “I want quantities of things, but I must ask Mamma first.” And Bella began + to make a list. + </p> + <p> + “May I trouble you with a letter, Mr. Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + Jean Muir turned around on the music stool and looked at him with the cold + keen glance which always puzzled him. + </p> + <p> + He bowed, saying, as if to them all, “I shall be off by the early train, + so you must give me your orders tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come away, Ned, and leave Jean to write her letter.” + </p> + <p> + And Bella took her reluctant brother from the room. + </p> + <p> + “I will give you the letter in the morning,” said Miss Muir, with a + curious quiver in her voice, and the look of one who forcibly suppressed + some strong emotion. + </p> + <p> + “As you please.” And Coventry went back to Lucia, wondering who Miss Muir + was going to write to. He said nothing to his brother of the purpose which + took him to town, lest a word should produce the catastrophe which he + hoped to prevent; and Ned, who now lived in a sort of dream, seemed to + forget Gerald’s existence altogether. + </p> + <p> + With unwonted energy Coventry was astir seven next morning. Lucia gave him + his breakfast, and as he left the room to order the carriage, Miss Muir + came gliding downstairs, very pale and heavy-eyed (with a sleepless, + tearful night, he thought) and, putting a delicate little letter into his + hand, said hurriedly, “Please leave this at Lady Sydney’s, and if you see + her, say ‘I have remembered.’” + </p> + <p> + Her peculiar manner and peculiar message struck him. His eye involuntarily + glanced at the address of the letter and read young Sydney’s name. Then, + conscious of his mistake, he thrust it into his pocket with a hasty “Good + morning,” and left Miss Muir standing with one hand pressed on her heart, + the other half extended as if to recall the letter. + </p> + <p> + All the way to London, Coventry found it impossible to forget the almost + tragical expression of the girl’s face, and it haunted him through the + bustle of two busy days. Ned’s affair was put in the way of being speedily + accomplished, Bella’s commissions were executed, his mother’s pet + delicacies provided for her, and a gift for Lucia, whom the family had + given him for his future mate, as he was too lazy to choose for himself. + </p> + <p> + Jean Muir’s letter he had not delivered, for Lady Sydney was in the + country and her townhouse closed. Curious to see how she would receive his + tidings, he went quietly in on his arrival at home. Everyone had dispersed + to dress for dinner except Miss Muir, who was in the garden, the servant + said. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, I have a message for her”; and, turning, the “young master,” + as they called him, went to seek her. In a remote corner he saw her + sitting alone, buried in thought. As his step roused her, a look of + surprise, followed by one of satisfaction, passed over her face, and, + rising, she beckoned to him with an almost eager gesture. Much amazed, he + went to her and offered the letter, saying kindly, “I regret that I could + not deliver it. Lady Sydney is in the country, and I did not like to post + it without your leave. Did I do right?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right, thank you very much—it is better so.” And with an air + of relief, she tore the letter to atoms, and scattered them to the wind. + </p> + <p> + More amazed than ever, the young man was about to leave her when she said, + with a mixture of entreaty and command, “Please stay a moment. I want to + speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + He paused, eyeing her with visible surprise, for a sudden color dyed her + cheeks, and her lips trembled. Only for a moment, then she was quite + self-possessed again. Motioning him to the seat she had left, she remained + standing while she said, in a low, rapid tone full of pain and of + decision: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Coventry, as the head of the house I want to speak to you, rather + than to your mother, of a most unhappy affair which has occurred during + your absence. My month of probation ends today; your mother wishes me to + remain; I, too, wish it sincerely, for I am happy here, but I ought not. + Read this, and you will see why.” + </p> + <p> + She put a hastily written note into his hand and watched him intently + while he read it. She saw him flush with anger, bite his lips, and knit + his brows, then assume his haughtiest look, as he lifted his eyes and said + in his most sarcastic tone, “Very well for a beginning. The boy has + eloquence. Pity that it should be wasted. May I ask if you have replied to + this rhapsody?” + </p> + <p> + “I have.” + </p> + <p> + “And what follows? He begs you ‘to fly with him, to share his fortunes, + and be the good angel of his life.’ Of course you consent?” + </p> + <p> + There was no answer, for, standing erect before him, Miss Muir regarded + him with an expression of proud patience, like one who expected + reproaches, yet was too generous to resent them. Her manner had its + effect. Dropping his bitter tone, Coventry asked briefly, “Why do you show + me this? What can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “I show it that you may see how much in earnest ‘the boy’ is, and how open + I desire to be. You can control, advise, and comfort your brother, and + help me to see what is my duty.” + </p> + <p> + “You love him?” demanded Coventry bluntly. + </p> + <p> + “No!” was the quick, decided answer. + </p> + <p> + “Then why make him love you?” + </p> + <p> + “I never tried to do it. Your sister will testify that I have endeavored + to avoid him as I—” And he finished the sentence with an unconscious + tone of pique, “As you have avoided me.” + </p> + <p> + She bowed silently, and he went on: + </p> + <p> + “I will do you the justice to say that nothing can be more blameless than + your conduct toward myself; but why allow Ned to haunt you evening after + evening? What could you expect of a romantic boy who had nothing to do but + lose his heart to the first attractive woman he met?” + </p> + <p> + A momentary glisten shone in Jean Muir’s steel-blue eyes as the last words + left the young man’s lips; but it was gone instantly, and her voice was + full of reproach, as she said, steadily, impulsively, “If the ‘romantic + boy’ had been allowed to lead the life of a man, as he longed to do, he + would have had no time to lose his heart to the first sorrowful girl whom + he pitied. Mr. Coventry, the fault is yours. Do not blame your brother, + but generously own your mistake and retrieve it in the speediest, kindest + manner.” + </p> + <p> + For an instant Gerald sat dumb. Never since his father died had anyone + reproved him; seldom in his life had he been blamed. It was a new + experience, and the very novelty added to the effect. He saw his fault, + regretted it, and admired the brave sincerity of the girl in telling him + of it. But he did not know how to deal with the case, and was forced to + confess not only past negligence but present incapacity. He was as + honorable as he was proud, and with an effort he said frankly, “You are + right, Miss Muir. I <i>am</i> to blame, yet as soon as I saw the danger, I + tried to avert it. My visit to town was on Ned’s account; he will have his + commission very soon, and then he will be sent out of harm’s way. Can I do + more?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is too late to send him away with a free and happy heart. He must + bear his pain as he can, and it may help to make a man of him,” she said + sadly. + </p> + <p> + “He’ll soon forget,” began Coventry, who found the thought of gay Ned + suffering an uncomfortable one. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, thank heaven, that is possible, for men.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir pressed her hands together, with a dark expression on her + half-averted face. Something in her tone, her manner, touched Coventry; he + fancied that some old wound bled, some bitter memory awoke at the approach + of a new lover. He was young, heart-whole, and romantic, under all his + cool nonchalance of manner. This girl, who he fancied loved his friend and + who was beloved by his brother, became an object of interest to him. He + pitied her, desired to help her, and regretted his past distrust, as a + chivalrous man always regrets injustice to a woman. She was happy here, + poor, homeless soul, and she should stay. Bella loved her, his mother took + comfort in her, and when Ned was gone, no one’s peace would be endangered + by her winning ways, her rich accomplishments. These thoughts swept + through his mind during a brief pause, and when he spoke, it was to say + gently: + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir, I thank you for the frankness which must have been painful to + you, and I will do my best to be worthy of the confidence which you repose + in me. You were both discreet and kind to speak only to me. This thing + would have troubled my mother extremely, and have done no good. I shall + see Ned, and try and repair my long neglect as promptly as possible. I + know you will help me, and in return let me beg of you to remain, for he + will soon be gone.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with eyes full of tears, and there was no coolness in + the voice that answered softly, “You are too kind, but I had better go; it + is not wise to stay.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + She colored beautifully, hesitated, then spoke out in the clear, steady + voice which was her greatest charm, “If I had known there were sons in + this family, I never should have come. Lady Sydney spoke only of your + sister, and when I found two gentlemen, I was troubled, because—I am + so unfortunate—or rather, people are so kind as to like me more than + I deserve. I thought I could stay a month, at least, as your brother spoke + of going away, and you were already affianced, but—” + </p> + <p> + “I am not affianced.” + </p> + <p> + Why he said that, Coventry could not tell, but the words passed his lips + hastily and could not be recalled. Jean Muir took the announcement oddly + enough. She shrugged her shoulders with an air of extreme annoyance, and + said almost rudely, “Then you should be; you will be soon. But that is + nothing to me. Miss Beaufort wishes me gone, and I am too proud to remain + and become the cause of disunion in a happy family. No, I will go, and go + at once.” + </p> + <p> + She turned away impetuously, but Edward’s arm detained her, and Edward’s + voice demanded, tenderly, “Where will you go, my Jean?” + </p> + <p> + The tender touch and name seemed to rob her of her courage and calmness, + for, leaning on her lover, she hid her face and sobbed audibly. + </p> + <p> + “Now don’t make a scene, for heaven’s sake,” began Coventry impatiently, + as his brother eyed him fiercely, divining at once what had passed, for + his letter was still in Gerald’s hand and Jean’s last words had reached + her lover’s ear. + </p> + <p> + “Who gave you the right to read that, and to interfere in my affairs?” + demanded Edward hotly. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir” was the reply, as Coventry threw away the paper. + </p> + <p> + “And you add to the insult by ordering her out of the house,” cried Ned + with increasing wrath. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I beg her to remain.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce you do! And why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she is useful and happy here, and I am unwilling that your folly + should rob her of a home which she likes.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very thoughtful and devoted all at once, but I beg you will not + trouble yourself. Jean’s happiness and home will be my care now.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy, do be reasonable. The thing is impossible. Miss Muir sees it + herself; she came to tell me, to ask how best to arrange matters without + troubling my mother. I’ve been to town to attend to your affairs, and you + may be off now very soon.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no desire to go. Last month it was the wish of my heart. Now I’ll + accept nothing from you.” And Edward turned moodily away from his brother. + </p> + <p> + “What folly! Ned, you <i>must</i> leave home. It is all arranged and + cannot be given up now. A change is what you need, and it will make a man + of you. We shall miss you, of course, but you will be where you’ll see + something of life, and that is better for you than getting into mischief + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going away, Jean?” asked Edward, ignoring his brother entirely + and bending over the girl, who still hid her face and wept. She did not + speak, and Gerald answered for her. + </p> + <p> + “No, why should she if you are gone?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to stay?” asked the lover eagerly of Jean. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to remain, but—” She paused and looked up. Her eyes went + from one face to the other, and she added, decidedly, “Yes, I must go, it + is not wise to stay even when you are gone.” + </p> + <p> + Neither of the young men could have explained why that hurried glance + affected them as it did, but each felt conscious of a willful desire to + oppose the other. Edward suddenly felt that his brother loved Miss Muir, + and was bent on removing her from his way. Gerald had a vague idea that + Miss Muir feared to remain on his account, and he longed to show her that + he was quite safe. Each felt angry, and each showed it in a different way, + one being violent, the other satirical. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Jean, this is not the place for you; and you must let me + see you in a safer home before I go,” said Ned, significantly. + </p> + <p> + “It strikes me that this will be a particularly safe home when your + dangerous self is removed,” began Coventry, with an aggravating smile of + calm superiority. + </p> + <p> + “And <i>I</i> think that I leave a more dangerous person than myself + behind me, as poor Lucia can testify.” + </p> + <p> + “Be careful what you say, Ned, or I shall be forced to remind you that I + am master here. Leave Lucia’s name out of this disagreeable affair, if you + please.” + </p> + <p> + “You <i>are</i> master here, but not of me, or my actions, and you have no + right to expect obedience or respect, for you inspire neither. Jean, I + asked you to go with me secretly; now I ask you openly to share my + fortune. In my brother’s presence I ask, and <i>will</i> have an answer.” + </p> + <p> + He caught her hand impetuously, with a defiant look at Coventry, who still + smiled, as if at boy’s play, though his eyes were kindling and his face + changing with the still, white wrath which is more terrible than any + sudden outburst. Miss Muir looked frightened; she shrank away from her + passionate young lover, cast an appealing glance at Gerald, and seemed as + if she longed to claim his protection yet dared not. + </p> + <p> + “Speak!” cried Edward, desperately. “Don’t look to him, tell me truly, + with your own lips, do you, can you love me, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + “I have told you once. Why pain me by forcing another hard reply,” she + said pitifully, still shrinking from his grasp and seeming to appeal to + his brother. + </p> + <p> + “You wrote a few lines, but I’ll not be satisfied with that. You shall + answer; I’ve seen love in your eyes, heard it in your voice, and I know it + is hidden in your heart. You fear to own it; do not hesitate, no one can + part us—speak, Jean, and satisfy me.” + </p> + <p> + Drawing her hand decidedly away, she went a step nearer Coventry, and + answered, slowly, distinctly, though her lips trembled, and she evidently + dreaded the effect of her words, “I will speak, and speak truly. You have + seen love in my face; it is in my heart, and I do not hesitate to own it, + cruel as it is to force the truth from me, but this love is not for you. + Are you satisfied?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her with a despairing glance and stretched his hand toward + her beseechingly. She seemed to fear a blow, for suddenly she clung to + Gerald with a faint cry. The act, the look of fear, the protecting gesture + Coventry involuntarily made were too much for Edward, already excited by + conflicting passions. In a paroxysm of blind wrath, he caught up a large + pruning knife left there by the gardener, and would have dealt his brother + a fatal blow had he not warded it off with his arm. The stroke fell, and + another might have followed had not Miss Muir with unexpected courage and + strength wrested the knife from Edward and flung it into the little pond + near by. Coventry dropped down upon the seat, for the blood poured from a + deep wound in his arm, showing by its rapid flow that an artery had been + severed. Edward stood aghast, for with the blow his fury passed, leaving + him overwhelmed with remorse and shame. + </p> + <p> + Gerald looked up at him, smiled faintly, and said, with no sign of + reproach or anger, “Never mind, Ned. Forgive and forget. Lend me a hand to + the house, and don’t disturb anyone. It’s not much, I dare say.” But his + lips whitened as he spoke, and his strength failed him. Edward sprang to + support him, and Miss Muir, forgetting her terrors, proved herself a girl + of uncommon skill and courage. + </p> + <p> + “Quick! Lay him down. Give me your handkerchief, and bring some water,” + she said, in a tone of quiet command. Poor Ned obeyed and watched her with + breathless suspense while she tied the handkerchief tightly around the + arm, thrust the handle of his riding whip underneath, and pressed it + firmly above the severed artery to stop the dangerous flow of blood. + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Scott is with your mother, I think. Go and bring him here” was the + next order; and Edward darted away, thankful to do anything to ease the + terror which possessed him. He was gone some minutes, and while they + waited Coventry watched the girl as she knelt beside him, bathing his face + with one hand while with the other she held the bandage firmly in its + place. She was pale, but quite steady and self-possessed, and her eyes + shone with a strange brilliancy as she looked down at him. Once, meeting + his look of grateful wonder, she smiled a reassuring smile that made her + lovely, and said, in a soft, sweet tone never used to him before, “Be + quiet. There is no danger. I will stay by you till help comes.” + </p> + <p> + Help did come speedily, and the doctor’s first words were “Who improvised + that tourniquet?” + </p> + <p> + “She did,” murmured Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “Then you may thank her for saving your life. By Jove! It was capitally + done”; and the old doctor looked at the girl with as much admiration as + curiosity in his face. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that. See to the wound, please, while I ran for bandages, and + salts, and wine.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir was gone as she spoke, so fleetly that it was in vain to call + her back or catch her. During her brief absence, the story was told by + repentant Ned and the wound examined. + </p> + <p> + “Fortunately I have my case of instruments with me,” said the doctor, + spreading on the bench a long array of tiny, glittering implements of + torture. “Now, Mr. Ned, come here, and hold the arm in that way, while I + tie the artery. Hey! That will never do. Don’t tremble so, man, look away + and hold it steadily.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t!” And poor Ned turned faint and white, not at the sight but with + the bitter thought that he had longed to kill his brother. + </p> + <p> + “I will hold it,” and a slender white hand lifted the bare and bloody arm + so firmly, steadily, that Coventry sighed a sigh of relief, and Dr. Scott + fell to work with an emphatic nod of approval. + </p> + <p> + It was soon over, and while Edward ran in to bid the servants beware of + alarming their mistress, Dr. Scott put up his instruments and Miss Muir + used salts, water, and wine so skillfully that Gerald was able to walk to + his room, leaning on the old man, while the girl supported the wounded + arm, as no sling could be made on the spot. As he entered the chamber, + Coventry turned, put out his left hand, and with much feeling in his fine + eyes said simply, “Miss Muir, I thank you.” + </p> + <p> + The color came up beautifully in her pale cheeks as she pressed the hand + and without a word vanished from the room. Lucia and the housekeeper came + bustling in, and there was no lack of attendance on the invalid. He soon + wearied of it, and sent them all away but Ned, who remorsefully haunted + the chamber, looking like a comely young Cain and feeling like an outcast. + </p> + <p> + “Come here, lad, and tell me all about it. I was wrong to be domineering. + Forgive me, and believe that I care for your happiness more sincerely than + for my own.” + </p> + <p> + These frank and friendly words healed the breach between the two brothers + and completely conquered Ned. Gladly did he relate his love passages, for + no young lover ever tires of that amusement if he has a sympathizing + auditor, and Gerald <i>was</i> sympathetic now. For an hour did he lie + listening patiently to the history of the growth of his brother’s passion. + Emotion gave the narrator eloquence, and Jean Muir’s character was painted + in glowing colors. All her unsuspected kindness to those about her was + dwelt upon; all her faithful care, her sisterly interest in Bella, her + gentle attentions to their mother, her sweet forbearance with Lucia, who + plainly showed her dislike, and most of all, her friendly counsel, + sympathy, and regard for Ned himself. + </p> + <p> + “She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as no + one else can. She is unlike any girl I ever saw; there’s no sentimentality + about her; she is wise, and kind, and sweet. She says what she means, + looks you straight in the eye, and is as true as steel. I’ve tried her, I + know her, and—ah, Gerald, I love her so!” + </p> + <p> + Here the poor lad leaned his face into his hands and sighed a sigh that + made his brother’s heart ache. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my soul, Ned, I feel for you; and if there was no obstacle on her + part, I’d do my best for you. She loves Sydney, and so there is nothing + for it but to bear your fate like a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure about Sydney? May it not be some one else?” and Ned eyed his + brother with a suspicious look. + </p> + <p> + Coventry told him all he knew and surmised concerning his friend, not + forgetting the letter. Edward mused a moment, then seemed relieved, and + said frankly, “I’m glad it’s Sydney and not you. I can bear it better.” + </p> + <p> + “Me!” ejaculated Gerald, with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you; I’ve been tormented lately with a fear that you cared for her, + or rather, she for you.” + </p> + <p> + “You jealous young fool! We never see or speak to one another scarcely, so + how could we get up a tender interest?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you lounge about on that terrace for every evening? And why does + she get fluttered when your shadow begins to come and go?” demanded + Edward. + </p> + <p> + “I like the music and don’t care for the society of the singer, that’s why + I walk there. The fluttering is all your imagination; Miss Muir isn’t a + woman to be fluttered by a man’s shadow.” And Coventry glanced at his + useless arm. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for that, and for not saying ‘little Muir,’ as you generally + do. Perhaps it was my imagination. But she never makes fun of you now, and + so I fancied she might have lost her heart to the ‘young master.’ Women + often do, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “She used to ridicule me, did she?” asked Coventry, taking no notice of + the latter part of his brother’s speech, which was quite true + nevertheless. + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly, she was too well-bred for that. But sometimes when Bella and + I joked about you, she’d say something so odd or witty that it was + irresistible. You’re used to being laughed at, so you don’t mind, I know, + just among ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I. Laugh away as much as you like,” said Gerald. But he did mind, and + wanted exceedingly to know what Miss Muir had said, yet was too proud to + ask. He turned restlessly and uttered a sigh of pain. + </p> + <p> + “I’m talking too much; it’s bad for you. Dr. Scott said you must be quiet. + Now go to sleep, if you can.” + </p> + <p> + Edward left the bedside but not the room, for he would let no one take his + place. Coventry tried to sleep, found it impossible, and after a restless + hour called his brother back. + </p> + <p> + “If the bandage was loosened a bit, it would ease my arm and then I could + sleep. Can you do it, Ned?” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not touch it. The doctor gave orders to leave it till he came in + the morning, and I shall only do harm if I try.” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you it’s too tight. My arm is swelling and the pain is + intense. It can’t be right to leave it so. Dr. Scott dressed it in a hurry + and did it too tight. Common sense will tell you that,” said Coventry + impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll call Mrs. Morris; she will understand what’s best to be done.” And + Edward moved toward the door, looking anxious. + </p> + <p> + “Not she, she’ll only make a stir and torment me with her chatter. I’ll + bear it as long as I can, and perhaps Dr. Scott will come tonight. He said + he would if possible. Go to your dinner, Ned. I can ring for Neal if I + need anything. I shall sleep if I’m alone, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + Edward reluctantly obeyed, and his brother was left to himself. Little + rest did he find, however, for the pain of the wounded arm grew + unbearable, and, taking a sudden resolution, he rang for his servant. + </p> + <p> + “Neal, go to Miss Coventry’s study, and if Miss Muir is there, ask her to + be kind enough to come to me. I’m in great pain, and she understand wounds + better than anyone else in the house.” + </p> + <p> + With much surprise in his face, the man departed and a few moments after + the door noiselessly opened and Miss Muir came in. It had been a very warm + day, and for the first time she had left off her plain black dress. All in + white, with no ornament but her fair hair, and a fragrant posy of violets + in her belt, she looked a different woman from the meek, nunlike creature + one usually saw about the house. Her face was as altered as her dress, for + now a soft color glowed in her cheeks, her eyes smiled shyly, and her lips + no longer wore the firm look of one who forcibly repressed every emotion. + A fresh, gentle, and charming woman she seemed, and Coventry found the + dull room suddenly brightened by her presence. Going straight to him, she + said simply, and with a happy, helpful look very comforting to see, “I’m + glad you sent for me. What can I do for you?” + </p> + <p> + He told her, and before the complaint was ended, she began loosening the + bandages with the decision of one who understood what was to be done and + had faith in herself. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that’s relief, that’s comfort!” ejaculated Coventry, as the last + tight fold fell away. “Ned was afraid I should bleed to death if he + touched me. What will the doctor say to us?” + </p> + <p> + “I neither know nor care. I shall say to him that he is a bad surgeon to + bind it so closely, and not leave orders to have it untied if necessary. + Now I shall make it easy and put you to sleep, for that is what you need. + Shall I? May I?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would, if you can.” + </p> + <p> + And while she deftly rearranged the bandages, the young man watched her + curiously. Presently he asked, “How came you to know so much about these + things?” + </p> + <p> + “In the hospital where I was ill, I saw much that interested me, and when + I got better, I used to sing to the patients sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to sing to me?” he asked, in the submissive tone men + unconsciously adopt when ill and in a woman’s care. + </p> + <p> + “If you like it better than reading aloud in a dreamy tone,” she answered, + as she tied the last knot. + </p> + <p> + “I do, much better,” he said decidedly. + </p> + <p> + “You are feverish. I shall wet your forehead, and then you will be quite + comfortable.” She moved about the room in the quiet way which made it a + pleasure to watch her, and, having mingled a little cologne with water, + bathed his face as unconcernedly as if he had been a child. Her + proceedings not only comforted but amused Coventry, who mentally + contrasted her with the stout, beer-drinking matron who had ruled over him + in his last illness. + </p> + <p> + “A clever, kindly little woman,” he thought, and felt quite at his ease, + she was so perfectly easy herself. + </p> + <p> + “There, now you look more like yourself,” she said with an approving nod + as she finished, and smoothed the dark locks off his forehead with a cool, + soft hand. Then seating herself in a large chair near by, she began to + sing, while tidily rolling up the fresh bandages which had been left for + the morning. Coventry lay watching her by the dim light that burned in the + room, and she sang on as easily as a bird, a dreamy, low-toned lullaby, + which soothed the listener like a spell. Presently, looking up to see the + effect of her song, she found the young man wide awake, and regarding her + with a curious mixture of pleasure, interest, and admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Shut your eyes, Mr. Coventry,” she said, with a reproving shake of the + head, and an odd little smile. + </p> + <p> + He laughed and obeyed, but could not resist an occasional covert glance + from under his lashes at the slender white figure in the great velvet + chair. She saw him and frowned. + </p> + <p> + “You are very disobedient; why won’t you sleep?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t, I want to listen. I’m fond of nightingales.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall sing no more, but try something that has never failed yet. + Give me your hand, please.” + </p> + <p> + Much amazed, he gave it, and, taking it in both her small ones, she sat + down behind the curtain and remained as mute and motionless as a statue. + Coventry smiled to himself at first, and wondered which would tire first. + But soon a subtle warmth seemed to steal from the soft palms that enclosed + his own, his heart beat quicker, his breath grew unequal, and a thousand + fancies danced through his brain. He sighed, and said dreamily, as he + turned his face toward her, “I like this.” And in the act of speaking, + seemed to sink into a soft cloud which encompassed him about with an + atmosphere of perfect repose. More than this he could not remember, for + sleep, deep and dreamless, fell upon him, and when he woke, daylight was + shining in between the curtains, his hand lay alone on the coverlet, and + his fair-haired enchantress was gone. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter IV</i> A DISCOVERY + </h2> + <p> + For several days Coventry was confined to his room, much against his will, + though everyone did their best to lighten his irksome captivity. His + mother petted him, Bella sang, Lucia read, Edward was devoted, and all the + household, with one exception, were eager to serve the young master. Jean + Muir never came near him, and Jean Muir alone seemed to possess the power + of amusing him. He soon tired of the others, wanted something new; + recalled the piquant character of the girl and took a fancy into his head + that she would lighten his ennui. After some hesitation, he carelessly + spoke of her to Bella, but nothing came of it, for Bella only said Jean + was well, and very busy doing something lovely to surprise Mamma with. + Edward complained that he never saw her, and Lucia ignored her existence + altogether. The only intelligence the invalid received was from the gossip + of two housemaids over their work in the next room. From them he learned + that the governess had been “scolded” by Miss Beaufort for going to Mr. + Coventry’s room; that she had taken it very sweetly and kept herself + carefully out of the way of both young gentlemen, though it was plain to + see that Mr. Ned was dying for her. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gerald amused himself by thinking over this gossip, and quite annoyed + his sister by his absence of mind. + </p> + <p> + “Gerald, do you know Ned’s commission has come?” + </p> + <p> + “Very interesting. Read on, Bella.” + </p> + <p> + “You stupid boy! You don’t know a word I say,” and she put down the book + to repeat her news. + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad of it; now we must get him off as soon as possible—that + is, I suppose he will want to be off as soon as possible.” And Coventry + woke up from his reverie. + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t check yourself, I know all about it. I think Ned was very + foolish, and that Miss Muir has behaved beautifully. It’s quite + impossible, of course, but I wish it wasn’t, I do so like to watch lovers. + You and Lucia are so cold you are not a bit interesting.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll do me a favor if you’ll stop all that nonsense about Lucia and me. + We are not lovers, and never shall be, I fancy. At all events, I’m tired + of the thing, and wish you and Mamma would let it drop, for the present at + least.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh Gerald, you know Mamma has set her heart upon it, that Papa desired + it, and poor Lucia loves you so much. How can you speak of dropping what + will make us all so happy?” + </p> + <p> + “It won’t make me happy, and I take the liberty of thinking that this is + of some importance. I’m not bound in any way, and don’t intend to be till + I am ready. Now we’ll talk about Ned.” + </p> + <p> + Much grieved and surprised, Bella obeyed, and devoted herself to Edward, + who very wisely submitted to his fate and prepared to leave home for some + months. For a week the house was in a state of excitement about his + departure, and everyone but Jean was busied for him. She was scarcely + seen; every morning she gave Bella her lessons, every afternoon drove out + with Mrs. Coventry, and nearly every evening went up to the Hall to read + to Sir John, who found his wish granted without exactly knowing how it had + been done. + </p> + <p> + The day Edward left, he came down from bidding his mother good-bye, + looking very pale, for he had lingered in his sister’s little room with + Miss Muir as long as he dared. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, dear. Be kind to Jean,” he whispered as he kissed his sister. + </p> + <p> + “I will, I will,” returned Bella, with tearful eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Take care of Mamma, and remember Lucia,” he said again, as he touched his + cousin’s beautiful cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing. I will keep them apart,” she whispered back, and Coventry + heard it. + </p> + <p> + Edward offered his hand to his brother, saying, significantly, as he + looked him in the eye, “I trust you, Gerald.” + </p> + <p> + “You may, Ned.” + </p> + <p> + Then he went, and Coventry tired himself with wondering what Lucia meant. + A few days later he understood. + </p> + <p> + Now Ned is gone, little Muir will appear, I fancy, he said to himself; but + “little Muir” did not appear, and seemed to shun him more carefully than + she had done her lover. If he went to the drawing room in the evening + hoping for music, Lucia alone was there. If he tapped at Bella’s door, + there was always a pause before she opened it, and no sign of Jean + appeared though her voice had been audible when he knocked. If he went to + the library, a hasty rustle and the sound of flying feet betrayed that the + room was deserted at his approach. In the garden Miss Muir never failed to + avoid him, and if by chance they met in hall or breakfast room, she passed + him with downcast eyes and the briefest, coldest greeting. All this + annoyed him intensely, and the more she eluded him, the more he desired to + see her—from a spirit of opposition, he said, nothing more. It + fretted and yet it entertained him, and he found a lazy sort of pleasure + in thwarting the girl’s little maneuvers. His patience gave out at last, + and he resolved to know what was the meaning of this peculiar conduct. + Having locked and taken away the key of one door in the library, he waited + till Miss Muir went in to get a book for his uncle. He had heard her speak + to Bella of it, knew that she believed him with his mother, and smiled to + himself as he stole after her. She was standing in a chair, reaching up, + and he had time to see a slender waist, a pretty foot, before he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Can I help you, Miss Muir?” + </p> + <p> + She started, dropped several books, and turned scarlet, as she said + hurriedly, “Thank you, no; I can get the steps.” + </p> + <p> + “My long arm will be less trouble. I’ve got but one, and that is tired of + being idle, so it is very much at your service. What will you have?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I—you startled me so I’ve forgotten.” And Jean laughed, + nervously, as she looked about her as if planning to escape. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, wait till you remember, and let me thank you for the + enchanted sleep you gave me ten days ago. I’ve had no chance yet, you’ve + shunned me so pertinaciously.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I try not to be rude, but—” She checked herself, and turned + her face away, adding, with an accent of pain in her voice, “It is not my + fault, Mr. Coventry. I only obey orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose orders?” he demanded, still standing so that she could not escape. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t ask; it is one who has a right to command where you are concerned. + Be sure that it is kindly meant, though it may seem folly to us. Nay, + don’t be angry, laugh at it, as I do, and let me run away, please.” + </p> + <p> + She turned, and looked down at him with tears in her eyes, a smile on her + lips, and an expression half sad, half arch, which was altogether + charming. The frown passed from his face, but he still looked grave and + said decidedly, “No one has a right to command in this house but my mother + or myself. Was it she who bade you avoid me as if I was a madman or a + pest?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, don’t ask. I promised not to tell, and you would not have me break my + word, I know.” And still smiling, she regarded him with a look of merry + malice which made any other reply unnecessary. It was Lucia, he thought, + and disliked his cousin intensely just then. Miss Muir moved as if to step + down; he detained her, saying earnestly, yet with a smile, “Do you + consider me the master here?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” and to the word she gave a sweet, submissive intonation which made + it expressive of the respect, regard, and confidence which men find + pleasantest when women feel and show it. Unconsciously his face softened, + and he looked up at her with a different glance from any he had ever given + her before. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, will you consent to obey me if I am not tyrannical or + unreasonable in my demands?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll try.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! Now frankly, I want to say that all this sort of thing is very + disagreeable to me. It annoys me to be a restraint upon anyone’s liberty + or comfort, and I beg you will go and come as freely as you like, and not + mind Lucia’s absurdities. She means well, but hasn’t a particle of + penetration or tact. Will you promise this?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “It is better as it is, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “But you called it folly just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it seems so, and yet—” She paused, looking both confused and + distressed. + </p> + <p> + Coventry lost patience, and said hastily, “You women are such enigmas I + never expect to understand you! Well, I’ve done my best to make you + comfortable, but if you prefer to lead this sort of life, I beg you will + do so.” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>don’t</i> prefer it; it is hateful to me. I like to be myself, to + have my liberty, and the confidence of those about me. But I cannot think + it kind to disturb the peace of anyone, and so I try to obey. I’ve + promised Bella to remain, but I will go rather than have another scene + with Miss Beaufort or with you.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir had burst out impetuously, and stood there with a sudden fire in + her eyes, sudden warmth and spirit in her face and voice that amazed + Coventry. She was angry, hurt, and haughty, and the change only made her + more attractive, for not a trace of her former meek self remained. + Coventry was electrified, and still more surprised when she added, + imperiously, with a gesture as if to put him aside, “Hand me that book and + move away. I wish to go.” + </p> + <p> + He obeyed, even offered his hand, but she refused it, stepped lightly + down, and went to the door. There she turned, and with the same indignant + voice, the same kindling eyes and glowing cheeks, she said rapidly, “I + know I have no right to speak in this way. I restrain myself as long as I + can, but when I can bear no more, my true self breaks loose, and I defy + everything. I am tired of being a cold, calm machine; it is impossible + with an ardent nature like mine, and I shall try no longer. I cannot help + it if people love me. I don’t want their love. I only ask to be left in + peace, and why I am tormented so I cannot see. I’ve neither beauty, money, + nor rank, yet every foolish boy mistakes my frank interest for something + warmer, and makes me miserable. It is my misfortune. Think of me what you + will, but beware of me in time, for against my will I may do you harm.” + </p> + <p> + Almost fiercely she had spoken, and with a warning gesture she hurried + from the room, leaving the young man feeling as if a sudden thunder-gust + had swept through the house. For several minutes he sat in the chair she + left, thinking deeply. Suddenly he rose, went to his sister, and said, in + his usual tone of indolent good nature, “Bella, didn’t I hear Ned ask you + to be kind to Miss Muir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I try to be, but she is so odd lately.” + </p> + <p> + “Odd! How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, she is either as calm and cold as a statue, or restless and queer; + she cries at night, I know, and sighs sadly when she thinks I don’t hear. + Something is the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “She frets for Ned perhaps,” began Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear, no; it’s a great relief to her that he is gone. I’m afraid that + she likes someone very much, and someone don’t like her. Can it be Mr. + Sydney?” + </p> + <p> + “She called him a ‘titled fool’ once, but perhaps that didn’t mean + anything. Did you ever ask her about him?” said Coventry, feeling rather + ashamed of his curiosity, yet unable to resist the temptation of + questioning unsuspecting Bella. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but she only looked at me in her tragical way, and said, so + pitifully, ‘My little friend, I hope you will never have to pass through + the scenes I’ve passed through, but keep your peace unbroken all your + life.’ After that I dared say no more. I’m very fond of her, I want to + make her happy, but I don’t know how. Can you propose anything?” + </p> + <p> + “I was going to propose that you make her come among us more, now Ned is + gone. It must be dull for her, moping about alone. I’m sure it is for me. + She is an entertaining little person, and I enjoy her music very much. + It’s good for Mamma to have gay evenings; so you bestir yourself, and see + what you can do for the general good of the family.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very charming, and I’ve proposed it more than once, but Lucia + spoils all my plans. She is afraid you’ll follow Ned’s example, and that + is so silly.” + </p> + <p> + “Lucia is a—no, I won’t say fool, because she has sense enough when + she chooses; but I wish you’d just settle things with Mamma, and then + Lucia can do nothing but submit,” said Gerald angrily. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll try, but she goes up to read to Uncle, you know, and since he has + had the gout, she stays later, so I see little of her in the evening. + There she goes now. I think she will captivate the old one as well as the + young one, she is so devoted.” + </p> + <p> + Coventry looked after her slender black figure, just vanishing through the + great gate, and an uncomfortable fancy took possession of him, born of + Bella’s careless words. He sauntered away, and after eluding his cousin, + who seemed looking for him, he turned toward the Hall, saying to himself, + I will see what is going on up here. Such things have happened. Uncle is + the simplest soul alive, and if the girl is ambitious, she can do what she + will with him. + </p> + <p> + Here a servant came running after him and gave him a letter, which he + thrust into his pocket without examining it. When he reached the Hall, he + went quietly to his uncle’s study. The door was ajar, and looking in, he + saw a scene of tranquil comfort, very pleasant to watch. Sir John leaned + in his easy chair with one foot on a cushion. He was dressed with his + usual care and, in spite of the gout, looked like a handsome, + well-preserved old gentleman. He was smiling as he listened, and his eyes + rested complacently on Jean Muir, who sat near him reading in her musical + voice, while the sunshine glittered on her hair and the soft rose of her + cheek. She read well, yet Coventry thought her heart was not in her task, + for once when she paused, while Sir John spoke, her eyes had an absent + expression, and she leaned her head upon her hand, with an air of patient + weariness. + </p> + <p> + Poor girl! I did her great injustice; she has no thought of captivating + the old man, but amuses him from simple kindness. She is tired. I’ll put + an end to her task; and Coventry entered without knocking. + </p> + <p> + Sir John received him with an air of polite resignation, Miss Muir with a + perfectly expressionless face. + </p> + <p> + “Mother’s love, and how are you today, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Comfortable, but dull, so I want you to bring the girls over this + evening, to amuse the old gentleman. Mrs. King has got out the antique + costumes and trumpery, as I promised Bella she should have them, and + tonight we are to have a merrymaking, as we used to do when Ned was here.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir, I’ll bring them. We’ve all been out of sorts since the + lad left, and a little jollity will do us good. Are you going back, Miss + Muir?” asked Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “No, I shall keep her to give me my tea and get things ready. Don’t read + anymore, my dear, but go and amuse yourself with the pictures, or whatever + you like,” said Sir John; and like a dutiful daughter she obeyed, as if + glad to get away. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a very charming girl, Gerald,” began Sir John as she left the + room. “I’m much interested in her, both on her own account and on her + mother’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Her mother’s! What do you know of her mother?” asked Coventry, much + surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Her mother was Lady Grace Howard, who ran away with a poor Scotch + minister twenty years ago. The family cast her off, and she lived and died + so obscurely that very little is known of her except that she left an + orphan girl at some small French pension. This is the girl, and a fine + girl, too. I’m surprised that you did not know this.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I, but it is like her not to tell. She is a strange, proud + creature. Lady Howard’s daughter! Upon my word, that is a discovery,” and + Coventry felt his interest in his sister’s governess much increased by + this fact; for, like all wellborn Englishmen, he valued rank and gentle + blood even more than he cared to own. + </p> + <p> + “She has had a hard life of it, this poor little girl, but she has a brave + spirit, and will make her way anywhere,” said Sir John admiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Did Ned know this?” asked Gerald suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “No, she only told me yesterday. I was looking in the <i>Peerage</i> and + chanced to speak of the Howards. She forgot herself and called Lady Grace + her mother. Then I got the whole story, for the lonely little thing was + glad to make a confidant of someone.” + </p> + <p> + “That accounts for her rejection of Sydney and Ned: she knows she is their + equal and will not snatch at the rank which is hers by right. No, she’s + not mercenary or ambitious.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you say?” asked Sir John, for Coventry had spoken more to himself + than to his uncle. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if Lady Sydney was aware of this?” was all Gerald’s answer. + </p> + <p> + “No, Jean said she did not wish to be pitied, and so told nothing to the + mother. I think the son knew, but that was a delicate point, and I asked + no questions.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall write to him as soon as I discover his address. We have been so + intimate I can venture to make a few inquiries about Miss Muir, and prove + the truth of her story.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that you doubt it?” demanded Sir John angrily. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Uncle, but I must confess I have an instinctive + distrust of that young person. It is unjust, I dare say, yet I cannot + banish it.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t annoy me by expressing it, if you please. I have some penetration + and experience, and I respect and pity Miss Muir heartily. This dislike of + yours may be the cause of her late melancholy, hey, Gerald?” And Sir John + looked suspiciously at his nephew. + </p> + <p> + Anxious to avert the rising storm, Coventry said hastily as he turned + away, “I’ve neither time nor inclination to discuss the matter now, sir, + but will be careful not to offend again. I’ll take your message to Bella, + so good-bye for an hour, Uncle.” + </p> + <p> + And Coventry went his way through the park, thinking within himself, The + dear old gentleman is getting fascinated, like poor Ned. How the deuce + does the girl do it? Lady Howard’s daughter, yet never told us; I don’t + understand that. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter V</i> HOW THE GIRL DID IT + </h2> + <p> + At home he found a party of young friends, who hailed with delight the + prospect of a revel at the Hall. An hour later, the blithe company trooped + into the great saloon, where preparations had already been made for a + dramatic evening. + </p> + <p> + Good Sir John was in his element, for he was never so happy as when his + house was full of young people. Several persons were chosen, and in a few + moments the curtains were withdrawn from the first of these impromptu + tableaux. A swarthy, darkly bearded man lay asleep on a tiger skin, in the + shadow of a tent. Oriental arms and drapery surrounded him; an antique + silver lamp burned dimly on a table where fruit lay heaped in costly + dishes, and wine shone redly in half-emptied goblets. Bending over the + sleeper was a woman robed with barbaric splendor. One hand turned back the + embroidered sleeve from the arm which held a scimitar; one slender foot in + a scarlet sandal was visible under the white tunic; her purple mantle + swept down from snowy shoulders; fillets of gold bound her hair, and + jewels shone on neck and arms. She was looking over her shoulder toward + the entrance of the tent, with a steady yet stealthy look, so effective + that for a moment the spectators held their breath, as if they also heard + a passing footstep. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” whispered Lucia, for the face was new to her. + </p> + <p> + “Jean Muir,” answered Coventry, with an absorbed look. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! She is small and fair,” began Lucia, but a hasty “Hush, let + me look!” from her cousin silenced her. + </p> + <p> + Impossible as it seemed, he was right nevertheless; for Jean Muir it was. + She had darkened her skin, painted her eyebrows, disposed some wild black + locks over her fair hair, and thrown such an intensity of expression into + her eyes that they darkened and dilated till they were as fierce as any + southern eyes that ever flashed. Hatred, the deepest and bitterest, was + written on her sternly beautiful face, courage glowed in her glance, power + spoke in the nervous grip of the slender hand that held the weapon, and + the indomitable will of the woman was expressed—even the firm + pressure of the little foot half hidden in the tiger skin. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, isn’t she splendid?” cried Bella under her breath. + </p> + <p> + “She looks as if she’d use her sword well when the time comes,” said + someone admiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Good night to Holofernes; his fate is certain,” added another. + </p> + <p> + “He is the image of Sydney, with that beard on.” + </p> + <p> + “Doesn’t she look as if she really hated him?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she does.” + </p> + <p> + Coventry uttered the last exclamation, for the two which preceded it + suggested an explanation of the marvelous change in Jean. It was not all + art: the intense detestation mingled with a savage joy that the object of + her hatred was in her power was too perfect to be feigned; and having the + key to a part of her story, Coventry felt as if he caught a glimpse of the + truth. It was but a glimpse, however, for the curtain dropped before he + had half analyzed the significance of that strange face. + </p> + <p> + “Horrible! I’m glad it’s over,” said Lucia coldly. + </p> + <p> + “Magnificent! Encore! Encore!” cried Gerald enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + But the scene was over, and no applause could recall the actress. Two or + three graceful or gay pictures followed, but Jean was in none, and each + lacked the charm which real talent lends to the simplest part. + </p> + <p> + “Coventry, you are wanted,” called a voice. And to everyone’s surprise, + Coventry went, though heretofore he had always refused to exert himself + when handsome actors were in demand. + </p> + <p> + “What part am I to spoil?” he asked, as he entered the green room, where + several excited young gentlemen were costuming and attitudinizing. + </p> + <p> + “A fugitive cavalier. Put yourself into this suit, and lose no time asking + questions. Miss Muir will tell you what to do. She is in the tableau, so + no one will mind you,” said the manager pro tem, throwing a rich old suit + toward Coventry and resuming the painting of a moustache on his own boyish + face. + </p> + <p> + A gallant cavalier was the result of Gerald’s hasty toilet, and when he + appeared before the ladies a general glance of admiration was bestowed + upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Come along and be placed; Jean is ready on the stage.” And Bella ran + before him, exclaiming to her governess, “Here he is, quite splendid. + Wasn’t he good to do it?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir, in the charmingly prim and puritanical dress of a Roundhead + damsel, was arranging some shrubs, but turned suddenly and dropped the + green branch she held, as her eye met the glittering figure advancing + toward her. + </p> + <p> + “You!” she said with a troubled look, adding low to Bella, “Why did you + ask <i>him?</i> I begged you not.” + </p> + <p> + “He is the only handsome man here, and the best actor if he likes. He + won’t play usually, so make the most of him.” And Bella was off to finish + powdering her hair for “The Marriage à la Mode.” + </p> + <p> + “I was sent for and I came. Do you prefer some other person?” asked + Coventry, at a loss to understand the half-anxious, half-eager expression + of the face under the little cap. + </p> + <p> + It changed to one of mingled annoyance and resignation as she said, “It is + too late. Please kneel here, half behind the shrubs; put down your hat, + and—allow me—you are too elegant for a fugitive.” + </p> + <p> + As he knelt before her, she disheveled his hair, pulled his lace collar + awry, threw away his gloves and sword, and half untied the cloak that hung + about his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “That is better; your paleness is excellent—nay, don’t spoil it. We + are to represent the picture which hangs in the Hall. I need tell you no + more. Now, Roundheads, place yourselves, and then ring up the curtain.” + </p> + <p> + With a smile, Coventry obeyed her; for the picture was of two lovers, the + young cavalier kneeling, with his arm around the waist of the girl, who + tries to hide him with her little mantle, and presses his head to her + bosom in an ecstasy of fear, as she glances back at the approaching + pursuers. Jean hesitated an instant and shrank a little as his hand + touched her; she blushed deeply, and her eyes fell before his. Then, as + the bell rang, she threw herself into her part with sudden spirit. One arm + half covered him with her cloak, the other pillowed his head on the muslin + kerchief folded over her bosom, and she looked backward with such terror + in her eyes that more than one chivalrous young spectator longed to hurry + to the rescue. It lasted but a moment; yet in that moment Coventry + experienced another new sensation. Many women had smiled on him, but he + had remained heart-whole, cool, and careless, quite unconscious of the + power which a woman possesses and knows how to use, for the weal or woe of + man. Now, as he knelt there with a soft arm about him, a slender waist + yielding to his touch, and a maiden heart throbbing against his cheek, for + the first time in his life he felt the indescribable spell of womanhood, + and looked the ardent lover to perfection. Just as his face assumed this + new and most becoming aspect, the curtain dropped, and clamorous encores + recalled him to the fact that Miss Muir was trying to escape from his + hold, which had grown painful in its unconscious pressure. He sprang up, + half bewildered, and looking as he had never looked before. + </p> + <p> + “Again! Again!” called Sir John. And the young men who played the + Roundheads, eager to share in the applause begged for a repetition in new + attitudes. + </p> + <p> + “A rustle has betrayed you, we have fired and shot the brave girl, and she + lies dying, you know. That will be effective; try it, Miss Muir,” said + one. And with a long breath, Jean complied. + </p> + <p> + The curtain went up, showing the lover still on his knees, unmindful of + the captors who clutched him by the shoulder, for at his feet the girl lay + dying. Her head was on his breast, now, her eyes looked full into his, no + longer wild with fear, but eloquent with the love which even death could + not conquer. The power of those tender eyes thrilled Coventry with a + strange delight, and set his heart beating as rapidly as hers had done. + She felt his hands tremble, saw the color flash into his cheek, knew that + she had touched him at last, and when she rose it was with a sense of + triumph which she found it hard to conceal. Others thought it fine acting; + Coventry tried to believe so; but Lucia set her teeth, and, as the curtain + fell on that second picture, she left her place to hurry behind the + scenes, bent on putting an end to such dangerous play. Several actors were + complimenting the mimic lovers. Jean took it merrily, but Coventry, in + spite of himself, betrayed that he was excited by something deeper than + mere gratified vanity. + </p> + <p> + As Lucia appeared, his manner changed to its usual indifference; but he + could not quench the unwonted fire of his eyes, or keep all trace of + emotion out of his face, and she saw this with a sharp pang. + </p> + <p> + “I have come to offer my help. You must be tired, Miss Muir. Can I relieve + you?” said Lucia hastily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, thank you. I shall be very glad to leave the rest to you, and enjoy + them from the front.” + </p> + <p> + So with a sweet smile Jean tripped away, and to Lucia’s dismay Coventry + followed. + </p> + <p> + “I want you, Gerald; please stay,” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve done my part—no more tragedy for me tonight.” And he was gone + before she could entreat or command. + </p> + <p> + There was no help for it; she must stay and do her duty, or expose her + jealousy to the quick eyes about her. For a time she bore it; but the + sight of her cousin leaning over the chair she had left and chatting with + the governess, who now filled it, grew unbearable, and she dispatched a + little girl with a message to Miss Muir. + </p> + <p> + “Please, Miss Beaufort wants you for Queen Bess, as you are the only lady + with red hair. Will you come?” whispered the child, quite unconscious of + any hidden sting in her words. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear, willingly though I’m not stately enough for Her Majesty, nor + handsome enough,” said Jean, rising with an untroubled face, though she + resented the feminine insult. + </p> + <p> + “Do you want an Essex? I’m all dressed for it,” said Coventry, following + to the door with a wistful look. + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Beaufort said <i>you</i> were not to come. She doesn’t want you + both together,” said the child decidedly. + </p> + <p> + Jean gave him a significant look, shrugged her shoulders, and went away + smiling her odd smile, while Coventry paced up and down the hall in a + curious state of unrest, which made him forgetful of everything till the + young people came gaily out to supper. + </p> + <p> + “Come, bonny Prince Charlie, take me down, and play the lover as + charmingly as you did an hour ago. I never thought you had so much warmth + in you,” said Bella, taking his arm and drawing him on against his will. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be foolish, child. Where is—Lucia?” + </p> + <p> + Why he checked Jean’s name on his lips and substituted another’s, he could + not tell; but a sudden shyness in speaking of her possessed him, and + though he saw her nowhere, he would not ask for her. His cousin came down + looking lovely in a classical costume; but Gerald scarcely saw her, and, + when the merriment was at its height, he slipped away to discover what had + become of Miss Muir. + </p> + <p> + Alone in the deserted drawing room he found her, and paused to watch her a + moment before he spoke; for something in her attitude and face struck him. + She was leaning wearily back in the great chair which had served for a + throne. Her royal robes were still unchanged, though the crown was off and + all her fair hair hung about her shoulders. Excitement and exertion made + her brilliant, the rich dress became her wonderfully, and an air of + luxurious indolence changed the meek governess into a charming woman. She + leaned on the velvet cushions as if she were used to such support; she + played with the jewels which had crowned her as carelessly as if she were + born to wear them; her attitude was full of negligent grace, and the + expression of her face half proud, half pensive, as if her thoughts were + bittersweet. + </p> + <p> + One would know she was wellborn to see her now. Poor girl, what a burden a + life of dependence must be to a spirit like hers! I wonder what she is + thinking of so intently. And Coventry indulged in another look before he + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I bring you some supper, Miss Muir?” + </p> + <p> + “Supper!” she ejaculated, with a start. “Who thinks of one’s body when + one’s soul is—” She stopped there, knit her brows, and laughed + faintly as she added, “No, thank you. I want nothing but advice, and that + I dare not ask of anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have no right.” + </p> + <p> + “Everyone has a right to ask help, especially the weak of the strong. Can + I help you? Believe me, I most heartily offer my poor services.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you forget! This dress, the borrowed splendor of these jewels, the + freedom of this gay evening, the romance of the part you played, all blind + you to the reality. For a moment I cease to be a servant, and for a moment + you treat me as an equal.” + </p> + <p> + It was true; he <i>had</i> forgotten. That soft, reproachful glance + touched him, his distrust melted under the new charm, and he answered with + real feeling in voice and face, “I treat you as an equal because you <i>are</i> + one; and when I offered help, it is not to my sister’s governess alone, + but to Lady Howard’s daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you that?” she demanded, sitting erect. + </p> + <p> + “My uncle. Do not reproach him. It shall go no further, if you forbid it. + Are you sorry that I know it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I will not be pitied!” And her eyes flashed as she made a + half-defiant gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Then, if I may not pity the hard fate which has befallen an innocent + life, may I admire the courage which meets adverse fortune so bravely, and + conquers the world by winning the respect and regard of all who see and + honor it?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir averted her face, put up her hand, and answered hastily, “No, + no, not that! Do not be kind; it destroys the only barrier now left + between us. Be cold to me as before, forget what I am, and let me go on my + way, unknown, unpitied, and unloved!” + </p> + <p> + Her voice faltered and failed as the last word was uttered, and she bent + her face upon her hand. Something jarred upon Coventry in this speech, and + moved him to say, almost rudely, “You need have no fears for me. Lucia + will tell you what an iceberg I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Lucia would tell me wrong. I have the fatal power of reading + character; I know you better than she does, and I see—” There she + stopped abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “What? Tell me and prove your skill,” he said eagerly. + </p> + <p> + Turning, she fixed her eyes on him with a penetrating power that made him + shrink as she said slowly, “Under the ice I see fire, and warn you to + beware lest it prove a volcano.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment he sat dumb, wondering at the insight of the girl; for she + was the first to discover the hidden warmth of a nature too proud to + confess its tender impulses, or the ambitions that slept till some potent + voice awoke them. The blunt, almost stern manner in which she warned him + away from her only made her more attractive; for there was no conceit or + arrogance in it, only a foreboding fear emboldened by past suffering to be + frank. Suddenly he spoke impetuously: + </p> + <p> + “You are right! I am not what I seem, and my indolent indifference is but + the mask under which I conceal my real self. I could be as passionate, as + energetic and aspiring as Ned, if I had any aim in life. I have none, and + so I am what you once called me, a thing to pity and despise.” + </p> + <p> + “I never said that!” cried Jean indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Not in those words, perhaps; but you looked it and thought it, though you + phrased it more mildly. I deserved it, but I shall deserve it no longer. I + am beginning to wake from my disgraceful idleness, and long for some work + that shall make a man of me. Why do you go? I annoy you with my + confessions. Pardon me. They are the first I ever made; they shall be the + last.” + </p> + <p> + “No, oh no! I am too much honored by your confidence; but is it wise, is + it loyal to tell <i>me</i> your hopes and aims? Has not Miss Beaufort the + first right to be your confidante?” + </p> + <p> + Coventry drew back, looking intensely annoyed, for the name recalled much + that he would gladly have forgotten in the novel excitement of the hour. + Lucia’s love, Edward’s parting words, his own reserve so strangely thrown + aside, so difficult to resume. What he would have said was checked by the + sight of a half-open letter which fell from Jean’s dress as she moved + away. Mechanically he took it up to return it, and, as he did so, he + recognized Sydney’s handwriting. Jean snatched it from him, turning pale + to the lips as she cried, “Did you read it? What did you see? Tell me, + tell me, on your honor!” + </p> + <p> + “On my honor, I saw nothing but this single sentence, ‘By the love I bear + you, believe what I say.’ No more, as I am a gentleman. I know the hand, I + guess the purport of the letter, and as a friend of Sydney, I earnestly + desire to help you, if I can. Is this the matter upon which you want + advice?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let me give it?” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot, without knowing all, and it is so hard to tell!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me guess it, and spare you the pain of telling. May I?” And Coventry + waited eagerly for her reply, for the spell was still upon him. + </p> + <p> + Holding the letter fast, she beckoned him to follow, and glided before him + to a secluded little nook, half boudoir, half conservatory. There she + paused, stood an instant as if in doubt, then looked up at him with + confiding eyes and said decidedly, “I will do it; for, strange as it may + seem, you are the only person to whom I <i>can</i> speak. You know Sydney, + you have discovered that I am an equal, you have offered your help. I + accept it; but oh, do not think me unwomanly! Remember how alone I am, how + young, and how much I rely upon your sincerity, your sympathy!” + </p> + <p> + “Speak freely. I am indeed your friend.” And Coventry sat down beside her, + forgetful of everything but the soft-eyed girl who confided in him so + entirely. + </p> + <p> + Speaking rapidly, Jean went on, “You know that Sydney loved me, that I + refused him and went away. But you do not know that his importunities + nearly drove me wild, that he threatened to rob me of my only treasure, my + good name, and that, in desperation, I tried to kill myself. Yes, mad, + wicked as it was, I did long to end the life which was, at best, a burden, + and under his persecution had become a torment. You are shocked, yet what + I say is the living truth. Lady Sydney will confirm it, the nurses at the + hospital will confess that it was not a fever which brought me there; and + here, though the external wound is healed, my heart still aches and burns + with the shame and indignation which only a proud woman can feel.” + </p> + <p> + She paused and sat with kindling eyes, glowing cheeks, and both hands + pressed to her heaving bosom, as if the old insult roused her spirit anew. + Coventry said not a word, for surprise, anger, incredulity, and admiration + mingled so confusedly in his mind that he forgot to speak, and Jean went + on, “That wild act of mine convinced him of my indomitable dislike. He + went away, and I believed that this stormy love of his would be cured by + absence. It is not, and I live in daily fear of fresh entreaties, renewed + persecution. His mother promised not to betray where I had gone, but he + found me out and wrote to me. The letter I asked you to take to Lady + Sydney was a reply to his, imploring him to leave me in peace. You failed + to deliver it, and I was glad, for I thought silence might quench hope. + All in vain; this is a more passionate appeal than ever, and he vows he + will never desist from his endeavors till I give another man the right to + protect me. I <i>can</i> do this—I am sorely tempted to do it, but I + rebel against the cruelty. I love my freedom, I have no wish to marry at + this man’s bidding. What can I do? How can I free myself? Be my friend, + and help me!” + </p> + <p> + Tears streamed down her cheeks, sobs choked her words, and she clasped her + hands imploringly as she turned toward the young man in all the + abandonment of sorrow, fear, and supplication. Coventry found it hard to + meet those eloquent eyes and answer calmly, for he had no experience in + such scenes and knew not how to play his part. It is this absurd dress and + that romantic nonsense which makes me feel so unlike myself, he thought, + quite unconscious of the dangerous power which the dusky room, the + midsummer warmth and fragrance, the memory of the “romantic nonsense,” + and, most of all, the presence of a beautiful, afflicted woman had over + him. His usual self-possession deserted him, and he could only echo the + words which had made the strongest impression upon him: + </p> + <p> + “You <i>can</i> do this, you are tempted to do it. Is Ned the man who can + protect you?” + </p> + <p> + “No” was the soft reply. + </p> + <p> + “Who then?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not ask me. A good and honorable man; one who loves me well, and would + devote his life to me; one whom once it would have been happiness to + marry, but now—” + </p> + <p> + There her voice ended in a sigh, and all her fair hair fell down about her + face, hiding it in a shining veil. + </p> + <p> + “Why not now? This is a sure and speedy way of ending your distress. Is it + impossible?” + </p> + <p> + In spite of himself, Gerald leaned nearer, took one of the little hands in + his, and pressed it as he spoke, urgently, compassionately, nay, almost + tenderly. From behind the veil came a heavy sigh, and the brief answer, + “It is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + She flung her hair back with a sudden gesture, drew away her hand, and + answered, almost fiercely, “Because I do not love him! Why do you torment + me with such questions? I tell you I am in a sore strait and cannot see my + way. Shall I deceive the good man, and secure peace at the price of + liberty and truth? Or shall I defy Sydney and lead a life of dread? If he + menaced my life, I should not fear; but he menaces that which is dearer + than life—my good name. A look, a word can tarnish it; a scornful + smile, a significant shrug can do me more harm than any blow; for I am a + woman—friendless, poor, and at the mercy of his tongue. Ah, better + to have died, and so have been saved the bitter pain that has come now!” + </p> + <p> + She sprang up, clasped her hands over her head, and paced despairingly + through the little room, not weeping, but wearing an expression more + tragical than tears. Still feeling as if he had suddenly stepped into a + romance, yet finding a keen pleasure in the part assigned him, Coventry + threw himself into it with spirit, and heartily did his best to console + the poor girl who needed help so much. Going to her, he said as + impetuously as Ned ever did, “Miss Muir—nay, I will say Jean, if + that will comfort you—listen, and rest assured that no harm shall + touch you if I can ward it off. You are needlessly alarmed. Indignant you + may well be, but, upon my life, I think you wrong Sydney. He is violent, I + know, but he is too honorable a man to injure you by a light word, an + unjust act. He did but threaten, hoping to soften you. Let me see him, or + write to him. He is my friend; he will listen to me. Of that I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Be sure of nothing. When a man like Sydney loves and is thwarted in his + love, nothing can control his headstrong will. Promise me you will not see + or write to him. Much as I fear and despise him, I will submit, rather + than any harm should befall you—or your brother. You promise me, Mr. + Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated. She clung to his arm with unfeigned solicitude in her eager, + pleading face, and he could not resist it. + </p> + <p> + “I promise; but in return you must promise to let me give what help I can; + and, Jean, never say again that you are friendless.” + </p> + <p> + “You are so kind! God bless you for it. But I dare not accept your + friendship; she will not permit it, and I have no right to mar her peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Who will not permit it?” he demanded hotly. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Beaufort.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang Miss Beaufort!” exclaimed Coventry, with such energy that Jean broke + into a musical laugh, despite her trouble. He joined in it, and, for an + instant they stood looking at one another as if the last barrier were + down, and they were friends indeed. Jean paused suddenly, with the smile + on her lips, the tears still on her cheek, and made a warning gesture. He + listened: the sound of feet mingled with calls and laughter proved that + they were missed and sought. + </p> + <p> + “That laugh betrayed us. Stay and meet them. I cannot.” And Jean darted + out upon the lawn. Coventry followed; for the thought of confronting so + many eyes, so many questions, daunted him, and he fled like a coward. The + sound of Jean’s flying footsteps guided him, and he overtook her just as + she paused behind a rose thicket to take breath. + </p> + <p> + “Fainthearted knight! You should have stayed and covered my retreat. Hark! + they are coming! Hide! Hide!” she panted, half in fear, half in merriment, + as the gay pursuers rapidly drew nearer. + </p> + <p> + “Kneel down; the moon is coming out and the glitter of your embroidery + will betray you,” whispered Jean, as they cowered behind the roses. + </p> + <p> + “Your arms and hair will betray you. ‘Come under my plaiddie,’ as the song + says.” And Coventry tried to make his velvet cloak cover the white + shoulders and fair locks. + </p> + <p> + “We are acting our parts in reality now. How Bella will enjoy the thing + when I tell her!” said Jean as the noises died away. + </p> + <p> + “Do not tell her,” whispered Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” she asked, looking up into the face so near her own, with + an artless glance. + </p> + <p> + “Can you not guess why?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are so proud you cannot bear to be laughed at.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that. It is because I do not want you to be annoyed by silly + tongues; you have enough to pain you without that. I am your friend, now, + and I do my best to prove it.” + </p> + <p> + “So kind, so kind! How can I thank you?” murmured Jean. And she + involuntarily nestled closer under the cloak that sheltered both. + </p> + <p> + Neither spoke for a moment, and in the silence the rapid beating of two + hearts was heard. To drown the sound, Coventry said softly, “Are you + frightened?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I like it,” she answered, as softly, then added abruptly, “But why do + we hide? There is nothing to fear. It is late. I must go. You are kneeling + on my train. Please rise.” + </p> + <p> + “Why in such haste? This flight and search only adds to the charm of the + evening. I’ll not get up yet. Will you have a rose, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I will not. Let me go, Mr. Coventry, I insist. There has been enough + of this folly. You forget yourself.” + </p> + <p> + She spoke imperiously, flung off the cloak, and put him from her. He rose + at once, saying, like one waking suddenly from a pleasant dream, “I do + indeed forget myself.” + </p> + <p> + Here the sound of voices broke on them, nearer than before. Pointing to a + covered walk that led to the house, he said, in his usually cool, calm + tone, “Go in that way; I will cover your retreat.” And turning, he went to + meet the merry hunters. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later, when the party broke up, Miss Muir joined them in her + usual quiet dress, looking paler, meeker, and sadder than usual. Coventry + saw this, though he neither looked at her nor addressed her. Lucia saw it + also, and was glad that the dangerous girl had fallen back into her proper + place again, for she had suffered much that night. She appropriated her + cousin’s arm as they went through the park, but he was in one of his + taciturn moods, and all her attempts at conversation were in vain. Miss + Muir walked alone, singing softly to herself as she followed in the dusk. + Was Gerald so silent because he listened to that fitful song? Lucia + thought so, and felt her dislike rapidly deepening to hatred. + </p> + <p> + When the young friends were gone, and the family were exchanging + good-nights among themselves, Jean was surprised by Coventry’s offering + his hand, for he had never done it before, and whispering, as he held it, + though Lucia watched him all the while, “I have not given my advice, yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, I no longer need it. I have decided for myself.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask how?” + </p> + <p> + “To brave my enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! But what decided you so suddenly?” + </p> + <p> + “The finding of a friend.” And with a grateful glance she was gone. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter VI</i> ON THE WATCH + </h2> + <p> + “If you please, Mr. Coventry, did you get the letter last night?” were the + first words that greeted the “young master” as he left his room next + morning. + </p> + <p> + “What letter, Dean? I don’t remember any,” he answered, pausing, for + something in the maid’s manner struck him as peculiar. + </p> + <p> + “It came just as you left for the Hall, sir. Benson ran after you with it, + as it was marked ‘Haste.’ Didn’t you get it, sir?” asked the woman, + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but upon my life, I forgot all about it till this minute. It’s in my + other coat, I suppose, if I’ve not lost it. That absurd masquerading put + everything else out of my head.” And speaking more to himself than to the + maid, Coventry turned back to look for the missing letter. + </p> + <p> + Dean remained where she was, apparently busy about the arrangement of the + curtains at the hall window, but furtively watching meanwhile with a most + unwonted air of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Not there, I thought so!” she muttered, as Coventry impatiently thrust + his hand into one pocket after another. But as she spoke, an expression of + amazement appeared in her face, for suddenly the letter was discovered. + </p> + <p> + “I’d have sworn it wasn’t there! I don’t understand it, but she’s a deep + one, or I’m much deceived.” And Dean shook her head like one perplexed, + but not convinced. + </p> + <p> + Coventry uttered an exclamation of satisfaction on glancing at the address + and, standing where he was, tore open the letter. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear C: + + I’m off to Baden. Come and join me, then you’ll be out of harm’s way; + for if you fall in love with J.M. (and you can’t escape if you stay + where she is), you will incur the trifling inconvenience of having + your brains blown out by + + Yours truly, F.R. Sydney +</pre> + <p> + “The man is mad!” ejaculated Coventry, staring at the letter while an + angry flush rose to his face. “What the deuce does he mean by writing to + me in that style? Join him—not I! And as for the threat, I laugh at + it. Poor Jean! This headstrong fool seems bent on tormenting her. Well, + Dean, what are you waiting for?” he demanded, as if suddenly conscious of + her presence. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, sir; I only stopped to see if you found the letter. Beg pardon, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + And she was moving on when Coventry asked, with a suspicious look, “What + made you think it was lost? You seem to take an uncommon interest in my + affairs today.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear, no, sir. I felt a bit anxious, Benson is so forgetful, and it + was me who sent him after you, for I happened to see you go out, so I felt + responsible. Being marked that way, I thought it might be important so I + asked about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, you can go, Dean. It’s all right, you see.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not so sure of that,” muttered the woman, as she curtsied + respectfully and went away, looking as if the letter had <i>not</i> been + found. + </p> + <p> + Dean was Miss Beaufort’s maid, a grave, middle-aged woman with keen eyes + and a somewhat grim air. Having been long in the family, she enjoyed all + the privileges of a faithful and favorite servant. She loved her young + mistress with an almost jealous affection. She watched over her with the + vigilant care of a mother and resented any attempt at interference on the + part of others. At first she had pitied and liked Jean Muir, then + distrusted her, and now heartily hated her, as the cause of the increased + indifference of Coventry toward his cousin. Dean knew the depth of Lucia’s + love, and though no man, in her eyes, was worthy of her mistress, still, + having honored him with her regard, Dean felt bound to like him, and the + late change in his manner disturbed the maid almost as much as it did the + mistress. She watched Jean narrowly, causing that amiable creature much + amusement but little annoyance, as yet, for Dean’s slow English wit was no + match for the subtle mind of the governess. On the preceding night, Dean + had been sent up to the Hall with costumes and had there seen something + which much disturbed her. She began to speak of it while undressing her + mistress, but Lucia, being in an unhappy mood, had so sternly ordered her + not to gossip that the tale remained untold, and she was forced to bide + her tune. + </p> + <p> + Now I’ll see how <i>she</i> looks after it; though there’s not much to be + got out of <i>her</i> face, the deceitful hussy, thought Dean, marching + down the corridor and knitting her black brows as she went. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Mrs. Dean. I hope you are none the worse for last night’s + frolic. You had the work and we the play,” said a blithe voice behind her; + and turning sharply, she confronted Miss Muir. Fresh and smiling, the + governess nodded with an air of cordiality which would have been + irresistible with anyone but Dean. + </p> + <p> + “I’m quite well, thank you, miss,” she returned coldly, as her keen eye + fastened on the girl as if to watch the effect of her words. “I had a good + rest when the young ladies and gentlemen were at supper, for while the + maids cleared up, I sat in the ‘little anteroom.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I saw you, and feared you’d take cold. Very glad you didn’t. How is + Miss Beaufort? She seemed rather poorly last night” was the tranquil + reply, as Jean settled the little frills about her delicate wrists. The + cool question was a return shot for Dean’s hint that she had been where + she could oversee the interview between Coventry and Miss Muir. + </p> + <p> + “She is a bit tired, as any <i>lady</i> would be after such an evening. + People who are <i>used</i> to <i>play-acting</i> wouldn’t mind it, + perhaps, but Miss Beaufort don’t enjoy <i>romps</i> as much as <i>some</i> + do.” + </p> + <p> + The emphasis upon certain words made Dean’s speech as impertinent as she + desired. But Jean only laughed, and as Coventry’s step was heard behind + them, she ran downstairs, saying blandly, but with a wicked look, “I won’t + stop to thank you now, lest Mr. Coventry should bid me good-morning, and + so increase Miss Beaufort’s indisposition.” + </p> + <p> + Dean’s eyes flashed as she looked after the girl with a wrathful face, and + went her way, saying grimly, “I’ll bide my time, but I’ll get the better + of her yet.” + </p> + <p> + Fancying himself quite removed from “last night’s absurdity,” yet curious + to see how Jean would meet him, Coventry lounged into the breakfast room + with his usual air of listless indifference. A languid nod and murmur was + all the reply he vouchsafed to the greetings of cousin, sister, and + governess as he sat down and took up his paper. + </p> + <p> + “Have you had a letter from Ned?” asked Bella, looking at the note which + her brother still held. + </p> + <p> + “No” was the brief answer. + </p> + <p> + “Who then? You look as if you had received bad news.” + </p> + <p> + There was no reply, and, peeping over his arm, Bella caught sight of the + seal and exclaimed, in a disappointed tone, “It is the Sydney crest. I + don’t care about the note now. Men’s letters to each other are not + interesting.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir had been quietly feeding one of Edward’s dogs, but at the name + she looked up and met Coventry’s eyes, coloring so distressfully that he + pitied her. Why he should take the trouble to cover her confusion, he did + not stop to ask himself, but seeing the curl of Lucia’s lip, he suddenly + addressed her with an air of displeasure, “Do you know that Dean is + getting impertinent? She presumes too much on her age and your indulgence, + and forgets her place.” + </p> + <p> + “What has she done?” asked Lucia coldly. + </p> + <p> + “She troubles herself about my affairs and takes it upon herself to keep + Benson in order.” + </p> + <p> + Here Coventry told about the letter and the woman’s evident curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Dean, she gets no thanks for reminding you of what you had + forgotten. Next time she will leave your letters to their fate, and + perhaps it will be as well, if they have such a bad effect upon your + temper, Gerald.” + </p> + <p> + Lucia spoke calmly, but there was an angry color in her cheek as she rose + and left the room. Coventry looked much annoyed, for on Jean’s face he + detected a faint smile, half pitiful, half satirical, which disturbed him + more than his cousin’s insinuation. Bella broke the awkward silence by + saying, with a sigh, “Poor Ned! I do so long to hear again from him. I + thought a letter had come for some of us. Dean said she saw one bearing + his writing on the hall table yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “She seems to have a mania for inspecting letters. I won’t allow it. Who + was the letter for, Bella?” said Coventry, putting down his paper. + </p> + <p> + “She wouldn’t or couldn’t tell, but looked very cross and told me to ask + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very odd! I’ve had none,” began Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “But I had one several days ago. Will you please read it, and my reply?” + And as she spoke, Jean laid two letters before him. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not. It would be dishonorable to read what Ned intended for no + eyes but your own. You are too scrupulous in one way, and not enough so in + another, Miss Muir.” And Coventry offered both the letters with an air of + grave decision, which could not conceal the interest and surprise he felt. + </p> + <p> + “You are right. Mr. Edward’s note <i>should</i> be kept sacred, for in it + the poor boy has laid bare his heart to me. But mine I beg you will read, + that you may see how well I try to keep my word to you. Oblige me in this, + Mr. Coventry; I have a right to ask it of you.” + </p> + <p> + So urgently she spoke, so wistfully she looked, that he could not refuse + and, going to the window, read the letter. It was evidently an answer to a + passionate appeal from the young lover, and was written with consummate + skill. As he read, Gerald could not help thinking, If this girl writes in + this way to a man whom she does <i>not</i> love, with what a world of + power and passion would she write to one whom she <i>did</i> love. And + this thought kept returning to him as his eye went over line after line of + wise argument, gentle reproof, good counsel, and friendly regard. Here and + there a word, a phrase, betrayed what she had already confessed, and + Coventry forgot to return the letter, as he stood wondering who was the + man whom Jean loved. + </p> + <p> + The sound of Bella’s voice recalled him, for she was saying, half kindly, + half petulantly, “Don’t look so sad, Jean. Ned will outlive it, I dare + say. You remember you said once men never died of love, though women + might. In his one note to me, he spoke so beautifully of you, and begged + me to be kind to you for his sake, that I try to be with all my heart, + though if it was anyone but you, I really think I should hate them for + making my dear boy so unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “You are too kind, Bella, and I often think I’ll go away to relieve you of + my presence; but unwise and dangerous as it is to stay, I haven’t the + courage to go. I’ve been so happy here.” And as she spoke, Jean’s head + dropped lower over the dog as it nestled to her affectionately. + </p> + <p> + Before Bella could utter half the loving words that sprang to her lips, + Coventry came to them with all languor gone from face and mien, and laying + Jean’s letter before her, he said, with an undertone of deep feeling in + his usually emotionless voice, “A right womanly and eloquent letter, but I + fear it will only increase the fire it was meant to quench. I pity my + brother more than ever now.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I send it?” asked Jean, looking straight up at him, like one who + had entire reliance on his judgment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have not the heart to rob him of such a sweet sermon upon + self-sacrifice. Shall I post it for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; in a moment.” And with a grateful look, Jean dropped her eyes. + Producing her little purse, she selected a penny, folded it in a bit of + paper, and then offered both letter and coin to Coventry, with such a + pretty air of business, that he could not control a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “So you won’t be indebted to me for a penny? What a proud woman you are, + Miss Muir.” + </p> + <p> + “I am; it’s a family failing.” And she gave him a significant glance, + which recalled to him the memory of who she was. He understood her + feeling, and liked her the better for it, knowing that he would have done + the same had he been in her place. It was a little thing, but if done for + effect, it answered admirably, for it showed a quick insight into his + character on her part, and betrayed to him the existence of a pride in + which he sympathized heartily. He stood by Jean a moment, watching her as + she burnt Edward’s letter in the blaze of the spirit lamp under the urn. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you do that?” he asked involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + “Because it is my duty to forget” was all her answer. + </p> + <p> + “Can you always forget when it becomes a duty?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could! I wish I could!” + </p> + <p> + She spoke passionately, as if the words broke from her against her will, + and, rising hastily, she went into the garden, as if afraid to stay. + </p> + <p> + “Poor, dear Jean is very unhappy about something, but I can’t discover + what it is. Last night I found her crying over a rose, and now she runs + away, looking as if her heart was broken. I’m glad I’ve got no lessons.” + </p> + <p> + “What kind of a rose?” asked Coventry from behind his paper as Bella + paused. + </p> + <p> + “A lovely white one. It must have come from the Hall; we have none like + it. I wonder if Jean was ever going to be married, and lost her lover, and + felt sad because the flower reminded her of bridal roses.” + </p> + <p> + Coventry made no reply, but felt himself change countenance as he recalled + the little scene behind the rose hedge, where he gave Jean the flower + which she had refused yet taken. Presently, to Bella’s surprise, he flung + down the paper, tore Sydney’s note to atoms, and rang for his horse with + an energy which amazed her. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Gerald, what has come over you? One would think Ned’s restless + spirit had suddenly taken possession of you. What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m going to work” was the unexpected answer, as Coventry turned toward + her with an expression so rarely seen on his fine face. + </p> + <p> + “What has waked you up all at once?” asked Bella, looking more and more + amazed. + </p> + <p> + “You did,” he said, drawing her toward him. + </p> + <p> + “I! When? How?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember saying once that energy was better than beauty in a man, + and that no one could respect an idler?” + </p> + <p> + “I never said anything half so sensible as that. Jean said something like + it once, I believe, but I forgot. Are you tired of doing nothing, at last, + Gerald?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I neglected my duty to Ned, till he got into trouble, and now I + reproach myself for it. It’s not too late to do other neglected tasks, so + I’m going at them with a will. Don’t say anything about it to anyone, and + don’t laugh at me, for I’m in earnest, Bell.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you are, and I admire and love you for it, my dear old boy,” cried + Bella enthusiastically, as she threw her arms about his neck and kissed + him heartily. “What will you do first?” she asked, as he stood + thoughtfully smoothing the bright head that leaned upon his shoulder, with + that new expression still clear and steady in his face. + </p> + <p> + “I’m going to ride over the whole estate, and attend to things as a master + should; not leave it all to Bent, of whom I’ve heard many complaints, but + have been too idle to inquire about them. I shall consult Uncle, and + endeavor to be all that my father was in his time. Is that a worthy + ambition, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Gerald, let me tell Mamma. It will make her so happy. You are her + idol, and to hear you say these things, to see you look so like dear Papa, + would do more for her spirits than all the doctors in England.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till I prove what my resolution is worth. When I have really done + something, then I’ll surprise Mamma with a sample of my work.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you’ll tell Lucia?” + </p> + <p> + “Not on any account. It is a little secret between us, so keep it till I + give you leave to tell it.” + </p> + <p> + “But Jean will see it at once; she knows everything that happens, she is + so quick and wise. Do you mind her knowing?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see that I can help it if she is so wonderfully gifted. Let her + see what she can, I don’t mind her. Now I’m off.” And with a kiss to his + sister, a sudden smile on his face, Coventry sprang upon his horse and + rode away at a pace which caused the groom to stare after him in blank + amazement. + </p> + <p> + Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so + exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some + difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished + the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had + always seemed utterly uninteresting to him. Lucia was amazed, his mother + delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the + mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one + who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.” This nettled him + more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict + that prophecy. + </p> + <p> + “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all + scattered about the drawing room after dinner. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless + steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin. + </p> + <p> + “I ask because I remembered that Ned sent a message for him in my last + note, as he thought you would know Sydney’s address. Here it is, something + about a horse. Please put it in when you write,” and Bella laid the note + on the writing table nearby. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll send it at once and have done with it,” muttered Coventry and, + seating himself, he dashed off a few lines, sealed and sent the letter, + and then resumed his march, eyeing the three young ladies with three + different expressions, as he passed and repassed. Lucia sat apart, + feigning to be intent upon a book, and her handsome face looked almost + stern in its haughty composure, for though her heart ached, she was too + proud to own it. Bella now lay on the sofa, half asleep, a rosy little + creature, as unconsciously pretty as a child. Miss Muir sat in the recess + of a deep window, in a low lounging chair, working at an embroidery frame + with a graceful industry pleasant to see. Of late she had worn colors, for + Bella had been generous in gifts, and the pale blue muslin which flowed in + soft waves about her was very becoming to her fair skin and golden hair. + The close braids were gone, and loose curls dropped here and there from + the heavy coil wound around her well-shaped head. The tip of one dainty + foot was visible, and a petulant little gesture which now and then shook + back the falling sleeve gave glimpses of a round white arm. Ned’s great + hound lay nearby, the sunshine flickered on her through the leaves, and as + she sat smiling to herself, while the dexterous hands shaped leaf and + flower, she made a charming picture of all that is most womanly and + winning; a picture which few men’s eyes would not have liked to rest upon. + </p> + <p> + Another chair stood near her, and as Coventry went up and down, a strong + desire to take it possessed him. He was tired of his thoughts and wished + to be amused by watching the changes of the girl’s expressive face, + listening to the varying tones of her voice, and trying to discover the + spell which so strongly attracted him in spite of himself. More than once + he swerved from his course to gratify his whim, but Lucia’s presence + always restrained him, and with a word to the dog, or a glance from the + window, as pretext for a pause, he resumed his walk again. Something in + his cousin’s face reproached him, but her manner of late was so repellent + that he felt no desire to resume their former familiarity, and, wishing to + show that he did not consider himself bound, he kept aloof. It was a quiet + test of the power of each woman over this man; they instinctively felt it, + and both tried to conquer. Lucia spoke several times, and tried to speak + frankly and affably; but her manner was constrained, and Coventry, having + answered politely, relapsed into silence. Jean said nothing, but silently + appealed to eye and ear by the pretty picture she made of herself, the + snatches of song she softly sang, as if forgetting that she was not alone, + and a shy glance now and then, half wistful, half merry, which was more + alluring than graceful figure or sweet voice. When she had tormented Lucia + and tempted Coventry long enough, she quietly asserted her supremacy in a + way which astonished her rival, who knew nothing of the secret of her + birth, which knowledge did much to attract and charm the young man. + Letting a ball of silk escape from her lap, she watched it roll toward the + promenader, who caught and returned it with an alacrity which added grace + to the trifling service. As she took it, she said, in the frank way that + never failed to win him, “I think you must be tired; but if exercise is + necessary, employ your energies to some purpose and put your mother’s + basket of silks in order. They are in a tangle, and it will please her to + know that you did it, as your brother used to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Hercules at the distaff,” said Coventry gaily, and down he sat in the + long-desired seat. Jean put the basket on his knee, and as he surveyed it, + as if daunted at his task, she leaned back, and indulged in a musical + little peal of laughter charming to hear. Lucia sat dumb with surprise, to + see her proud, indolent cousin obeying the commands of a governess, and + looking as if he heartily enjoyed it. In ten minutes she was as entirely + forgotten as if she had been miles away; for Jean seemed in her wittiest, + gayest mood, and as she now treated the “young master” like an equal, + there was none of the former meek timidity. Yet often her eyes fell, her + color changed, and the piquant sallies faltered on her tongue, as Coventry + involuntarily looked deep into the fine eyes which had once shone on him + so tenderly in that mimic tragedy. He could not forget it, and though + neither alluded to it, the memory of the previous evening seemed to haunt + both and lend a secret charm to the present moment. Lucia bore this as + long as she could, and then left the room with the air of an insulted + princess; but Coventry did not, and Jean feigned not to see her go. Bella + was fast asleep, and before he knew how it came to pass, the young man was + listening to the story of his companion’s life. A sad tale, told with + wonderful skill, for soon he was absorbed in it. The basket slid + unobserved from his knee, the dog was pushed away, and, leaning forward, + he listened eagerly as the girl’s low voice recounted all the hardships, + loneliness, and grief of her short life. In the midst of a touching + episode she started, stopped, and looked straight before her, with an + intent expression which changed to one of intense contempt, and her eye + turned to Coventry’s, as she said, pointing to the window behind him, “We + are watched.” + </p> + <p> + “By whom?” he demanded, starting up angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, say nothing, let it pass. I am used to it.” + </p> + <p> + “But <i>I</i> am not, and I’ll not submit to it. Who was it, Jean?” he + answered hotly. + </p> + <p> + She smiled significantly at a knot of rose-colored ribbon, which a little + gust was blowing toward them along the terrace. A black frown darkened the + young man’s face as he sprang out of the long window and went rapidly out + of sight, scrutinizing each green nook as he passed. Jean laughed quietly + as she watched him, and said softly to herself, with her eyes on the + fluttering ribbon, “That was a fortunate accident, and a happy + inspiration. Yes, my dear Mrs. Dean, you will find that playing the spy + will only get your mistress as well as yourself into trouble. You would + not be warned, and you must take the consequences, reluctant as I am to + injure a worthy creature like yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Soon Coventry was heard returning. Jean listened with suspended breath to + catch his first words, for he was not alone. + </p> + <p> + “Since you insist that it was you and not your mistress, I let it pass, + although I still have my suspicions. Tell Miss Beaufort I desire to see + her for a few moments in the library. Now go, Dean, and be careful for the + future, if you wish to stay in my house.” + </p> + <p> + The maid retired, and the young man came in looking both ireful and stern. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had said nothing, but I was startled, and spoke involuntarily. + Now you are angry, and I have made fresh trouble for poor Miss Lucia. + Forgive me as I forgive her, and let it pass. I have learned to bear this + surveillance, and pity her causeless jealousy,” said Jean, with a + self-reproachful air. + </p> + <p> + “I will forgive the dishonorable act, but I cannot forget it, and I intend + to put a stop to it. I am not betrothed to my cousin, as I told you once, + but you, like all the rest, seem bent on believing that I am. Hitherto I + have cared too little about the matter to settle it, but now I shall prove + beyond all doubt that I am free.” + </p> + <p> + As he uttered the last word, Coventry cast on Jean a look that affected + her strangely. She grew pale, her work dropped on her lap, and her eyes + rose to his, with an eager, questioning expression, which slowly changed + to one of mingled pain and pity, as she turned her face away, murmuring in + a tone of tender sorrow, “Poor Lucia, who will comfort her?” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Coventry stood silent, as if weighing some fateful purpose in + his mind. As Jean’s rapt sigh of compassion reached his ear, he had echoed + it within himself, and half repented of his resolution; then his eye + rested on the girl before him looking so lonely in her sweet sympathy for + another that his heart yearned toward her. Sudden fire shot into his eye, + sudden warmth replaced the cold sternness of his face, and his steady + voice faltered suddenly, as he said, very low, yet very earnestly, “Jean, + I have tried to love her, but I cannot. Ought I to deceive her, and make + myself miserable to please my family?” + </p> + <p> + “She is beautiful and good, and loves you tenderly; is there no hope for + her?” asked Jean, still pale, but very quiet, though she held one hand + against her heart, as if to still or hide its rapid beating. + </p> + <p> + “None,” answered Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “But can you not learn to love her? Your will is strong, and most men + would not find it a hard task.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, for something stronger than my own will controls me.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” And Jean’s dark eyes were fixed upon him, full of innocent + wonder. + </p> + <p> + His fell, and he said hastily, “I dare not tell you yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon! I should not have asked. Do not consult me in this matter; I am + not the person to advise you. I can only say that it seems to me as if any + man with an empty heart would be glad to have so beautiful a woman as your + cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “My heart is not empty,” began Coventry, drawing a step nearer, and + speaking in a passionate voice. “Jean, I <i>must</i> speak; hear me. I + cannot love my cousin, because I love you.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” And Jean sprang up with a commanding gesture. “I will not hear you + while any promise binds you to another. Remember your mother’s wishes, + Lucia’s hopes, Edward’s last words, your own pride, my humble lot. You + forget yourself, Mr. Coventry. Think well before you speak, weigh the cost + of this act, and recollect who I am before you insult me by any transient + passion, any false vows.” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought, I do weigh the cost, and I swear that I desire to woo you + as humbly, honestly as I would any lady in the land. You speak of my + pride. Do I stoop in loving my equal in rank? You speak of your lowly lot, + but poverty is no disgrace, and the courage with which you bear it makes + it beautiful. I should have broken with Lucia before I spoke, but I could + not control myself. My mother loves you, and will be happy in my + happiness. Edward must forgive me, for I have tried to do my best, but + love is irresistible. Tell me, Jean, is there any hope for me?” + </p> + <p> + He had seized her hand and was speaking impetuously, with ardent face and + tender tone, but no answer came, for as Jean turned her eloquent + countenance toward him, full of maiden shame and timid love, Dean’s prim + figure appeared at the door, and her harsh voice broke the momentary + silence, saying, sternly, “Miss Beaufort is waiting for you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, go at once, and be kind, for my sake, Gerald,” whispered Jean, for he + stood as if deaf and blind to everything but her voice, her face. + </p> + <p> + As she drew his head down to whisper, her cheek touched his, and + regardless of Dean, he kissed it, passionately, whispering back, “My + little Jean! For your sake I can be anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Beaufort is waiting. Shall I say you will come, sir?” demanded Dean, + pale and grim with indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, I’ll come. Wait for me in the garden, Jean.” And Coventry + hurried away, in no mood for the interview but anxious to have it over. + </p> + <p> + As the door closed behind him, Dean walked up to Miss Muir, trembling with + anger, and laying a heavy hand on her arm, she said below her breath, + “I’ve been expecting this, you artful creature. I saw your game and did my + best to spoil it, but you are too quick for me. You think you’ve got him. + There you are mistaken; for as sure as my name is Hester Dean, I’ll + prevent it, or Sir John shall.” + </p> + <p> + “Take your hand away and treat me with proper respect, or you will be + dismissed from this house. Do you know who I am?” And Jean drew herself up + with a haughty air, which impressed the woman more deeply than her words. + “I am the daughter of Lady Howard and, if I choose it, can be the wife of + Mr. Coventry.” + </p> + <p> + Dean drew back amazed, yet not convinced. Being a well-trained servant, as + well as a prudent woman, she feared to overstep the bounds of respect, to + go too far, and get her mistress as well as herself into trouble. So, + though she still doubted Jean, and hated her more than ever, she + controlled herself. Dropping a curtsy, she assumed her usual air of + deference, and said, meekly, “I beg pardon, miss. If I’d known, I should + have conducted myself differently, of course, but ordinary governesses + make so much mischief in a house, one can’t help mistrusting them. I don’t + wish to meddle or be overbold, but being fond of my dear young lady, I + naturally take her part, and must say that Mr. Coventry has not acted like + a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Think what you please, Dean, but I advise you to say as little as + possible if you wish to remain. I have not accepted Mr. Coventry yet, and + if he chooses to set aside the engagement his family made for him, I think + he has a right to do so. Miss Beaufort would hardly care to marry him + against his will, because he pities her for her unhappy love,” and with a + tranquil smile, Miss Muir walked away. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter VII</i> THE LAST CHANCE + </h2> + <p> + “She will tell Sir John, will she? Then I must be before her, and hasten + events. It will be as well to have all sure before there can be any + danger. My poor Dean, you are no match for me, but you may prove annoying, + nevertheless.” + </p> + <p> + These thoughts passed through Miss Muir’s mind as she went down the hall, + pausing an instant at the library door, for the murmur of voices was + heard. She caught no word, and had only time for an instant’s pause as + Dean’s heavy step followed her. Turning, Jean drew a chair before the + door, and, beckoning to the woman, she said, smiling still, “Sit here and + play watchdog. I am going to Miss Bella, so you can nod if you will.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, miss. I will wait for my young lady. She may need me when this + hard time is over.” And Dean seated herself with a resolute face. + </p> + <p> + Jean laughed and went on; but her eyes gleamed with sudden malice, and she + glanced over her shoulder with an expression which boded ill for the + faithful old servant. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve got a letter from Ned, and here is a tiny note for you,” cried Bella + as Jean entered the boudoir. “Mine is a very odd, hasty letter, with no + news in it, but his meeting with Sydney. I hope yours is better, or it + won’t be very satisfactory.” + </p> + <p> + As Sydney’s name passed Bella’s lips, all the color died out of Miss + Muir’s face, and the note shook with the tremor of her hand. Her very lips + were white, but she said calmly, “Thank you. As you are busy, I’ll go and + read my letter on the lawn.” And before Bella could speak, she was gone. + </p> + <p> + Hurrying to a quiet nook, Jean tore open the note and read the few blotted + lines it contained. + </p> + <p> + <i>I have seen Sydney; he has told me all; and, hard as I found it to + believe, it was impossible to doubt, for he has discovered proofs which + cannot be denied. I make no reproaches, shall demand no confession or + atonement, for I cannot forget that I once loved you. I give you three + days to find another home, before I return to tell the family who you are. + Go at once, I beseech you, and spare me the pain of seeing your disgrace.</i> + </p> + <p> + Slowly, steadily she read it twice over, then sat motionless, knitting her + brows in deep thought. Presently she drew a long breath, tore up the note, + and rising, went slowly toward the Hall, saying to herself, “Three days, + only three days! Can it be accomplished in so short a time? It shall be, + if wit and will can do it, for it is my last chance. If this fails, I’ll + not go back to my old life, but end all at once.” + </p> + <p> + Setting her teeth and clenching her hands, as if some memory stung her, + she went on through the twilight, to find Sir John waiting to give her a + hearty welcome. + </p> + <p> + “You look tired, my dear. Never mind the reading tonight; rest yourself, + and let the book go,” he said kindly, observing her worn look. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir. I am tired, but I’d rather read, else the book will not + be finished before I go.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, child! Where are you going?” demanded Sir John, looking anxiously at + her as she sat down. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you by-and-by, sir.” And opening the book, Jean read for a + little while. + </p> + <p> + But the usual charm was gone; there was no spirit in the voice of the + reader, no interest in the face of the listener, and soon he said, + abruptly, “My dear, pray stop! I cannot listen with a divided mind. What + troubles you? Tell your friend, and let him comfort you.” + </p> + <p> + As if the kind words overcame her, Jean dropped the book, covered up her + face, and wept so bitterly that Sir John was much alarmed; for such a + demonstration was doubly touching in one who usually was all gaiety and + smiles. As he tried to soothe her, his words grew tender, his solicitude + full of a more than paternal anxiety, and his kind heart overflowed with + pity and affection for the weeping girl. As she grew calmer, he urged her + to be frank, promising to help and counsel her, whatever the affliction or + fault might be. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are too kind, too generous! How can I go away and leave my one + friend?” sighed Jean, wiping the tears away and looking up at him with + grateful eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Then you do care a little for the old man?” said Sir John with an eager + look, an involuntary pressure of the hand he held. + </p> + <p> + Jean turned her face away, and answered, very low, “No one ever was so + kind to me as you have been. Can I help caring for you more than I can + express?” + </p> + <p> + Sir John was a little deaf at times, but he heard that, and looked well + pleased. He had been rather thoughtful of late, had dressed with unusual + care, been particularly gallant and gay when the young ladies visited him, + and more than once, when Jean paused in the reading to ask a question, he + had been forced to confess that he had not been listening; though, as she + well knew, his eyes had been fixed upon her. Since the discovery of her + birth, his manner had been peculiarly benignant, and many little acts had + proved his interest and goodwill. Now, when Jean spoke of going, a panic + seized him, and desolation seemed about to fall upon the old Hall. + Something in her unusual agitation struck him as peculiar and excited his + curiosity. Never had she seemed so interesting as now, when she sat beside + him with tearful eyes, and some soft trouble in her heart which she dared + not confess. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me everything, child, and let your friend help you if he can.” + Formerly he said “father” or “the old man,” but lately he always spoke of + himself as her “friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you, for I have no one else to turn to. I must go away + because Mr. Coventry has been weak enough to love me.” + </p> + <p> + “What, Gerald?” cried Sir John, amazed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; today he told me this, and left me to break with Lucia; so I ran to + you to help me prevent him from disappointing his mother’s hopes and + plans.” + </p> + <p> + Sir John had started up and paced down the room, but as Jean paused he + turned toward her, saying, with an altered face, “Then you do not love + him? Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not love him,” she answered promptly. + </p> + <p> + “Yet he is all that women usually find attractive. How is it that you have + escaped, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + “I love someone else” was the scarcely audible reply. + </p> + <p> + Sir John resumed his seat with the air of a man bent on getting at a + mystery, if possible. + </p> + <p> + “It will be unjust to let you suffer for the folly of these boys, my + little girl. Ned is gone, and I was sure that Gerald was safe; but now + that his turn has come, I am perplexed, for he cannot be sent away.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is I who must go; but it seems so hard to leave this safe and + happy home, and wander away into the wide, cold world again. You have all + been too kind to me, and now separation breaks my heart.” + </p> + <p> + A sob ended the speech, and Jean’s head went down upon her hands again. + Sir John looked at her a moment, and his fine old face was full of genuine + emotion, as he said slowly, “Jean, will you stay and be a daughter to the + solitary old man?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir” was the unexpected answer. + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” asked Sir John, looking surprised, but rather pleased than + angry. + </p> + <p> + “Because I could not be a daughter to you; and even if I could, it would + not be wise, for the gossips would say you were not old enough to be the + adopted father of a girl like me. Sir John, young as I am, I know much of + the world, and am sure that this kind plan is impractical; but I thank you + from the bottom of my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Where will you go, Jean?” asked Sir John, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “To London, and try to find another situation where I can do no harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it be difficult to find another home?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I cannot ask Mrs. Coventry to recommend me, when I have innocently + brought so much trouble into her family; and Lady Sydney is gone, so I + have no friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Except John Coventry. I will arrange all that. When will you go, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + “Tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “So soon!” And the old man’s voice betrayed the trouble he was trying to + conceal. + </p> + <p> + Jean had grown very calm, but it was the calmness of desperation. She had + hoped that the first tears would produce the avowal for which she waited. + It had not, and she began to fear that her last chance was slipping from + her. Did the old man love her? If so, why did he not speak? Eager to + profit by each moment, she was on the alert for any hopeful hint, any + propitious word, look, or act, and every nerve was strung to the utmost. + </p> + <p> + “Jean, may I ask one question?” said Sir John. + </p> + <p> + “Anything of me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “This man whom you love—can he not help you?” + </p> + <p> + “He could if he knew, but he must not.” + </p> + <p> + “If he knew what? Your present trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “No. My love.” + </p> + <p> + “He does not know this, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank heaven! And he never will.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I am too proud to own it.” + </p> + <p> + “He loves you, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know—I dare not hope it,” murmured Jean. + </p> + <p> + “Can I not help you here? Believe me, I desire to see you safe and happy. + Is there nothing I can do?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “May I know the name?” + </p> + <p> + “No! No! Let me go; I cannot bear this questioning!” And Jean’s + distressful face warned him to ask no more. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, and let me do what I may. Rest here quietly. I’ll write a + letter to a good friend of mine, who will find you a home, if you leave + us.” + </p> + <p> + As Sir John passed into his inner study, Jean watched him with despairing + eyes and wrung her hands, saying to herself, Has all my skill deserted me + when I need it most? How can I make him understand, yet not overstep the + bounds of maiden modesty? He is so blind, so timid, or so dull he will not + see, and time is going fast. What shall I do to open his eyes? + </p> + <p> + Her own eyes roved about the room, seeking for some aid from inanimate + things, and soon she found it. Close behind the couch where she sat hung a + fine miniature of Sir John. At first her eye rested on it as she + contrasted its placid comeliness with the unusual pallor and disquiet of + the living face seen through the open door, as the old man sat at his desk + trying to write and casting covert glances at the girlish figure he had + left behind him. Affecting unconsciousness of this, Jean gazed on as if + forgetful of everything but the picture, and suddenly, as if obeying an + irresistible impulse, she took it down, looked long and fondly at it, + then, shaking her curls about her face, as if to hide the act, pressed it + to her lips and seemed to weep over it in an uncontrollable paroxysm of + tender grief. A sound startled her, and like a guilty thing, she turned to + replace the picture; but it dropped from her hand as she uttered a faint + cry and hid her face, for Sir John stood before her, with an expression + which she could not mistake. + </p> + <p> + “Jean, why did you do that?” he asked, in an eager, agitated voice. + </p> + <p> + No answer, as the girl sank lower, like one overwhelmed with shame. Laying + his hand on the bent head, and bending his own, he whispered, “Tell me, is + the name John Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + Still no answer, but a stifled sound betrayed that his words had gone + home. + </p> + <p> + “Jean, shall I go back and write the letter, or may I stay and tell you + that the old man loves you better than a daughter?” + </p> + <p> + She did not speak, but a little hand stole out from under the falling + hair, as if to keep him. With a broken exclamation he seized it, drew her + up into his arms, and laid his gray head on her fair one, too happy for + words. For a moment Jean Muir enjoyed her success; then, fearing lest some + sudden mishap should destroy it, she hastened to make all secure. Looking + up with well-feigned timidity and half-confessed affection, she said + softly, “Forgive me that I could not hide this better. I meant to go away + and never tell it, but you were so kind it made the parting doubly hard. + Why did you ask such dangerous questions? Why did you look, when you + should have been writing my dismissal?” + </p> + <p> + “How could I dream that you loved me, Jean, when you refused the only + offer I dared make? Could I be presumptuous enough to fancy you would + reject young lovers for an old man like me?” asked Sir John, caressing + her. + </p> + <p> + “You are not old, to me, but everything I love and honor!” interrupted + Jean, with a touch of genuine remorse, as this generous, honorable + gentleman gave her both heart and home, unconscious of deceit. “It is I + who am presumptuous, to dare to love one so far above me. But I did not + know how dear you were to me till I felt that I must go. I ought not to + accept this happiness. I am not worthy of it; and you will regret your + kindness when the world blames you for giving a home to one so poor, and + plain, and humble as I.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, my darling. I care nothing for the idle gossip of the world. If you + are happy here, let tongues wag as they will. I shall be too busy enjoying + the sunshine of your presence to heed anything that goes on about me. But, + Jean, you are sure you love me? It seems incredible that I should win the + heart that has been so cold to younger, better men than I.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Sir John, be sure of this, I love you truly. I will do my best to be + a good wife to you, and prove that, in spite of my many faults, I possess + the virtue of gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + If he had known the strait she was in, he would have understood the cause + of the sudden fervor of her words, the intense thankfulness that shone in + her face, the real humility that made her stoop and kiss the generous hand + that gave so much. For a few moments she enjoyed and let him enjoy the + happy present, undisturbed. But the anxiety which devoured her, the danger + which menaced her, soon recalled her, and forced her to wring yet more + from the unsuspicious heart she had conquered. + </p> + <p> + “No need of letters now,” said Sir John, as they sat side by side, with + the summer moonlight glorifying all the room. “You have found a home for + life; may it prove a happy one.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not mine yet, and I have a strange foreboding that it never will + be,” she answered sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have an enemy who will try to destroy my peace, to poison your + mind against me, and to drive me out from my paradise, to suffer again all + I have suffered this last year.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that mad Sydney of whom you told me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. As soon as he hears of this good fortune to poor little Jean, he + will hasten to mar it. He is my fate; I cannot escape him, and wherever he + goes my friends desert me; for he has the power and uses it for my + destruction. Let me go away and hide before he comes, for, having shared + your confidence, it will break my heart to see you distrust and turn from + me, instead of loving and protecting.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor child, you are superstitious. Be easy. No one can harm you now, + no one would dare attempt it. And as for my deserting you, that will soon + be out of my power, if I have my way.” + </p> + <p> + “How, dear Sir John?” asked Jean, with a flutter of intense relief at her + heart, for the way seemed smoothing before her. + </p> + <p> + “I will make you my wife at once, if I may. This will free you from + Gerald’s love, protect you from Sydney’s persecution, give you a safe + home, and me the right to cherish and defend with heart and hand. Shall it + be so, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but oh, remember that I have no friend but you! Promise me to be + faithful to the last—to believe in me, to trust me, protect and love + me, in spite of all misfortunes, faults, and follies. I will be true as + steel to you, and make your life as happy as it deserves to be. Let us + promise these things now, and keep the promises unbroken to the end.” + </p> + <p> + Her solemn air touched Sir John. Too honorable and upright himself to + suspect falsehood in others, he saw only the natural impulse of a lovely + girl in Jean’s words, and, taking the hand she gave him in both of his, he + promised all she asked, and kept that promise to the end. She paused an + instant, with a pale, absent expression, as if she searched herself, then + looked up clearly in the confiding face above her, and promised what she + faithfully performed in afteryears. + </p> + <p> + “When shall it be, little sweetheart? I leave all to you, only let it be + soon, else some gay young lover will appear, and take you from me,” said + Sir John, playfully, anxious to chase away the dark expression which had + stolen over Jean’s face. + </p> + <p> + “Can you keep a secret?” asked the girl, smiling up at him, all her + charming self again. + </p> + <p> + “Try me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will. Edward is coming home in three days. I must be gone before he + comes. Tell no one of this; he wishes to surprise them. And if you love + me, tell nobody of your approaching marriage. Do not betray that you care + for me until I am really yours. There will be such a stir, such + remonstrances, explanations, and reproaches that I shall be worn out, and + run away from you all to escape the trial. If I could have my wish, I + would go to some quiet place tomorrow and wait till you come for me. I + know so little of such things, I cannot tell how soon we may be married; + not for some weeks, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Tomorrow, if we like. A special license permits people to marry when and + where they please. My plan is better than yours. Listen, and tell me if it + can be carried out. I will go to town tomorrow, get the license, invite my + friend, the Reverend Paul Fairfax, to return with me, and tomorrow evening + you come at your usual time, and, in the presence of my discreet old + servants, make me the happiest man in England. How does this suit you, my + little Lady Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + The plan which seemed made to meet her ends, the name which was the height + of her ambition, and the blessed sense of safety which came to her filled + Jean Muir with such intense satisfaction that tears of real feeling stood + in her eyes, and the glad assent she gave was the truest word that had + passed her lips for months. + </p> + <p> + “We will go abroad or to Scotland for our honeymoon, till the storm blows + over,” said Sir John, well knowing that this hasty marriage would surprise + or offend all his relations, and feeling as glad as Jean to escape the + first excitement. + </p> + <p> + “To Scotland, please. I long to see my father’s home,” said Jean, who + dreaded to meet Sydney on the continent. + </p> + <p> + They talked a little longer, arranging all things, Sir John so intent on + hurrying the event that Jean had nothing to do but give a ready assent to + all his suggestions. One fear alone disturbed her. If Sir John went to + town, he might meet Edward, might hear and believe his statements. Then + all would be lost. Yet this risk must be incurred, if the marriage was to + be speedily and safely accomplished; and to guard against the meeting was + Jean’s sole care. As they went through the park—for Sir John + insisted upon taking her home—she said, clinging to his arm: + </p> + <p> + “Dear friend, bear one thing in mind, else we shall be much annoyed, and + all our plans disarranged. Avoid your nephews; you are so frank your face + will betray you. They both love me, are both hot-tempered, and in the + first excitement of the discovery might be violent. You must incur no + danger, no disrespect for my sake; so shun them both till we are safe—particularly + Edward. He will feel that his brother has wronged him, and that you have + succeeded where he failed. This will irritate him, and I fear a stormy + scene. Promise to avoid both for a day or two; do not listen to them, do + not see them, do not write to or receive letters from them. It is foolish, + I know; but you are all I have, and I am haunted by a strange foreboding + that I am to lose you.” + </p> + <p> + Touched and flattered by her tender solicitude, Sir John promised + everything, even while he laughed at her fears. Love blinded the good + gentleman to the peculiarity of the request; the novelty, romance, and + secrecy of the affair rather bewildered though it charmed him; and the + knowledge that he had outrivaled three young and ardent lovers gratified + his vanity more than he would confess. Parting from the girl at the garden + gate, he turned homeward, feeling like a boy again, and loitered back, + humming a love lay, quite forgetful of evening damps, gout, and the + five-and-fifty years which lay so lightly on his shoulders since Jean’s + arms had rested there. She hurried toward the house, anxious to escape + Coventry; but he was waiting for her, and she was forced to meet him. + </p> + <p> + “How could you linger so long, and keep me in suspense?” he said + reproachfully, as he took her hand and tried to catch a glimpse of her + face in the shadow of her hat brim. “Come and rest in the grotto. I have + so much to say, to hear and enjoy.” + </p> + <p> + “Not now; I am too tired. Let me go in and sleep. Tomorrow we will talk. + It is damp and chilly, and my head aches with all this worry.” Jean spoke + wearily, yet with a touch of petulance, and Coventry, fancying that she + was piqued at his not coming for her, hastened to explain with eager + tenderness. + </p> + <p> + “My poor little Jean, you do need rest. We wear you out, among us, and you + never complain. I should have come to bring you home, but Lucia detained + me, and when I got away I saw my uncle had forestalled me. I shall be + jealous of the old gentleman, if he is so devoted. Jean, tell me one thing + before we part; I am free as air, now, and have a right to speak. Do you + love me? Am I the happy man who has won your heart? I dare to think so, to + believe that this telltale face of yours has betrayed you, and to hope + that I have gained what poor Ned and wild Sydney have lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Before I answer, tell me of your interview with Lucia. I have a right to + know,” said Jean. + </p> + <p> + Coventry hesitated, for pity and remorse were busy at his heart when he + recalled poor Lucia’s grief. Jean was bent on hearing the humiliation of + her rival. As the young man paused, she frowned, then lifted up her face + wreathed in softest smiles, and laying her hand on his arm, she said, with + most effective emphasis, half shy, half fond, upon his name, “Please tell + me, Gerald!” + </p> + <p> + He could not resist the look, the touch, the tone, and taking the little + hand in his, he said rapidly, as if the task was distasteful to him, “I + told her that I did not, could not love her; that I had submitted to my + mother’s wish, and, for a time, had felt tacitly bound to her, though no + words had passed between us. But now I demanded my liberty, regretting + that the separation was not mutually desired.” + </p> + <p> + “And she—what did she say? How did she bear it?” asked Jean, feeling + in her own woman’s heart how deeply Lucia’s must have been wounded by that + avowal. + </p> + <p> + “Poor girl! It was hard to bear, but her pride sustained her to the end. + She owned that no pledge tied me, fully relinquished any claim my past + behavior had seemed to have given her, and prayed that I might find + another woman to love me as truly, tenderly as she had done. Jean, I felt + like a villain; and yet I never plighted my word to her, never really + loved her, and had a perfect right to leave her, if I would.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she speak of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “What did she say?” + </p> + <p> + “Must I tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, tell me everything. I know she hates me and I forgive her, knowing + that I should hate any woman whom <i>you</i> loved.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you jealous, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Of you, Gerald?” And the fine eyes glanced up at him, full of a + brilliancy that looked like the light of love. + </p> + <p> + “You make a slave of me already. How do you do it? I never obeyed a woman + before. Jean, I think you are a witch. Scotland is the home of weird, + uncanny creatures, who take lovely shapes for the bedevilment of poor weak + souls. Are you one of those fair deceivers?” + </p> + <p> + “You are complimentary,” laughed the girl. “I <i>am</i> a witch, and one + day my disguise will drop away and you will see me as I am, old, ugly, bad + and lost. Beware of me in time. I’ve warned you. Now love me at your + peril.” + </p> + <p> + Coventry had paused as he spoke, and eyed her with an unquiet look, + conscious of some fascination which conquered yet brought no happiness. A + feverish yet pleasurable excitement possessed him; a reckless mood, making + him eager to obliterate the past by any rash act, any new experience which + his passion brought. Jean regarded him with a wistful, almost woeful face, + for one short moment; then a strange smile broke over it, as she spoke in + a tone of malicious mockery, under which lurked the bitterness of a sad + truth. Coventry looked half bewildered, and his eye went from the girl’s + mysterious face to a dimly lighted window, behind whose curtains poor + Lucia hid her aching heart, praying for him the tender prayers that loving + women give to those whose sins are all forgiven for love’s sake. His heart + smote him, and a momentary feeling of repulsion came over him, as he + looked at Jean. She saw it, felt angry, yet conscious of a sense of + relief; for now that her own safety was so nearly secured, she felt no + wish to do mischief, but rather a desire to undo what was already done, + and be at peace with all the world. To recall him to his allegiance, she + sighed and walked on, saying gently yet coldly, “Will you tell me what I + ask before I answer your question, Mr. Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + “What Lucia said of you? Well, it was this. ‘Beware of Miss Muir. We + instinctively distrusted her when we had no cause. I believe in instincts, + and mine have never changed, for she has not tried to delude me. Her art + is wonderful; I feel yet cannot explain or detect it, except in the + working of events which her hand seems to guide. She has brought sorrow + and dissension into this hitherto happy family. We are all changed, and + this girl has done it. Me she can harm no further; you she will ruin, if + she can. Beware of her in time, or you win bitterly repent your blind + infatuation!’” + </p> + <p> + “And what answer did you make?” asked Jean, as the last words came + reluctantly from Coventry’s lips. + </p> + <p> + “I told her that I loved you in spite of myself, and would make you my + wife in the face of all opposition. Now, Jean, your answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me three days to think of it. Good night.” And gliding from him, she + vanished into the house, leaving him to roam about half the night, + tormented with remorse, suspense, and the old distrust which would return + when Jean was not there to banish it by her art. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter VIII</i> SUSPENSE + </h2> + <p> + All the next day, Jean was in a state of the most intense anxiety, as + every hour brought the crisis nearer, and every hour might bring defeat, + for the subtlest human skill is often thwarted by some unforeseen + accident. She longed to assure herself that Sir John was gone, but no + servants came or went that day, and she could devise no pretext for + sending to glean intelligence. She dared not go herself, lest the unusual + act should excite suspicion, for she never went till evening. Even had she + determined to venture, there was no time, for Mrs. Coventry was in one of + her nervous states, and no one but Miss Muir could amuse her; Lucia was + ill, and Miss Muir must give orders; Bella had a studious fit, and Jean + must help her. Coventry lingered about the house for several hours, but + Jean dared not send him, lest some hint of the truth might reach him. He + had ridden away to his new duties when Jean did not appear, and the day + dragged on wearisomely. Night came at last, and as Jean dressed for the + late dinner, she hardly knew herself when she stood before her mirror, + excitement lent such color and brilliancy to her countenance. Remembering + the wedding which was to take place that evening, she put on a simple + white dress and added a cluster of white roses in bosom and hair. She + often wore flowers, but in spite of her desire to look and seem as usual, + Bella’s first words as she entered the drawing room were “Why, Jean, how + like a bride you look; a veil and gloves would make you quite complete!” + </p> + <p> + “You forget one other trifle, Bell,” said Gerald, with eyes that + brightened as they rested on Miss Muir. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” asked his sister. + </p> + <p> + “A bridegroom.” + </p> + <p> + Bella looked to see how Jean received this, but she seemed quite composed + as she smiled one of her sudden smiles, and merely said, “That trifle will + doubtless be found when the time comes. Is Miss Beaufort too ill for + dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “She begs to be excused, and said you would be willing to take her place, + she thought.” + </p> + <p> + As innocent Bella delivered this message, Jean glanced at Coventry, who + evaded her eye and looked ill at ease. + </p> + <p> + A little remorse will do him good, and prepare him for repentance after + the grand <i>coup</i>, she said to herself, and was particularly gay at + dinnertime, though Coventry looked often at Lucia’s empty seat, as if he + missed her. As soon as they left the table, Miss Muir sent Bella to her + mother; and, knowing that Coventry would not linger long at his wine, she + hurried away to the Hall. A servant was lounging at the door, and of him + she asked, in a tone which was eager in spite of all efforts to be calm, + “Is Sir John at home?” + </p> + <p> + “No, miss, he’s just gone to town.” + </p> + <p> + “Just gone! When do you mean?” cried Jean, forgetting the relief she felt + in hearing of his absence in surprise at his late departure. + </p> + <p> + “He went half an hour ago, in the last train, miss.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought he was going early this morning; he told me he should be back + this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he did mean to go, but was delayed by company. The steward came + up on business, and a load of gentlemen called, so Sir John could not get + off till night, when he wasn’t fit to go, being worn out, and far from + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he will be ill? Did he look so?” And as Jean spoke, a thrill + of fear passed over her, lest death should rob her of her prize. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know, miss, hurry of any kind is bad for elderly gentlemen + inclined to apoplexy. Sir John was in a worry all day, and not like + himself. I wanted him to take his man, but he wouldn’t; and drove off + looking flushed and excited like. I’m anxious about him, for I know + something is amiss to hurry him off in this way.” + </p> + <p> + “When will he be back, Ralph?” + </p> + <p> + “Tomorrow noon, if possible; at night, certainly, he bid me tell anyone + that called.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he leave no note or message for Miss Coventry, or someone of the + family?” + </p> + <p> + “No, miss, nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you.” And Jean walked back to spend a restless night and rise to + meet renewed suspense. + </p> + <p> + The morning seemed endless, but noon came at last, and under the pretense + of seeking coolness in the grotto, Jean stole away to a slope whence the + gate to the Hall park was visible. For two long hours she watched, and no + one came. She was just turning away when a horseman dashed through the + gate and came galloping toward the Hall. Heedless of everything but the + uncontrollable longing to gain some tidings, she ran to meet him, feeling + assured that he brought ill news. It was a young man from the station, and + as he caught sight of her, he drew bridle, looking agitated and undecided. + </p> + <p> + “Has anything happened?” she cried breathlessly. + </p> + <p> + “A dreadful accident on the railroad, just the other side of Croydon. News + telegraphed half an hour ago,” answered the man, wiping his hot face. + </p> + <p> + “The noon train? Was Sir John in it? Quick, tell me all!” + </p> + <p> + “It was that train, miss, but whether Sir John was in it or not, we don’t + know; for the guard is killed, and everything is in such confusion that + nothing can be certain. They are at work getting out the dead and wounded. + We heard that Sir John was expected, and I came up to tell Mr. Coventry, + thinking he would wish to go down. A train leaves in fifteen minutes; + where shall I find him? I was told he was at the Hall.” + </p> + <p> + “Ride on, ride on! And find him if he is there. I’ll run home and look for + him. Lose no time. Ride! Ride!” And turning, Jean sped back like a deer, + while the man tore up the avenue to rouse the Hall. + </p> + <p> + Coventry was there, and went off at once, leaving both Hall and house in + dismay. Fearing to betray the horrible anxiety that possessed her, Jean + shut herself up in her room and suffered untold agonies as the day wore on + and no news came. At dark a sudden cry rang through the house, and Jean + rushed down to learn the cause. Bella was standing in the hall, holding a + letter, while a group of excited servants hovered near her. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” demanded Miss Muir, pale and steady, though her heart died + within her as she recognized Gerald’s handwriting. Bella gave her the + note, and hushed her sobbing to hear again the heavy tidings that had + come. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear Bella: + + Uncle is safe; he did not go in the noon train. But several persons + are sure that Ned was there. No trace of him as yet, but many bodies + are in the river, under the ruins of the bridge, and I am doing my + best to find the poor lad, if he is there. I have sent to all his + haunts in town, and as he has not been seen, I hope it is a false + report and he is safe with his regiment. Keep this from my mother + till we are sure. I write you, because Lucia is ill. Miss Muir will + comfort and sustain you. Hope for the best, dear. + + Yours, G.C. +</pre> + <p> + Those who watched Miss Muir as she read these words wondered at the + strange expressions which passed over her face, for the joy which appeared + there as Sir John’s safety was made known did not change to grief or + horror at poor Edward’s possible fate. The smile died on her lips, but her + voice did not falter, and in her downcast eyes shone an inexplicable look + of something like triumph. No wonder, for if this was true, the danger + which menaced her was averted for a time, and the marriage might be + consummated without such desperate haste. This sad and sudden event seemed + to her the mysterious fulfilment of a secret wish; and though startled she + was not daunted but inspirited, for fate seemed to favor her designs. She + did comfort Bella, control the excited household, and keep the rumors from + Mrs. Coventry all that dreadful night. + </p> + <p> + At dawn Gerald came home exhausted, and bringing no tiding of the missing + man. He had telegraphed to the headquarters of the regiment and received a + reply, stating that Edward had left for London the previous day, meaning + to go home before returning. The fact of his having been at the London + station was also established, but whether he left by the train or not was + still uncertain. The ruins were still being searched, and the body might + yet appear. + </p> + <p> + “Is Sir John coming at noon?” asked Jean, as the three sat together in the + rosy hush of dawn, trying to hope against hope. + </p> + <p> + “No, he had been ill, I learned from young Gower, who is just from town, + and so had not completed his business. I sent him word to wait till night, + for the bridge won’t be passable till then. Now I must try and rest an + hour; I’ve worked all night and have no strength left. Call me the instant + any messenger arrives.” + </p> + <p> + With that Coventry went to his room, Bella followed to wait on him, and + Jean roamed through house and grounds, unable to rest. The morning was far + spent when the messenger arrived. Jean went to receive his tidings, with + the wicked hope still lurking at her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Is he found?” she asked calmly, as the man hesitated to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma’am.” + </p> + <p> + “You are sure?” + </p> + <p> + “I am certain, ma’am, though some won’t say till Mr. Coventry comes to + look.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he alive?” And Jean’s white lips trembled as she put the question. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, ma’am, that warn’t possible, under all them stones and water. The + poor young gentleman is so wet, and crushed, and torn, no one would know + him, except for the uniform, and the white hand with the ring on it.” + </p> + <p> + Jean sat down, very pale, and the man described the finding of the poor + shattered body. As he finished, Coventry appeared, and with one look of + mingled remorse, shame, and sorrow, the elder brother went away, to find + and bring the younger home. Jean crept into the garden like a guilty + thing, trying to hide the satisfaction which struggled with a woman’s + natural pity, for so sad an end for this brave young life. + </p> + <p> + “Why waste tears or feign sorrow when I must be glad?” she muttered, as + she paced to and fro along the terrace. “The poor boy is out of pain, and + I am out of danger.” + </p> + <p> + She got no further, for, turning as she spoke, she stood face to face with + Edward! Bearing no mark of peril on dress or person, but stalwart and + strong as ever, he stood there looking at her, with contempt and + compassion struggling in his face. As if turned to stone, she remained + motionless, with dilated eyes, arrested breath, and paling cheek. He did + not speak but watched her silently till she put out a trembling hand, as + if to assure herself by touch that it was really he. Then he drew back, + and as if the act convinced as fully as words, she said slowly, “They told + me you were dead.” + </p> + <p> + “And you were glad to believe it. No, it was my comrade, young Courtney, + who unconsciously deceived you all, and lost his life, as I should have + done, if I had not gone to Ascot after seeing him off yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “To Ascot?” echoed Jean, shrinking back, for Edward’s eye was on her, and + his voice was stern and cold. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; you know the place. I went there to make inquiries concerning you + and was well satisfied. Why are you still here?” + </p> + <p> + “The three days are not over yet. I hold you to your promise. Before night + I shall be gone; till then you will be silent, if you have honor enough to + keep your word.” + </p> + <p> + “I have.” Edward took out his watch and, as he put it back, said with cool + precision, “It is now two, the train leaves for London at half-past six; a + carriage will wait for you at the side door. Allow me to advise you to go + then, for the instant dinner is over I shall speak.” And with a bow he + went into the house, leaving Jean nearly suffocated with a throng of + contending emotions. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes she seemed paralyzed; but the native energy of the woman + forbade utter despair, till the last hope was gone. Frail as that now was, + she still clung to it tenaciously, resolving to win the game in defiance + of everything. Springing up, she went to her room, packed her few + valuables, dressed herself with care, and then sat down to wait. She heard + a joyful stir below, saw Coventry come hurrying back, and from a garrulous + maid learned that the body was that of young Courtney. The uniform being + the same as Edward’s and the ring, a gift from him, had caused the men to + believe the disfigured corpse to be that of the younger Coventry. No one + but the maid came near her; once Bella’s voice called her, but some one + checked the girl, and the call was not repeated. At five an envelope was + brought her, directed in Edward’s hand, and containing a check which more + than paid a year’s salary. No word accompanied the gift, yet the + generosity of it touched her, for Jean Muir had the relics of a once + honest nature, and despite her falsehood could still admire nobleness and + respect virtue. A tear of genuine shame dropped on the paper, and real + gratitude filled her heart, as she thought that even if all else failed, + she was not thrust out penniless into the world, which had no pity for + poverty. + </p> + <p> + As the clock struck six, she heard a carriage drive around and went down + to meet it. A servant put on her trunk, gave the order, “To the station, + James,” and she drove away without meeting anyone, speaking to anyone, or + apparently being seen by anyone. A sense of utter weariness came over her, + and she longed to lie down and forget. But the last chance still remained, + and till that failed, she would not give up. Dismissing the carriage, she + seated herself to watch for the quarter-past-six train from London, for in + that Sir John would come if he came at all that night. She was haunted by + the fear that Edward had met and told him. The first glimpse of Sir John’s + frank face would betray the truth. If he knew all, there was no hope, and + she would go her way alone. If he knew nothing, there was yet time for the + marriage; and once his wife, she knew she was safe, because for the honor + of his name he would screen and protect her. + </p> + <p> + Up rushed the train, out stepped Sir John, and Jean’s heart died within + her. Grave, and pale, and worn he looked, and leaned heavily on the arm of + a portly gentleman in black. The Reverend Mr. Fairfax, why has he come, if + the secret is out? thought Jean, slowly advancing to meet them and fearing + to read her fate in Sir John’s face. He saw her, dropped his friend’s arm, + and hurried forward with the ardor of a young man, exclaiming, as he + seized her hand with a beaming face, a glad voice, “My little girl! Did + you think I would never come?” + </p> + <p> + She could not answer, the reaction was too strong, but she clung to him, + regardless of time or place, and felt that her last hope had not failed. + Mr. Fairfax proved himself equal to the occasion. Asking no questions, he + hurried Sir John and Jean into a carriage and stepped in after them with a + bland apology. Jean was soon herself again, and, having told her fears at + his delay, listened eagerly while he related the various mishaps which had + detained him. + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen Edward?” was her first question. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, but I know he has come, and have heard of his narrow escape. I + should have been in that train, if I had not been delayed by the + indisposition which I then cursed, but now bless. Are you ready, Jean? Do + you repent your choice, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! I am ready, I am only too happy to become your wife, dear, + generous Sir John,” cried Jean, with a glad alacrity, which touched the + old man to the heart, and charmed the Reverend Mr. Fairfax, who concealed + the romance of a boy under his clerical suit. + </p> + <p> + They reached the Hall. Sir John gave orders to admit no one and after a + hasty dinner sent for his old housekeeper and his steward, told them of + his purpose, and desired them to witness his marriage. Obedience had been + the law of their lives, and Master could do nothing wrong in their eyes, + so they played their parts willingly, for Jean was a favorite at the Hall. + Pale as her gown, but calm and steady, she stood beside Sir John, uttering + her vows in a clear tone and taking upon herself the vows of a wife with + more than a bride’s usual docility. When the ring was fairly on, a smile + broke over her face. When Sir John kissed and called her his “little + wife,” she shed a tear or two of sincere happiness; and when Mr. Fairfax + addressed her as “my lady,” she laughed her musical laugh, and glanced up + at a picture of Gerald with eyes full of exultation. As the servants left + the room, a message was brought from Mrs. Coventry, begging Sir John to + come to her at once. + </p> + <p> + “You will not go and leave me so soon?” pleaded Jean, well knowing why he + was sent for. + </p> + <p> + “My darling, I must.” And in spite of its tenderness, Sir John’s manner + was too decided to be withstood. + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall go with you,” cried Jean, resolving that no earthly power + should part them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter IX</i> LADY COVENTRY + </h2> + <p> + When the first excitement of Edward’s return had subsided, and before they + could question him as to the cause of this unexpected visit, he told them + that after dinner their curiosity should be gratified, and meantime he + begged them to leave Miss Muir alone, for she had received bad news and + must not be disturbed. The family with difficulty restrained their tongues + and waited impatiently. Gerald confessed his love for Jean and asked his + brother’s pardon for betraying his trust. He had expected an outbreak, but + Edward only looked at him with pitying eyes, and said sadly, “You too! I + have no reproaches to make, for I know what you will suffer when the truth + is known.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” demanded Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “You will soon know, my poor Gerald, and we will comfort one another.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing more could be drawn from Edward till dinner was over, the servants + gone, and all the family alone together. Then pale and grave, but very + self-possessed, for trouble had made a man of him, he produced a packet of + letters, and said, addressing himself to his brother, “Jean Muir has + deceived us all. I know her story; let me tell it before I read her + letters.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop! I’ll not listen to any false tales against her. The poor girl has + enemies who belie her!” cried Gerald, starting up. + </p> + <p> + “For the honor of the family, you must listen, and learn what fools she + has made of us. I can prove what I say, and convince you that she has the + art of a devil. Sit still ten minutes, then go, if you will.” + </p> + <p> + Edward spoke with authority, and his brother obeyed him with a foreboding + heart. + </p> + <p> + “I met Sydney, and he begged me to beware of her. Nay, listen, Gerald! I + know she has told her story, and that you believe it; but her own letters + convict her. She tried to charm Sydney as she did us, and nearly succeeded + in inducing him to marry her. Rash and wild as he is, he is still a + gentleman, and when an incautious word of hers roused his suspicions, he + refused to make her his wife. A stormy scene ensued, and, hoping to + intimidate him, she feigned to stab herself as if in despair. She did + wound herself, but failed to gain her point and insisted upon going to a + hospital to die. Lady Sydney, good, simple soul, believed the girl’s + version of the story, thought her son was in the wrong, and when he was + gone, tried to atone for his fault by finding Jean Muir another home. She + thought Gerald was soon to marry Lucia, and that I was away, so sent her + here as a safe and comfortable retreat.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Ned, are you sure of all this? Is Sydney to be believed?” began + Coventry, still incredulous. + </p> + <p> + “To convince you, I’ll read Jean’s letters before I say more. They were + written to an accomplice and were purchased by Sydney. There was a compact + between the two women, that each should keep the other informed of all + adventures, plots and plans, and share whatever good fortune fell to the + lot of either. Thus Jean wrote freely, as you shall judge. The letters + concern us alone. The first was written a few days after she came. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dear Hortense: + + “Another failure. Sydney was more wily than I thought. All was going + well, when one day my old fault beset me, I took too much wine, and + I carelessly owned that I had been an actress. He was shocked, and + retreated. I got up a scene, and gave myself a safe little wound, to + frighten him. The brute was not frightened, but coolly left me to my + fate. I’d have died to spite him, if I dared, but as I didn’t, I + lived to torment him. As yet, I have had no chance, but I will not + forget him. His mother is a poor, weak creature, whom I could use as + I would, and through her I found an excellent place. A sick mother, + silly daughter, and two eligible sons. One is engaged to a handsome + iceberg, but that only renders him more interesting in my eyes, + rivalry adds so much to the charm of one’s conquests. Well, my dear, + I went, got up in the meek style, intending to do the pathetic; but + before I saw the family, I was so angry I could hardly control + myself. Through the indolence of Monsieur the young master, no + carriage was sent for me, and I intend he shall atone for that + rudeness by-and-by. The younger son, the mother, and the girl + received me patronizingly, and I understood the simple souls at + once. Monsieur (as I shall call him, as names are unsafe) was + unapproachable, and took no pains to conceal his dislike of + governesses. The cousin was lovely, but detestable with her pride, + her coldness, and her very visible adoration of Monsieur, who let + her worship him, like an inanimate idol as he is. I hated them both, + of course, and in return for their insolence shall torment her with + jealousy, and teach him how to woo a woman by making his heart ache. + They are an intensely proud family, but I can humble them all, I + think, by captivating the sons, and when they have committed + themselves, cast them off, and marry the old uncle, whose title + takes my fancy.” + </pre> + <p> + “She never wrote that! It is impossible. A woman could not do it,” cried + Lucia indignantly, while Bella sat bewildered and Mrs. Coventry supported + herself with salts and fan. Coventry went to his brother, examined the + writing, and returned to his seat, saying, in a tone of suppressed wrath, + “She did write it. I posted some of those letters myself. Go on, Ned.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I made myself useful and agreeable to the amiable ones, and + overheard the chat of the lovers. It did not suit me, so I fainted + away to stop it, and excite interest in the provoking pair. I + thought I had succeeded, but Monsieur suspected me and showed me + that he did. I forgot my meek role and gave him a stage look. It had + a good effect, and I shall try it again. The man is well worth + winning, but I prefer the title, and as the uncle is a hale, + handsome gentleman, I can’t wait for him to die, though Monsieur is + very charming, with his elegant languor, and his heart so fast + asleep no woman has had power to wake it yet. I told my story, and + they believed it, though I had the audacity to say I was but + nineteen, to talk Scotch, and bashfully confess that Sydney wished + to marry me. Monsieur knows S. and evidently suspects something. I + must watch him and keep the truth from him, if possible. + + “I was very miserable that night when I got alone. Something in the + atmosphere of this happy home made me wish I was anything but what I + am. As I sat there trying to pluck up my spirits, I thought of the + days when I was lovely and young, good and gay. My glass showed me + an old woman of thirty, for my false locks were off, my paint gone, + and my face was without its mask. Bah! how I hate sentiment! I drank + your health from your own little flask, and went to bed to dream + that I was playing Lady Tartuffe—as I am. Adieu, more soon.” + </pre> + <p> + No one spoke as Edward paused, and taking up another letter, he read on: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My Dear Creature: + + “All goes well. Next day I began my task, and having caught a hint + of the character of each, tried my power over them. Early in the + morning I ran over to see the Hall. Approved of it highly, and took + the first step toward becoming its mistress, by piquing the + curiosity and flattering the pride of its master. His estate is his + idol; I praised it with a few artless compliments to himself, and he + was charmed. The cadet of the family adores horses. I risked my neck + to pet his beast, and<i> he </i>was charmed. The little girl is romantic + about flowers; I made a posy and was sentimental, and<i> she </i>was + charmed. The fair icicle loves her departed mamma, I had raptures + over an old picture, and she thawed. Monsieur is used to being + worshipped. I took no notice of him, and by the natural perversity + of human nature, he began to take notice of me. He likes music; I + sang, and stopped when he’d listened long enough to want more. He is + lazily fond of being amused; I showed him my skill, but refused to + exert it in his behalf. In short, I gave him no peace till he began + to wake up. In order to get rid of the boy, I fascinated him, and he + was sent away. Poor lad, I rather liked him, and if the title had + been nearer would have married him. +</pre> + <p> + “Many thanks for the honor.” And Edward’s lip curled with intense scorn. + But Gerald sat like a statue, his teeth set, his eyes fiery, his brows + bent, waiting for the end. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The passionate boy nearly killed his brother, but I turned the + affair to good account, and bewitched Monsieur by playing nurse, + till Vashti (the icicle) interfered. Then I enacted injured virtue, + and kept out of his way, knowing that he would miss me, I mystified + him about S. by sending a letter where S. would not get it, and got + up all manner of soft scenes to win this proud creature. I get on + well and meanwhile privately fascinate Sir J. by being daughterly + and devoted. He is a worthy old man, simple as a child, honest as + the day, and generous as a prince. I shall be a happy woman if I win + him, and you shall share my good fortune; so wish me success. +</pre> + <p> + “This is the third, and contains something which will surprise you,” + Edward said, as he lifted another paper. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Hortense: + + “I’ve done what I once planned to do on another occasion. You know + my handsome, dissipated father married a lady of rank for his second + wife. I never saw Lady H——d but once, for I was kept out of the + way. Finding that this good Sir J. knew something of her when a + girl, and being sure that he did not know of the death of her little + daughter, I boldly said I was the child, and told a pitiful tale of + my early life. It worked like a charm; he told Monsieur, and both + felt the most chivalrous compassion for Lady Howard’s daughter, + though before they had secretly looked down on me, and my real + poverty and my lowliness. That boy pitied me with an honest warmth + and never waited to learn my birth. I don’t forget that and shall + repay it if I can. Wishing to bring Monsieur’s affair to a + successful crisis, I got up a theatrical evening and was in my + element. One little event I must tell you, because I committed an + actionable offense and was nearly discovered. I did not go down to + supper, knowing that the moth would return to flutter about the + candle, and preferring that the fluttering should be done in + private, as Vashti’s jealousy is getting uncontrollable. Passing + throught the gentlemen’s dressing room, my quick eye caught sight of + a letter lying among the costumes. It was no stage affair, and an + odd sensation of fear ran through me as I recognized the hand of S. + I had feared this, but I believe in chance; and having found the + letter, I examined it. You know I can imitate almost any hand. When + I read in this paper the whole story of my affair with S., truly + told, and also that he had made inquiries into my past life and + discovered the truth, I was in a fury. To be so near success and + fail was terrible, and I resolved to risk everything. I opened the + letter by means of a heated knife blade under the seal, therefore + the envelope was perfect; imitating S.‘s hand, I penned a few lines + in his hasty style, saying he was at Baden, so that if Monsieur + answered, the reply would not reach him, for he is in London, it + seems. This letter I put into the pocket whence the other must have + fallen, and was just congratulating myself on this narrow escape, + when Dean, the maid of Vashti, appeared as if watching me. She had + evidently seen the letter in my hand, and suspected something. I + took no notice of her, but must be careful, for she is on the watch. + After this the evening closed with strictly private theatricals, in + which Monsieur and myself were the only actors. To make sure that he + received my version of the story first, I told him a romantic story + of S.‘s persecution, and he believed it. This I followed up by a + moonlight episode behind a rose hedge, and sent the young gentleman + home in a half-dazed condition. What fools men are!” + </pre> + <p> + “She is right!” muttered Coventry, who had flushed scarlet with shame and + anger, as his folly became known and Lucia listened in astonished silence. + </p> + <p> + “Only one more, and my distasteful task will be nearly over,” said Edward, + unfolding the last of the papers. “This is not a letter, but a copy of one + written three nights ago. Dean boldly ransacked Jean Muir’s desk while she + was at the Hall, and, fearing to betray the deed by keeping the letter, + she made a hasty copy which she gave me today, begging me to save the + family from disgrace. This makes the chain complete. Go now, if you will, + Gerald. I would gladly spare you the pain of hearing this.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not spare myself; I deserve it. Read on,” replied Coventry, + guessing what was to follow and nerving himself to hear it. Reluctantly + his brother read these lines: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The enemy has surrendered! Give me joy, Hortense; I can be the + wife of this proud monsieur, if I will. Think what an honor for the + divorced wife of a disreputable actor. I laugh at the farce and + enjoy it, for I only wait till the prize I desire is fairly mine, to + turn and reject this lover who has proved himself false to brother, + mistress, and his own conscience. I resolved to be revenged on both, + and I have kept my word. For my sake he cast off the beautiful woman + who truly loved him; he forgot his promise to his brother, and put + by his pride to beg of me the worn-out heart that is not worth a + good man’s love. Ah well, I am satisfied, for Vashti has suffered + the sharpest pain a proud woman can endure, and will feel another + pang when I tell her that I scorn her recreant lover, and give him + back to her, to deal with as she will.” + </pre> + <p> + Coventry started from his seat with a fierce exclamation, but Lucia bowed + her face upon her hands, weeping, as if the pang had been sharper than + even Jean foresaw. + </p> + <p> + “Send for Sir John! I am mortally afraid of this creature. Take her away; + do something to her. My poor Bella, what a companion for you! Send for Sir + John at once!” cried Mrs. Coventry incoherently, and clasped her daughter + in her arms, as if Jean Muir would burst in to annihilate the whole + family. Edward alone was calm. + </p> + <p> + “I have already sent, and while we wait, let me finish this story. It is + true that Jean is the daughter of Lady Howard’s husband, the pretended + clergyman, but really a worthless man who married her for her money. Her + own child died, but this girl, having beauty, wit and a bold spirit, took + her fate into her own hands, and became an actress. She married an actor, + led a reckless life for some years; quarreled with her husband, was + divorced, and went to Paris; left the stage, and tried to support herself + as governess and companion. You know how she fared with the Sydneys, how + she has duped us, and but for this discovery would have duped Sir John. I + was in time to prevent this, thank heaven. She is gone; no one knows the + truth but Sydney and ourselves; he will be silent, for his own sake; we + will be for ours, and leave this dangerous woman to the fate which will + surely overtake her.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, it has overtaken her, and a very happy one she finds it.” + </p> + <p> + A soft voice uttered the words, and an apparition appeared at the door, + which made all start and recoil with amazement—Jean Muir leaning on + the arm of Sir John. + </p> + <p> + “How dare you return?” began Edward, losing the self-control so long + preserved. “How dare you insult us by coming back to enjoy the mischief + you have done? Uncle, you do not know that woman!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, boy, I will not listen to a word, unless you remember where you + are,” said Sir John with a commanding gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Remember your promise: love me, forgive me, protect me, and do not listen + to their accusations,” whispered Jean, whose quick eye had discovered the + letters. + </p> + <p> + “I will; have no fears, my child,” he answered, drawing her nearer as he + took his accustomed place before the fire, always lighted when Mrs. + Coventry was down. + </p> + <p> + Gerald, who had been pacing the room excitedly, paused behind Lucia’s + chair as if to shield her from insult; Bella clung to her mother; and + Edward, calming himself by a strong effort, handed his uncle the letters, + saying briefly, “Look at those, sir, and let them speak.” + </p> + <p> + “I will look at nothing, hear nothing, believe nothing which can in any + way lessen my respect and affection for this young lady. She has prepared + me for this. I know the enemy who is unmanly enough to belie and threaten + her. I know that you both are unsuccessful lovers, and this explains your + unjust, uncourteous treatment now. We all have committed faults and + follies. I freely forgive Jean hers, and desire to know nothing of them + from your lips. If she has innocently offended, pardon it for my sake, and + forget the past.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Uncle, we have proofs that this woman is not what she seems. Her own + letters convict her. Read them, and do not blindly deceive yourself,” + cried Edward, indignant at his uncle’s words. + </p> + <p> + A low laugh startled them all, and in an instant they saw the cause of it. + While Sir John spoke, Jean had taken the letters from the hand which he + had put behind him, a favorite gesture of his, and, unobserved, had + dropped them on the fire. The mocking laugh, the sudden blaze, showed what + had been done. Both young men sprang forward, but it was too late; the + proofs were ashes, and Jean Muir’s bold, bright eyes defied them, as she + said, with a disdainful little gesture. “Hands off, gentlemen! You may + degrade yourselves to the work of detectives, but I am not a prisoner yet. + Poor Jean Muir you might harm, but Lady Coventry is beyond your reach.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady Coventry!” echoed the dismayed family, in varying tones of + incredulity, indignation, and amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, my dear and honored wife,” said Sir John, with a protecting arm + about the slender figure at his side; and in the act, the words, there was + a tender dignity that touched the listeners with pity and respect for the + deceived man. “Receive her as such, and for my sake, forbear all further + accusation,” he continued steadily. “I know what I have done. I have no + fear that I shall repent it. If I am blind, let me remain so till time + opens my eyes. We are going away for a little while, and when we return, + let the old life return again, unchanged, except that Jean makes sunshine + for me as well as for you.” + </p> + <p> + No one spoke, for no one knew what to say. Jean broke the silence, saying + coolly, “May I ask how those letters came into your possession?” + </p> + <p> + “In tracing out your past life, Sydney found your friend Hortense. She was + poor, money bribed her, and your letters were given up to him as soon as + received. Traitors are always betrayed in the end,” replied Edward + sternly. + </p> + <p> + Jean shrugged her shoulders, and shot a glance at Gerald, saying with her + significant smile, “Remember that, monsieur, and allow me to hope that in + wedding you will be happier than in wooing. Receive my congratulations, + Miss Beaufort, and let me beg of you to follow my example, if you would + keep your lovers.” + </p> + <p> + Here all the sarcasm passed from her voice, the defiance from her eye, and + the one unspoiled attribute which still lingered in this woman’s artful + nature shone in her face, as she turned toward Edward and Bella at their + mother’s side. + </p> + <p> + “You have been kind to me,” she said, with grateful warmth. “I thank you + for it, and will repay it if I can. To you I will acknowledge that I am + not worthy to be this good man’s wife, and to you I will solemnly promise + to devote my life to his happiness. For his sake forgive me, and let there + be peace between us.” + </p> + <p> + There was no reply, but Edward’s indignant eyes fell before hers. Bella + half put out her hand, and Mrs. Coventry sobbed as if some regret mingled + with her resentment. Jean seemed to expect no friendly demonstration, and + to understand that they forbore for Sir John’s sake, not for hers, and to + accept their contempt as her just punishment. + </p> + <p> + “Come home, love, and forget all this,” said her husband, ringing the + bell, and eager to be gone. “Lady Coventry’s carriage.” + </p> + <p> + And as he gave the order, a smile broke over her face, for the sound + assured her that the game was won. Pausing an instant on the threshold + before she vanished from their sight, she looked backward, and fixing on + Gerald the strange glance he remembered well, she said in her penetrating + voice, “Is not the last scene better than the first?” + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Behind A Mask, Or A Woman’s Power, by A. M. 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Barnard + + +Release Date: August, 2005 [EBook #8677] +This file was first posted on July 31, 2003 +Last Updated: April 24, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEHIND A MASK, OR A WOMAN'S POWER *** + + + + +Produced by Beginners Projects, Martin Agren and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + +BEHIND A MASK _OR_ A WOMAN'S POWER + +By A.M. Barnard + + + + +_Chapter I_ + + +JEAN MUIR + +"Has she come?" + +"No, Mamma, not yet." + +"I wish it were well over. The thought of it worries and excites me. A +cushion for my back, Bella." + +And poor, peevish Mrs. Coventry sank into an easy chair with a nervous +sigh and the air of a martyr, while her pretty daughter hovered about +her with affectionate solicitude. + +"Who are they talking of, Lucia?" asked the languid young man lounging +on a couch near his cousin, who bent over her tapestry work with a happy +smile on her usually haughty face. + +"The new governess, Miss Muir. Shall I tell you about her?" + +"No, thank you. I have an inveterate aversion to the whole tribe. I've +often thanked heaven that I had but one sister, and she a spoiled child, +so that I have escaped the infliction of a governess so long." + +"How will you bear it now?" asked Lucia. + +"Leave the house while she is in it." + +"No, you won't. You're too lazy, Gerald," called out a younger and more +energetic man, from the recess where he stood teasing his dogs. + +"I'll give her a three days' trial; if she proves endurable I shall not +disturb myself; if, as I am sure, she is a bore, I'm off anywhere, +anywhere out of her way." + +"I beg you won't talk in that depressing manner, boys. I dread the +coming of a stranger more than you possibly can, but Bella _must_ not be +neglected; so I have nerved myself to endure this woman, and Lucia is +good enough to say she will attend to her after tonight." + +"Don't be troubled, Mamma. She is a nice person, I dare say, and when +once we are used to her, I've no doubt we shall be glad to have her, +it's so dull here just now. Lady Sydney said she was a quiet, +accomplished, amiable girl, who needed a home, and would be a help to +poor stupid me, so try to like her for my sake." + +"I will, dear, but isn't it getting late? I do hope nothing has +happened. Did you tell them to send a carriage to the station for +her, Gerald?" + +"I forgot it. But it's not far, it won't hurt her to walk" was the +languid reply. + +"It was indolence, not forgetfulness, I know. I'm very sorry; she will +think it so rude to leave her to find her way so late. Do go and see +to it, Ned." + +"Too late, Bella, the train was in some time ago. Give your orders to me +next time. Mother and I'll see that they are obeyed," said Edward. + +"Ned is just at an age to make a fool of himself for any girl who +comes in his way. Have a care of the governess, Lucia, or she will +bewitch him." + +Gerald spoke in a satirical whisper, but his brother heard him and +answered with a good-humored laugh. + +"I wish there was any hope of your making a fool of yourself in that +way, old fellow. Set me a good example, and I promise to follow it. As +for the governess, she is a woman, and should be treated with common +civility. I should say a little extra kindness wouldn't be amiss, +either, because she is poor, and a stranger." + +"That is my dear, good-hearted Ned! We'll stand by poor little Muir, +won't we?" And running to her brother, Bella stood on tiptoe to offer +him a kiss which he could not refuse, for the rosy lips were pursed up +invitingly, and the bright eyes full of sisterly affection. + +"I do hope she has come, for, when I make an effort to see anyone, I +hate to make it in vain. Punctuality is _such_ a virtue, and I know this +woman hasn't got it, for she promised to be here at seven, and now it is +long after," began Mrs. Coventry, in an injured tone. + +Before she could get breath for another complaint, the clock struck +seven and the doorbell rang. + +"There she is!" cried Bella, and turned toward the door as if to go and +meet the newcomer. + +But Lucia arrested her, saying authoritatively, "Stay here, child. It is +her place to come to you, not yours to go to her." + +"Miss Muir," announced a servant, and a little black-robed figure stood +in the doorway. For an instant no one stirred, and the governess had +time to see and be seen before a word was uttered. All looked at her, +and she cast on the household group a keen glance that impressed them +curiously; then her eyes fell, and bowing slightly she walked in. Edward +came forward and received her with the frank cordiality which nothing +could daunt or chill. + +"Mother, this is the lady whom you expected. Miss Muir, allow me to +apologize for our apparent neglect in not sending for you. There was a +mistake about the carriage, or, rather, the lazy fellow to whom the +order was given forgot it. Bella, come here." + +"Thank you, no apology is needed. I did not expect to be sent for." And +the governess meekly sat down without lifting her eyes. + +"I am glad to see you. Let me take your things," said Bella, rather +shyly, for Gerald, still lounging, watched the fireside group with +languid interest, and Lucia never stirred. Mrs. Coventry took a second +survey and began: + +"You were punctual, Miss Muir, which pleases me. I'm a sad invalid, as +Lady Sydney told you, I hope; so that Miss Coventry's lessons will be +directed by my niece, and you will go to her for directions, as she +knows what I wish. You will excuse me if I ask you a few questions, for +Lady Sydney's note was very brief, and I left everything to her +judgment." + +"Ask anything you like, madam," answered the soft, sad voice. + +"You are Scotch, I believe." + +"Yes, madam." + +"Are your parents living?" + +"I have not a relation in the world." + +"Dear me, how sad! Do you mind telling me your age?" + +"Nineteen." And a smile passed over Miss Muir's lips, as she folded her +hands with an air of resignation, for the catechism was evidently to be +a long one. + +"So young! Lady Sydney mentioned five-and-twenty, I think, didn't +she, Bella?" + +"No, Mamma, she only said she thought so. Don't ask such questions. It's +not pleasant before us all," whispered Bella. + +A quick, grateful glance shone on her from the suddenly lifted eyes of +Miss Muir, as she said quietly, "I wish I was thirty, but, as I am not, +I do my best to look and seem old." + +Of course, every one looked at her then, and all felt a touch of pity at +the sight of the pale-faced girl in her plain black dress, with no +ornament but a little silver cross at her throat. Small, thin, and +colorless she was, with yellow hair, gray eyes, and sharply cut, +irregular, but very expressive features. Poverty seemed to have set its +bond stamp upon her, and life to have had for her more frost than +sunshine. But something in the lines of the mouth betrayed strength, and +the clear, low voice had a curious mixture of command and entreaty in +its varying tones. Not an attractive woman, yet not an ordinary one; +and, as she sat there with her delicate hands lying in her lap, her head +bent, and a bitter look on her thin face, she was more interesting than +many a blithe and blooming girl. Bella's heart warmed to her at once, +and she drew her seat nearer, while Edward went back to his dogs that +his presence might not embarrass her. + +"You have been ill, I think," continued Mrs. Coventry, who considered +this fact the most interesting of all she had heard concerning the +governess. + +"Yes, madam, I left the hospital only a week ago." + +"Are you quite sure it is safe to begin teaching so soon?" + +"I have no time to lose, and shall soon gain strength here in the +country, if you care to keep me." + +"And you are fitted to teach music, French, and drawing?" + +"I shall endeavor to prove that I am." + +"Be kind enough to go and play an air or two. I can judge by your touch; +I used to play finely when a girl." + +Miss Muir rose, looked about her for the instrument, and seeing it at +the other end of the room went toward it, passing Gerald and Lucia as if +she did not see them. Bella followed, and in a moment forgot everything +in admiration. Miss Muir played like one who loved music and was perfect +mistress of her art. She charmed them all by the magic of this spell; +even indolent Gerald sat up to listen, and Lucia put down her needle, +while Ned watched the slender white fingers as they flew, and wondered +at the strength and skill which they possessed. + +"Please sing," pleaded Bella, as a brilliant overture ended. + +With the same meek obedience Miss Muir complied, and began a little +Scotch melody, so sweet, so sad, that the girl's eyes filled, and Mrs. +Coventry looked for one of her many pocket-handkerchiefs. But suddenly +the music ceased, for, with a vain attempt to support herself, the +singer slid from her seat and lay before the startled listeners, as +white and rigid as if struck with death. Edward caught her up, and, +ordering his brother off the couch, laid her there, while Bella chafed +her hands, and her mother rang for her maid. Lucia bathed the poor +girl's temples, and Gerald, with unwonted energy, brought a glass of +wine. Soon Miss Muir's lips trembled, she sighed, then murmured, +tenderly, with a pretty Scotch accent, as if wandering in the past, +"Bide wi' me, Mither, I'm sae sick an sad here all alone." + +"Take a sip of this, and it will do you good, my dear," said Mrs. +Coventry, quite touched by the plaintive words. + +The strange voice seemed to recall her. She sat up, looked about her, a +little wildly, for a moment, then collected herself and said, with a +pathetic look and tone, "Pardon me. I have been on my feet all day, and, +in my eagerness to keep my appointment, I forgot to eat since morning. +I'm better now; shall I finish the song?" + +"By no means. Come and have some tea," said Bella, full of pity +and remorse. + +"Scene first, very well done," whispered Gerald to his cousin. + +Miss Muir was just before them, apparently listening to Mrs. Coventry's +remarks upon fainting fits; but she heard, and looked over her shoulders +with a gesture like Rachel. Her eyes were gray, but at that instant they +seemed black with some strong emotion of anger, pride, or defiance. A +curious smile passed over her face as she bowed, and said in her +penetrating voice, "Thanks. The last scene shall be still better." + +Young Coventry was a cool, indolent man, seldom conscious of any +emotion, any passion, pleasurable or otherwise; but at the look, the +tone of the governess, he experienced a new sensation, indefinable, yet +strong. He colored and, for the first time in his life, looked abashed. +Lucia saw it, and hated Miss Muir with a sudden hatred; for, in all the +years she had passed with her cousin, no look or word of hers had +possessed such power. Coventry was himself again in an instant, with no +trace of that passing change, but a look of interest in his usually +dreamy eyes, and a touch of anger in his sarcastic voice. + +"What a melodramatic young lady! I shall go tomorrow." + +Lucia laughed, and was well pleased when he sauntered away to bring her +a cup of tea from the table where a little scene was just taking place. +Mrs. Coventry had sunk into her chair again, exhausted by the flurry of +the fainting fit. Bella was busied about her; and Edward, eager to feed +the pale governess, was awkwardly trying to make the tea, after a +beseeching glance at his cousin which she did not choose to answer. As +he upset the caddy and uttered a despairing exclamation, Miss Muir +quietly took her place behind the urn, saying with a smile, and a shy +glance at the young man, "Allow me to assume my duty at once, and serve +you all. I understand the art of making people comfortable in this way. +The scoop, please. I can gather this up quite well alone, if you will +tell me how your mother likes her tea." + +Edward pulled a chair to the table and made merry over his mishaps, +while Miss Muir performed her little task with a skill and grace that +made it pleasant to watch her. Coventry lingered a moment after she had +given him a steaming cup, to observe her more nearly, while he asked a +question or two of his brother. She took no more notice of him than if +he had been a statue, and in the middle of the one remark he addressed +to her, she rose to take the sugar basin to Mrs. Coventry, who was quite +won by the modest, domestic graces of the new governess. + +"Really, my dear, you are a treasure; I haven't tasted such tea since my +poor maid Ellis died. Bella never makes it good, and Miss Lucia always +forgets the cream. Whatever you do you seem to do well, and that is +_such_ a comfort." + +"Let me always do this for you, then. It will be a pleasure, madam." And +Miss Muir came back to her seat with a faint color in her cheek which +improved her much. + +"My brother asked if young Sydney was at home when you left," said +Edward, for Gerald would not take the trouble to repeat the question. + +Miss Muir fixed her eyes on Coventry, and answered with a slight tremor +of the lips, "No, he left home some weeks ago." + +The young man went back to his cousin, saying, as he threw himself +down beside her, "I shall not go tomorrow, but wait till the three +days are out." + +"Why?" demanded Lucia. + +Lowering his voice he said, with a significant nod toward the governess, +"Because I have a fancy that she is at the bottom of Sydney's mystery. +He's not been himself lately, and now he is gone without a word. I +rather like romances in real life, if they are not too long, or +difficult to read." + +"Do you think her pretty?" + +"Far from it, a most uncanny little specimen." + +"Then why fancy Sydney loves her?" + +"He is an oddity, and likes sensations and things of that sort." + +"What do you mean, Gerald?" + +"Get the Muir to look at you, as she did at me, and you will understand. +Will you have another cup, Juno?" + +"Yes, please." She liked to have him wait upon her, for he did it to no +other woman except his mother. + +Before he could slowly rise, Miss Muir glided to them with another cup +on the salver; and, as Lucia took it with a cold nod, the girl said +under her breath, "I think it honest to tell you that I possess a quick +ear, and cannot help hearing what is said anywhere in the room. What you +say of me is of no consequence, but you may speak of things which you +prefer I should not hear; therefore, allow me to warn you." And she was +gone again as noiselessly as she came. + +"How do you like that?" whispered Coventry, as his cousin sat looking +after the girl, with a disturbed expression. + +"What an uncomfortable creature to have in the house! I am very sorry I +urged her coming, for your mother has taken a fancy to her, and it will +be hard to get rid of her," said Lucia, half angry, half amused. + +"Hush, she hears every word you say. I know it by the expression of her +face, for Ned is talking about horses, and she looks as haughty as ever +you did, and that is saying much. Faith, this is getting interesting." + +"Hark, she is speaking; I want to hear," and Lucia laid her hand on her +cousin's lips. He kissed it, and then idly amused himself with turning +the rings to and fro on the slender fingers. + +"I have been in France several years, madam, but my friend died and I +came back to be with Lady Sydney, till--" Muir paused an instant, then +added, slowly, "till I fell ill. It was a contagious fever, so I went of +my own accord to the hospital, not wishing to endanger her." + +"Very right, but are you sure there is no danger of infection now?" +asked Mrs. Coventry anxiously. + +"None, I assure you. I have been well for some time, but did not leave +because I preferred to stay there, than to return to Lady Sydney." + +"No quarrel, I hope? No trouble of any kind?" + +"No quarrel, but--well, why not? You have a right to know, and I will +not make a foolish mystery out of a very simple thing. As your family, +only, is present, I may tell the truth. I did not go back on the young +gentleman's account. Please ask no more." + +"Ah, I see. Quite prudent and proper, Miss Muir. I shall never allude to +it again. Thank you for your frankness. Bella, you will be careful not +to mention this to young friends; girls gossip sadly, and it would annoy +Lady Sydney beyond everything to have this talked of." + +"Very neighborly of Lady S. to send the dangerous young lady here, +where there are _two_ young gentlemen to be captivated. I wonder why +she didn't keep Sydney after she had caught him," murmured Coventry to +his cousin. + +"Because she had the utmost contempt for a titled fool." Miss Muir +dropped the words almost into his ear, as she bent to take her shawl +from the sofa corner. + +"How the deuce did she get there?" ejaculated Coventry, looking as if he +had received another sensation. "She has spirit, though, and upon my +word I pity Sydney, if he did try to dazzle her, for he must have got a +splendid dismissal." + +"Come and play billiards. You promised, and I hold you to your word," +said Lucia, rising with decision, for Gerald was showing too much +interest in another to suit Miss Beaufort. + +"I am, as ever, your most devoted. My mother is a charming woman, but I +find our evening parties slightly dull, when only my own family are +present. Good night, Mamma." He shook hands with his mother, whose pride +and idol he was, and, with a comprehensive nod to the others, strolled +after his cousin. + +"Now they are gone we can be quite cozy, and talk over things, for I +don't mind Ned any more than I do his dogs," said Bella, settling +herself on her mother's footstool. + +"I merely wish to say, Miss Muir, that my daughter has never had a +governess and is sadly backward for a girl of sixteen. I want you to +pass the mornings with her, and get her on as rapidly as possible. In +the afternoon you will walk or drive with her, and in the evening sit +with us here, if you like, or amuse yourself as you please. While in the +country we are very quiet, for I cannot bear much company, and when my +sons want gaiety, they go away for it. Miss Beaufort oversees the +servants, and takes my place as far as possible. I am very delicate and +keep my room till evening, except for an airing at noon. We will try +each other for a month, and I hope we shall get on quite comfortably +together." + +"I shall do my best, madam." + +One would not have believed that the meek, spiritless voice which +uttered these words was the same that had startled Coventry a few +minutes before, nor that the pale, patient face could ever have kindled +with such sudden fire as that which looked over Miss Muir's shoulder +when she answered her young host's speech. + +Edward thought within himself, Poor little woman! She has had a hard +life. We will try and make it easier while she is here; and began his +charitable work by suggesting that she might be tired. She acknowledged +she was, and Bella led her away to a bright, cozy room, where with a +pretty little speech and a good-night kiss she left her. + +When alone Miss Muir's conduct was decidedly peculiar. Her first act was +to clench her hands and mutter between her teeth, with passionate force, +"I'll not fail again if there is power in a woman's wit and will!" She +stood a moment motionless, with an expression of almost fierce disdain +on her face, then shook her clenched hand as if menacing some unseen +enemy. Next she laughed, and shrugged her shoulders with a true French +shrug, saying low to herself, "Yes, the last scene _shall_ be better +than the first. _Mon dieu_, how tired and hungry I am!" + +Kneeling before the one small trunk which held her worldly possessions, +she opened it, drew out a flask, and mixed a glass of some ardent +cordial, which she seemed to enjoy extremely as she sat on the carpet, +musing, while her quick eyes examined every corner of the room. + +"Not bad! It will be a good field for me to work in, and the harder the +task the better I shall like it. _Merci_, old friend. You put heart and +courage into me when nothing else will. Come, the curtain is down, so I +may be myself for a few hours, if actresses ever are themselves." + +Still sitting on the floor she unbound and removed the long abundant +braids from her head, wiped the pink from her face, took out several +pearly teeth, and slipping off her dress appeared herself indeed, a +haggard, worn, and moody woman of thirty at least. The metamorphosis was +wonderful, but the disguise was more in the expression she assumed than +in any art of costume or false adornment. Now she was alone, and her +mobile features settled into their natural expression, weary, hard, +bitter. She had been lovely once, happy, innocent, and tender; but +nothing of all this remained to the gloomy woman who leaned there +brooding over some wrong, or loss, or disappointment which had darkened +all her life. For an hour she sat so, sometimes playing absently with +the scanty locks that hung about her face, sometimes lifting the glass +to her lips as if the fiery draught warmed her cold blood; and once she +half uncovered her breast to eye with a terrible glance the scar of a +newly healed wound. At last she rose and crept to bed, like one worn out +with weariness and mental pain. + + + + +_Chapter II_ + + +A GOOD BEGINNING + +Only the housemaids were astir when Miss Muir left her room next morning +and quietly found her way into the garden. As she walked, apparently +intent upon the flowers, her quick eye scrutinized the fine old house +and its picturesque surroundings. + +"Not bad," she said to herself, adding, as she passed into the adjoining +park, "but the other may be better, and I will have the best." + +Walking rapidly, she came out at length upon the wide green lawn which +lay before the ancient hall where Sir John Coventry lived in solitary +splendor. A stately old place, rich in oaks, well-kept shrubberies, gay +gardens, sunny terraces, carved gables, spacious rooms, liveried +servants, and every luxury befitting the ancestral home of a rich and +honorable race. Miss Muir's eyes brightened as she looked, her step grew +firmer, her carriage prouder, and a smile broke over her face; the smile +of one well pleased at the prospect of the success of some cherished +hope. Suddenly her whole air changed, she pushed back her hat, clasped +her hands loosely before her, and seemed absorbed in girlish admiration +of the fair scene that could not fail to charm any beauty-loving eye. +The cause of this rapid change soon appeared. A hale, handsome man, +between fifty and sixty, came through the little gate leading to the +park, and, seeing the young stranger, paused to examine her. He had only +time for a glance, however; she seemed conscious of his presence in a +moment, turned with a startled look, uttered an exclamation of surprise, +and looked as if hesitating whether to speak or run away. Gallant Sir +John took off his hat and said, with the old-fashioned courtesy which +became him well, "I beg your pardon for disturbing you, young lady. +Allow me to atone for it by inviting you to walk where you will, and +gather what flowers you like. I see you love them, so pray make free +with those about you." + +With a charming air of maidenly timidity and artlessness, Miss Muir +replied, "Oh, thank you, sir! But it is I who should ask pardon for +trespassing. I never should have dared if I had not known that Sir John +was absent. I always wanted to see this fine old place, and ran over the +first thing, to satisfy myself." + +"And _are_ you satisfied?" he asked, with a smile. + +"More than satisfied--I'm charmed; for it is the most beautiful spot I +ever saw, and I've seen many famous seats, both at home and abroad," she +answered enthusiastically. + +"The Hall is much flattered, and so would its master be if he heard +you," began the gentleman, with an odd expression. + +"I should not praise it to him--at least, not as freely as I have to +you, sir," said the girl, with eyes still turned away. + +"Why not?" asked her companion, looking much amused. + +"I should be afraid. Not that I dread Sir John; but I've heard so many +beautiful and noble things about him, and respect him so highly, that I +should not dare to say much, lest he should see how I admire and--" + +"And what, young lady? Finish, if you please." + +"I was going to say, love him. I will say it, for he is an old man, and +one cannot help loving virtue and bravery." + +Miss Muir looked very earnest and pretty as she spoke, standing there +with the sunshine glinting on her yellow hair, delicate face, and +downcast eyes. Sir John was not a vain man, but he found it pleasant to +hear himself commended by this unknown girl, and felt redoubled +curiosity to learn who she was. Too well-bred to ask, or to abash her by +avowing what she seemed unconscious of, he left both discoveries to +chance; and when she turned, as if to retrace her steps, he offered her +the handful of hothouse flowers which he held, saying, with a gallant +bow, "In Sir John's name let me give you my little nosegay, with thanks +for your good opinion, which, I assure you, is not entirely deserved, +for I know him well." + +Miss Muir looked up quickly, eyed him an instant, then dropped her eyes, +and, coloring deeply, stammered out, "I did not know--I beg your +pardon--you are too kind, Sir John." + +He laughed like a boy, asking, mischievously, "Why call me Sir John? How +do you know that I am not the gardener or the butler?" + +"I did not see your face before, and no one but yourself would say that +any praise was undeserved," murmured Miss Muir, still overcome with +girlish confusion. + +"Well, well, we will let that pass, and the next time you come we will +be properly introduced. Bella always brings her friends to the Hall, for +I am fond of young people." + +"I am not a friend. I am only Miss Coventry's governess." And Miss Muir +dropped a meek curtsy. A slight change passed over Sir John's manner. +Few would have perceived it, but Miss Muir felt it at once, and bit her +lips with an angry feeling at her heart. With a curious air of pride, +mingled with respect, she accepted the still offered bouquet, returned +Sir John's parting bow, and tripped away, leaving the old gentleman to +wonder where Mrs. Coventry found such a piquant little governess. + +"That is done, and very well for a beginning," she said to herself as +she approached the house. + +In a green paddock close by fed a fine horse, who lifted up his head and +eyed her inquiringly, like one who expected a greeting. Following a +sudden impulse, she entered the paddock and, pulling a handful of +clover, invited the creature to come and eat. This was evidently a new +proceeding on the part of a lady, and the horse careered about as if +bent on frightening the newcomer away. + +"I see," she said aloud, laughing to herself. "I am not your master, and +you rebel. Nevertheless, I'll conquer you, my fine brute." + +Seating herself in the grass, she began to pull daisies, singing idly +the while, as if unconscious of the spirited prancings of the horse. +Presently he drew nearer, sniffing curiously and eyeing her with +surprise. She took no notice, but plaited the daisies and sang on as if +he was not there. This seemed to pique the petted creature, for, slowly +approaching, he came at length so close that he could smell her little +foot and nibble at her dress. Then she offered the clover, uttering +caressing words and making soothing sounds, till by degrees and with +much coquetting, the horse permitted her to stroke his glossy neck and +smooth his mane. + +It was a pretty sight--the slender figure in the grass, the +high-spirited horse bending his proud head to her hand. Edward Coventry, +who had watched the scene, found it impossible to restrain himself any +longer and, leaping the wall, came to join the group, saying, with +mingled admiration and wonder in countenance and voice, "Good morning, +Miss Muir. If I had not seen your skill and courage proved before my +eyes, I should be alarmed for your safety. Hector is a wild, wayward +beast, and has damaged more than one groom who tried to conquer him." + +"Good morning, Mr. Coventry. Don't tell tales of this noble creature, +who has not deceived my faith in him. Your grooms did not know how to +win his heart, and so subdue his spirit without breaking it." + +Miss Muir rose as she spoke, and stood with her hand on Hector's neck +while he ate the grass which she had gathered in the skirt of her dress. + +"You have the secret, and Hector is your subject now, though heretofore +he has rejected all friends but his master. Will you give him his +morning feast? I always bring him bread and play with him before +breakfast." + +"Then you are not jealous?" And she looked up at him with eyes so bright +and beautiful in expression that the young man wondered he had not +observed them before. + +"Not I. Pet him as much as you will; it will do him good. He is a +solitary fellow, for he scorns his own kind and lives alone, like his +master," he added, half to himself. + +"Alone, with such a happy home, Mr. Coventry?" And a softly +compassionate glance stole from the bright eyes. + +"That was an ungrateful speech, and I retract it for Bella's sake. +Younger sons have no position but such as they can make for themselves, +you know, and I've had no chance yet." + +"Younger sons! I thought--I beg pardon." And Miss Muir paused, as if +remembering that she had no right to question. + +Edward smiled and answered frankly, "Nay, don't mind me. You thought I +was the heir, perhaps. Whom did you take my brother for last night?" + +"For some guest who admired Miss Beaufort. I did not hear his name, nor +observe him enough to discover who he was. I saw only your kind mother, +your charming little sister, and--" + +She stopped there, with a half-shy, half-grateful look at the young man +which finished the sentence better than any words. He was still a boy, +in spite of his one-and-twenty years, and a little color came into his +brown cheek as the eloquent eyes met his and fell before them. + +"Yes, Bella is a capital girl, and one can't help loving her. I know +you'll get her on, for, really, she is the most delightful little dunce. +My mother's ill health and Bella's devotion to her have prevented our +attending to her education before. Next winter, when we go to town, she +is to come out, and must be prepared for that great event, you know," he +said, choosing a safe subject. + +"I shall do my best. And that reminds me that I should report myself to +her, instead of enjoying myself here. When one has been ill and shut up +a long time, the country is so lovely one is apt to forget duty for +pleasure. Please remind me if I am negligent, Mr. Coventry." + +"That name belongs to Gerald. I'm only Mr. Ned here," he said as they +walked toward the house, while Hector followed to the wall and sent a +sonorous farewell after them. + +Bella came running to meet them, and greeted Miss Muir as if she had +made up her mind to like her heartily. "What a lovely bouquet you have +got! I never can arrange flowers prettily, which vexes me, for Mamma is +so fond of them and cannot go out herself. You have charming taste," she +said, examining the graceful posy which Miss Muir had much improved by +adding feathery grasses, delicate ferns, and fragrant wild flowers to +Sir John's exotics. + +Putting them into Bella's hand, she said, in a winning way, "Take them +to your mother, then, and ask her if I may have the pleasure of making +her a daily nosegay; for I should find real delight in doing it, if it +would please her." + +"How kind you are! Of course it would please her. I'll take them to her +while the dew is still on them." And away flew Bella, eager to give both +the flowers and the pretty message to the poor invalid. + +Edward stopped to speak to the gardener, and Miss Muir went up the steps +alone. The long hall was lined with portraits, and pacing slowly down it +she examined them with interest. One caught her eye, and, pausing before +it, she scrutinized it carefully. A young, beautiful, but very haughty +female face. Miss Muir suspected at once who it was, and gave a decided +nod, as if she saw and caught at some unexpected chance. A soft rustle +behind her made her look around, and, seeing Lucia, she bowed, half +turned, as if for another glance at the picture, and said, as if +involuntarily, "How beautiful it is! May I ask if it is an ancestor, +Miss Beaufort?" + +"It is the likeness of my mother" was the reply, given with a softened +voice and eyes that looked up tenderly. + +"Ah, I might have known, from the resemblance, but I scarcely saw you +last night. Excuse my freedom, but Lady Sydney treated me as a friend, +and I forget my position. Allow me." + +As she spoke, Miss Muir stooped to return the handkerchief which had +fallen from Lucia's hand, and did so with a humble mien which touched +the other's heart; for, though a proud, it was also a very generous one. + +"Thank you. Are you better, this morning?" she said, graciously. And +having received an affirmative reply, she added, as she walked on, "I +will show you to the breakfast room, as Bella is not here. It is a very +informal meal with us, for my aunt is never down and my cousins are very +irregular in their hours. You can always have yours when you like, +without waiting for us if you are an early riser." + +Bella and Edward appeared before the others were seated, and Miss Muir +quietly ate her breakfast, feeling well satisfied with her hour's +work. Ned recounted her exploit with Hector, Bella delivered her +mother's thanks for the flowers, and Lucia more than once recalled, +with pardonable vanity, that the governess had compared her to her +lovely mother, expressing by a look as much admiration for the living +likeness as for the painted one. All kindly did their best to make the +pale girl feel at home, and their cordial manner seemed to warm and +draw her out; for soon she put off her sad, meek air and entertained +them with gay anecdotes of her life in Paris, her travels in Russia +when governess in Prince Jermadoff's family, and all manner of witty +stories that kept them interested and merry long after the meal was +over. In the middle of an absorbing adventure, Coventry came in, +nodded lazily, lifted his brows, as if surprised at seeing the +governess there, and began his breakfast as if the ennui of another +day had already taken possession of him. Miss Muir stopped short, and +no entreaties could induce her to go on. + +"Another time I will finish it, if you like. Now Miss Bella and I should +be at our books." And she left the room, followed by her pupil, taking +no notice of the young master of the house, beyond a graceful bow in +answer to his careless nod. + +"Merciful creature! she goes when I come, and does not make life +unendurable by moping about before my eyes. Does she belong to the +moral, the melancholy, the romantic, or the dashing class, Ned?" said +Gerald, lounging over his coffee as he did over everything he attempted. + +"To none of them; she is a capital little woman. I wish you had seen her +tame Hector this morning." And Edward repeated his story. + +"Not a bad move on her part," said Coventry in reply. "She must be an +observing as well as an energetic young person, to discover your chief +weakness and attack it so soon. First tame the horse, and then the +master. It will be amusing to watch the game, only I shall be under the +painful necessity of checkmating you both, if it gets serious." + +"You needn't exert yourself, old fellow, on my account. If I was not +above thinking ill of an inoffensive girl, I should say you were the +prize best worth winning, and advise you to take care of your own heart, +if you've got one, which I rather doubt." + +"I often doubt it, myself; but I fancy the little Scotchwoman will not +be able to satisfy either of us upon that point. How does your highness +like her?" asked Coventry of his cousin, who sat near him. + +"Better than I thought I should. She is well-bred, unassuming, and very +entertaining when she likes. She has told us some of the wittiest +stories I've heard for a long time. Didn't our laughter wake you?" +replied Lucia. + +"Yes. Now atone for it by amusing me with a repetition of these +witty tales." + +"That is impossible; her accent and manner are half the charm," said +Ned. "I wish you had kept away ten minutes longer, for your appearance +spoilt the best story of all." + +"Why didn't she go on?" asked Coventry, with a ray of curiosity. + +"You forget that she overheard us last night, and must feel that you +consider her a bore. She has pride, and no woman forgets speeches like +those you made," answered Lucia. + +"Or forgives them, either, I believe. Well, I must be resigned to +languish under her displeasure then. On Sydney's account I take a slight +interest in her; not that I expect to learn anything from her, for a +woman with a mouth like that never confides or confesses anything. But I +have a fancy to see what captivated him; for captivated he was, beyond a +doubt, and by no lady whom he met in society. Did you ever hear anything +of it, Ned?" asked Gerald. + +"I'm not fond of scandal or gossip, and never listen to either." With +which remark Edward left the room. + +Lucia was called out by the housekeeper a moment after, and Coventry +left to the society most wearisome to him, namely his own. As he +entered, he had caught a part of the story which Miss Muir had been +telling, and it had excited his curiosity so much that he found himself +wondering what the end could be and wishing that he might hear it. + +What the deuce did she run away for, when I came in? he thought. If she +_is_ amusing, she must make herself useful; for it's intensely dull, I +own, here, in spite of Lucia. Hey, what's that? + +It was a rich, sweet voice, singing a brilliant Italian air, and singing +it with an expression that made the music doubly delicious. Stepping out +of the French window, Coventry strolled along the sunny terrace, +enjoying the song with the relish of a connoisseur. Others followed, and +still he walked and listened, forgetful of weariness or tune. As one +exquisite air ended, he involuntarily applauded. Miss Muir's face +appeared for an instant, then vanished, and no more music followed, +though Coventry lingered, hoping to hear the voice again. For music was +the one thing of which he never wearied, and neither Lucia nor Bella +possessed skill enough to charm him. For an hour he loitered on the +terrace or the lawn, basking in the sunshine, too indolent to seek +occupation or society. At length Bella came out, hat in hand, and nearly +stumbled over her brother, who lay on the grass. + +"You lazy man, have you been dawdling here all this time?" she said, +looking down at him. + +"No, I've been very busy. Come and tell me how you've got on with the +little dragon." + +"Can't stop. She bade me take a run after my French, so that I might be +ready for my drawing, and so I must." + +"It's too warm to run. Sit down and amuse your deserted brother, who has +had no society but bees and lizards for an hour." + +He drew her down as he spoke, and Bella obeyed; for, in spite of his +indolence, he was one to whom all submitted without dreaming of refusal. + +"What have you been doing? Muddling your poor little brains with all +manner of elegant rubbish?" + +"No, I've been enjoying myself immensely. Jean is _so_ interesting, so +kind and clever. She didn't bore me with stupid grammar, but just talked +to me in such pretty French that I got on capitally, and like it as I +never expected to, after Lucia's dull way of teaching it." + +"What did you talk about?" + +"Oh, all manner of things. She asked questions, and I answered, and she +corrected me." + +"Questions about our affairs, I suppose?" + +"Not one. She don't care two sous for us or our affairs. I thought she +might like to know what sort of people we were, so I told her about +Papa's sudden death, Uncle John, and you, and Ned; but in the midst of +it she said, in her quiet way, 'You are getting too confidential, my +dear. It is not best to talk too freely of one's affairs to strangers. +Let us speak of something else.'" + +"What were you talking of when she said that, Bell?" + +"You." + +"Ah, then no wonder she was bored." + +"She was tired of my chatter, and didn't hear half I said; for she was +busy sketching something for me to copy, and thinking of something more +interesting than the Coventrys." + +"How do you know?" + +"By the expression of her face. Did you like her music, Gerald?" + +"Yes. Was she angry when I clapped?" + +"She looked surprised, then rather proud, and shut the piano at once, +though I begged her to go on. Isn't Jean a pretty name?" + +"Not bad; but why don't you call her Miss Muir?" + +"She begged me not. She hates it, and loves to be called Jean, alone. +I've imagined such a nice little romance about her, and someday I shall +tell her, for I'm sure she has had a love trouble." + +"Don't get such nonsense into your head, but follow Miss Muir's +well-bred example and don't be curious about other people's affairs. Ask +her to sing tonight; it amuses me." + +"She won't come down, I think. We've planned to read and work in my +boudoir, which is to be our study now. Mamma will stay in her room, so +you and Lucia can have the drawing room all to yourselves." + +"Thank you. What will Ned do?" + +"He will amuse Mamma, he says. Dear old Ned! I wish you'd stir about and +get him his commission. He is so impatient to be doing something and yet +so proud he won't ask again, after you have neglected it so many times +and refused Uncle's help." + +"I'll attend to it very soon; don't worry me, child. He will do very +well for a time, quietly here with us." + +"You always say that, yet you know he chafes and is unhappy at being +dependent on you. Mamma and I don't mind; but he is a man, and it frets +him. He said he'd take matters into his own hands soon, and then you may +be sorry you were so slow in helping him." + +"Miss Muir is looking out of the window. You'd better go and take your +run, else she will scold." + +"Not she. I'm not a bit afraid of her, she's so gentle and sweet. I'm +fond of her already. You'll get as brown as Ned, lying here in the +sun. By the way, Miss Muir agrees with me in thinking him handsomer +than you." + +"I admire her taste and quite agree with her." + +"She said he was manly, and that was more attractive than beauty in a +man. She does express things so nicely. Now I'm off." And away danced +Bella, humming the burden of Miss Muir's sweetest song. + +"'Energy is more attractive than beauty in a man.' She is right, but how +the deuce _can_ a man be energetic, with nothing to expend his energies +upon?" mused Coventry, with his hat over his eyes. + +A few moments later, the sweep of a dress caught his ear. Without +stirring, a sidelong glance showed him Miss Muir coming across the +terrace, as if to join Bella. Two stone steps led down to the lawn. He +lay near them, and Miss Muir did not see him till close upon him. She +started and slipped on the last step, recovered herself, and glided on, +with a glance of unmistakable contempt as she passed the recumbent +figure of the apparent sleeper. Several things in Bella's report had +nettled him, but this look made him angry, though he would not own it, +even to himself. + +"Gerald, come here, quick!" presently called Bella, from the rustic seat +where she stood beside her governess, who sat with her hand over her +face as if in pain. + +Gathering himself up, Coventry slowly obeyed, but involuntarily +quickened his pace as he heard Miss Muir say, "Don't call him; _he_ can +do nothing"; for the emphasis on the word "he" was very significant. + +"What is it, Bella?" he asked, looking rather wider awake than usual. + +"You startled Miss Muir and made her turn her ankle. Now help her to the +house, for she is in great pain; and don't lie there anymore to frighten +people like a snake in the grass," said his sister petulantly. + +"I beg your pardon. Will you allow me?" And Coventry offered his arm. + +Miss Muir looked up with the expression which annoyed him and answered +coldly, "Thank you, Miss Bella will do as well." + +"Permit me to doubt that." And with a gesture too decided to be +resisted, Coventry drew her arm through his and led her into the house. +She submitted quietly, said the pain would soon be over, and when +settled on the couch in Bella's room dismissed him with the briefest +thanks. Considering the unwonted exertion he had made, he thought she +might have been a little more grateful, and went away to Lucia, who +always brightened when he came. + +No more was seen of Miss Muir till teatime; for now, while the family +were in retirement, they dined early and saw no company. The governess +had excused herself at dinner, but came down in the evening a little +paler than usual and with a slight limp in her gait. Sir John was there, +talking with his nephew, and they merely acknowledged her presence by +the sort of bow which gentlemen bestow on governesses. As she slowly +made her way to her place behind the urn, Coventry said to his brother, +"Take her a footstool, and ask her how she is, Ned." Then, as if +necessary to account for his politeness to his uncle, he explained how +he was the cause of the accident. + +"Yes, yes. I understand. Rather a nice little person, I fancy. Not +exactly a beauty, but accomplished and well-bred, which is better for +one of her class." + +"Some tea, Sir John?" said a soft voice at his elbow, and there was Miss +Muir, offering cups to the gentlemen. + +"Thank you, thank you," said Sir John, sincerely hoping she had +overheard him. + +As Coventry took his, he said graciously, "You are very forgiving, Miss +Muir, to wait upon me, after I have caused you so much pain." + +"It is my duty, sir" was her reply, in a tone which plainly said, "but +not my pleasure." And she returned to her place, to smile, and chat, and +be charming, with Bella and her brother. + +Lucia, hovering near her uncle and Gerald, kept them to herself, but +was disturbed to find that their eyes often wandered to the cheerful +group about the table, and that their attention seemed distracted by +the frequent bursts of laughter and fragments of animated conversation +which reached them. In the midst of an account of a tragic affair which +she endeavored to make as interesting and pathetic as possible, Sir +John burst into a hearty laugh, which betrayed that he had been +listening to a livelier story than her own. Much annoyed, she said +hastily, "I knew it would be so! Bella has no idea of the proper manner +in which to treat a governess. She and Ned will forget the difference +of rank and spoil that person for her work. She is inclined to be +presumptuous already, and if my aunt won't trouble herself to give Miss +Muir a hint in time, I shall." + +"Wait until she has finished that story, I beg of you," said Coventry, +for Sir John was already off. + +"If you find that nonsense so entertaining, why don't you follow Uncle's +example? I don't need you." + +"Thank you. I will." And Lucia was deserted. + +But Miss Muir had ended and, beckoning to Bella, left the room, as if +quite unconscious of the honor conferred upon her or the dullness she +left behind her. Ned went up to his mother, Gerald returned to make his +peace with Lucia, and, bidding them good-night, Sir John turned +homeward. Strolling along the terrace, he came to the lighted window of +Bella's study, and wishing to say a word to her, he half pushed aside +the curtain and looked in. A pleasant little scene. Bella working +busily, and near her in a low chair, with the light falling on her fair +hair and delicate profile, sat Miss Muir reading aloud. "Novels!" +thought Sir John, and smiled at them for a pair of romantic girls. But +pausing to listen a moment before he spoke, he found it was no novel, +but history, read with a fluency which made every fact interesting, +every sketch of character memorable, by the dramatic effect given to it. +Sir John was fond of history, and failing eyesight often curtailed his +favorite amusement. He had tried readers, but none suited him, and he +had given up the plan. Now as he listened, he thought how pleasantly the +smoothly flowing voice would wile away his evenings, and he envied Bella +her new acquisition. + +A bell rang, and Bella sprang up, saying, "Wait for me a minute. I must +run to Mamma, and then we will go on with this charming prince." + +Away she went, and Sir John was about to retire as quietly as he came, +when Miss Muir's peculiar behavior arrested him for an instant. Dropping +the book, she threw her arms across the table, laid her head down upon +them, and broke into a passion of tears, like one who could bear +restraint no longer. Shocked and amazed, Sir John stole away; but all +that night the kindhearted gentleman puzzled his brains with conjectures +about his niece's interesting young governess, quite unconscious that +she intended he should do so. + + + + +_Chapter III_ + + +PASSION AND PIQUE + +For several weeks the most monotonous tranquillity seemed to reign at +Coventry House, and yet, unseen, unsuspected, a storm was gathering. +The arrival of Miss Muir seemed to produce a change in everyone, though +no one could have explained how or why. Nothing could be more +unobtrusive and retiring than her manners. She was devoted to Bella, +who soon adored her, and was only happy when in her society. She +ministered in many ways to Mrs. Coventry's comfort, and that lady +declared there never was such a nurse. She amused, interested and won +Edward with her wit and womanly sympathy. She made Lucia respect and +envy her for her accomplishments, and piqued indolent Gerald by her +persistent avoidance of him, while Sir John was charmed with her +respectful deference and the graceful little attentions she paid him in +a frank and artless way, very winning to the lonely old man. The very +servants liked her; and instead of being, what most governesses are, a +forlorn creature hovering between superiors and inferiors, Jean Muir +was the life of the house, and the friend of all but two. + +Lucia disliked her, and Coventry distrusted her; neither could exactly +say why, and neither owned the feeling, even to themselves. Both watched +her covertly yet found no shortcoming anywhere. Meek, modest, faithful, +and invariably sweet-tempered--they could complain of nothing and +wondered at their own doubts, though they could not banish them. + +It soon came to pass that the family was divided, or rather that two +members were left very much to themselves. Pleading timidity, Jean Muir +kept much in Bella's study and soon made it such a pleasant little nook +that Ned and his mother, and often Sir John, came in to enjoy the music, +reading, or cheerful chat which made the evenings so gay. Lucia at first +was only too glad to have her cousin to herself, and he too lazy to care +what went on about him. But presently he wearied of her society, for she +was not a brilliant girl, and possessed few of those winning arts which +charm a man and steal into his heart. Rumors of the merry-makings that +went on reached him and made him curious to share them; echoes of fine +music went sounding through the house, as he lounged about the empty +drawing room; and peals of laughter reached him while listening to +Lucia's grave discourse. + +She soon discovered that her society had lost its charm, and the more +eagerly she tried to please him, the more signally she failed. Before +long Coventry fell into a habit of strolling out upon the terrace of an +evening, and amusing himself by passing and repassing the window of +Bella's room, catching glimpses of what was going on and reporting the +result of his observations to Lucia, who was too proud to ask admission +to the happy circle or to seem to desire it. + +"I shall go to London tomorrow, Lucia," Gerald said one evening, as he +came back from what he called "a survey," looking very much annoyed. + +"To London?" exclaimed his cousin, surprised. + +"Yes, I must bestir myself and get Ned his commission, or it will be all +over with him." + +"How do you mean?" + +"He is falling in love as fast as it is possible for a boy to do it. +That girl has bewitched him, and he will make a fool of himself very +soon, unless I put a stop to it." + +"I was afraid she would attempt a flirtation. These persons always do, +they are such a mischief-making race." + +"Ah, but there you are wrong, as far as little Muir is concerned. She +does not flirt, and Ned has too much sense and spirit to be caught by a +silly coquette. She treats him like an elder sister, and mingles the +most attractive friendliness with a quiet dignity that captivates the +boy. I've been watching them, and there he is, devouring her with his +eyes, while she reads a fascinating novel in the most fascinating +style. Bella and Mamma are absorbed in the tale, and see nothing; but +Ned makes himself the hero, Miss Muir the heroine, and lives the love +scene with all the ardor of a man whose heart has just waked up. Poor +lad! Poor lad!" + +Lucia looked at her cousin, amazed by the energy with which he spoke, +the anxiety in his usually listless face. The change became him, for it +showed what he might be, making one regret still more what he was. +Before she could speak, he was gone again, to return presently, +laughing, yet looking a little angry. + +"What now?" she asked. + +"'Listeners never hear any good of themselves' is the truest of +proverbs. I stopped a moment to look at Ned, and heard the following +flattering remarks. Mamma is gone, and Ned was asking little Muir to +sing that delicious barcarole she gave us the other evening. + +"'Not now, not here,' she said. + +"'Why not? You sang it in the drawing room readily enough,' said Ned, +imploringly. + +"'That is a very different thing,' and she looked at him with a little +shake of the head, for he was folding his hands and doing the +passionate pathetic. + +"'Come and sing it there then,' said innocent Bella. 'Gerald likes your +voice so much, and complains that you will never sing to him.' + +"'He never asks me,' said Muir, with an odd smile. + +"'He is too lazy, but he wants to hear you.' + +"'When he asks me, I will sing--if I feel like it.' And she shrugged her +shoulders with a provoking gesture of indifference. + +"'But it amuses him, and he gets so bored down here,' began stupid +little Bella. 'Don't be shy or proud, Jean, but come and entertain the +poor old fellow.' + +"'No, thank you. I engaged to teach Miss Coventry, not to amuse Mr. +Coventry' was all the answer she got. + +"'You amuse Ned, why not Gerald? Are you afraid of him?' asked Bella. + +"Miss Muir laughed, such a scornful laugh, and said, in that +peculiar tone of hers, 'I cannot fancy anyone being _afraid_ of your +elder brother.' + +"'I am, very often, and so would you be, if you ever saw him angry,' And +Bella looked as if I'd beaten her. + +"'Does he ever wake up enough to be angry?' asked that girl, with an air +of surprise. Here Ned broke into a fit of laughter, and they are at it +now, I fancy, by the sound." + +"Their foolish gossip is not worth getting excited about, but I +certainly would send Ned away. It's no use trying to get rid of 'that +girl,' as you say, for my aunt is as deluded about her as Ned and Bella, +and she really does get the child along splendidly. Dispatch Ned, and +then she can do no harm," said Lucia, watching Coventry's altered face +as he stood in the moonlight, just outside the window where she sat. + +"Have you no fears for me?" he asked smiling, as if ashamed of his +momentary petulance. + +"No, have you for yourself?" And a shade of anxiety passed over her +face. + +"I defy the Scotch witch to enchant me, except with her music," he +added, moving down the terrace again, for Jean was singing like a +nightingale. + +As the song ended, he put aside the curtain, and said, abruptly, "Has +anyone any commands for London? I am going there tomorrow." + +"A pleasant trip to you," said Ned carelessly, though usually his +brother's movements interested him extremely. + +"I want quantities of things, but I must ask Mamma first." And Bella +began to make a list. + +"May I trouble you with a letter, Mr. Coventry?" + +Jean Muir turned around on the music stool and looked at him with the +cold keen glance which always puzzled him. + +He bowed, saying, as if to them all, "I shall be off by the early train, +so you must give me your orders tonight." + +"Then come away, Ned, and leave Jean to write her letter." + +And Bella took her reluctant brother from the room. + +"I will give you the letter in the morning," said Miss Muir, with a +curious quiver in her voice, and the look of one who forcibly suppressed +some strong emotion. + +"As you please." And Coventry went back to Lucia, wondering who Miss +Muir was going to write to. He said nothing to his brother of the +purpose which took him to town, lest a word should produce the +catastrophe which he hoped to prevent; and Ned, who now lived in a sort +of dream, seemed to forget Gerald's existence altogether. + +With unwonted energy Coventry was astir seven next morning. Lucia gave +him his breakfast, and as he left the room to order the carriage, Miss +Muir came gliding downstairs, very pale and heavy-eyed (with a +sleepless, tearful night, he thought) and, putting a delicate little +letter into his hand, said hurriedly, "Please leave this at Lady +Sydney's, and if you see her, say 'I have remembered.'" + +Her peculiar manner and peculiar message struck him. His eye +involuntarily glanced at the address of the letter and read young +Sydney's name. Then, conscious of his mistake, he thrust it into his +pocket with a hasty "Good morning," and left Miss Muir standing with +one hand pressed on her heart, the other half extended as if to recall +the letter. + +All the way to London, Coventry found it impossible to forget the +almost tragical expression of the girl's face, and it haunted him +through the bustle of two busy days. Ned's affair was put in the way of +being speedily accomplished, Bella's commissions were executed, his +mother's pet delicacies provided for her, and a gift for Lucia, whom +the family had given him for his future mate, as he was too lazy to +choose for himself. + +Jean Muir's letter he had not delivered, for Lady Sydney was in the +country and her townhouse closed. Curious to see how she would receive +his tidings, he went quietly in on his arrival at home. Everyone had +dispersed to dress for dinner except Miss Muir, who was in the garden, +the servant said. + +"Very well, I have a message for her"; and, turning, the "young master," +as they called him, went to seek her. In a remote corner he saw her +sitting alone, buried in thought. As his step roused her, a look of +surprise, followed by one of satisfaction, passed over her face, and, +rising, she beckoned to him with an almost eager gesture. Much amazed, +he went to her and offered the letter, saying kindly, "I regret that I +could not deliver it. Lady Sydney is in the country, and I did not like +to post it without your leave. Did I do right?" + +"Quite right, thank you very much--it is better so." And with an air of +relief, she tore the letter to atoms, and scattered them to the wind. + +More amazed than ever, the young man was about to leave her when she +said, with a mixture of entreaty and command, "Please stay a moment. I +want to speak to you." + +He paused, eyeing her with visible surprise, for a sudden color dyed her +cheeks, and her lips trembled. Only for a moment, then she was quite +self-possessed again. Motioning him to the seat she had left, she +remained standing while she said, in a low, rapid tone full of pain and +of decision: + +"Mr. Coventry, as the head of the house I want to speak to you, rather +than to your mother, of a most unhappy affair which has occurred during +your absence. My month of probation ends today; your mother wishes me to +remain; I, too, wish it sincerely, for I am happy here, but I ought not. +Read this, and you will see why." + +She put a hastily written note into his hand and watched him intently +while he read it. She saw him flush with anger, bite his lips, and knit +his brows, then assume his haughtiest look, as he lifted his eyes and +said in his most sarcastic tone, "Very well for a beginning. The boy has +eloquence. Pity that it should be wasted. May I ask if you have replied +to this rhapsody?" + +"I have." + +"And what follows? He begs you 'to fly with him, to share his fortunes, +and be the good angel of his life.' Of course you consent?" + +There was no answer, for, standing erect before him, Miss Muir regarded +him with an expression of proud patience, like one who expected +reproaches, yet was too generous to resent them. Her manner had its +effect. Dropping his bitter tone, Coventry asked briefly, "Why do you +show me this? What can I do?" + +"I show it that you may see how much in earnest 'the boy' is, and how +open I desire to be. You can control, advise, and comfort your brother, +and help me to see what is my duty." + +"You love him?" demanded Coventry bluntly. + +"No!" was the quick, decided answer. + +"Then why make him love you?" + +"I never tried to do it. Your sister will testify that I have endeavored +to avoid him as I--" And he finished the sentence with an unconscious +tone of pique, "As you have avoided me." + +She bowed silently, and he went on: + +"I will do you the justice to say that nothing can be more blameless +than your conduct toward myself; but why allow Ned to haunt you evening +after evening? What could you expect of a romantic boy who had nothing +to do but lose his heart to the first attractive woman he met?" + +A momentary glisten shone in Jean Muir's steel-blue eyes as the last +words left the young man's lips; but it was gone instantly, and her +voice was full of reproach, as she said, steadily, impulsively, "If the +'romantic boy' had been allowed to lead the life of a man, as he longed +to do, he would have had no time to lose his heart to the first +sorrowful girl whom he pitied. Mr. Coventry, the fault is yours. Do not +blame your brother, but generously own your mistake and retrieve it in +the speediest, kindest manner." + +For an instant Gerald sat dumb. Never since his father died had anyone +reproved him; seldom in his life had he been blamed. It was a new +experience, and the very novelty added to the effect. He saw his fault, +regretted it, and admired the brave sincerity of the girl in telling him +of it. But he did not know how to deal with the case, and was forced to +confess not only past negligence but present incapacity. He was as +honorable as he was proud, and with an effort he said frankly, "You are +right, Miss Muir. I _am_ to blame, yet as soon as I saw the danger, I +tried to avert it. My visit to town was on Ned's account; he will have +his commission very soon, and then he will be sent out of harm's way. +Can I do more?" + +"No, it is too late to send him away with a free and happy heart. He +must bear his pain as he can, and it may help to make a man of him," she +said sadly. + +"He'll soon forget," began Coventry, who found the thought of gay Ned +suffering an uncomfortable one. + +"Yes, thank heaven, that is possible, for men." + +Miss Muir pressed her hands together, with a dark expression on her +half-averted face. Something in her tone, her manner, touched Coventry; +he fancied that some old wound bled, some bitter memory awoke at the +approach of a new lover. He was young, heart-whole, and romantic, under +all his cool nonchalance of manner. This girl, who he fancied loved his +friend and who was beloved by his brother, became an object of interest +to him. He pitied her, desired to help her, and regretted his past +distrust, as a chivalrous man always regrets injustice to a woman. She +was happy here, poor, homeless soul, and she should stay. Bella loved +her, his mother took comfort in her, and when Ned was gone, no one's +peace would be endangered by her winning ways, her rich accomplishments. +These thoughts swept through his mind during a brief pause, and when he +spoke, it was to say gently: + +"Miss Muir, I thank you for the frankness which must have been painful +to you, and I will do my best to be worthy of the confidence which you +repose in me. You were both discreet and kind to speak only to me. This +thing would have troubled my mother extremely, and have done no good. I +shall see Ned, and try and repair my long neglect as promptly as +possible. I know you will help me, and in return let me beg of you to +remain, for he will soon be gone." + +She looked at him with eyes full of tears, and there was no coolness in +the voice that answered softly, "You are too kind, but I had better go; +it is not wise to stay." + +"Why not?" + +She colored beautifully, hesitated, then spoke out in the clear, steady +voice which was her greatest charm, "If I had known there were sons in +this family, I never should have come. Lady Sydney spoke only of your +sister, and when I found two gentlemen, I was troubled, because--I am so +unfortunate--or rather, people are so kind as to like me more than I +deserve. I thought I could stay a month, at least, as your brother spoke +of going away, and you were already affianced, but--" + +"I am not affianced." + +Why he said that, Coventry could not tell, but the words passed his lips +hastily and could not be recalled. Jean Muir took the announcement oddly +enough. She shrugged her shoulders with an air of extreme annoyance, and +said almost rudely, "Then you should be; you will be soon. But that is +nothing to me. Miss Beaufort wishes me gone, and I am too proud to +remain and become the cause of disunion in a happy family. No, I will +go, and go at once." + +She turned away impetuously, but Edward's arm detained her, and Edward's +voice demanded, tenderly, "Where will you go, my Jean?" + +The tender touch and name seemed to rob her of her courage and calmness, +for, leaning on her lover, she hid her face and sobbed audibly. + +"Now don't make a scene, for heaven's sake," began Coventry impatiently, +as his brother eyed him fiercely, divining at once what had passed, for +his letter was still in Gerald's hand and Jean's last words had reached +her lover's ear. + +"Who gave you the right to read that, and to interfere in my affairs?" +demanded Edward hotly. + +"Miss Muir" was the reply, as Coventry threw away the paper. + +"And you add to the insult by ordering her out of the house," cried Ned +with increasing wrath. + +"On the contrary, I beg her to remain." + +"The deuce you do! And why?" + +"Because she is useful and happy here, and I am unwilling that your +folly should rob her of a home which she likes." + +"You are very thoughtful and devoted all at once, but I beg you will not +trouble yourself. Jean's happiness and home will be my care now." + +"My dear boy, do be reasonable. The thing is impossible. Miss Muir sees +it herself; she came to tell me, to ask how best to arrange matters +without troubling my mother. I've been to town to attend to your +affairs, and you may be off now very soon." + +"I have no desire to go. Last month it was the wish of my heart. Now +I'll accept nothing from you." And Edward turned moodily away from +his brother. + +"What folly! Ned, you _must_ leave home. It is all arranged and cannot +be given up now. A change is what you need, and it will make a man of +you. We shall miss you, of course, but you will be where you'll see +something of life, and that is better for you than getting into +mischief here." + +"Are you going away, Jean?" asked Edward, ignoring his brother entirely +and bending over the girl, who still hid her face and wept. She did not +speak, and Gerald answered for her. + +"No, why should she if you are gone?" + +"Do you mean to stay?" asked the lover eagerly of Jean. + +"I wish to remain, but--" She paused and looked up. Her eyes went from +one face to the other, and she added, decidedly, "Yes, I must go, it is +not wise to stay even when you are gone." + +Neither of the young men could have explained why that hurried glance +affected them as it did, but each felt conscious of a willful desire to +oppose the other. Edward suddenly felt that his brother loved Miss Muir, +and was bent on removing her from his way. Gerald had a vague idea that +Miss Muir feared to remain on his account, and he longed to show her +that he was quite safe. Each felt angry, and each showed it in a +different way, one being violent, the other satirical. + +"You are right, Jean, this is not the place for you; and you must let me +see you in a safer home before I go," said Ned, significantly. + +"It strikes me that this will be a particularly safe home when your +dangerous self is removed," began Coventry, with an aggravating smile of +calm superiority. + +"And _I_ think that I leave a more dangerous person than myself behind +me, as poor Lucia can testify." + +"Be careful what you say, Ned, or I shall be forced to remind you that I +am master here. Leave Lucia's name out of this disagreeable affair, if +you please." + +"You _are_ master here, but not of me, or my actions, and you have no +right to expect obedience or respect, for you inspire neither. Jean, I +asked you to go with me secretly; now I ask you openly to share my +fortune. In my brother's presence I ask, and _will_ have an answer." + +He caught her hand impetuously, with a defiant look at Coventry, who +still smiled, as if at boy's play, though his eyes were kindling and his +face changing with the still, white wrath which is more terrible than +any sudden outburst. Miss Muir looked frightened; she shrank away from +her passionate young lover, cast an appealing glance at Gerald, and +seemed as if she longed to claim his protection yet dared not. + +"Speak!" cried Edward, desperately. "Don't look to him, tell me truly, +with your own lips, do you, can you love me, Jean?" + +"I have told you once. Why pain me by forcing another hard reply," she +said pitifully, still shrinking from his grasp and seeming to appeal to +his brother. + +"You wrote a few lines, but I'll not be satisfied with that. You shall +answer; I've seen love in your eyes, heard it in your voice, and I know +it is hidden in your heart. You fear to own it; do not hesitate, no one +can part us--speak, Jean, and satisfy me." + +Drawing her hand decidedly away, she went a step nearer Coventry, and +answered, slowly, distinctly, though her lips trembled, and she +evidently dreaded the effect of her words, "I will speak, and speak +truly. You have seen love in my face; it is in my heart, and I do not +hesitate to own it, cruel as it is to force the truth from me, but this +love is not for you. Are you satisfied?" + +He looked at her with a despairing glance and stretched his hand toward +her beseechingly. She seemed to fear a blow, for suddenly she clung to +Gerald with a faint cry. The act, the look of fear, the protecting +gesture Coventry involuntarily made were too much for Edward, already +excited by conflicting passions. In a paroxysm of blind wrath, he caught +up a large pruning knife left there by the gardener, and would have +dealt his brother a fatal blow had he not warded it off with his arm. +The stroke fell, and another might have followed had not Miss Muir with +unexpected courage and strength wrested the knife from Edward and flung +it into the little pond near by. Coventry dropped down upon the seat, +for the blood poured from a deep wound in his arm, showing by its rapid +flow that an artery had been severed. Edward stood aghast, for with the +blow his fury passed, leaving him overwhelmed with remorse and shame. + +Gerald looked up at him, smiled faintly, and said, with no sign of +reproach or anger, "Never mind, Ned. Forgive and forget. Lend me a hand +to the house, and don't disturb anyone. It's not much, I dare say." But +his lips whitened as he spoke, and his strength failed him. Edward +sprang to support him, and Miss Muir, forgetting her terrors, proved +herself a girl of uncommon skill and courage. + +"Quick! Lay him down. Give me your handkerchief, and bring some water," +she said, in a tone of quiet command. Poor Ned obeyed and watched her +with breathless suspense while she tied the handkerchief tightly around +the arm, thrust the handle of his riding whip underneath, and pressed it +firmly above the severed artery to stop the dangerous flow of blood. + +"Dr. Scott is with your mother, I think. Go and bring him here" was +the next order; and Edward darted away, thankful to do anything to +ease the terror which possessed him. He was gone some minutes, and +while they waited Coventry watched the girl as she knelt beside him, +bathing his face with one hand while with the other she held the +bandage firmly in its place. She was pale, but quite steady and +self-possessed, and her eyes shone with a strange brilliancy as she +looked down at him. Once, meeting his look of grateful wonder, she +smiled a reassuring smile that made her lovely, and said, in a soft, +sweet tone never used to him before, "Be quiet. There is no danger. I +will stay by you till help comes." + +Help did come speedily, and the doctor's first words were "Who +improvised that tourniquet?" + +"She did," murmured Coventry. + +"Then you may thank her for saving your life. By Jove! It was capitally +done"; and the old doctor looked at the girl with as much admiration as +curiosity in his face. + +"Never mind that. See to the wound, please, while I ran for bandages, +and salts, and wine." + +Miss Muir was gone as she spoke, so fleetly that it was in vain to call +her back or catch her. During her brief absence, the story was told by +repentant Ned and the wound examined. + +"Fortunately I have my case of instruments with me," said the doctor, +spreading on the bench a long array of tiny, glittering implements of +torture. "Now, Mr. Ned, come here, and hold the arm in that way, while I +tie the artery. Hey! That will never do. Don't tremble so, man, look +away and hold it steadily." + +"I can't!" And poor Ned turned faint and white, not at the sight but +with the bitter thought that he had longed to kill his brother. + +"I will hold it," and a slender white hand lifted the bare and bloody +arm so firmly, steadily, that Coventry sighed a sigh of relief, and Dr. +Scott fell to work with an emphatic nod of approval. + +It was soon over, and while Edward ran in to bid the servants beware of +alarming their mistress, Dr. Scott put up his instruments and Miss Muir +used salts, water, and wine so skillfully that Gerald was able to walk +to his room, leaning on the old man, while the girl supported the +wounded arm, as no sling could be made on the spot. As he entered the +chamber, Coventry turned, put out his left hand, and with much feeling +in his fine eyes said simply, "Miss Muir, I thank you." + +The color came up beautifully in her pale cheeks as she pressed the hand +and without a word vanished from the room. Lucia and the housekeeper +came bustling in, and there was no lack of attendance on the invalid. He +soon wearied of it, and sent them all away but Ned, who remorsefully +haunted the chamber, looking like a comely young Cain and feeling like +an outcast. + +"Come here, lad, and tell me all about it. I was wrong to be +domineering. Forgive me, and believe that I care for your happiness more +sincerely than for my own." + +These frank and friendly words healed the breach between the two +brothers and completely conquered Ned. Gladly did he relate his love +passages, for no young lover ever tires of that amusement if he has a +sympathizing auditor, and Gerald _was_ sympathetic now. For an hour did +he lie listening patiently to the history of the growth of his brother's +passion. Emotion gave the narrator eloquence, and Jean Muir's character +was painted in glowing colors. All her unsuspected kindness to those +about her was dwelt upon; all her faithful care, her sisterly interest +in Bella, her gentle attentions to their mother, her sweet forbearance +with Lucia, who plainly showed her dislike, and most of all, her +friendly counsel, sympathy, and regard for Ned himself. + +"She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as no +one else can. She is unlike any girl I ever saw; there's no +sentimentality about her; she is wise, and kind, and sweet. She says +what she means, looks you straight in the eye, and is as true as steel. +I've tried her, I know her, and--ah, Gerald, I love her so!" + +Here the poor lad leaned his face into his hands and sighed a sigh that +made his brother's heart ache. + +"Upon my soul, Ned, I feel for you; and if there was no obstacle on her +part, I'd do my best for you. She loves Sydney, and so there is nothing +for it but to bear your fate like a man." + +"Are you sure about Sydney? May it not be some one else?" and Ned eyed +his brother with a suspicious look. + +Coventry told him all he knew and surmised concerning his friend, not +forgetting the letter. Edward mused a moment, then seemed relieved, and +said frankly, "I'm glad it's Sydney and not you. I can bear it better." + +"Me!" ejaculated Gerald, with a laugh. + +"Yes, you; I've been tormented lately with a fear that you cared for +her, or rather, she for you." + +"You jealous young fool! We never see or speak to one another scarcely, +so how could we get up a tender interest?" + +"What do you lounge about on that terrace for every evening? And why +does she get fluttered when your shadow begins to come and go?" +demanded Edward. + +"I like the music and don't care for the society of the singer, that's +why I walk there. The fluttering is all your imagination; Miss Muir +isn't a woman to be fluttered by a man's shadow." And Coventry glanced +at his useless arm. + +"Thank you for that, and for not saying 'little Muir,' as you generally +do. Perhaps it was my imagination. But she never makes fun of you now, +and so I fancied she might have lost her heart to the 'young master.' +Women often do, you know." + +"She used to ridicule me, did she?" asked Coventry, taking no notice of +the latter part of his brother's speech, which was quite true +nevertheless. + +"Not exactly, she was too well-bred for that. But sometimes when Bella +and I joked about you, she'd say something so odd or witty that it was +irresistible. You're used to being laughed at, so you don't mind, I +know, just among ourselves." + +"Not I. Laugh away as much as you like," said Gerald. But he did mind, +and wanted exceedingly to know what Miss Muir had said, yet was too +proud to ask. He turned restlessly and uttered a sigh of pain. + +"I'm talking too much; it's bad for you. Dr. Scott said you must be +quiet. Now go to sleep, if you can." + +Edward left the bedside but not the room, for he would let no one take +his place. Coventry tried to sleep, found it impossible, and after a +restless hour called his brother back. + +"If the bandage was loosened a bit, it would ease my arm and then I +could sleep. Can you do it, Ned?" + +"I dare not touch it. The doctor gave orders to leave it till he came in +the morning, and I shall only do harm if I try." + +"But I tell you it's too tight. My arm is swelling and the pain is +intense. It can't be right to leave it so. Dr. Scott dressed it in a +hurry and did it too tight. Common sense will tell you that," said +Coventry impatiently. + +"I'll call Mrs. Morris; she will understand what's best to be done." And +Edward moved toward the door, looking anxious. + +"Not she, she'll only make a stir and torment me with her chatter. I'll +bear it as long as I can, and perhaps Dr. Scott will come tonight. He +said he would if possible. Go to your dinner, Ned. I can ring for Neal +if I need anything. I shall sleep if I'm alone, perhaps." + +Edward reluctantly obeyed, and his brother was left to himself. Little +rest did he find, however, for the pain of the wounded arm grew +unbearable, and, taking a sudden resolution, he rang for his servant. + +"Neal, go to Miss Coventry's study, and if Miss Muir is there, ask her +to be kind enough to come to me. I'm in great pain, and she understand +wounds better than anyone else in the house." + +With much surprise in his face, the man departed and a few moments after +the door noiselessly opened and Miss Muir came in. It had been a very +warm day, and for the first time she had left off her plain black dress. +All in white, with no ornament but her fair hair, and a fragrant posy of +violets in her belt, she looked a different woman from the meek, nunlike +creature one usually saw about the house. Her face was as altered as her +dress, for now a soft color glowed in her cheeks, her eyes smiled shyly, +and her lips no longer wore the firm look of one who forcibly repressed +every emotion. A fresh, gentle, and charming woman she seemed, and +Coventry found the dull room suddenly brightened by her presence. Going +straight to him, she said simply, and with a happy, helpful look very +comforting to see, "I'm glad you sent for me. What can I do for you?" + +He told her, and before the complaint was ended, she began loosening the +bandages with the decision of one who understood what was to be done and +had faith in herself. + +"Ah, that's relief, that's comfort!" ejaculated Coventry, as the last +tight fold fell away. "Ned was afraid I should bleed to death if he +touched me. What will the doctor say to us?" + +"I neither know nor care. I shall say to him that he is a bad surgeon to +bind it so closely, and not leave orders to have it untied if necessary. +Now I shall make it easy and put you to sleep, for that is what you +need. Shall I? May I?" + +"I wish you would, if you can." + +And while she deftly rearranged the bandages, the young man watched her +curiously. Presently he asked, "How came you to know so much about +these things?" + +"In the hospital where I was ill, I saw much that interested me, and +when I got better, I used to sing to the patients sometimes." + +"Do you mean to sing to me?" he asked, in the submissive tone men +unconsciously adopt when ill and in a woman's care. + +"If you like it better than reading aloud in a dreamy tone," she +answered, as she tied the last knot. + +"I do, much better," he said decidedly. + +"You are feverish. I shall wet your forehead, and then you will be quite +comfortable." She moved about the room in the quiet way which made it a +pleasure to watch her, and, having mingled a little cologne with water, +bathed his face as unconcernedly as if he had been a child. Her +proceedings not only comforted but amused Coventry, who mentally +contrasted her with the stout, beer-drinking matron who had ruled over +him in his last illness. + +"A clever, kindly little woman," he thought, and felt quite at his ease, +she was so perfectly easy herself. + +"There, now you look more like yourself," she said with an approving nod +as she finished, and smoothed the dark locks off his forehead with a +cool, soft hand. Then seating herself in a large chair near by, she +began to sing, while tidily rolling up the fresh bandages which had been +left for the morning. Coventry lay watching her by the dim light that +burned in the room, and she sang on as easily as a bird, a dreamy, +low-toned lullaby, which soothed the listener like a spell. Presently, +looking up to see the effect of her song, she found the young man wide +awake, and regarding her with a curious mixture of pleasure, interest, +and admiration. + +"Shut your eyes, Mr. Coventry," she said, with a reproving shake of the +head, and an odd little smile. + +He laughed and obeyed, but could not resist an occasional covert glance +from under his lashes at the slender white figure in the great velvet +chair. She saw him and frowned. + +"You are very disobedient; why won't you sleep?" + +"I can't, I want to listen. I'm fond of nightingales." + +"Then I shall sing no more, but try something that has never failed yet. +Give me your hand, please." + +Much amazed, he gave it, and, taking it in both her small ones, she sat +down behind the curtain and remained as mute and motionless as a statue. +Coventry smiled to himself at first, and wondered which would tire +first. But soon a subtle warmth seemed to steal from the soft palms that +enclosed his own, his heart beat quicker, his breath grew unequal, and a +thousand fancies danced through his brain. He sighed, and said dreamily, +as he turned his face toward her, "I like this." And in the act of +speaking, seemed to sink into a soft cloud which encompassed him about +with an atmosphere of perfect repose. More than this he could not +remember, for sleep, deep and dreamless, fell upon him, and when he +woke, daylight was shining in between the curtains, his hand lay alone +on the coverlet, and his fair-haired enchantress was gone. + + + + +_Chapter IV_ + + +A DISCOVERY + +For several days Coventry was confined to his room, much against his +will, though everyone did their best to lighten his irksome captivity. +His mother petted him, Bella sang, Lucia read, Edward was devoted, and +all the household, with one exception, were eager to serve the young +master. Jean Muir never came near him, and Jean Muir alone seemed to +possess the power of amusing him. He soon tired of the others, wanted +something new; recalled the piquant character of the girl and took a +fancy into his head that she would lighten his ennui. After some +hesitation, he carelessly spoke of her to Bella, but nothing came of +it, for Bella only said Jean was well, and very busy doing something +lovely to surprise Mamma with. Edward complained that he never saw +her, and Lucia ignored her existence altogether. The only intelligence +the invalid received was from the gossip of two housemaids over their +work in the next room. From them he learned that the governess had +been "scolded" by Miss Beaufort for going to Mr. Coventry's room; that +she had taken it very sweetly and kept herself carefully out of the +way of both young gentlemen, though it was plain to see that Mr. Ned +was dying for her. + +Mr. Gerald amused himself by thinking over this gossip, and quite +annoyed his sister by his absence of mind. + +"Gerald, do you know Ned's commission has come?" + +"Very interesting. Read on, Bella." + +"You stupid boy! You don't know a word I say," and she put down the book +to repeat her news. + +"I'm glad of it; now we must get him off as soon as possible--that is, I +suppose he will want to be off as soon as possible." And Coventry woke +up from his reverie. + +"You needn't check yourself, I know all about it. I think Ned was very +foolish, and that Miss Muir has behaved beautifully. It's quite +impossible, of course, but I wish it wasn't, I do so like to watch +lovers. You and Lucia are so cold you are not a bit interesting." + +"You'll do me a favor if you'll stop all that nonsense about Lucia and +me. We are not lovers, and never shall be, I fancy. At all events, I'm +tired of the thing, and wish you and Mamma would let it drop, for the +present at least." + +"Oh Gerald, you know Mamma has set her heart upon it, that Papa desired +it, and poor Lucia loves you so much. How can you speak of dropping what +will make us all so happy?" + +"It won't make me happy, and I take the liberty of thinking that this is +of some importance. I'm not bound in any way, and don't intend to be +till I am ready. Now we'll talk about Ned." + +Much grieved and surprised, Bella obeyed, and devoted herself to Edward, +who very wisely submitted to his fate and prepared to leave home for +some months. For a week the house was in a state of excitement about his +departure, and everyone but Jean was busied for him. She was scarcely +seen; every morning she gave Bella her lessons, every afternoon drove +out with Mrs. Coventry, and nearly every evening went up to the Hall to +read to Sir John, who found his wish granted without exactly knowing how +it had been done. + +The day Edward left, he came down from bidding his mother good-bye, +looking very pale, for he had lingered in his sister's little room with +Miss Muir as long as he dared. + +"Good-bye, dear. Be kind to Jean," he whispered as he kissed his sister. + +"I will, I will," returned Bella, with tearful eyes. + +"Take care of Mamma, and remember Lucia," he said again, as he touched +his cousin's beautiful cheek. + +"Fear nothing. I will keep them apart," she whispered back, and +Coventry heard it. + +Edward offered his hand to his brother, saying, significantly, as he +looked him in the eye, "I trust you, Gerald." + +"You may, Ned." + +Then he went, and Coventry tired himself with wondering what Lucia +meant. A few days later he understood. + +Now Ned is gone, little Muir will appear, I fancy, he said to himself; +but "little Muir" did not appear, and seemed to shun him more carefully +than she had done her lover. If he went to the drawing room in the +evening hoping for music, Lucia alone was there. If he tapped at Bella's +door, there was always a pause before she opened it, and no sign of Jean +appeared though her voice had been audible when he knocked. If he went +to the library, a hasty rustle and the sound of flying feet betrayed +that the room was deserted at his approach. In the garden Miss Muir +never failed to avoid him, and if by chance they met in hall or +breakfast room, she passed him with downcast eyes and the briefest, +coldest greeting. All this annoyed him intensely, and the more she +eluded him, the more he desired to see her--from a spirit of opposition, +he said, nothing more. It fretted and yet it entertained him, and he +found a lazy sort of pleasure in thwarting the girl's little maneuvers. +His patience gave out at last, and he resolved to know what was the +meaning of this peculiar conduct. Having locked and taken away the key +of one door in the library, he waited till Miss Muir went in to get a +book for his uncle. He had heard her speak to Bella of it, knew that she +believed him with his mother, and smiled to himself as he stole after +her. She was standing in a chair, reaching up, and he had time to see a +slender waist, a pretty foot, before he spoke. + +"Can I help you, Miss Muir?" + +She started, dropped several books, and turned scarlet, as she said +hurriedly, "Thank you, no; I can get the steps." + +"My long arm will be less trouble. I've got but one, and that is tired +of being idle, so it is very much at your service. What will you have?" + +"I--I--you startled me so I've forgotten." And Jean laughed, nervously, +as she looked about her as if planning to escape. + +"I beg your pardon, wait till you remember, and let me thank you for the +enchanted sleep you gave me ten days ago. I've had no chance yet, you've +shunned me so pertinaciously." + +"Indeed I try not to be rude, but--" She checked herself, and turned her +face away, adding, with an accent of pain in her voice, "It is not my +fault, Mr. Coventry. I only obey orders." + +"Whose orders?" he demanded, still standing so that she could not +escape. + +"Don't ask; it is one who has a right to command where you are +concerned. Be sure that it is kindly meant, though it may seem folly +to us. Nay, don't be angry, laugh at it, as I do, and let me run +away, please." + +She turned, and looked down at him with tears in her eyes, a smile on +her lips, and an expression half sad, half arch, which was altogether +charming. The frown passed from his face, but he still looked grave and +said decidedly, "No one has a right to command in this house but my +mother or myself. Was it she who bade you avoid me as if I was a madman +or a pest?" + +"Ah, don't ask. I promised not to tell, and you would not have me break +my word, I know." And still smiling, she regarded him with a look of +merry malice which made any other reply unnecessary. It was Lucia, he +thought, and disliked his cousin intensely just then. Miss Muir moved as +if to step down; he detained her, saying earnestly, yet with a smile, +"Do you consider me the master here?" + +"Yes," and to the word she gave a sweet, submissive intonation which +made it expressive of the respect, regard, and confidence which men find +pleasantest when women feel and show it. Unconsciously his face +softened, and he looked up at her with a different glance from any he +had ever given her before. + +"Well, then, will you consent to obey me if I am not tyrannical or +unreasonable in my demands?" + +"I'll try." + +"Good! Now frankly, I want to say that all this sort of thing is very +disagreeable to me. It annoys me to be a restraint upon anyone's liberty +or comfort, and I beg you will go and come as freely as you like, and +not mind Lucia's absurdities. She means well, but hasn't a particle of +penetration or tact. Will you promise this?" + +"No." + +"Why not?" + +"It is better as it is, perhaps." + +"But you called it folly just now." + +"Yes, it seems so, and yet--" She paused, looking both confused and +distressed. + +Coventry lost patience, and said hastily, "You women are such enigmas I +never expect to understand you! Well, I've done my best to make you +comfortable, but if you prefer to lead this sort of life, I beg you +will do so." + +"I _don't_ prefer it; it is hateful to me. I like to be myself, to have +my liberty, and the confidence of those about me. But I cannot think it +kind to disturb the peace of anyone, and so I try to obey. I've promised +Bella to remain, but I will go rather than have another scene with Miss +Beaufort or with you." + +Miss Muir had burst out impetuously, and stood there with a sudden fire +in her eyes, sudden warmth and spirit in her face and voice that amazed +Coventry. She was angry, hurt, and haughty, and the change only made her +more attractive, for not a trace of her former meek self remained. +Coventry was electrified, and still more surprised when she added, +imperiously, with a gesture as if to put him aside, "Hand me that book +and move away. I wish to go." + +He obeyed, even offered his hand, but she refused it, stepped lightly +down, and went to the door. There she turned, and with the same +indignant voice, the same kindling eyes and glowing cheeks, she said +rapidly, "I know I have no right to speak in this way. I restrain myself +as long as I can, but when I can bear no more, my true self breaks +loose, and I defy everything. I am tired of being a cold, calm machine; +it is impossible with an ardent nature like mine, and I shall try no +longer. I cannot help it if people love me. I don't want their love. I +only ask to be left in peace, and why I am tormented so I cannot see. +I've neither beauty, money, nor rank, yet every foolish boy mistakes my +frank interest for something warmer, and makes me miserable. It is my +misfortune. Think of me what you will, but beware of me in time, for +against my will I may do you harm." + +Almost fiercely she had spoken, and with a warning gesture she hurried +from the room, leaving the young man feeling as if a sudden thunder-gust +had swept through the house. For several minutes he sat in the chair she +left, thinking deeply. Suddenly he rose, went to his sister, and said, +in his usual tone of indolent good nature, "Bella, didn't I hear Ned ask +you to be kind to Miss Muir?" + +"Yes, and I try to be, but she is so odd lately." + +"Odd! How do you mean?" + +"Why, she is either as calm and cold as a statue, or restless and queer; +she cries at night, I know, and sighs sadly when she thinks I don't +hear. Something is the matter." + +"She frets for Ned perhaps," began Coventry. + +"Oh dear, no; it's a great relief to her that he is gone. I'm afraid +that she likes someone very much, and someone don't like her. Can it be +Mr. Sydney?" + +"She called him a 'titled fool' once, but perhaps that didn't mean +anything. Did you ever ask her about him?" said Coventry, feeling rather +ashamed of his curiosity, yet unable to resist the temptation of +questioning unsuspecting Bella. + +"Yes, but she only looked at me in her tragical way, and said, so +pitifully, 'My little friend, I hope you will never have to pass through +the scenes I've passed through, but keep your peace unbroken all your +life.' After that I dared say no more. I'm very fond of her, I want to +make her happy, but I don't know how. Can you propose anything?" + +"I was going to propose that you make her come among us more, now Ned is +gone. It must be dull for her, moping about alone. I'm sure it is for +me. She is an entertaining little person, and I enjoy her music very +much. It's good for Mamma to have gay evenings; so you bestir yourself, +and see what you can do for the general good of the family." + +"That's all very charming, and I've proposed it more than once, but +Lucia spoils all my plans. She is afraid you'll follow Ned's example, +and that is so silly." + +"Lucia is a--no, I won't say fool, because she has sense enough when she +chooses; but I wish you'd just settle things with Mamma, and then Lucia +can do nothing but submit," said Gerald angrily. + +"I'll try, but she goes up to read to Uncle, you know, and since he has +had the gout, she stays later, so I see little of her in the evening. +There she goes now. I think she will captivate the old one as well as +the young one, she is so devoted." + +Coventry looked after her slender black figure, just vanishing through +the great gate, and an uncomfortable fancy took possession of him, born +of Bella's careless words. He sauntered away, and after eluding his +cousin, who seemed looking for him, he turned toward the Hall, saying to +himself, I will see what is going on up here. Such things have happened. +Uncle is the simplest soul alive, and if the girl is ambitious, she can +do what she will with him. + +Here a servant came running after him and gave him a letter, which he +thrust into his pocket without examining it. When he reached the Hall, +he went quietly to his uncle's study. The door was ajar, and looking in, +he saw a scene of tranquil comfort, very pleasant to watch. Sir John +leaned in his easy chair with one foot on a cushion. He was dressed with +his usual care and, in spite of the gout, looked like a handsome, +well-preserved old gentleman. He was smiling as he listened, and his +eyes rested complacently on Jean Muir, who sat near him reading in her +musical voice, while the sunshine glittered on her hair and the soft +rose of her cheek. She read well, yet Coventry thought her heart was not +in her task, for once when she paused, while Sir John spoke, her eyes +had an absent expression, and she leaned her head upon her hand, with an +air of patient weariness. + +Poor girl! I did her great injustice; she has no thought of captivating +the old man, but amuses him from simple kindness. She is tired. I'll put +an end to her task; and Coventry entered without knocking. + +Sir John received him with an air of polite resignation, Miss Muir with +a perfectly expressionless face. + +"Mother's love, and how are you today, sir?" + +"Comfortable, but dull, so I want you to bring the girls over this +evening, to amuse the old gentleman. Mrs. King has got out the +antique costumes and trumpery, as I promised Bella she should have +them, and tonight we are to have a merrymaking, as we used to do when +Ned was here." + +"Very well, sir, I'll bring them. We've all been out of sorts since the +lad left, and a little jollity will do us good. Are you going back, Miss +Muir?" asked Coventry. + +"No, I shall keep her to give me my tea and get things ready. Don't read +anymore, my dear, but go and amuse yourself with the pictures, or +whatever you like," said Sir John; and like a dutiful daughter she +obeyed, as if glad to get away. + +"That's a very charming girl, Gerald," began Sir John as she left the +room. "I'm much interested in her, both on her own account and on her +mother's." + +"Her mother's! What do you know of her mother?" asked Coventry, much +surprised. + +"Her mother was Lady Grace Howard, who ran away with a poor Scotch +minister twenty years ago. The family cast her off, and she lived and +died so obscurely that very little is known of her except that she left +an orphan girl at some small French pension. This is the girl, and a +fine girl, too. I'm surprised that you did not know this." + +"So am I, but it is like her not to tell. She is a strange, proud +creature. Lady Howard's daughter! Upon my word, that is a discovery," +and Coventry felt his interest in his sister's governess much increased +by this fact; for, like all wellborn Englishmen, he valued rank and +gentle blood even more than he cared to own. + +"She has had a hard life of it, this poor little girl, but she has a +brave spirit, and will make her way anywhere," said Sir John admiringly. + +"Did Ned know this?" asked Gerald suddenly. + +"No, she only told me yesterday. I was looking in the _Peerage_ and +chanced to speak of the Howards. She forgot herself and called Lady +Grace her mother. Then I got the whole story, for the lonely little +thing was glad to make a confidant of someone." + +"That accounts for her rejection of Sydney and Ned: she knows she is +their equal and will not snatch at the rank which is hers by right. No, +she's not mercenary or ambitious." + +"What do you say?" asked Sir John, for Coventry had spoken more to +himself than to his uncle. + +"I wonder if Lady Sydney was aware of this?" was all Gerald's answer. + +"No, Jean said she did not wish to be pitied, and so told nothing to the +mother. I think the son knew, but that was a delicate point, and I asked +no questions." + +"I shall write to him as soon as I discover his address. We have been so +intimate I can venture to make a few inquiries about Miss Muir, and +prove the truth of her story." + +"Do you mean to say that you doubt it?" demanded Sir John angrily. + +"I beg your pardon, Uncle, but I must confess I have an instinctive +distrust of that young person. It is unjust, I dare say, yet I cannot +banish it." + +"Don't annoy me by expressing it, if you please. I have some penetration +and experience, and I respect and pity Miss Muir heartily. This dislike +of yours may be the cause of her late melancholy, hey, Gerald?" And Sir +John looked suspiciously at his nephew. + +Anxious to avert the rising storm, Coventry said hastily as he turned +away, "I've neither time nor inclination to discuss the matter now, sir, +but will be careful not to offend again. I'll take your message to +Bella, so good-bye for an hour, Uncle." + +And Coventry went his way through the park, thinking within himself, The +dear old gentleman is getting fascinated, like poor Ned. How the deuce +does the girl do it? Lady Howard's daughter, yet never told us; I don't +understand that. + + + + +_Chapter V_ + + +HOW THE GIRL DID IT + +At home he found a party of young friends, who hailed with delight the +prospect of a revel at the Hall. An hour later, the blithe company +trooped into the great saloon, where preparations had already been made +for a dramatic evening. + +Good Sir John was in his element, for he was never so happy as when his +house was full of young people. Several persons were chosen, and in a +few moments the curtains were withdrawn from the first of these +impromptu tableaux. A swarthy, darkly bearded man lay asleep on a tiger +skin, in the shadow of a tent. Oriental arms and drapery surrounded him; +an antique silver lamp burned dimly on a table where fruit lay heaped in +costly dishes, and wine shone redly in half-emptied goblets. Bending +over the sleeper was a woman robed with barbaric splendor. One hand +turned back the embroidered sleeve from the arm which held a scimitar; +one slender foot in a scarlet sandal was visible under the white tunic; +her purple mantle swept down from snowy shoulders; fillets of gold bound +her hair, and jewels shone on neck and arms. She was looking over her +shoulder toward the entrance of the tent, with a steady yet stealthy +look, so effective that for a moment the spectators held their breath, +as if they also heard a passing footstep. + +"Who is it?" whispered Lucia, for the face was new to her. + +"Jean Muir," answered Coventry, with an absorbed look. + +"Impossible! She is small and fair," began Lucia, but a hasty "Hush, let +me look!" from her cousin silenced her. + +Impossible as it seemed, he was right nevertheless; for Jean Muir it +was. She had darkened her skin, painted her eyebrows, disposed some wild +black locks over her fair hair, and thrown such an intensity of +expression into her eyes that they darkened and dilated till they were +as fierce as any southern eyes that ever flashed. Hatred, the deepest +and bitterest, was written on her sternly beautiful face, courage glowed +in her glance, power spoke in the nervous grip of the slender hand that +held the weapon, and the indomitable will of the woman was +expressed--even the firm pressure of the little foot half hidden in the +tiger skin. + +"Oh, isn't she splendid?" cried Bella under her breath. + +"She looks as if she'd use her sword well when the time comes," said +someone admiringly. + +"Good night to Holofernes; his fate is certain," added another. + +"He is the image of Sydney, with that beard on." + +"Doesn't she look as if she really hated him?" + +"Perhaps she does." + +Coventry uttered the last exclamation, for the two which preceded it +suggested an explanation of the marvelous change in Jean. It was not all +art: the intense detestation mingled with a savage joy that the object +of her hatred was in her power was too perfect to be feigned; and having +the key to a part of her story, Coventry felt as if he caught a glimpse +of the truth. It was but a glimpse, however, for the curtain dropped +before he had half analyzed the significance of that strange face. + +"Horrible! I'm glad it's over," said Lucia coldly. + +"Magnificent! Encore! Encore!" cried Gerald enthusiastically. + +But the scene was over, and no applause could recall the actress. Two or +three graceful or gay pictures followed, but Jean was in none, and each +lacked the charm which real talent lends to the simplest part. + +"Coventry, you are wanted," called a voice. And to everyone's surprise, +Coventry went, though heretofore he had always refused to exert himself +when handsome actors were in demand. + +"What part am I to spoil?" he asked, as he entered the green room, where +several excited young gentlemen were costuming and attitudinizing. + +"A fugitive cavalier. Put yourself into this suit, and lose no time +asking questions. Miss Muir will tell you what to do. She is in the +tableau, so no one will mind you," said the manager pro tem, throwing a +rich old suit toward Coventry and resuming the painting of a moustache +on his own boyish face. + +A gallant cavalier was the result of Gerald's hasty toilet, and when +he appeared before the ladies a general glance of admiration was +bestowed upon him. + +"Come along and be placed; Jean is ready on the stage." And Bella ran +before him, exclaiming to her governess, "Here he is, quite splendid. +Wasn't he good to do it?" + +Miss Muir, in the charmingly prim and puritanical dress of a Roundhead +damsel, was arranging some shrubs, but turned suddenly and dropped the +green branch she held, as her eye met the glittering figure advancing +toward her. + +"You!" she said with a troubled look, adding low to Bella, "Why did you +ask _him?_ I begged you not." + +"He is the only handsome man here, and the best actor if he likes. He +won't play usually, so make the most of him." And Bella was off to +finish powdering her hair for "The Marriage a la Mode." + +"I was sent for and I came. Do you prefer some other person?" asked +Coventry, at a loss to understand the half-anxious, half-eager +expression of the face under the little cap. + +It changed to one of mingled annoyance and resignation as she said, "It +is too late. Please kneel here, half behind the shrubs; put down your +hat, and--allow me--you are too elegant for a fugitive." + +As he knelt before her, she disheveled his hair, pulled his lace collar +awry, threw away his gloves and sword, and half untied the cloak that +hung about his shoulders. + +"That is better; your paleness is excellent--nay, don't spoil it. We are +to represent the picture which hangs in the Hall. I need tell you no +more. Now, Roundheads, place yourselves, and then ring up the curtain." + +With a smile, Coventry obeyed her; for the picture was of two lovers, +the young cavalier kneeling, with his arm around the waist of the girl, +who tries to hide him with her little mantle, and presses his head to +her bosom in an ecstasy of fear, as she glances back at the approaching +pursuers. Jean hesitated an instant and shrank a little as his hand +touched her; she blushed deeply, and her eyes fell before his. Then, as +the bell rang, she threw herself into her part with sudden spirit. One +arm half covered him with her cloak, the other pillowed his head on the +muslin kerchief folded over her bosom, and she looked backward with such +terror in her eyes that more than one chivalrous young spectator longed +to hurry to the rescue. It lasted but a moment; yet in that moment +Coventry experienced another new sensation. Many women had smiled on +him, but he had remained heart-whole, cool, and careless, quite +unconscious of the power which a woman possesses and knows how to use, +for the weal or woe of man. Now, as he knelt there with a soft arm about +him, a slender waist yielding to his touch, and a maiden heart throbbing +against his cheek, for the first time in his life he felt the +indescribable spell of womanhood, and looked the ardent lover to +perfection. Just as his face assumed this new and most becoming aspect, +the curtain dropped, and clamorous encores recalled him to the fact that +Miss Muir was trying to escape from his hold, which had grown painful in +its unconscious pressure. He sprang up, half bewildered, and looking as +he had never looked before. + +"Again! Again!" called Sir John. And the young men who played the +Roundheads, eager to share in the applause begged for a repetition in +new attitudes. + +"A rustle has betrayed you, we have fired and shot the brave girl, and +she lies dying, you know. That will be effective; try it, Miss Muir," +said one. And with a long breath, Jean complied. + +The curtain went up, showing the lover still on his knees, unmindful of +the captors who clutched him by the shoulder, for at his feet the girl +lay dying. Her head was on his breast, now, her eyes looked full into +his, no longer wild with fear, but eloquent with the love which even +death could not conquer. The power of those tender eyes thrilled +Coventry with a strange delight, and set his heart beating as rapidly as +hers had done. She felt his hands tremble, saw the color flash into his +cheek, knew that she had touched him at last, and when she rose it was +with a sense of triumph which she found it hard to conceal. Others +thought it fine acting; Coventry tried to believe so; but Lucia set her +teeth, and, as the curtain fell on that second picture, she left her +place to hurry behind the scenes, bent on putting an end to such +dangerous play. Several actors were complimenting the mimic lovers. Jean +took it merrily, but Coventry, in spite of himself, betrayed that he was +excited by something deeper than mere gratified vanity. + +As Lucia appeared, his manner changed to its usual indifference; but he +could not quench the unwonted fire of his eyes, or keep all trace of +emotion out of his face, and she saw this with a sharp pang. + +"I have come to offer my help. You must be tired, Miss Muir. Can I +relieve you?" said Lucia hastily. + +"Yes, thank you. I shall be very glad to leave the rest to you, and +enjoy them from the front." + +So with a sweet smile Jean tripped away, and to Lucia's dismay +Coventry followed. + +"I want you, Gerald; please stay," she cried. + +"I've done my part--no more tragedy for me tonight." And he was gone +before she could entreat or command. + +There was no help for it; she must stay and do her duty, or expose her +jealousy to the quick eyes about her. For a time she bore it; but the +sight of her cousin leaning over the chair she had left and chatting +with the governess, who now filled it, grew unbearable, and she +dispatched a little girl with a message to Miss Muir. + +"Please, Miss Beaufort wants you for Queen Bess, as you are the only +lady with red hair. Will you come?" whispered the child, quite +unconscious of any hidden sting in her words. + +"Yes, dear, willingly though I'm not stately enough for Her Majesty, nor +handsome enough," said Jean, rising with an untroubled face, though she +resented the feminine insult. + +"Do you want an Essex? I'm all dressed for it," said Coventry, following +to the door with a wistful look. + +"No, Miss Beaufort said _you_ were not to come. She doesn't want you +both together," said the child decidedly. + +Jean gave him a significant look, shrugged her shoulders, and went away +smiling her odd smile, while Coventry paced up and down the hall in a +curious state of unrest, which made him forgetful of everything till the +young people came gaily out to supper. + +"Come, bonny Prince Charlie, take me down, and play the lover as +charmingly as you did an hour ago. I never thought you had so much +warmth in you," said Bella, taking his arm and drawing him on +against his will. + +"Don't be foolish, child. Where is--Lucia?" + +Why he checked Jean's name on his lips and substituted another's, he +could not tell; but a sudden shyness in speaking of her possessed him, +and though he saw her nowhere, he would not ask for her. His cousin came +down looking lovely in a classical costume; but Gerald scarcely saw her, +and, when the merriment was at its height, he slipped away to discover +what had become of Miss Muir. + +Alone in the deserted drawing room he found her, and paused to watch her +a moment before he spoke; for something in her attitude and face struck +him. She was leaning wearily back in the great chair which had served +for a throne. Her royal robes were still unchanged, though the crown was +off and all her fair hair hung about her shoulders. Excitement and +exertion made her brilliant, the rich dress became her wonderfully, and +an air of luxurious indolence changed the meek governess into a charming +woman. She leaned on the velvet cushions as if she were used to such +support; she played with the jewels which had crowned her as carelessly +as if she were born to wear them; her attitude was full of negligent +grace, and the expression of her face half proud, half pensive, as if +her thoughts were bittersweet. + +One would know she was wellborn to see her now. Poor girl, what a +burden a life of dependence must be to a spirit like hers! I wonder +what she is thinking of so intently. And Coventry indulged in another +look before he spoke. + +"Shall I bring you some supper, Miss Muir?" + +"Supper!" she ejaculated, with a start. "Who thinks of one's body when +one's soul is--" She stopped there, knit her brows, and laughed faintly +as she added, "No, thank you. I want nothing but advice, and that I dare +not ask of anyone." + +"Why not?" + +"Because I have no right." + +"Everyone has a right to ask help, especially the weak of the strong. +Can I help you? Believe me, I most heartily offer my poor services." + +"Ah, you forget! This dress, the borrowed splendor of these jewels, the +freedom of this gay evening, the romance of the part you played, all +blind you to the reality. For a moment I cease to be a servant, and for +a moment you treat me as an equal." + +It was true; he _had_ forgotten. That soft, reproachful glance touched +him, his distrust melted under the new charm, and he answered with real +feeling in voice and face, "I treat you as an equal because you _are_ +one; and when I offered help, it is not to my sister's governess alone, +but to Lady Howard's daughter." + +"Who told you that?" she demanded, sitting erect. + +"My uncle. Do not reproach him. It shall go no further, if you forbid +it. Are you sorry that I know it?" + +"Yes." + +"Why?" + +"Because I will not be pitied!" And her eyes flashed as she made a +half-defiant gesture. + +"Then, if I may not pity the hard fate which has befallen an innocent +life, may I admire the courage which meets adverse fortune so bravely, +and conquers the world by winning the respect and regard of all who see +and honor it?" + +Miss Muir averted her face, put up her hand, and answered hastily, "No, +no, not that! Do not be kind; it destroys the only barrier now left +between us. Be cold to me as before, forget what I am, and let me go on +my way, unknown, unpitied, and unloved!" + +Her voice faltered and failed as the last word was uttered, and she bent +her face upon her hand. Something jarred upon Coventry in this speech, +and moved him to say, almost rudely, "You need have no fears for me. +Lucia will tell you what an iceberg I am." + +"Then Lucia would tell me wrong. I have the fatal power of reading +character; I know you better than she does, and I see--" There she +stopped abruptly. + +"What? Tell me and prove your skill," he said eagerly. + +Turning, she fixed her eyes on him with a penetrating power that made +him shrink as she said slowly, "Under the ice I see fire, and warn you +to beware lest it prove a volcano." + +For a moment he sat dumb, wondering at the insight of the girl; for she +was the first to discover the hidden warmth of a nature too proud to +confess its tender impulses, or the ambitions that slept till some +potent voice awoke them. The blunt, almost stern manner in which she +warned him away from her only made her more attractive; for there was no +conceit or arrogance in it, only a foreboding fear emboldened by past +suffering to be frank. Suddenly he spoke impetuously: + +"You are right! I am not what I seem, and my indolent indifference is +but the mask under which I conceal my real self. I could be as +passionate, as energetic and aspiring as Ned, if I had any aim in +life. I have none, and so I am what you once called me, a thing to +pity and despise." + +"I never said that!" cried Jean indignantly. + +"Not in those words, perhaps; but you looked it and thought it, though +you phrased it more mildly. I deserved it, but I shall deserve it no +longer. I am beginning to wake from my disgraceful idleness, and long +for some work that shall make a man of me. Why do you go? I annoy you +with my confessions. Pardon me. They are the first I ever made; they +shall be the last." + +"No, oh no! I am too much honored by your confidence; but is it wise, is +it loyal to tell _me_ your hopes and aims? Has not Miss Beaufort the +first right to be your confidante?" + +Coventry drew back, looking intensely annoyed, for the name recalled +much that he would gladly have forgotten in the novel excitement of the +hour. Lucia's love, Edward's parting words, his own reserve so strangely +thrown aside, so difficult to resume. What he would have said was +checked by the sight of a half-open letter which fell from Jean's dress +as she moved away. Mechanically he took it up to return it, and, as he +did so, he recognized Sydney's handwriting. Jean snatched it from him, +turning pale to the lips as she cried, "Did you read it? What did you +see? Tell me, tell me, on your honor!" + +"On my honor, I saw nothing but this single sentence, 'By the love I +bear you, believe what I say.' No more, as I am a gentleman. I know the +hand, I guess the purport of the letter, and as a friend of Sydney, I +earnestly desire to help you, if I can. Is this the matter upon which +you want advice?" + +"Yes." + +"Then let me give it?" + +"You cannot, without knowing all, and it is so hard to tell!" + +"Let me guess it, and spare you the pain of telling. May I?" And +Coventry waited eagerly for her reply, for the spell was still upon him. + +Holding the letter fast, she beckoned him to follow, and glided before +him to a secluded little nook, half boudoir, half conservatory. There +she paused, stood an instant as if in doubt, then looked up at him with +confiding eyes and said decidedly, "I will do it; for, strange as it may +seem, you are the only person to whom I _can_ speak. You know Sydney, +you have discovered that I am an equal, you have offered your help. I +accept it; but oh, do not think me unwomanly! Remember how alone I am, +how young, and how much I rely upon your sincerity, your sympathy!" + +"Speak freely. I am indeed your friend." And Coventry sat down beside +her, forgetful of everything but the soft-eyed girl who confided in him +so entirely. + +Speaking rapidly, Jean went on, "You know that Sydney loved me, that I +refused him and went away. But you do not know that his importunities +nearly drove me wild, that he threatened to rob me of my only treasure, +my good name, and that, in desperation, I tried to kill myself. Yes, +mad, wicked as it was, I did long to end the life which was, at best, a +burden, and under his persecution had become a torment. You are shocked, +yet what I say is the living truth. Lady Sydney will confirm it, the +nurses at the hospital will confess that it was not a fever which +brought me there; and here, though the external wound is healed, my +heart still aches and burns with the shame and indignation which only a +proud woman can feel." + +She paused and sat with kindling eyes, glowing cheeks, and both hands +pressed to her heaving bosom, as if the old insult roused her spirit +anew. Coventry said not a word, for surprise, anger, incredulity, and +admiration mingled so confusedly in his mind that he forgot to speak, +and Jean went on, "That wild act of mine convinced him of my indomitable +dislike. He went away, and I believed that this stormy love of his would +be cured by absence. It is not, and I live in daily fear of fresh +entreaties, renewed persecution. His mother promised not to betray where +I had gone, but he found me out and wrote to me. The letter I asked you +to take to Lady Sydney was a reply to his, imploring him to leave me in +peace. You failed to deliver it, and I was glad, for I thought silence +might quench hope. All in vain; this is a more passionate appeal than +ever, and he vows he will never desist from his endeavors till I give +another man the right to protect me. I _can_ do this--I am sorely +tempted to do it, but I rebel against the cruelty. I love my freedom, I +have no wish to marry at this man's bidding. What can I do? How can I +free myself? Be my friend, and help me!" + +Tears streamed down her cheeks, sobs choked her words, and she clasped +her hands imploringly as she turned toward the young man in all the +abandonment of sorrow, fear, and supplication. Coventry found it hard to +meet those eloquent eyes and answer calmly, for he had no experience in +such scenes and knew not how to play his part. It is this absurd dress +and that romantic nonsense which makes me feel so unlike myself, he +thought, quite unconscious of the dangerous power which the dusky room, +the midsummer warmth and fragrance, the memory of the "romantic +nonsense," and, most of all, the presence of a beautiful, afflicted +woman had over him. His usual self-possession deserted him, and he could +only echo the words which had made the strongest impression upon him: + +"You _can_ do this, you are tempted to do it. Is Ned the man who can +protect you?" + +"No" was the soft reply. + +"Who then?" + +"Do not ask me. A good and honorable man; one who loves me well, and +would devote his life to me; one whom once it would have been happiness +to marry, but now--" + +There her voice ended in a sigh, and all her fair hair fell down about +her face, hiding it in a shining veil. + +"Why not now? This is a sure and speedy way of ending your distress. Is +it impossible?" + +In spite of himself, Gerald leaned nearer, took one of the little hands +in his, and pressed it as he spoke, urgently, compassionately, nay, +almost tenderly. From behind the veil came a heavy sigh, and the brief +answer, "It is impossible." + +"Why, Jean?" + +She flung her hair back with a sudden gesture, drew away her hand, and +answered, almost fiercely, "Because I do not love him! Why do you +torment me with such questions? I tell you I am in a sore strait and +cannot see my way. Shall I deceive the good man, and secure peace at the +price of liberty and truth? Or shall I defy Sydney and lead a life of +dread? If he menaced my life, I should not fear; but he menaces that +which is dearer than life--my good name. A look, a word can tarnish it; +a scornful smile, a significant shrug can do me more harm than any blow; +for I am a woman--friendless, poor, and at the mercy of his tongue. Ah, +better to have died, and so have been saved the bitter pain that has +come now!" + +She sprang up, clasped her hands over her head, and paced despairingly +through the little room, not weeping, but wearing an expression more +tragical than tears. Still feeling as if he had suddenly stepped into a +romance, yet finding a keen pleasure in the part assigned him, Coventry +threw himself into it with spirit, and heartily did his best to console +the poor girl who needed help so much. Going to her, he said as +impetuously as Ned ever did, "Miss Muir--nay, I will say Jean, if that +will comfort you--listen, and rest assured that no harm shall touch you +if I can ward it off. You are needlessly alarmed. Indignant you may well +be, but, upon my life, I think you wrong Sydney. He is violent, I know, +but he is too honorable a man to injure you by a light word, an unjust +act. He did but threaten, hoping to soften you. Let me see him, or write +to him. He is my friend; he will listen to me. Of that I am sure." + +"Be sure of nothing. When a man like Sydney loves and is thwarted in his +love, nothing can control his headstrong will. Promise me you will not +see or write to him. Much as I fear and despise him, I will submit, +rather than any harm should befall you--or your brother. You promise me, +Mr. Coventry?" + +He hesitated. She clung to his arm with unfeigned solicitude in her +eager, pleading face, and he could not resist it. + +"I promise; but in return you must promise to let me give what help I +can; and, Jean, never say again that you are friendless." + +"You are so kind! God bless you for it. But I dare not accept +your friendship; she will not permit it, and I have no right to +mar her peace." + +"Who will not permit it?" he demanded hotly. + +"Miss Beaufort." + +"Hang Miss Beaufort!" exclaimed Coventry, with such energy that Jean +broke into a musical laugh, despite her trouble. He joined in it, and, +for an instant they stood looking at one another as if the last barrier +were down, and they were friends indeed. Jean paused suddenly, with the +smile on her lips, the tears still on her cheek, and made a warning +gesture. He listened: the sound of feet mingled with calls and laughter +proved that they were missed and sought. + +"That laugh betrayed us. Stay and meet them. I cannot." And Jean darted +out upon the lawn. Coventry followed; for the thought of confronting so +many eyes, so many questions, daunted him, and he fled like a coward. +The sound of Jean's flying footsteps guided him, and he overtook her +just as she paused behind a rose thicket to take breath. + +"Fainthearted knight! You should have stayed and covered my retreat. +Hark! they are coming! Hide! Hide!" she panted, half in fear, half in +merriment, as the gay pursuers rapidly drew nearer. + +"Kneel down; the moon is coming out and the glitter of your embroidery +will betray you," whispered Jean, as they cowered behind the roses. + +"Your arms and hair will betray you. 'Come under my plaiddie,' as the +song says." And Coventry tried to make his velvet cloak cover the white +shoulders and fair locks. + +"We are acting our parts in reality now. How Bella will enjoy the thing +when I tell her!" said Jean as the noises died away. + +"Do not tell her," whispered Coventry. + +"And why not?" she asked, looking up into the face so near her own, with +an artless glance. + +"Can you not guess why?" + +"Ah, you are so proud you cannot bear to be laughed at." + +"It is not that. It is because I do not want you to be annoyed by silly +tongues; you have enough to pain you without that. I am your friend, +now, and I do my best to prove it." + +"So kind, so kind! How can I thank you?" murmured Jean. And she +involuntarily nestled closer under the cloak that sheltered both. + +Neither spoke for a moment, and in the silence the rapid beating of two +hearts was heard. To drown the sound, Coventry said softly, "Are you +frightened?" + +"No, I like it," she answered, as softly, then added abruptly, "But why +do we hide? There is nothing to fear. It is late. I must go. You are +kneeling on my train. Please rise." + +"Why in such haste? This flight and search only adds to the charm of the +evening. I'll not get up yet. Will you have a rose, Jean?" + +"No, I will not. Let me go, Mr. Coventry, I insist. There has been +enough of this folly. You forget yourself." + +She spoke imperiously, flung off the cloak, and put him from her. He +rose at once, saying, like one waking suddenly from a pleasant dream, "I +do indeed forget myself." + +Here the sound of voices broke on them, nearer than before. Pointing to +a covered walk that led to the house, he said, in his usually cool, calm +tone, "Go in that way; I will cover your retreat." And turning, he went +to meet the merry hunters. + +Half an hour later, when the party broke up, Miss Muir joined them in +her usual quiet dress, looking paler, meeker, and sadder than usual. +Coventry saw this, though he neither looked at her nor addressed her. +Lucia saw it also, and was glad that the dangerous girl had fallen back +into her proper place again, for she had suffered much that night. She +appropriated her cousin's arm as they went through the park, but he was +in one of his taciturn moods, and all her attempts at conversation were +in vain. Miss Muir walked alone, singing softly to herself as she +followed in the dusk. Was Gerald so silent because he listened to that +fitful song? Lucia thought so, and felt her dislike rapidly deepening +to hatred. + +When the young friends were gone, and the family were exchanging +good-nights among themselves, Jean was surprised by Coventry's offering +his hand, for he had never done it before, and whispering, as he held +it, though Lucia watched him all the while, "I have not given my +advice, yet." + +"Thanks, I no longer need it. I have decided for myself." + +"May I ask how?" + +"To brave my enemy." + +"Good! But what decided you so suddenly?" + +"The finding of a friend." And with a grateful glance she was gone. + + + + +_Chapter VI_ + + +ON THE WATCH + +"If you please, Mr. Coventry, did you get the letter last night?" were +the first words that greeted the "young master" as he left his room +next morning. + +"What letter, Dean? I don't remember any," he answered, pausing, for +something in the maid's manner struck him as peculiar. + +"It came just as you left for the Hall, sir. Benson ran after you with +it, as it was marked 'Haste.' Didn't you get it, sir?" asked the woman, +anxiously. + +"Yes, but upon my life, I forgot all about it till this minute. It's in +my other coat, I suppose, if I've not lost it. That absurd masquerading +put everything else out of my head." And speaking more to himself than +to the maid, Coventry turned back to look for the missing letter. + +Dean remained where she was, apparently busy about the arrangement of +the curtains at the hall window, but furtively watching meanwhile with a +most unwonted air of curiosity. + +"Not there, I thought so!" she muttered, as Coventry impatiently thrust +his hand into one pocket after another. But as she spoke, an expression +of amazement appeared in her face, for suddenly the letter was +discovered. + +"I'd have sworn it wasn't there! I don't understand it, but she's a deep +one, or I'm much deceived." And Dean shook her head like one perplexed, +but not convinced. + +Coventry uttered an exclamation of satisfaction on glancing at the +address and, standing where he was, tore open the letter. + + Dear C: + + I'm off to Baden. Come and join me, then you'll be out of harm's way; + for if you fall in love with J.M. (and you can't escape if you stay + where she is), you will incur the trifling inconvenience of having + your brains blown out by + + Yours truly, F.R. Sydney + +"The man is mad!" ejaculated Coventry, staring at the letter while an +angry flush rose to his face. "What the deuce does he mean by writing to +me in that style? Join him--not I! And as for the threat, I laugh at it. +Poor Jean! This headstrong fool seems bent on tormenting her. Well, +Dean, what are you waiting for?" he demanded, as if suddenly conscious +of her presence. + +"Nothing, sir; I only stopped to see if you found the letter. Beg +pardon, sir." + +And she was moving on when Coventry asked, with a suspicious look, "What +made you think it was lost? You seem to take an uncommon interest in my +affairs today." + +"Oh dear, no, sir. I felt a bit anxious, Benson is so forgetful, and it +was me who sent him after you, for I happened to see you go out, so I +felt responsible. Being marked that way, I thought it might be important +so I asked about it." + +"Very well, you can go, Dean. It's all right, you see." + +"I'm not so sure of that," muttered the woman, as she curtsied +respectfully and went away, looking as if the letter had _not_ +been found. + +Dean was Miss Beaufort's maid, a grave, middle-aged woman with keen eyes +and a somewhat grim air. Having been long in the family, she enjoyed all +the privileges of a faithful and favorite servant. She loved her young +mistress with an almost jealous affection. She watched over her with the +vigilant care of a mother and resented any attempt at interference on +the part of others. At first she had pitied and liked Jean Muir, then +distrusted her, and now heartily hated her, as the cause of the +increased indifference of Coventry toward his cousin. Dean knew the +depth of Lucia's love, and though no man, in her eyes, was worthy of her +mistress, still, having honored him with her regard, Dean felt bound to +like him, and the late change in his manner disturbed the maid almost as +much as it did the mistress. She watched Jean narrowly, causing that +amiable creature much amusement but little annoyance, as yet, for Dean's +slow English wit was no match for the subtle mind of the governess. On +the preceding night, Dean had been sent up to the Hall with costumes and +had there seen something which much disturbed her. She began to speak of +it while undressing her mistress, but Lucia, being in an unhappy mood, +had so sternly ordered her not to gossip that the tale remained untold, +and she was forced to bide her tune. + +Now I'll see how _she_ looks after it; though there's not much to be got +out of _her_ face, the deceitful hussy, thought Dean, marching down the +corridor and knitting her black brows as she went. + +"Good morning, Mrs. Dean. I hope you are none the worse for last night's +frolic. You had the work and we the play," said a blithe voice behind +her; and turning sharply, she confronted Miss Muir. Fresh and smiling, +the governess nodded with an air of cordiality which would have been +irresistible with anyone but Dean. + +"I'm quite well, thank you, miss," she returned coldly, as her keen eye +fastened on the girl as if to watch the effect of her words. "I had a +good rest when the young ladies and gentlemen were at supper, for while +the maids cleared up, I sat in the 'little anteroom.'" + +"Yes, I saw you, and feared you'd take cold. Very glad you didn't. How +is Miss Beaufort? She seemed rather poorly last night" was the tranquil +reply, as Jean settled the little frills about her delicate wrists. The +cool question was a return shot for Dean's hint that she had been where +she could oversee the interview between Coventry and Miss Muir. + +"She is a bit tired, as any _lady_ would be after such an evening. +People who are _used_ to _play-acting_ wouldn't mind it, perhaps, but +Miss Beaufort don't enjoy _romps_ as much as _some_ do." + +The emphasis upon certain words made Dean's speech as impertinent as she +desired. But Jean only laughed, and as Coventry's step was heard behind +them, she ran downstairs, saying blandly, but with a wicked look, "I +won't stop to thank you now, lest Mr. Coventry should bid me +good-morning, and so increase Miss Beaufort's indisposition." + +Dean's eyes flashed as she looked after the girl with a wrathful face, +and went her way, saying grimly, "I'll bide my time, but I'll get the +better of her yet." + +Fancying himself quite removed from "last night's absurdity," yet +curious to see how Jean would meet him, Coventry lounged into the +breakfast room with his usual air of listless indifference. A languid +nod and murmur was all the reply he vouchsafed to the greetings of +cousin, sister, and governess as he sat down and took up his paper. + +"Have you had a letter from Ned?" asked Bella, looking at the note which +her brother still held. + +"No" was the brief answer. + +"Who then? You look as if you had received bad news." + +There was no reply, and, peeping over his arm, Bella caught sight of the +seal and exclaimed, in a disappointed tone, "It is the Sydney crest. I +don't care about the note now. Men's letters to each other are not +interesting." + +Miss Muir had been quietly feeding one of Edward's dogs, but at the name +she looked up and met Coventry's eyes, coloring so distressfully that he +pitied her. Why he should take the trouble to cover her confusion, he +did not stop to ask himself, but seeing the curl of Lucia's lip, he +suddenly addressed her with an air of displeasure, "Do you know that +Dean is getting impertinent? She presumes too much on her age and your +indulgence, and forgets her place." + +"What has she done?" asked Lucia coldly. + +"She troubles herself about my affairs and takes it upon herself to keep +Benson in order." + +Here Coventry told about the letter and the woman's evident curiosity. + +"Poor Dean, she gets no thanks for reminding you of what you had +forgotten. Next time she will leave your letters to their fate, and +perhaps it will be as well, if they have such a bad effect upon your +temper, Gerald." + +Lucia spoke calmly, but there was an angry color in her cheek as she +rose and left the room. Coventry looked much annoyed, for on Jean's face +he detected a faint smile, half pitiful, half satirical, which disturbed +him more than his cousin's insinuation. Bella broke the awkward silence +by saying, with a sigh, "Poor Ned! I do so long to hear again from him. +I thought a letter had come for some of us. Dean said she saw one +bearing his writing on the hall table yesterday." + +"She seems to have a mania for inspecting letters. I won't allow it. Who +was the letter for, Bella?" said Coventry, putting down his paper. + +"She wouldn't or couldn't tell, but looked very cross and told me +to ask you." + +"Very odd! I've had none," began Coventry. + +"But I had one several days ago. Will you please read it, and my reply?" +And as she spoke, Jean laid two letters before him. + +"Certainly not. It would be dishonorable to read what Ned intended for +no eyes but your own. You are too scrupulous in one way, and not enough +so in another, Miss Muir." And Coventry offered both the letters with +an air of grave decision, which could not conceal the interest and +surprise he felt. + +"You are right. Mr. Edward's note _should_ be kept sacred, for in it the +poor boy has laid bare his heart to me. But mine I beg you will read, +that you may see how well I try to keep my word to you. Oblige me in +this, Mr. Coventry; I have a right to ask it of you." + +So urgently she spoke, so wistfully she looked, that he could not refuse +and, going to the window, read the letter. It was evidently an answer to +a passionate appeal from the young lover, and was written with +consummate skill. As he read, Gerald could not help thinking, If this +girl writes in this way to a man whom she does _not_ love, with what a +world of power and passion would she write to one whom she _did_ love. +And this thought kept returning to him as his eye went over line after +line of wise argument, gentle reproof, good counsel, and friendly +regard. Here and there a word, a phrase, betrayed what she had already +confessed, and Coventry forgot to return the letter, as he stood +wondering who was the man whom Jean loved. + +The sound of Bella's voice recalled him, for she was saying, half +kindly, half petulantly, "Don't look so sad, Jean. Ned will outlive it, +I dare say. You remember you said once men never died of love, though +women might. In his one note to me, he spoke so beautifully of you, and +begged me to be kind to you for his sake, that I try to be with all my +heart, though if it was anyone but you, I really think I should hate +them for making my dear boy so unhappy." + +"You are too kind, Bella, and I often think I'll go away to relieve you +of my presence; but unwise and dangerous as it is to stay, I haven't the +courage to go. I've been so happy here." And as she spoke, Jean's head +dropped lower over the dog as it nestled to her affectionately. + +Before Bella could utter half the loving words that sprang to her lips, +Coventry came to them with all languor gone from face and mien, and +laying Jean's letter before her, he said, with an undertone of deep +feeling in his usually emotionless voice, "A right womanly and eloquent +letter, but I fear it will only increase the fire it was meant to +quench. I pity my brother more than ever now." + +"Shall I send it?" asked Jean, looking straight up at him, like one who +had entire reliance on his judgment. + +"Yes, I have not the heart to rob him of such a sweet sermon upon +self-sacrifice. Shall I post it for you?" + +"Thank you; in a moment." And with a grateful look, Jean dropped her +eyes. Producing her little purse, she selected a penny, folded it in a +bit of paper, and then offered both letter and coin to Coventry, with +such a pretty air of business, that he could not control a laugh. + +"So you won't be indebted to me for a penny? What a proud woman you are, +Miss Muir." + +"I am; it's a family failing." And she gave him a significant glance, +which recalled to him the memory of who she was. He understood her +feeling, and liked her the better for it, knowing that he would have +done the same had he been in her place. It was a little thing, but if +done for effect, it answered admirably, for it showed a quick insight +into his character on her part, and betrayed to him the existence of a +pride in which he sympathized heartily. He stood by Jean a moment, +watching her as she burnt Edward's letter in the blaze of the spirit +lamp under the urn. + +"Why do you do that?" he asked involuntarily. + +"Because it is my duty to forget" was all her answer. + +"Can you always forget when it becomes a duty?" + +"I wish I could! I wish I could!" + +She spoke passionately, as if the words broke from her against her will, +and, rising hastily, she went into the garden, as if afraid to stay. + +"Poor, dear Jean is very unhappy about something, but I can't discover +what it is. Last night I found her crying over a rose, and now she runs +away, looking as if her heart was broken. I'm glad I've got no lessons." + +"What kind of a rose?" asked Coventry from behind his paper as +Bella paused. + +"A lovely white one. It must have come from the Hall; we have none like +it. I wonder if Jean was ever going to be married, and lost her lover, +and felt sad because the flower reminded her of bridal roses." + +Coventry made no reply, but felt himself change countenance as he +recalled the little scene behind the rose hedge, where he gave Jean the +flower which she had refused yet taken. Presently, to Bella's surprise, +he flung down the paper, tore Sydney's note to atoms, and rang for his +horse with an energy which amazed her. + +"Why, Gerald, what has come over you? One would think Ned's restless +spirit had suddenly taken possession of you. What are you going to do?" + +"I'm going to work" was the unexpected answer, as Coventry turned toward +her with an expression so rarely seen on his fine face. + +"What has waked you up all at once?" asked Bella, looking more and +more amazed. + +"You did," he said, drawing her toward him. + +"I! When? How?" + +"Do you remember saying once that energy was better than beauty in a +man, and that no one could respect an idler?" + +"I never said anything half so sensible as that. Jean said something +like it once, I believe, but I forgot. Are you tired of doing nothing, +at last, Gerald?" + +"Yes, I neglected my duty to Ned, till he got into trouble, and now I +reproach myself for it. It's not too late to do other neglected tasks, +so I'm going at them with a will. Don't say anything about it to anyone, +and don't laugh at me, for I'm in earnest, Bell." + +"I know you are, and I admire and love you for it, my dear old boy," +cried Bella enthusiastically, as she threw her arms about his neck and +kissed him heartily. "What will you do first?" she asked, as he stood +thoughtfully smoothing the bright head that leaned upon his shoulder, +with that new expression still clear and steady in his face. + +"I'm going to ride over the whole estate, and attend to things as a +master should; not leave it all to Bent, of whom I've heard many +complaints, but have been too idle to inquire about them. I shall +consult Uncle, and endeavor to be all that my father was in his time. Is +that a worthy ambition, dear?" + +"Oh, Gerald, let me tell Mamma. It will make her so happy. You are her +idol, and to hear you say these things, to see you look so like dear +Papa, would do more for her spirits than all the doctors in England." + +"Wait till I prove what my resolution is worth. When I have really done +something, then I'll surprise Mamma with a sample of my work." + +"Of course you'll tell Lucia?" + +"Not on any account. It is a little secret between us, so keep it till I +give you leave to tell it." + +"But Jean will see it at once; she knows everything that happens, she is +so quick and wise. Do you mind her knowing?" + +"I don't see that I can help it if she is so wonderfully gifted. Let her +see what she can, I don't mind her. Now I'm off." And with a kiss to his +sister, a sudden smile on his face, Coventry sprang upon his horse and +rode away at a pace which caused the groom to stare after him in blank +amazement. + +Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so +exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some +difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once +astonished the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which +till now had always seemed utterly uninteresting to him. Lucia was +amazed, his mother delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire +to explain the mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him +with the air of one who said, "I understand, but you will soon tire of +it." This nettled him more than he would confess, and he exerted himself +to silently contradict that prophecy. + +"Have you answered Mr. Sydney's letter?" asked Bella, when they were all +scattered about the drawing room after dinner. + +"No," answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless +steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin. + +"I ask because I remembered that Ned sent a message for him in my last +note, as he thought you would know Sydney's address. Here it is, +something about a horse. Please put it in when you write," and Bella +laid the note on the writing table nearby. + +"I'll send it at once and have done with it," muttered Coventry and, +seating himself, he dashed off a few lines, sealed and sent the letter, +and then resumed his march, eyeing the three young ladies with three +different expressions, as he passed and repassed. Lucia sat apart, +feigning to be intent upon a book, and her handsome face looked almost +stern in its haughty composure, for though her heart ached, she was too +proud to own it. Bella now lay on the sofa, half asleep, a rosy little +creature, as unconsciously pretty as a child. Miss Muir sat in the +recess of a deep window, in a low lounging chair, working at an +embroidery frame with a graceful industry pleasant to see. Of late she +had worn colors, for Bella had been generous in gifts, and the pale blue +muslin which flowed in soft waves about her was very becoming to her +fair skin and golden hair. The close braids were gone, and loose curls +dropped here and there from the heavy coil wound around her well-shaped +head. The tip of one dainty foot was visible, and a petulant little +gesture which now and then shook back the falling sleeve gave glimpses +of a round white arm. Ned's great hound lay nearby, the sunshine +flickered on her through the leaves, and as she sat smiling to herself, +while the dexterous hands shaped leaf and flower, she made a charming +picture of all that is most womanly and winning; a picture which few +men's eyes would not have liked to rest upon. + +Another chair stood near her, and as Coventry went up and down, a strong +desire to take it possessed him. He was tired of his thoughts and wished +to be amused by watching the changes of the girl's expressive face, +listening to the varying tones of her voice, and trying to discover the +spell which so strongly attracted him in spite of himself. More than +once he swerved from his course to gratify his whim, but Lucia's +presence always restrained him, and with a word to the dog, or a glance +from the window, as pretext for a pause, he resumed his walk again. +Something in his cousin's face reproached him, but her manner of late +was so repellent that he felt no desire to resume their former +familiarity, and, wishing to show that he did not consider himself +bound, he kept aloof. It was a quiet test of the power of each woman +over this man; they instinctively felt it, and both tried to conquer. +Lucia spoke several times, and tried to speak frankly and affably; but +her manner was constrained, and Coventry, having answered politely, +relapsed into silence. Jean said nothing, but silently appealed to eye +and ear by the pretty picture she made of herself, the snatches of song +she softly sang, as if forgetting that she was not alone, and a shy +glance now and then, half wistful, half merry, which was more alluring +than graceful figure or sweet voice. When she had tormented Lucia and +tempted Coventry long enough, she quietly asserted her supremacy in a +way which astonished her rival, who knew nothing of the secret of her +birth, which knowledge did much to attract and charm the young man. +Letting a ball of silk escape from her lap, she watched it roll toward +the promenader, who caught and returned it with an alacrity which added +grace to the trifling service. As she took it, she said, in the frank +way that never failed to win him, "I think you must be tired; but if +exercise is necessary, employ your energies to some purpose and put your +mother's basket of silks in order. They are in a tangle, and it will +please her to know that you did it, as your brother used to do." + +"Hercules at the distaff," said Coventry gaily, and down he sat in the +long-desired seat. Jean put the basket on his knee, and as he surveyed +it, as if daunted at his task, she leaned back, and indulged in a +musical little peal of laughter charming to hear. Lucia sat dumb with +surprise, to see her proud, indolent cousin obeying the commands of a +governess, and looking as if he heartily enjoyed it. In ten minutes she +was as entirely forgotten as if she had been miles away; for Jean seemed +in her wittiest, gayest mood, and as she now treated the "young master" +like an equal, there was none of the former meek timidity. Yet often her +eyes fell, her color changed, and the piquant sallies faltered on her +tongue, as Coventry involuntarily looked deep into the fine eyes which +had once shone on him so tenderly in that mimic tragedy. He could not +forget it, and though neither alluded to it, the memory of the previous +evening seemed to haunt both and lend a secret charm to the present +moment. Lucia bore this as long as she could, and then left the room +with the air of an insulted princess; but Coventry did not, and Jean +feigned not to see her go. Bella was fast asleep, and before he knew how +it came to pass, the young man was listening to the story of his +companion's life. A sad tale, told with wonderful skill, for soon he was +absorbed in it. The basket slid unobserved from his knee, the dog was +pushed away, and, leaning forward, he listened eagerly as the girl's low +voice recounted all the hardships, loneliness, and grief of her short +life. In the midst of a touching episode she started, stopped, and +looked straight before her, with an intent expression which changed to +one of intense contempt, and her eye turned to Coventry's, as she said, +pointing to the window behind him, "We are watched." + +"By whom?" he demanded, starting up angrily. + +"Hush, say nothing, let it pass. I am used to it." + +"But _I_ am not, and I'll not submit to it. Who was it, Jean?" he +answered hotly. + +She smiled significantly at a knot of rose-colored ribbon, which a +little gust was blowing toward them along the terrace. A black frown +darkened the young man's face as he sprang out of the long window and +went rapidly out of sight, scrutinizing each green nook as he passed. +Jean laughed quietly as she watched him, and said softly to herself, +with her eyes on the fluttering ribbon, "That was a fortunate accident, +and a happy inspiration. Yes, my dear Mrs. Dean, you will find that +playing the spy will only get your mistress as well as yourself into +trouble. You would not be warned, and you must take the consequences, +reluctant as I am to injure a worthy creature like yourself." + +Soon Coventry was heard returning. Jean listened with suspended breath +to catch his first words, for he was not alone. + +"Since you insist that it was you and not your mistress, I let it pass, +although I still have my suspicions. Tell Miss Beaufort I desire to see +her for a few moments in the library. Now go, Dean, and be careful for +the future, if you wish to stay in my house." + +The maid retired, and the young man came in looking both ireful +and stern. + +"I wish I had said nothing, but I was startled, and spoke involuntarily. +Now you are angry, and I have made fresh trouble for poor Miss Lucia. +Forgive me as I forgive her, and let it pass. I have learned to bear +this surveillance, and pity her causeless jealousy," said Jean, with a +self-reproachful air. + +"I will forgive the dishonorable act, but I cannot forget it, and I +intend to put a stop to it. I am not betrothed to my cousin, as I told +you once, but you, like all the rest, seem bent on believing that I am. +Hitherto I have cared too little about the matter to settle it, but now +I shall prove beyond all doubt that I am free." + +As he uttered the last word, Coventry cast on Jean a look that affected +her strangely. She grew pale, her work dropped on her lap, and her eyes +rose to his, with an eager, questioning expression, which slowly changed +to one of mingled pain and pity, as she turned her face away, murmuring +in a tone of tender sorrow, "Poor Lucia, who will comfort her?" + +For a moment Coventry stood silent, as if weighing some fateful purpose +in his mind. As Jean's rapt sigh of compassion reached his ear, he had +echoed it within himself, and half repented of his resolution; then his +eye rested on the girl before him looking so lonely in her sweet +sympathy for another that his heart yearned toward her. Sudden fire shot +into his eye, sudden warmth replaced the cold sternness of his face, and +his steady voice faltered suddenly, as he said, very low, yet very +earnestly, "Jean, I have tried to love her, but I cannot. Ought I to +deceive her, and make myself miserable to please my family?" + +"She is beautiful and good, and loves you tenderly; is there no hope for +her?" asked Jean, still pale, but very quiet, though she held one hand +against her heart, as if to still or hide its rapid beating. + +"None," answered Coventry. + +"But can you not learn to love her? Your will is strong, and most men +would not find it a hard task." + +"I cannot, for something stronger than my own will controls me." + +"What is that?" And Jean's dark eyes were fixed upon him, full of +innocent wonder. + +His fell, and he said hastily, "I dare not tell you yet." + +"Pardon! I should not have asked. Do not consult me in this matter; I am +not the person to advise you. I can only say that it seems to me as if +any man with an empty heart would be glad to have so beautiful a woman +as your cousin." + +"My heart is not empty," began Coventry, drawing a step nearer, and +speaking in a passionate voice. "Jean, I _must_ speak; hear me. I cannot +love my cousin, because I love you." + +"Stop!" And Jean sprang up with a commanding gesture. "I will not hear +you while any promise binds you to another. Remember your mother's +wishes, Lucia's hopes, Edward's last words, your own pride, my humble +lot. You forget yourself, Mr. Coventry. Think well before you speak, +weigh the cost of this act, and recollect who I am before you insult me +by any transient passion, any false vows." + +"I have thought, I do weigh the cost, and I swear that I desire to woo +you as humbly, honestly as I would any lady in the land. You speak of my +pride. Do I stoop in loving my equal in rank? You speak of your lowly +lot, but poverty is no disgrace, and the courage with which you bear it +makes it beautiful. I should have broken with Lucia before I spoke, but +I could not control myself. My mother loves you, and will be happy in my +happiness. Edward must forgive me, for I have tried to do my best, but +love is irresistible. Tell me, Jean, is there any hope for me?" + +He had seized her hand and was speaking impetuously, with ardent face +and tender tone, but no answer came, for as Jean turned her eloquent +countenance toward him, full of maiden shame and timid love, Dean's prim +figure appeared at the door, and her harsh voice broke the momentary +silence, saying, sternly, "Miss Beaufort is waiting for you, sir." + +"Go, go at once, and be kind, for my sake, Gerald," whispered Jean, for +he stood as if deaf and blind to everything but her voice, her face. + +As she drew his head down to whisper, her cheek touched his, and +regardless of Dean, he kissed it, passionately, whispering back, "My +little Jean! For your sake I can be anything." + +"Miss Beaufort is waiting. Shall I say you will come, sir?" demanded +Dean, pale and grim with indignation. + +"Yes, yes, I'll come. Wait for me in the garden, Jean." And Coventry +hurried away, in no mood for the interview but anxious to have it over. + +As the door closed behind him, Dean walked up to Miss Muir, trembling +with anger, and laying a heavy hand on her arm, she said below her +breath, "I've been expecting this, you artful creature. I saw your game +and did my best to spoil it, but you are too quick for me. You think +you've got him. There you are mistaken; for as sure as my name is Hester +Dean, I'll prevent it, or Sir John shall." + +"Take your hand away and treat me with proper respect, or you will be +dismissed from this house. Do you know who I am?" And Jean drew herself +up with a haughty air, which impressed the woman more deeply than her +words. "I am the daughter of Lady Howard and, if I choose it, can be the +wife of Mr. Coventry." + +Dean drew back amazed, yet not convinced. Being a well-trained servant, +as well as a prudent woman, she feared to overstep the bounds of +respect, to go too far, and get her mistress as well as herself into +trouble. So, though she still doubted Jean, and hated her more than +ever, she controlled herself. Dropping a curtsy, she assumed her usual +air of deference, and said, meekly, "I beg pardon, miss. If I'd known, I +should have conducted myself differently, of course, but ordinary +governesses make so much mischief in a house, one can't help mistrusting +them. I don't wish to meddle or be overbold, but being fond of my dear +young lady, I naturally take her part, and must say that Mr. Coventry +has not acted like a gentleman." + +"Think what you please, Dean, but I advise you to say as little as +possible if you wish to remain. I have not accepted Mr. Coventry yet, +and if he chooses to set aside the engagement his family made for him, I +think he has a right to do so. Miss Beaufort would hardly care to marry +him against his will, because he pities her for her unhappy love," and +with a tranquil smile, Miss Muir walked away. + + + + +_Chapter VII_ + + +THE LAST CHANCE + +"She will tell Sir John, will she? Then I must be before her, and hasten +events. It will be as well to have all sure before there can be any +danger. My poor Dean, you are no match for me, but you may prove +annoying, nevertheless." + +These thoughts passed through Miss Muir's mind as she went down the +hall, pausing an instant at the library door, for the murmur of voices +was heard. She caught no word, and had only time for an instant's +pause as Dean's heavy step followed her. Turning, Jean drew a chair +before the door, and, beckoning to the woman, she said, smiling still, +"Sit here and play watchdog. I am going to Miss Bella, so you can nod +if you will." + +"Thank you, miss. I will wait for my young lady. She may need me when +this hard time is over." And Dean seated herself with a resolute face. + +Jean laughed and went on; but her eyes gleamed with sudden malice, and +she glanced over her shoulder with an expression which boded ill for the +faithful old servant. + +"I've got a letter from Ned, and here is a tiny note for you," cried +Bella as Jean entered the boudoir. "Mine is a very odd, hasty letter, +with no news in it, but his meeting with Sydney. I hope yours is better, +or it won't be very satisfactory." + +As Sydney's name passed Bella's lips, all the color died out of Miss +Muir's face, and the note shook with the tremor of her hand. Her very +lips were white, but she said calmly, "Thank you. As you are busy, +I'll go and read my letter on the lawn." And before Bella could speak, +she was gone. + +Hurrying to a quiet nook, Jean tore open the note and read the few +blotted lines it contained. + +_I have seen Sydney; he has told me all; and, hard as I found it to +believe, it was impossible to doubt, for he has discovered proofs which +cannot be denied. I make no reproaches, shall demand no confession or +atonement, for I cannot forget that I once loved you. I give you three +days to find another home, before I return to tell the family who you +are. Go at once, I beseech you, and spare me the pain of seeing your +disgrace._ + +Slowly, steadily she read it twice over, then sat motionless, knitting +her brows in deep thought. Presently she drew a long breath, tore up the +note, and rising, went slowly toward the Hall, saying to herself, "Three +days, only three days! Can it be accomplished in so short a time? It +shall be, if wit and will can do it, for it is my last chance. If this +fails, I'll not go back to my old life, but end all at once." + +Setting her teeth and clenching her hands, as if some memory stung her, +she went on through the twilight, to find Sir John waiting to give her a +hearty welcome. + +"You look tired, my dear. Never mind the reading tonight; rest yourself, +and let the book go," he said kindly, observing her worn look. + +"Thank you, sir. I am tired, but I'd rather read, else the book will not +be finished before I go." + +"Go, child! Where are you going?" demanded Sir John, looking anxiously +at her as she sat down. + +"I will tell you by-and-by, sir." And opening the book, Jean read for a +little while. + +But the usual charm was gone; there was no spirit in the voice of the +reader, no interest in the face of the listener, and soon he said, +abruptly, "My dear, pray stop! I cannot listen with a divided mind. What +troubles you? Tell your friend, and let him comfort you." + +As if the kind words overcame her, Jean dropped the book, covered up her +face, and wept so bitterly that Sir John was much alarmed; for such a +demonstration was doubly touching in one who usually was all gaiety and +smiles. As he tried to soothe her, his words grew tender, his solicitude +full of a more than paternal anxiety, and his kind heart overflowed with +pity and affection for the weeping girl. As she grew calmer, he urged +her to be frank, promising to help and counsel her, whatever the +affliction or fault might be. + +"Ah, you are too kind, too generous! How can I go away and leave my one +friend?" sighed Jean, wiping the tears away and looking up at him with +grateful eyes. + +"Then you do care a little for the old man?" said Sir John with an eager +look, an involuntary pressure of the hand he held. + +Jean turned her face away, and answered, very low, "No one ever was +so kind to me as you have been. Can I help caring for you more than I +can express?" + +Sir John was a little deaf at times, but he heard that, and looked well +pleased. He had been rather thoughtful of late, had dressed with unusual +care, been particularly gallant and gay when the young ladies visited +him, and more than once, when Jean paused in the reading to ask a +question, he had been forced to confess that he had not been listening; +though, as she well knew, his eyes had been fixed upon her. Since the +discovery of her birth, his manner had been peculiarly benignant, and +many little acts had proved his interest and goodwill. Now, when Jean +spoke of going, a panic seized him, and desolation seemed about to fall +upon the old Hall. Something in her unusual agitation struck him as +peculiar and excited his curiosity. Never had she seemed so interesting +as now, when she sat beside him with tearful eyes, and some soft trouble +in her heart which she dared not confess. + +"Tell me everything, child, and let your friend help you if he can." +Formerly he said "father" or "the old man," but lately he always spoke +of himself as her "friend." + +"I will tell you, for I have no one else to turn to. I must go away +because Mr. Coventry has been weak enough to love me." + +"What, Gerald?" cried Sir John, amazed. + +"Yes; today he told me this, and left me to break with Lucia; so I ran +to you to help me prevent him from disappointing his mother's hopes +and plans." + +Sir John had started up and paced down the room, but as Jean paused he +turned toward her, saying, with an altered face, "Then you do not love +him? Is it possible?" + +"No, I do not love him," she answered promptly. + +"Yet he is all that women usually find attractive. How is it that you +have escaped, Jean?" + +"I love someone else" was the scarcely audible reply. + +Sir John resumed his seat with the air of a man bent on getting at a +mystery, if possible. + +"It will be unjust to let you suffer for the folly of these boys, my +little girl. Ned is gone, and I was sure that Gerald was safe; but now +that his turn has come, I am perplexed, for he cannot be sent away." + +"No, it is I who must go; but it seems so hard to leave this safe and +happy home, and wander away into the wide, cold world again. You have +all been too kind to me, and now separation breaks my heart." + +A sob ended the speech, and Jean's head went down upon her hands again. +Sir John looked at her a moment, and his fine old face was full of +genuine emotion, as he said slowly, "Jean, will you stay and be a +daughter to the solitary old man?" + +"No, sir" was the unexpected answer. + +"And why not?" asked Sir John, looking surprised, but rather pleased +than angry. + +"Because I could not be a daughter to you; and even if I could, it would +not be wise, for the gossips would say you were not old enough to be the +adopted father of a girl like me. Sir John, young as I am, I know much +of the world, and am sure that this kind plan is impractical; but I +thank you from the bottom of my heart." + +"Where will you go, Jean?" asked Sir John, after a pause. + +"To London, and try to find another situation where I can do no harm." + +"Will it be difficult to find another home?" + +"Yes. I cannot ask Mrs. Coventry to recommend me, when I have innocently +brought so much trouble into her family; and Lady Sydney is gone, so I +have no friend." + +"Except John Coventry. I will arrange all that. When will you go, Jean?" + +"Tomorrow." + +"So soon!" And the old man's voice betrayed the trouble he was trying +to conceal. + +Jean had grown very calm, but it was the calmness of desperation. She +had hoped that the first tears would produce the avowal for which she +waited. It had not, and she began to fear that her last chance was +slipping from her. Did the old man love her? If so, why did he not +speak? Eager to profit by each moment, she was on the alert for any +hopeful hint, any propitious word, look, or act, and every nerve was +strung to the utmost. + +"Jean, may I ask one question?" said Sir John. + +"Anything of me, sir." + +"This man whom you love--can he not help you?" + +"He could if he knew, but he must not." + +"If he knew what? Your present trouble?" + +"No. My love." + +"He does not know this, then?" + +"No, thank heaven! And he never will." + +"Why not?" + +"Because I am too proud to own it." + +"He loves you, my child?" + +"I do not know--I dare not hope it," murmured Jean. + +"Can I not help you here? Believe me, I desire to see you safe and +happy. Is there nothing I can do?" + +"Nothing, nothing." + +"May I know the name?" + +"No! No! Let me go; I cannot bear this questioning!" And Jean's +distressful face warned him to ask no more. + +"Forgive me, and let me do what I may. Rest here quietly. I'll write a +letter to a good friend of mine, who will find you a home, if you +leave us." + +As Sir John passed into his inner study, Jean watched him with +despairing eyes and wrung her hands, saying to herself, Has all my +skill deserted me when I need it most? How can I make him understand, +yet not overstep the bounds of maiden modesty? He is so blind, so +timid, or so dull he will not see, and time is going fast. What shall I +do to open his eyes? + +Her own eyes roved about the room, seeking for some aid from inanimate +things, and soon she found it. Close behind the couch where she sat hung +a fine miniature of Sir John. At first her eye rested on it as she +contrasted its placid comeliness with the unusual pallor and disquiet of +the living face seen through the open door, as the old man sat at his +desk trying to write and casting covert glances at the girlish figure he +had left behind him. Affecting unconsciousness of this, Jean gazed on as +if forgetful of everything but the picture, and suddenly, as if obeying +an irresistible impulse, she took it down, looked long and fondly at it, +then, shaking her curls about her face, as if to hide the act, pressed +it to her lips and seemed to weep over it in an uncontrollable paroxysm +of tender grief. A sound startled her, and like a guilty thing, she +turned to replace the picture; but it dropped from her hand as she +uttered a faint cry and hid her face, for Sir John stood before her, +with an expression which she could not mistake. + +"Jean, why did you do that?" he asked, in an eager, agitated voice. + +No answer, as the girl sank lower, like one overwhelmed with shame. +Laying his hand on the bent head, and bending his own, he whispered, +"Tell me, is the name John Coventry?" + +Still no answer, but a stifled sound betrayed that his words had +gone home. + +"Jean, shall I go back and write the letter, or may I stay and tell you +that the old man loves you better than a daughter?" + +She did not speak, but a little hand stole out from under the falling +hair, as if to keep him. With a broken exclamation he seized it, drew +her up into his arms, and laid his gray head on her fair one, too happy +for words. For a moment Jean Muir enjoyed her success; then, fearing +lest some sudden mishap should destroy it, she hastened to make all +secure. Looking up with well-feigned timidity and half-confessed +affection, she said softly, "Forgive me that I could not hide this +better. I meant to go away and never tell it, but you were so kind it +made the parting doubly hard. Why did you ask such dangerous questions? +Why did you look, when you should have been writing my dismissal?" + +"How could I dream that you loved me, Jean, when you refused the only +offer I dared make? Could I be presumptuous enough to fancy you would +reject young lovers for an old man like me?" asked Sir John, +caressing her. + +"You are not old, to me, but everything I love and honor!" interrupted +Jean, with a touch of genuine remorse, as this generous, honorable +gentleman gave her both heart and home, unconscious of deceit. "It is I +who am presumptuous, to dare to love one so far above me. But I did not +know how dear you were to me till I felt that I must go. I ought not to +accept this happiness. I am not worthy of it; and you will regret your +kindness when the world blames you for giving a home to one so poor, and +plain, and humble as I." + +"Hush, my darling. I care nothing for the idle gossip of the world. If +you are happy here, let tongues wag as they will. I shall be too busy +enjoying the sunshine of your presence to heed anything that goes on +about me. But, Jean, you are sure you love me? It seems incredible +that I should win the heart that has been so cold to younger, better +men than I." + +"Dear Sir John, be sure of this, I love you truly. I will do my best to +be a good wife to you, and prove that, in spite of my many faults, I +possess the virtue of gratitude." + +If he had known the strait she was in, he would have understood the +cause of the sudden fervor of her words, the intense thankfulness that +shone in her face, the real humility that made her stoop and kiss the +generous hand that gave so much. For a few moments she enjoyed and let +him enjoy the happy present, undisturbed. But the anxiety which devoured +her, the danger which menaced her, soon recalled her, and forced her to +wring yet more from the unsuspicious heart she had conquered. + +"No need of letters now," said Sir John, as they sat side by side, with +the summer moonlight glorifying all the room. "You have found a home for +life; may it prove a happy one." + +"It is not mine yet, and I have a strange foreboding that it never will +be," she answered sadly. + +"Why, my child?" + +"Because I have an enemy who will try to destroy my peace, to poison +your mind against me, and to drive me out from my paradise, to suffer +again all I have suffered this last year." + +"You mean that mad Sydney of whom you told me?" + +"Yes. As soon as he hears of this good fortune to poor little Jean, he +will hasten to mar it. He is my fate; I cannot escape him, and wherever +he goes my friends desert me; for he has the power and uses it for my +destruction. Let me go away and hide before he comes, for, having shared +your confidence, it will break my heart to see you distrust and turn +from me, instead of loving and protecting." + +"My poor child, you are superstitious. Be easy. No one can harm you now, +no one would dare attempt it. And as for my deserting you, that will +soon be out of my power, if I have my way." + +"How, dear Sir John?" asked Jean, with a flutter of intense relief at +her heart, for the way seemed smoothing before her. + +"I will make you my wife at once, if I may. This will free you from +Gerald's love, protect you from Sydney's persecution, give you a safe +home, and me the right to cherish and defend with heart and hand. Shall +it be so, my child?" + +"Yes; but oh, remember that I have no friend but you! Promise me to be +faithful to the last--to believe in me, to trust me, protect and love +me, in spite of all misfortunes, faults, and follies. I will be true as +steel to you, and make your life as happy as it deserves to be. Let us +promise these things now, and keep the promises unbroken to the end." + +Her solemn air touched Sir John. Too honorable and upright himself to +suspect falsehood in others, he saw only the natural impulse of a lovely +girl in Jean's words, and, taking the hand she gave him in both of his, +he promised all she asked, and kept that promise to the end. She paused +an instant, with a pale, absent expression, as if she searched herself, +then looked up clearly in the confiding face above her, and promised +what she faithfully performed in afteryears. + +"When shall it be, little sweetheart? I leave all to you, only let it be +soon, else some gay young lover will appear, and take you from me," said +Sir John, playfully, anxious to chase away the dark expression which had +stolen over Jean's face. + +"Can you keep a secret?" asked the girl, smiling up at him, all her +charming self again. + +"Try me." + +"I will. Edward is coming home in three days. I must be gone before he +comes. Tell no one of this; he wishes to surprise them. And if you love +me, tell nobody of your approaching marriage. Do not betray that you +care for me until I am really yours. There will be such a stir, such +remonstrances, explanations, and reproaches that I shall be worn out, +and run away from you all to escape the trial. If I could have my wish, +I would go to some quiet place tomorrow and wait till you come for me. I +know so little of such things, I cannot tell how soon we may be married; +not for some weeks, I think." + +"Tomorrow, if we like. A special license permits people to marry when +and where they please. My plan is better than yours. Listen, and tell me +if it can be carried out. I will go to town tomorrow, get the license, +invite my friend, the Reverend Paul Fairfax, to return with me, and +tomorrow evening you come at your usual time, and, in the presence of my +discreet old servants, make me the happiest man in England. How does +this suit you, my little Lady Coventry?" + +The plan which seemed made to meet her ends, the name which was the +height of her ambition, and the blessed sense of safety which came to +her filled Jean Muir with such intense satisfaction that tears of real +feeling stood in her eyes, and the glad assent she gave was the truest +word that had passed her lips for months. + +"We will go abroad or to Scotland for our honeymoon, till the storm +blows over," said Sir John, well knowing that this hasty marriage would +surprise or offend all his relations, and feeling as glad as Jean to +escape the first excitement. + +"To Scotland, please. I long to see my father's home," said Jean, who +dreaded to meet Sydney on the continent. + +They talked a little longer, arranging all things, Sir John so intent on +hurrying the event that Jean had nothing to do but give a ready assent +to all his suggestions. One fear alone disturbed her. If Sir John went +to town, he might meet Edward, might hear and believe his statements. +Then all would be lost. Yet this risk must be incurred, if the marriage +was to be speedily and safely accomplished; and to guard against the +meeting was Jean's sole care. As they went through the park--for Sir +John insisted upon taking her home--she said, clinging to his arm: + +"Dear friend, bear one thing in mind, else we shall be much annoyed, and +all our plans disarranged. Avoid your nephews; you are so frank your +face will betray you. They both love me, are both hot-tempered, and in +the first excitement of the discovery might be violent. You must incur +no danger, no disrespect for my sake; so shun them both till we are +safe--particularly Edward. He will feel that his brother has wronged +him, and that you have succeeded where he failed. This will irritate +him, and I fear a stormy scene. Promise to avoid both for a day or two; +do not listen to them, do not see them, do not write to or receive +letters from them. It is foolish, I know; but you are all I have, and I +am haunted by a strange foreboding that I am to lose you." + +Touched and flattered by her tender solicitude, Sir John promised +everything, even while he laughed at her fears. Love blinded the good +gentleman to the peculiarity of the request; the novelty, romance, and +secrecy of the affair rather bewildered though it charmed him; and the +knowledge that he had outrivaled three young and ardent lovers +gratified his vanity more than he would confess. Parting from the girl +at the garden gate, he turned homeward, feeling like a boy again, and +loitered back, humming a love lay, quite forgetful of evening damps, +gout, and the five-and-fifty years which lay so lightly on his +shoulders since Jean's arms had rested there. She hurried toward the +house, anxious to escape Coventry; but he was waiting for her, and she +was forced to meet him. + +"How could you linger so long, and keep me in suspense?" he said +reproachfully, as he took her hand and tried to catch a glimpse of her +face in the shadow of her hat brim. "Come and rest in the grotto. I have +so much to say, to hear and enjoy." + +"Not now; I am too tired. Let me go in and sleep. Tomorrow we will talk. +It is damp and chilly, and my head aches with all this worry." Jean +spoke wearily, yet with a touch of petulance, and Coventry, fancying +that she was piqued at his not coming for her, hastened to explain with +eager tenderness. + +"My poor little Jean, you do need rest. We wear you out, among us, and +you never complain. I should have come to bring you home, but Lucia +detained me, and when I got away I saw my uncle had forestalled me. I +shall be jealous of the old gentleman, if he is so devoted. Jean, tell +me one thing before we part; I am free as air, now, and have a right to +speak. Do you love me? Am I the happy man who has won your heart? I +dare to think so, to believe that this telltale face of yours has +betrayed you, and to hope that I have gained what poor Ned and wild +Sydney have lost." + +"Before I answer, tell me of your interview with Lucia. I have a right +to know," said Jean. + +Coventry hesitated, for pity and remorse were busy at his heart when he +recalled poor Lucia's grief. Jean was bent on hearing the humiliation of +her rival. As the young man paused, she frowned, then lifted up her face +wreathed in softest smiles, and laying her hand on his arm, she said, +with most effective emphasis, half shy, half fond, upon his name, +"Please tell me, Gerald!" + +He could not resist the look, the touch, the tone, and taking the little +hand in his, he said rapidly, as if the task was distasteful to him, "I +told her that I did not, could not love her; that I had submitted to my +mother's wish, and, for a time, had felt tacitly bound to her, though no +words had passed between us. But now I demanded my liberty, regretting +that the separation was not mutually desired." + +"And she--what did she say? How did she bear it?" asked Jean, feeling +in her own woman's heart how deeply Lucia's must have been wounded by +that avowal. + +"Poor girl! It was hard to bear, but her pride sustained her to the end. +She owned that no pledge tied me, fully relinquished any claim my past +behavior had seemed to have given her, and prayed that I might find +another woman to love me as truly, tenderly as she had done. Jean, I +felt like a villain; and yet I never plighted my word to her, never +really loved her, and had a perfect right to leave her, if I would." + +"Did she speak of me?" + +"Yes." + +"What did she say?" + +"Must I tell you?" + +"Yes, tell me everything. I know she hates me and I forgive her, knowing +that I should hate any woman whom _you_ loved." + +"Are you jealous, dear?" + +"Of you, Gerald?" And the fine eyes glanced up at him, full of a +brilliancy that looked like the light of love. + +"You make a slave of me already. How do you do it? I never obeyed a +woman before. Jean, I think you are a witch. Scotland is the home of +weird, uncanny creatures, who take lovely shapes for the bedevilment of +poor weak souls. Are you one of those fair deceivers?" + +"You are complimentary," laughed the girl. "I _am_ a witch, and one +day my disguise will drop away and you will see me as I am, old, ugly, +bad and lost. Beware of me in time. I've warned you. Now love me at +your peril." + +Coventry had paused as he spoke, and eyed her with an unquiet look, +conscious of some fascination which conquered yet brought no happiness. +A feverish yet pleasurable excitement possessed him; a reckless mood, +making him eager to obliterate the past by any rash act, any new +experience which his passion brought. Jean regarded him with a wistful, +almost woeful face, for one short moment; then a strange smile broke +over it, as she spoke in a tone of malicious mockery, under which lurked +the bitterness of a sad truth. Coventry looked half bewildered, and his +eye went from the girl's mysterious face to a dimly lighted window, +behind whose curtains poor Lucia hid her aching heart, praying for him +the tender prayers that loving women give to those whose sins are all +forgiven for love's sake. His heart smote him, and a momentary feeling +of repulsion came over him, as he looked at Jean. She saw it, felt +angry, yet conscious of a sense of relief; for now that her own safety +was so nearly secured, she felt no wish to do mischief, but rather a +desire to undo what was already done, and be at peace with all the +world. To recall him to his allegiance, she sighed and walked on, saying +gently yet coldly, "Will you tell me what I ask before I answer your +question, Mr. Coventry?" + +"What Lucia said of you? Well, it was this. 'Beware of Miss Muir. We +instinctively distrusted her when we had no cause. I believe in +instincts, and mine have never changed, for she has not tried to delude +me. Her art is wonderful; I feel yet cannot explain or detect it, except +in the working of events which her hand seems to guide. She has brought +sorrow and dissension into this hitherto happy family. We are all +changed, and this girl has done it. Me she can harm no further; you she +will ruin, if she can. Beware of her in time, or you win bitterly repent +your blind infatuation!'" + +"And what answer did you make?" asked Jean, as the last words came +reluctantly from Coventry's lips. + +"I told her that I loved you in spite of myself, and would make you my +wife in the face of all opposition. Now, Jean, your answer." + +"Give me three days to think of it. Good night." And gliding from him, +she vanished into the house, leaving him to roam about half the night, +tormented with remorse, suspense, and the old distrust which would +return when Jean was not there to banish it by her art. + + + + +_Chapter VIII_ + + +SUSPENSE + +All the next day, Jean was in a state of the most intense anxiety, as +every hour brought the crisis nearer, and every hour might bring defeat, +for the subtlest human skill is often thwarted by some unforeseen +accident. She longed to assure herself that Sir John was gone, but no +servants came or went that day, and she could devise no pretext for +sending to glean intelligence. She dared not go herself, lest the +unusual act should excite suspicion, for she never went till evening. +Even had she determined to venture, there was no time, for Mrs. Coventry +was in one of her nervous states, and no one but Miss Muir could amuse +her; Lucia was ill, and Miss Muir must give orders; Bella had a studious +fit, and Jean must help her. Coventry lingered about the house for +several hours, but Jean dared not send him, lest some hint of the truth +might reach him. He had ridden away to his new duties when Jean did not +appear, and the day dragged on wearisomely. Night came at last, and as +Jean dressed for the late dinner, she hardly knew herself when she stood +before her mirror, excitement lent such color and brilliancy to her +countenance. Remembering the wedding which was to take place that +evening, she put on a simple white dress and added a cluster of white +roses in bosom and hair. She often wore flowers, but in spite of her +desire to look and seem as usual, Bella's first words as she entered the +drawing room were "Why, Jean, how like a bride you look; a veil and +gloves would make you quite complete!" + +"You forget one other trifle, Bell," said Gerald, with eyes that +brightened as they rested on Miss Muir. + +"What is that?" asked his sister. + +"A bridegroom." + +Bella looked to see how Jean received this, but she seemed quite +composed as she smiled one of her sudden smiles, and merely said, "That +trifle will doubtless be found when the time comes. Is Miss Beaufort too +ill for dinner?" + +"She begs to be excused, and said you would be willing to take her +place, she thought." + +As innocent Bella delivered this message, Jean glanced at Coventry, who +evaded her eye and looked ill at ease. + +A little remorse will do him good, and prepare him for repentance after +the grand _coup_, she said to herself, and was particularly gay at +dinnertime, though Coventry looked often at Lucia's empty seat, as if he +missed her. As soon as they left the table, Miss Muir sent Bella to her +mother; and, knowing that Coventry would not linger long at his wine, +she hurried away to the Hall. A servant was lounging at the door, and of +him she asked, in a tone which was eager in spite of all efforts to be +calm, "Is Sir John at home?" + +"No, miss, he's just gone to town." + +"Just gone! When do you mean?" cried Jean, forgetting the relief she +felt in hearing of his absence in surprise at his late departure. + +"He went half an hour ago, in the last train, miss." + +"I thought he was going early this morning; he told me he should be back +this evening." + +"I believe he did mean to go, but was delayed by company. The steward +came up on business, and a load of gentlemen called, so Sir John could +not get off till night, when he wasn't fit to go, being worn out, and +far from well." + +"Do you think he will be ill? Did he look so?" And as Jean spoke, a +thrill of fear passed over her, lest death should rob her of her prize. + +"Well, you know, miss, hurry of any kind is bad for elderly gentlemen +inclined to apoplexy. Sir John was in a worry all day, and not like +himself. I wanted him to take his man, but he wouldn't; and drove off +looking flushed and excited like. I'm anxious about him, for I know +something is amiss to hurry him off in this way." + +"When will he be back, Ralph?" + +"Tomorrow noon, if possible; at night, certainly, he bid me tell anyone +that called." + +"Did he leave no note or message for Miss Coventry, or someone of +the family?" + +"No, miss, nothing." + +"Thank you." And Jean walked back to spend a restless night and rise to +meet renewed suspense. + +The morning seemed endless, but noon came at last, and under the +pretense of seeking coolness in the grotto, Jean stole away to a slope +whence the gate to the Hall park was visible. For two long hours she +watched, and no one came. She was just turning away when a horseman +dashed through the gate and came galloping toward the Hall. Heedless of +everything but the uncontrollable longing to gain some tidings, she ran +to meet him, feeling assured that he brought ill news. It was a young +man from the station, and as he caught sight of her, he drew bridle, +looking agitated and undecided. + +"Has anything happened?" she cried breathlessly. + +"A dreadful accident on the railroad, just the other side of +Croydon. News telegraphed half an hour ago," answered the man, +wiping his hot face. + +"The noon train? Was Sir John in it? Quick, tell me all!" + +"It was that train, miss, but whether Sir John was in it or not, we +don't know; for the guard is killed, and everything is in such confusion +that nothing can be certain. They are at work getting out the dead and +wounded. We heard that Sir John was expected, and I came up to tell Mr. +Coventry, thinking he would wish to go down. A train leaves in fifteen +minutes; where shall I find him? I was told he was at the Hall." + +"Ride on, ride on! And find him if he is there. I'll run home and look +for him. Lose no time. Ride! Ride!" And turning, Jean sped back like a +deer, while the man tore up the avenue to rouse the Hall. + +Coventry was there, and went off at once, leaving both Hall and house in +dismay. Fearing to betray the horrible anxiety that possessed her, Jean +shut herself up in her room and suffered untold agonies as the day wore +on and no news came. At dark a sudden cry rang through the house, and +Jean rushed down to learn the cause. Bella was standing in the hall, +holding a letter, while a group of excited servants hovered near her. + +"What is it?" demanded Miss Muir, pale and steady, though her heart +died within her as she recognized Gerald's handwriting. Bella gave +her the note, and hushed her sobbing to hear again the heavy tidings +that had come. + + Dear Bella: + + Uncle is safe; he did not go in the noon train. But several persons + are sure that Ned was there. No trace of him as yet, but many bodies + are in the river, under the ruins of the bridge, and I am doing my + best to find the poor lad, if he is there. I have sent to all his + haunts in town, and as he has not been seen, I hope it is a false + report and he is safe with his regiment. Keep this from my mother + till we are sure. I write you, because Lucia is ill. Miss Muir will + comfort and sustain you. Hope for the best, dear. + + Yours, G.C. + +Those who watched Miss Muir as she read these words wondered at the +strange expressions which passed over her face, for the joy which +appeared there as Sir John's safety was made known did not change to +grief or horror at poor Edward's possible fate. The smile died on her +lips, but her voice did not falter, and in her downcast eyes shone an +inexplicable look of something like triumph. No wonder, for if this +was true, the danger which menaced her was averted for a time, and the +marriage might be consummated without such desperate haste. This sad +and sudden event seemed to her the mysterious fulfilment of a secret +wish; and though startled she was not daunted but inspirited, for fate +seemed to favor her designs. She did comfort Bella, control the +excited household, and keep the rumors from Mrs. Coventry all that +dreadful night. + +At dawn Gerald came home exhausted, and bringing no tiding of the +missing man. He had telegraphed to the headquarters of the regiment and +received a reply, stating that Edward had left for London the previous +day, meaning to go home before returning. The fact of his having been at +the London station was also established, but whether he left by the +train or not was still uncertain. The ruins were still being searched, +and the body might yet appear. + +"Is Sir John coming at noon?" asked Jean, as the three sat together in +the rosy hush of dawn, trying to hope against hope. + +"No, he had been ill, I learned from young Gower, who is just from town, +and so had not completed his business. I sent him word to wait till +night, for the bridge won't be passable till then. Now I must try and +rest an hour; I've worked all night and have no strength left. Call me +the instant any messenger arrives." + +With that Coventry went to his room, Bella followed to wait on him, and +Jean roamed through house and grounds, unable to rest. The morning was +far spent when the messenger arrived. Jean went to receive his tidings, +with the wicked hope still lurking at her heart. + +"Is he found?" she asked calmly, as the man hesitated to speak. + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"You are sure?" + +"I am certain, ma'am, though some won't say till Mr. Coventry +comes to look." + +"Is he alive?" And Jean's white lips trembled as she put the question. + +"Oh no, ma'am, that warn't possible, under all them stones and water. +The poor young gentleman is so wet, and crushed, and torn, no one +would know him, except for the uniform, and the white hand with the +ring on it." + +Jean sat down, very pale, and the man described the finding of the poor +shattered body. As he finished, Coventry appeared, and with one look of +mingled remorse, shame, and sorrow, the elder brother went away, to find +and bring the younger home. Jean crept into the garden like a guilty +thing, trying to hide the satisfaction which struggled with a woman's +natural pity, for so sad an end for this brave young life. + +"Why waste tears or feign sorrow when I must be glad?" she muttered, as +she paced to and fro along the terrace. "The poor boy is out of pain, +and I am out of danger." + +She got no further, for, turning as she spoke, she stood face to face +with Edward! Bearing no mark of peril on dress or person, but stalwart +and strong as ever, he stood there looking at her, with contempt and +compassion struggling in his face. As if turned to stone, she remained +motionless, with dilated eyes, arrested breath, and paling cheek. He did +not speak but watched her silently till she put out a trembling hand, as +if to assure herself by touch that it was really he. Then he drew back, +and as if the act convinced as fully as words, she said slowly, "They +told me you were dead." + +"And you were glad to believe it. No, it was my comrade, young Courtney, +who unconsciously deceived you all, and lost his life, as I should have +done, if I had not gone to Ascot after seeing him off yesterday." + +"To Ascot?" echoed Jean, shrinking back, for Edward's eye was on her, +and his voice was stern and cold. + +"Yes; you know the place. I went there to make inquiries concerning you +and was well satisfied. Why are you still here?" + +"The three days are not over yet. I hold you to your promise. Before +night I shall be gone; till then you will be silent, if you have honor +enough to keep your word." + +"I have." Edward took out his watch and, as he put it back, said with +cool precision, "It is now two, the train leaves for London at half-past +six; a carriage will wait for you at the side door. Allow me to advise +you to go then, for the instant dinner is over I shall speak." And with +a bow he went into the house, leaving Jean nearly suffocated with a +throng of contending emotions. + +For a few minutes she seemed paralyzed; but the native energy of the +woman forbade utter despair, till the last hope was gone. Frail as that +now was, she still clung to it tenaciously, resolving to win the game in +defiance of everything. Springing up, she went to her room, packed her +few valuables, dressed herself with care, and then sat down to wait. She +heard a joyful stir below, saw Coventry come hurrying back, and from a +garrulous maid learned that the body was that of young Courtney. The +uniform being the same as Edward's and the ring, a gift from him, had +caused the men to believe the disfigured corpse to be that of the +younger Coventry. No one but the maid came near her; once Bella's voice +called her, but some one checked the girl, and the call was not +repeated. At five an envelope was brought her, directed in Edward's +hand, and containing a check which more than paid a year's salary. No +word accompanied the gift, yet the generosity of it touched her, for +Jean Muir had the relics of a once honest nature, and despite her +falsehood could still admire nobleness and respect virtue. A tear of +genuine shame dropped on the paper, and real gratitude filled her heart, +as she thought that even if all else failed, she was not thrust out +penniless into the world, which had no pity for poverty. + +As the clock struck six, she heard a carriage drive around and went down +to meet it. A servant put on her trunk, gave the order, "To the station, +James," and she drove away without meeting anyone, speaking to anyone, +or apparently being seen by anyone. A sense of utter weariness came over +her, and she longed to lie down and forget. But the last chance still +remained, and till that failed, she would not give up. Dismissing the +carriage, she seated herself to watch for the quarter-past-six train +from London, for in that Sir John would come if he came at all that +night. She was haunted by the fear that Edward had met and told him. The +first glimpse of Sir John's frank face would betray the truth. If he +knew all, there was no hope, and she would go her way alone. If he knew +nothing, there was yet time for the marriage; and once his wife, she +knew she was safe, because for the honor of his name he would screen and +protect her. + +Up rushed the train, out stepped Sir John, and Jean's heart died within +her. Grave, and pale, and worn he looked, and leaned heavily on the arm +of a portly gentleman in black. The Reverend Mr. Fairfax, why has he +come, if the secret is out? thought Jean, slowly advancing to meet them +and fearing to read her fate in Sir John's face. He saw her, dropped his +friend's arm, and hurried forward with the ardor of a young man, +exclaiming, as he seized her hand with a beaming face, a glad voice, "My +little girl! Did you think I would never come?" + +She could not answer, the reaction was too strong, but she clung to him, +regardless of time or place, and felt that her last hope had not failed. +Mr. Fairfax proved himself equal to the occasion. Asking no questions, +he hurried Sir John and Jean into a carriage and stepped in after them +with a bland apology. Jean was soon herself again, and, having told her +fears at his delay, listened eagerly while he related the various +mishaps which had detained him. + +"Have you seen Edward?" was her first question. + +"Not yet, but I know he has come, and have heard of his narrow escape. I +should have been in that train, if I had not been delayed by the +indisposition which I then cursed, but now bless. Are you ready, Jean? +Do you repent your choice, my child?" + +"No, no! I am ready, I am only too happy to become your wife, dear, +generous Sir John," cried Jean, with a glad alacrity, which touched the +old man to the heart, and charmed the Reverend Mr. Fairfax, who +concealed the romance of a boy under his clerical suit. + +They reached the Hall. Sir John gave orders to admit no one and after a +hasty dinner sent for his old housekeeper and his steward, told them of +his purpose, and desired them to witness his marriage. Obedience had +been the law of their lives, and Master could do nothing wrong in their +eyes, so they played their parts willingly, for Jean was a favorite at +the Hall. Pale as her gown, but calm and steady, she stood beside Sir +John, uttering her vows in a clear tone and taking upon herself the vows +of a wife with more than a bride's usual docility. When the ring was +fairly on, a smile broke over her face. When Sir John kissed and called +her his "little wife," she shed a tear or two of sincere happiness; and +when Mr. Fairfax addressed her as "my lady," she laughed her musical +laugh, and glanced up at a picture of Gerald with eyes full of +exultation. As the servants left the room, a message was brought from +Mrs. Coventry, begging Sir John to come to her at once. + +"You will not go and leave me so soon?" pleaded Jean, well knowing why +he was sent for. + +"My darling, I must." And in spite of its tenderness, Sir John's manner +was too decided to be withstood. + +"Then I shall go with you," cried Jean, resolving that no earthly power +should part them. + + + + +_Chapter IX_ + + +LADY COVENTRY + +When the first excitement of Edward's return had subsided, and before +they could question him as to the cause of this unexpected visit, he +told them that after dinner their curiosity should be gratified, and +meantime he begged them to leave Miss Muir alone, for she had received +bad news and must not be disturbed. The family with difficulty +restrained their tongues and waited impatiently. Gerald confessed his +love for Jean and asked his brother's pardon for betraying his trust. He +had expected an outbreak, but Edward only looked at him with pitying +eyes, and said sadly, "You too! I have no reproaches to make, for I know +what you will suffer when the truth is known." + +"What do you mean?" demanded Coventry. + +"You will soon know, my poor Gerald, and we will comfort one another." + +Nothing more could be drawn from Edward till dinner was over, the +servants gone, and all the family alone together. Then pale and grave, +but very self-possessed, for trouble had made a man of him, he produced +a packet of letters, and said, addressing himself to his brother, "Jean +Muir has deceived us all. I know her story; let me tell it before I read +her letters." + +"Stop! I'll not listen to any false tales against her. The poor girl has +enemies who belie her!" cried Gerald, starting up. + +"For the honor of the family, you must listen, and learn what fools she +has made of us. I can prove what I say, and convince you that she has +the art of a devil. Sit still ten minutes, then go, if you will." + +Edward spoke with authority, and his brother obeyed him with a +foreboding heart. + +"I met Sydney, and he begged me to beware of her. Nay, listen, Gerald! I +know she has told her story, and that you believe it; but her own +letters convict her. She tried to charm Sydney as she did us, and nearly +succeeded in inducing him to marry her. Rash and wild as he is, he is +still a gentleman, and when an incautious word of hers roused his +suspicions, he refused to make her his wife. A stormy scene ensued, and, +hoping to intimidate him, she feigned to stab herself as if in despair. +She did wound herself, but failed to gain her point and insisted upon +going to a hospital to die. Lady Sydney, good, simple soul, believed the +girl's version of the story, thought her son was in the wrong, and when +he was gone, tried to atone for his fault by finding Jean Muir another +home. She thought Gerald was soon to marry Lucia, and that I was away, +so sent her here as a safe and comfortable retreat." + +"But, Ned, are you sure of all this? Is Sydney to be believed?" began +Coventry, still incredulous. + +"To convince you, I'll read Jean's letters before I say more. They +were written to an accomplice and were purchased by Sydney. There was +a compact between the two women, that each should keep the other +informed of all adventures, plots and plans, and share whatever good +fortune fell to the lot of either. Thus Jean wrote freely, as you +shall judge. The letters concern us alone. The first was written a few +days after she came. + + "Dear Hortense: + + "Another failure. Sydney was more wily than I thought. All was going + well, when one day my old fault beset me, I took too much wine, and + I carelessly owned that I had been an actress. He was shocked, and + retreated. I got up a scene, and gave myself a safe little wound, to + frighten him. The brute was not frightened, but coolly left me to my + fate. I'd have died to spite him, if I dared, but as I didn't, I + lived to torment him. As yet, I have had no chance, but I will not + forget him. His mother is a poor, weak creature, whom I could use as + I would, and through her I found an excellent place. A sick mother, + silly daughter, and two eligible sons. One is engaged to a handsome + iceberg, but that only renders him more interesting in my eyes, + rivalry adds so much to the charm of one's conquests. Well, my dear, + I went, got up in the meek style, intending to do the pathetic; but + before I saw the family, I was so angry I could hardly control + myself. Through the indolence of Monsieur the young master, no + carriage was sent for me, and I intend he shall atone for that + rudeness by-and-by. The younger son, the mother, and the girl + received me patronizingly, and I understood the simple souls at + once. Monsieur (as I shall call him, as names are unsafe) was + unapproachable, and took no pains to conceal his dislike of + governesses. The cousin was lovely, but detestable with her pride, + her coldness, and her very visible adoration of Monsieur, who let + her worship him, like an inanimate idol as he is. I hated them both, + of course, and in return for their insolence shall torment her with + jealousy, and teach him how to woo a woman by making his heart ache. + They are an intensely proud family, but I can humble them all, I + think, by captivating the sons, and when they have committed + themselves, cast them off, and marry the old uncle, whose title + takes my fancy." + +"She never wrote that! It is impossible. A woman could not do it," cried +Lucia indignantly, while Bella sat bewildered and Mrs. Coventry +supported herself with salts and fan. Coventry went to his brother, +examined the writing, and returned to his seat, saying, in a tone of +suppressed wrath, "She did write it. I posted some of those letters +myself. Go on, Ned." + + "I made myself useful and agreeable to the amiable ones, and + overheard the chat of the lovers. It did not suit me, so I fainted + away to stop it, and excite interest in the provoking pair. I + thought I had succeeded, but Monsieur suspected me and showed me + that he did. I forgot my meek role and gave him a stage look. It had + a good effect, and I shall try it again. The man is well worth + winning, but I prefer the title, and as the uncle is a hale, + handsome gentleman, I can't wait for him to die, though Monsieur is + very charming, with his elegant languor, and his heart so fast + asleep no woman has had power to wake it yet. I told my story, and + they believed it, though I had the audacity to say I was but + nineteen, to talk Scotch, and bashfully confess that Sydney wished + to marry me. Monsieur knows S. and evidently suspects something. I + must watch him and keep the truth from him, if possible. + + "I was very miserable that night when I got alone. Something in the + atmosphere of this happy home made me wish I was anything but what I + am. As I sat there trying to pluck up my spirits, I thought of the + days when I was lovely and young, good and gay. My glass showed me + an old woman of thirty, for my false locks were off, my paint gone, + and my face was without its mask. Bah! how I hate sentiment! I drank + your health from your own little flask, and went to bed to dream + that I was playing Lady Tartuffe--as I am. Adieu, more soon." + +No one spoke as Edward paused, and taking up another letter, he read on: + + "My Dear Creature: + + "All goes well. Next day I began my task, and having caught a hint + of the character of each, tried my power over them. Early in the + morning I ran over to see the Hall. Approved of it highly, and took + the first step toward becoming its mistress, by piquing the + curiosity and flattering the pride of its master. His estate is his + idol; I praised it with a few artless compliments to himself, and he + was charmed. The cadet of the family adores horses. I risked my neck + to pet his beast, and_ he _was charmed. The little girl is romantic + about flowers; I made a posy and was sentimental, and_ she _was + charmed. The fair icicle loves her departed mamma, I had raptures + over an old picture, and she thawed. Monsieur is used to being + worshipped. I took no notice of him, and by the natural perversity + of human nature, he began to take notice of me. He likes music; I + sang, and stopped when he'd listened long enough to want more. He is + lazily fond of being amused; I showed him my skill, but refused to + exert it in his behalf. In short, I gave him no peace till he began + to wake up. In order to get rid of the boy, I fascinated him, and he + was sent away. Poor lad, I rather liked him, and if the title had + been nearer would have married him. + +"Many thanks for the honor." And Edward's lip curled with intense scorn. +But Gerald sat like a statue, his teeth set, his eyes fiery, his brows +bent, waiting for the end. + + "The passionate boy nearly killed his brother, but I turned the + affair to good account, and bewitched Monsieur by playing nurse, + till Vashti (the icicle) interfered. Then I enacted injured virtue, + and kept out of his way, knowing that he would miss me, I mystified + him about S. by sending a letter where S. would not get it, and got + up all manner of soft scenes to win this proud creature. I get on + well and meanwhile privately fascinate Sir J. by being daughterly + and devoted. He is a worthy old man, simple as a child, honest as + the day, and generous as a prince. I shall be a happy woman if I win + him, and you shall share my good fortune; so wish me success. + +"This is the third, and contains something which will surprise you," +Edward said, as he lifted another paper. + + "Hortense: + + "I've done what I once planned to do on another occasion. You know + my handsome, dissipated father married a lady of rank for his second + wife. I never saw Lady H----d but once, for I was kept out of the + way. Finding that this good Sir J. knew something of her when a + girl, and being sure that he did not know of the death of her little + daughter, I boldly said I was the child, and told a pitiful tale of + my early life. It worked like a charm; he told Monsieur, and both + felt the most chivalrous compassion for Lady Howard's daughter, + though before they had secretly looked down on me, and my real + poverty and my lowliness. That boy pitied me with an honest warmth + and never waited to learn my birth. I don't forget that and shall + repay it if I can. Wishing to bring Monsieur's affair to a + successful crisis, I got up a theatrical evening and was in my + element. One little event I must tell you, because I committed an + actionable offense and was nearly discovered. I did not go down to + supper, knowing that the moth would return to flutter about the + candle, and preferring that the fluttering should be done in + private, as Vashti's jealousy is getting uncontrollable. Passing + throught the gentlemen's dressing room, my quick eye caught sight of + a letter lying among the costumes. It was no stage affair, and an + odd sensation of fear ran through me as I recognized the hand of S. + I had feared this, but I believe in chance; and having found the + letter, I examined it. You know I can imitate almost any hand. When + I read in this paper the whole story of my affair with S., truly + told, and also that he had made inquiries into my past life and + discovered the truth, I was in a fury. To be so near success and + fail was terrible, and I resolved to risk everything. I opened the + letter by means of a heated knife blade under the seal, therefore + the envelope was perfect; imitating S.'s hand, I penned a few lines + in his hasty style, saying he was at Baden, so that if Monsieur + answered, the reply would not reach him, for he is in London, it + seems. This letter I put into the pocket whence the other must have + fallen, and was just congratulating myself on this narrow escape, + when Dean, the maid of Vashti, appeared as if watching me. She had + evidently seen the letter in my hand, and suspected something. I + took no notice of her, but must be careful, for she is on the watch. + After this the evening closed with strictly private theatricals, in + which Monsieur and myself were the only actors. To make sure that he + received my version of the story first, I told him a romantic story + of S.'s persecution, and he believed it. This I followed up by a + moonlight episode behind a rose hedge, and sent the young gentleman + home in a half-dazed condition. What fools men are!" + +"She is right!" muttered Coventry, who had flushed scarlet with +shame and anger, as his folly became known and Lucia listened in +astonished silence. + +"Only one more, and my distasteful task will be nearly over," said +Edward, unfolding the last of the papers. "This is not a letter, but a +copy of one written three nights ago. Dean boldly ransacked Jean Muir's +desk while she was at the Hall, and, fearing to betray the deed by +keeping the letter, she made a hasty copy which she gave me today, +begging me to save the family from disgrace. This makes the chain +complete. Go now, if you will, Gerald. I would gladly spare you the pain +of hearing this." + +"I will not spare myself; I deserve it. Read on," replied Coventry, +guessing what was to follow and nerving himself to hear it. Reluctantly +his brother read these lines: + + "The enemy has surrendered! Give me joy, Hortense; I can be the + wife of this proud monsieur, if I will. Think what an honor for the + divorced wife of a disreputable actor. I laugh at the farce and + enjoy it, for I only wait till the prize I desire is fairly mine, to + turn and reject this lover who has proved himself false to brother, + mistress, and his own conscience. I resolved to be revenged on both, + and I have kept my word. For my sake he cast off the beautiful woman + who truly loved him; he forgot his promise to his brother, and put + by his pride to beg of me the worn-out heart that is not worth a + good man's love. Ah well, I am satisfied, for Vashti has suffered + the sharpest pain a proud woman can endure, and will feel another + pang when I tell her that I scorn her recreant lover, and give him + back to her, to deal with as she will." + +Coventry started from his seat with a fierce exclamation, but Lucia +bowed her face upon her hands, weeping, as if the pang had been sharper +than even Jean foresaw. + +"Send for Sir John! I am mortally afraid of this creature. Take her +away; do something to her. My poor Bella, what a companion for you! Send +for Sir John at once!" cried Mrs. Coventry incoherently, and clasped her +daughter in her arms, as if Jean Muir would burst in to annihilate the +whole family. Edward alone was calm. + +"I have already sent, and while we wait, let me finish this story. It is +true that Jean is the daughter of Lady Howard's husband, the pretended +clergyman, but really a worthless man who married her for her money. Her +own child died, but this girl, having beauty, wit and a bold spirit, +took her fate into her own hands, and became an actress. She married an +actor, led a reckless life for some years; quarreled with her husband, +was divorced, and went to Paris; left the stage, and tried to support +herself as governess and companion. You know how she fared with the +Sydneys, how she has duped us, and but for this discovery would have +duped Sir John. I was in time to prevent this, thank heaven. She is +gone; no one knows the truth but Sydney and ourselves; he will be +silent, for his own sake; we will be for ours, and leave this dangerous +woman to the fate which will surely overtake her." + +"Thank you, it has overtaken her, and a very happy one she finds it." + +A soft voice uttered the words, and an apparition appeared at the door, +which made all start and recoil with amazement--Jean Muir leaning on the +arm of Sir John. + +"How dare you return?" began Edward, losing the self-control so long +preserved. "How dare you insult us by coming back to enjoy the mischief +you have done? Uncle, you do not know that woman!" + +"Hush, boy, I will not listen to a word, unless you remember where you +are," said Sir John with a commanding gesture. + +"Remember your promise: love me, forgive me, protect me, and do not +listen to their accusations," whispered Jean, whose quick eye had +discovered the letters. + +"I will; have no fears, my child," he answered, drawing her nearer as he +took his accustomed place before the fire, always lighted when Mrs. +Coventry was down. + +Gerald, who had been pacing the room excitedly, paused behind Lucia's +chair as if to shield her from insult; Bella clung to her mother; and +Edward, calming himself by a strong effort, handed his uncle the +letters, saying briefly, "Look at those, sir, and let them speak." + +"I will look at nothing, hear nothing, believe nothing which can in any +way lessen my respect and affection for this young lady. She has +prepared me for this. I know the enemy who is unmanly enough to belie +and threaten her. I know that you both are unsuccessful lovers, and this +explains your unjust, uncourteous treatment now. We all have committed +faults and follies. I freely forgive Jean hers, and desire to know +nothing of them from your lips. If she has innocently offended, pardon +it for my sake, and forget the past." + +"But, Uncle, we have proofs that this woman is not what she seems. Her +own letters convict her. Read them, and do not blindly deceive +yourself," cried Edward, indignant at his uncle's words. + +A low laugh startled them all, and in an instant they saw the cause of +it. While Sir John spoke, Jean had taken the letters from the hand which +he had put behind him, a favorite gesture of his, and, unobserved, had +dropped them on the fire. The mocking laugh, the sudden blaze, showed +what had been done. Both young men sprang forward, but it was too late; +the proofs were ashes, and Jean Muir's bold, bright eyes defied them, as +she said, with a disdainful little gesture. "Hands off, gentlemen! You +may degrade yourselves to the work of detectives, but I am not a +prisoner yet. Poor Jean Muir you might harm, but Lady Coventry is beyond +your reach." + +"Lady Coventry!" echoed the dismayed family, in varying tones of +incredulity, indignation, and amazement. + +"Aye, my dear and honored wife," said Sir John, with a protecting arm +about the slender figure at his side; and in the act, the words, there +was a tender dignity that touched the listeners with pity and respect +for the deceived man. "Receive her as such, and for my sake, forbear all +further accusation," he continued steadily. "I know what I have done. I +have no fear that I shall repent it. If I am blind, let me remain so +till time opens my eyes. We are going away for a little while, and when +we return, let the old life return again, unchanged, except that Jean +makes sunshine for me as well as for you." + +No one spoke, for no one knew what to say. Jean broke the silence, +saying coolly, "May I ask how those letters came into your possession?" + +"In tracing out your past life, Sydney found your friend Hortense. She +was poor, money bribed her, and your letters were given up to him as +soon as received. Traitors are always betrayed in the end," replied +Edward sternly. + +Jean shrugged her shoulders, and shot a glance at Gerald, saying with +her significant smile, "Remember that, monsieur, and allow me to hope +that in wedding you will be happier than in wooing. Receive my +congratulations, Miss Beaufort, and let me beg of you to follow my +example, if you would keep your lovers." + +Here all the sarcasm passed from her voice, the defiance from her eye, +and the one unspoiled attribute which still lingered in this woman's +artful nature shone in her face, as she turned toward Edward and Bella +at their mother's side. + +"You have been kind to me," she said, with grateful warmth. "I thank you +for it, and will repay it if I can. To you I will acknowledge that I am +not worthy to be this good man's wife, and to you I will solemnly +promise to devote my life to his happiness. For his sake forgive me, and +let there be peace between us." + +There was no reply, but Edward's indignant eyes fell before hers. Bella +half put out her hand, and Mrs. Coventry sobbed as if some regret +mingled with her resentment. Jean seemed to expect no friendly +demonstration, and to understand that they forbore for Sir John's sake, +not for hers, and to accept their contempt as her just punishment. + +"Come home, love, and forget all this," said her husband, ringing the +bell, and eager to be gone. "Lady Coventry's carriage." + +And as he gave the order, a smile broke over her face, for the sound +assured her that the game was won. Pausing an instant on the threshold +before she vanished from their sight, she looked backward, and fixing on +Gerald the strange glance he remembered well, she said in her +penetrating voice, "Is not the last scene better than the first?" + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Behind A Mask, Or A Woman's Power, by A. M. 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M. Barnard + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Behind A Mask, Or A Woman's Power + +Author: A. M. Barnard + + +Release Date: August, 2005 [EBook #8677] +This file was first posted on July 31, 2003 +Last Updated: April 24, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEHIND A MASK, OR A WOMAN'S POWER *** + + + + +Text file produced by Beginners Projects, Martin Agren and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + BEHIND A MASK <i>OR</i> A WOMAN’S POWER + </h1> + <h2> + By A.M. Barnard + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <i>Chapter I</i> JEAN MUIR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <i>Chapter II</i> A GOOD BEGINNING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <i>Chapter III</i> PASSION AND PIQUE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <i>Chapter IV</i> A DISCOVERY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <i>Chapter V</i> HOW THE GIRL DID IT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> <i>Chapter VI</i> ON THE WATCH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> <i>Chapter VII</i> THE LAST CHANCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> <i>Chapter VIII</i> SUSPENSE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> <i>Chapter IX</i> LADY COVENTRY </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter I</i> JEAN MUIR + </h2> + <p> + “Has she come?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mamma, not yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it were well over. The thought of it worries and excites me. A + cushion for my back, Bella.” + </p> + <p> + And poor, peevish Mrs. Coventry sank into an easy chair with a nervous + sigh and the air of a martyr, while her pretty daughter hovered about her + with affectionate solicitude. + </p> + <p> + “Who are they talking of, Lucia?” asked the languid young man lounging on + a couch near his cousin, who bent over her tapestry work with a happy + smile on her usually haughty face. + </p> + <p> + “The new governess, Miss Muir. Shall I tell you about her?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you. I have an inveterate aversion to the whole tribe. I’ve + often thanked heaven that I had but one sister, and she a spoiled child, + so that I have escaped the infliction of a governess so long.” + </p> + <p> + “How will you bear it now?” asked Lucia. + </p> + <p> + “Leave the house while she is in it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you won’t. You’re too lazy, Gerald,” called out a younger and more + energetic man, from the recess where he stood teasing his dogs. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll give her a three days’ trial; if she proves endurable I shall not + disturb myself; if, as I am sure, she is a bore, I’m off anywhere, + anywhere out of her way.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg you won’t talk in that depressing manner, boys. I dread the coming + of a stranger more than you possibly can, but Bella <i>must</i> not be + neglected; so I have nerved myself to endure this woman, and Lucia is good + enough to say she will attend to her after tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be troubled, Mamma. She is a nice person, I dare say, and when once + we are used to her, I’ve no doubt we shall be glad to have her, it’s so + dull here just now. Lady Sydney said she was a quiet, accomplished, + amiable girl, who needed a home, and would be a help to poor stupid me, so + try to like her for my sake.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, dear, but isn’t it getting late? I do hope nothing has happened. + Did you tell them to send a carriage to the station for her, Gerald?” + </p> + <p> + “I forgot it. But it’s not far, it won’t hurt her to walk” was the languid + reply. + </p> + <p> + “It was indolence, not forgetfulness, I know. I’m very sorry; she will + think it so rude to leave her to find her way so late. Do go and see to + it, Ned.” + </p> + <p> + “Too late, Bella, the train was in some time ago. Give your orders to me + next time. Mother and I’ll see that they are obeyed,” said Edward. + </p> + <p> + “Ned is just at an age to make a fool of himself for any girl who comes in + his way. Have a care of the governess, Lucia, or she will bewitch him.” + </p> + <p> + Gerald spoke in a satirical whisper, but his brother heard him and + answered with a good-humored laugh. + </p> + <p> + “I wish there was any hope of your making a fool of yourself in that way, + old fellow. Set me a good example, and I promise to follow it. As for the + governess, she is a woman, and should be treated with common civility. I + should say a little extra kindness wouldn’t be amiss, either, because she + is poor, and a stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my dear, good-hearted Ned! We’ll stand by poor little Muir, won’t + we?” And running to her brother, Bella stood on tiptoe to offer him a kiss + which he could not refuse, for the rosy lips were pursed up invitingly, + and the bright eyes full of sisterly affection. + </p> + <p> + “I do hope she has come, for, when I make an effort to see anyone, I hate + to make it in vain. Punctuality is <i>such</i> a virtue, and I know this + woman hasn’t got it, for she promised to be here at seven, and now it is + long after,” began Mrs. Coventry, in an injured tone. + </p> + <p> + Before she could get breath for another complaint, the clock struck seven + and the doorbell rang. + </p> + <p> + “There she is!” cried Bella, and turned toward the door as if to go and + meet the newcomer. + </p> + <p> + But Lucia arrested her, saying authoritatively, “Stay here, child. It is + her place to come to you, not yours to go to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir,” announced a servant, and a little black-robed figure stood in + the doorway. For an instant no one stirred, and the governess had time to + see and be seen before a word was uttered. All looked at her, and she cast + on the household group a keen glance that impressed them curiously; then + her eyes fell, and bowing slightly she walked in. Edward came forward and + received her with the frank cordiality which nothing could daunt or chill. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, this is the lady whom you expected. Miss Muir, allow me to + apologize for our apparent neglect in not sending for you. There was a + mistake about the carriage, or, rather, the lazy fellow to whom the order + was given forgot it. Bella, come here.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, no apology is needed. I did not expect to be sent for.” And + the governess meekly sat down without lifting her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to see you. Let me take your things,” said Bella, rather shyly, + for Gerald, still lounging, watched the fireside group with languid + interest, and Lucia never stirred. Mrs. Coventry took a second survey and + began: + </p> + <p> + “You were punctual, Miss Muir, which pleases me. I’m a sad invalid, as + Lady Sydney told you, I hope; so that Miss Coventry’s lessons will be + directed by my niece, and you will go to her for directions, as she knows + what I wish. You will excuse me if I ask you a few questions, for Lady + Sydney’s note was very brief, and I left everything to her judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask anything you like, madam,” answered the soft, sad voice. + </p> + <p> + “You are Scotch, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Are your parents living?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not a relation in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, how sad! Do you mind telling me your age?” + </p> + <p> + “Nineteen.” And a smile passed over Miss Muir’s lips, as she folded her + hands with an air of resignation, for the catechism was evidently to be a + long one. + </p> + <p> + “So young! Lady Sydney mentioned five-and-twenty, I think, didn’t she, + Bella?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mamma, she only said she thought so. Don’t ask such questions. It’s + not pleasant before us all,” whispered Bella. + </p> + <p> + A quick, grateful glance shone on her from the suddenly lifted eyes of + Miss Muir, as she said quietly, “I wish I was thirty, but, as I am not, I + do my best to look and seem old.” + </p> + <p> + Of course, every one looked at her then, and all felt a touch of pity at + the sight of the pale-faced girl in her plain black dress, with no + ornament but a little silver cross at her throat. Small, thin, and + colorless she was, with yellow hair, gray eyes, and sharply cut, + irregular, but very expressive features. Poverty seemed to have set its + bond stamp upon her, and life to have had for her more frost than + sunshine. But something in the lines of the mouth betrayed strength, and + the clear, low voice had a curious mixture of command and entreaty in its + varying tones. Not an attractive woman, yet not an ordinary one; and, as + she sat there with her delicate hands lying in her lap, her head bent, and + a bitter look on her thin face, she was more interesting than many a + blithe and blooming girl. Bella’s heart warmed to her at once, and she + drew her seat nearer, while Edward went back to his dogs that his presence + might not embarrass her. + </p> + <p> + “You have been ill, I think,” continued Mrs. Coventry, who considered this + fact the most interesting of all she had heard concerning the governess. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam, I left the hospital only a week ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you quite sure it is safe to begin teaching so soon?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no time to lose, and shall soon gain strength here in the country, + if you care to keep me.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are fitted to teach music, French, and drawing?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall endeavor to prove that I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Be kind enough to go and play an air or two. I can judge by your touch; I + used to play finely when a girl.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir rose, looked about her for the instrument, and seeing it at the + other end of the room went toward it, passing Gerald and Lucia as if she + did not see them. Bella followed, and in a moment forgot everything in + admiration. Miss Muir played like one who loved music and was perfect + mistress of her art. She charmed them all by the magic of this spell; even + indolent Gerald sat up to listen, and Lucia put down her needle, while Ned + watched the slender white fingers as they flew, and wondered at the + strength and skill which they possessed. + </p> + <p> + “Please sing,” pleaded Bella, as a brilliant overture ended. + </p> + <p> + With the same meek obedience Miss Muir complied, and began a little Scotch + melody, so sweet, so sad, that the girl’s eyes filled, and Mrs. Coventry + looked for one of her many pocket-handkerchiefs. But suddenly the music + ceased, for, with a vain attempt to support herself, the singer slid from + her seat and lay before the startled listeners, as white and rigid as if + struck with death. Edward caught her up, and, ordering his brother off the + couch, laid her there, while Bella chafed her hands, and her mother rang + for her maid. Lucia bathed the poor girl’s temples, and Gerald, with + unwonted energy, brought a glass of wine. Soon Miss Muir’s lips trembled, + she sighed, then murmured, tenderly, with a pretty Scotch accent, as if + wandering in the past, “Bide wi’ me, Mither, I’m sae sick an sad here all + alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Take a sip of this, and it will do you good, my dear,” said Mrs. + Coventry, quite touched by the plaintive words. + </p> + <p> + The strange voice seemed to recall her. She sat up, looked about her, a + little wildly, for a moment, then collected herself and said, with a + pathetic look and tone, “Pardon me. I have been on my feet all day, and, + in my eagerness to keep my appointment, I forgot to eat since morning. I’m + better now; shall I finish the song?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means. Come and have some tea,” said Bella, full of pity and + remorse. + </p> + <p> + “Scene first, very well done,” whispered Gerald to his cousin. + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir was just before them, apparently listening to Mrs. Coventry’s + remarks upon fainting fits; but she heard, and looked over her shoulders + with a gesture like Rachel. Her eyes were gray, but at that instant they + seemed black with some strong emotion of anger, pride, or defiance. A + curious smile passed over her face as she bowed, and said in her + penetrating voice, “Thanks. The last scene shall be still better.” + </p> + <p> + Young Coventry was a cool, indolent man, seldom conscious of any emotion, + any passion, pleasurable or otherwise; but at the look, the tone of the + governess, he experienced a new sensation, indefinable, yet strong. He + colored and, for the first time in his life, looked abashed. Lucia saw it, + and hated Miss Muir with a sudden hatred; for, in all the years she had + passed with her cousin, no look or word of hers had possessed such power. + Coventry was himself again in an instant, with no trace of that passing + change, but a look of interest in his usually dreamy eyes, and a touch of + anger in his sarcastic voice. + </p> + <p> + “What a melodramatic young lady! I shall go tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + Lucia laughed, and was well pleased when he sauntered away to bring her a + cup of tea from the table where a little scene was just taking place. Mrs. + Coventry had sunk into her chair again, exhausted by the flurry of the + fainting fit. Bella was busied about her; and Edward, eager to feed the + pale governess, was awkwardly trying to make the tea, after a beseeching + glance at his cousin which she did not choose to answer. As he upset the + caddy and uttered a despairing exclamation, Miss Muir quietly took her + place behind the urn, saying with a smile, and a shy glance at the young + man, “Allow me to assume my duty at once, and serve you all. I understand + the art of making people comfortable in this way. The scoop, please. I can + gather this up quite well alone, if you will tell me how your mother likes + her tea.” + </p> + <p> + Edward pulled a chair to the table and made merry over his mishaps, while + Miss Muir performed her little task with a skill and grace that made it + pleasant to watch her. Coventry lingered a moment after she had given him + a steaming cup, to observe her more nearly, while he asked a question or + two of his brother. She took no more notice of him than if he had been a + statue, and in the middle of the one remark he addressed to her, she rose + to take the sugar basin to Mrs. Coventry, who was quite won by the modest, + domestic graces of the new governess. + </p> + <p> + “Really, my dear, you are a treasure; I haven’t tasted such tea since my + poor maid Ellis died. Bella never makes it good, and Miss Lucia always + forgets the cream. Whatever you do you seem to do well, and that is <i>such</i> + a comfort.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me always do this for you, then. It will be a pleasure, madam.” And + Miss Muir came back to her seat with a faint color in her cheek which + improved her much. + </p> + <p> + “My brother asked if young Sydney was at home when you left,” said Edward, + for Gerald would not take the trouble to repeat the question. + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir fixed her eyes on Coventry, and answered with a slight tremor of + the lips, “No, he left home some weeks ago.” + </p> + <p> + The young man went back to his cousin, saying, as he threw himself down + beside her, “I shall not go tomorrow, but wait till the three days are + out.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” demanded Lucia. + </p> + <p> + Lowering his voice he said, with a significant nod toward the governess, + “Because I have a fancy that she is at the bottom of Sydney’s mystery. + He’s not been himself lately, and now he is gone without a word. I rather + like romances in real life, if they are not too long, or difficult to + read.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think her pretty?” + </p> + <p> + “Far from it, a most uncanny little specimen.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why fancy Sydney loves her?” + </p> + <p> + “He is an oddity, and likes sensations and things of that sort.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, Gerald?” + </p> + <p> + “Get the Muir to look at you, as she did at me, and you will understand. + Will you have another cup, Juno?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, please.” She liked to have him wait upon her, for he did it to no + other woman except his mother. + </p> + <p> + Before he could slowly rise, Miss Muir glided to them with another cup on + the salver; and, as Lucia took it with a cold nod, the girl said under her + breath, “I think it honest to tell you that I possess a quick ear, and + cannot help hearing what is said anywhere in the room. What you say of me + is of no consequence, but you may speak of things which you prefer I + should not hear; therefore, allow me to warn you.” And she was gone again + as noiselessly as she came. + </p> + <p> + “How do you like that?” whispered Coventry, as his cousin sat looking + after the girl, with a disturbed expression. + </p> + <p> + “What an uncomfortable creature to have in the house! I am very sorry I + urged her coming, for your mother has taken a fancy to her, and it will be + hard to get rid of her,” said Lucia, half angry, half amused. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, she hears every word you say. I know it by the expression of her + face, for Ned is talking about horses, and she looks as haughty as ever + you did, and that is saying much. Faith, this is getting interesting.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark, she is speaking; I want to hear,” and Lucia laid her hand on her + cousin’s lips. He kissed it, and then idly amused himself with turning the + rings to and fro on the slender fingers. + </p> + <p> + “I have been in France several years, madam, but my friend died and I came + back to be with Lady Sydney, till—” Muir paused an instant, then + added, slowly, “till I fell ill. It was a contagious fever, so I went of + my own accord to the hospital, not wishing to endanger her.” + </p> + <p> + “Very right, but are you sure there is no danger of infection now?” asked + Mrs. Coventry anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “None, I assure you. I have been well for some time, but did not leave + because I preferred to stay there, than to return to Lady Sydney.” + </p> + <p> + “No quarrel, I hope? No trouble of any kind?” + </p> + <p> + “No quarrel, but—well, why not? You have a right to know, and I will + not make a foolish mystery out of a very simple thing. As your family, + only, is present, I may tell the truth. I did not go back on the young + gentleman’s account. Please ask no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I see. Quite prudent and proper, Miss Muir. I shall never allude to + it again. Thank you for your frankness. Bella, you will be careful not to + mention this to young friends; girls gossip sadly, and it would annoy Lady + Sydney beyond everything to have this talked of.” + </p> + <p> + “Very neighborly of Lady S. to send the dangerous young lady here, where + there are <i>two</i> young gentlemen to be captivated. I wonder why she + didn’t keep Sydney after she had caught him,” murmured Coventry to his + cousin. + </p> + <p> + “Because she had the utmost contempt for a titled fool.” Miss Muir dropped + the words almost into his ear, as she bent to take her shawl from the sofa + corner. + </p> + <p> + “How the deuce did she get there?” ejaculated Coventry, looking as if he + had received another sensation. “She has spirit, though, and upon my word + I pity Sydney, if he did try to dazzle her, for he must have got a + splendid dismissal.” + </p> + <p> + “Come and play billiards. You promised, and I hold you to your word,” said + Lucia, rising with decision, for Gerald was showing too much interest in + another to suit Miss Beaufort. + </p> + <p> + “I am, as ever, your most devoted. My mother is a charming woman, but I + find our evening parties slightly dull, when only my own family are + present. Good night, Mamma.” He shook hands with his mother, whose pride + and idol he was, and, with a comprehensive nod to the others, strolled + after his cousin. + </p> + <p> + “Now they are gone we can be quite cozy, and talk over things, for I don’t + mind Ned any more than I do his dogs,” said Bella, settling herself on her + mother’s footstool. + </p> + <p> + “I merely wish to say, Miss Muir, that my daughter has never had a + governess and is sadly backward for a girl of sixteen. I want you to pass + the mornings with her, and get her on as rapidly as possible. In the + afternoon you will walk or drive with her, and in the evening sit with us + here, if you like, or amuse yourself as you please. While in the country + we are very quiet, for I cannot bear much company, and when my sons want + gaiety, they go away for it. Miss Beaufort oversees the servants, and + takes my place as far as possible. I am very delicate and keep my room + till evening, except for an airing at noon. We will try each other for a + month, and I hope we shall get on quite comfortably together.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall do my best, madam.” + </p> + <p> + One would not have believed that the meek, spiritless voice which uttered + these words was the same that had startled Coventry a few minutes before, + nor that the pale, patient face could ever have kindled with such sudden + fire as that which looked over Miss Muir’s shoulder when she answered her + young host’s speech. + </p> + <p> + Edward thought within himself, Poor little woman! She has had a hard life. + We will try and make it easier while she is here; and began his charitable + work by suggesting that she might be tired. She acknowledged she was, and + Bella led her away to a bright, cozy room, where with a pretty little + speech and a good-night kiss she left her. + </p> + <p> + When alone Miss Muir’s conduct was decidedly peculiar. Her first act was + to clench her hands and mutter between her teeth, with passionate force, + “I’ll not fail again if there is power in a woman’s wit and will!” She + stood a moment motionless, with an expression of almost fierce disdain on + her face, then shook her clenched hand as if menacing some unseen enemy. + Next she laughed, and shrugged her shoulders with a true French shrug, + saying low to herself, “Yes, the last scene <i>shall</i> be better than + the first. <i>Mon dieu</i>, how tired and hungry I am!” + </p> + <p> + Kneeling before the one small trunk which held her worldly possessions, + she opened it, drew out a flask, and mixed a glass of some ardent cordial, + which she seemed to enjoy extremely as she sat on the carpet, musing, + while her quick eyes examined every corner of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Not bad! It will be a good field for me to work in, and the harder the + task the better I shall like it. <i>Merci</i>, old friend. You put heart + and courage into me when nothing else will. Come, the curtain is down, so + I may be myself for a few hours, if actresses ever are themselves.” + </p> + <p> + Still sitting on the floor she unbound and removed the long abundant + braids from her head, wiped the pink from her face, took out several + pearly teeth, and slipping off her dress appeared herself indeed, a + haggard, worn, and moody woman of thirty at least. The metamorphosis was + wonderful, but the disguise was more in the expression she assumed than in + any art of costume or false adornment. Now she was alone, and her mobile + features settled into their natural expression, weary, hard, bitter. She + had been lovely once, happy, innocent, and tender; but nothing of all this + remained to the gloomy woman who leaned there brooding over some wrong, or + loss, or disappointment which had darkened all her life. For an hour she + sat so, sometimes playing absently with the scanty locks that hung about + her face, sometimes lifting the glass to her lips as if the fiery draught + warmed her cold blood; and once she half uncovered her breast to eye with + a terrible glance the scar of a newly healed wound. At last she rose and + crept to bed, like one worn out with weariness and mental pain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter II</i> A GOOD BEGINNING + </h2> + <p> + Only the housemaids were astir when Miss Muir left her room next morning + and quietly found her way into the garden. As she walked, apparently + intent upon the flowers, her quick eye scrutinized the fine old house and + its picturesque surroundings. + </p> + <p> + “Not bad,” she said to herself, adding, as she passed into the adjoining + park, “but the other may be better, and I will have the best.” + </p> + <p> + Walking rapidly, she came out at length upon the wide green lawn which lay + before the ancient hall where Sir John Coventry lived in solitary + splendor. A stately old place, rich in oaks, well-kept shrubberies, gay + gardens, sunny terraces, carved gables, spacious rooms, liveried servants, + and every luxury befitting the ancestral home of a rich and honorable + race. Miss Muir’s eyes brightened as she looked, her step grew firmer, her + carriage prouder, and a smile broke over her face; the smile of one well + pleased at the prospect of the success of some cherished hope. Suddenly + her whole air changed, she pushed back her hat, clasped her hands loosely + before her, and seemed absorbed in girlish admiration of the fair scene + that could not fail to charm any beauty-loving eye. The cause of this + rapid change soon appeared. A hale, handsome man, between fifty and sixty, + came through the little gate leading to the park, and, seeing the young + stranger, paused to examine her. He had only time for a glance, however; + she seemed conscious of his presence in a moment, turned with a startled + look, uttered an exclamation of surprise, and looked as if hesitating + whether to speak or run away. Gallant Sir John took off his hat and said, + with the old-fashioned courtesy which became him well, “I beg your pardon + for disturbing you, young lady. Allow me to atone for it by inviting you + to walk where you will, and gather what flowers you like. I see you love + them, so pray make free with those about you.” + </p> + <p> + With a charming air of maidenly timidity and artlessness, Miss Muir + replied, “Oh, thank you, sir! But it is I who should ask pardon for + trespassing. I never should have dared if I had not known that Sir John + was absent. I always wanted to see this fine old place, and ran over the + first thing, to satisfy myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And <i>are</i> you satisfied?” he asked, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “More than satisfied—I’m charmed; for it is the most beautiful spot + I ever saw, and I’ve seen many famous seats, both at home and abroad,” she + answered enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + “The Hall is much flattered, and so would its master be if he heard you,” + began the gentleman, with an odd expression. + </p> + <p> + “I should not praise it to him—at least, not as freely as I have to + you, sir,” said the girl, with eyes still turned away. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked her companion, looking much amused. + </p> + <p> + “I should be afraid. Not that I dread Sir John; but I’ve heard so many + beautiful and noble things about him, and respect him so highly, that I + should not dare to say much, lest he should see how I admire and—” + </p> + <p> + “And what, young lady? Finish, if you please.” + </p> + <p> + “I was going to say, love him. I will say it, for he is an old man, and + one cannot help loving virtue and bravery.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir looked very earnest and pretty as she spoke, standing there with + the sunshine glinting on her yellow hair, delicate face, and downcast + eyes. Sir John was not a vain man, but he found it pleasant to hear + himself commended by this unknown girl, and felt redoubled curiosity to + learn who she was. Too well-bred to ask, or to abash her by avowing what + she seemed unconscious of, he left both discoveries to chance; and when + she turned, as if to retrace her steps, he offered her the handful of + hothouse flowers which he held, saying, with a gallant bow, “In Sir John’s + name let me give you my little nosegay, with thanks for your good opinion, + which, I assure you, is not entirely deserved, for I know him well.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir looked up quickly, eyed him an instant, then dropped her eyes, + and, coloring deeply, stammered out, “I did not know—I beg your + pardon—you are too kind, Sir John.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed like a boy, asking, mischievously, “Why call me Sir John? How + do you know that I am not the gardener or the butler?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not see your face before, and no one but yourself would say that + any praise was undeserved,” murmured Miss Muir, still overcome with + girlish confusion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, we will let that pass, and the next time you come we will be + properly introduced. Bella always brings her friends to the Hall, for I am + fond of young people.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not a friend. I am only Miss Coventry’s governess.” And Miss Muir + dropped a meek curtsy. A slight change passed over Sir John’s manner. Few + would have perceived it, but Miss Muir felt it at once, and bit her lips + with an angry feeling at her heart. With a curious air of pride, mingled + with respect, she accepted the still offered bouquet, returned Sir John’s + parting bow, and tripped away, leaving the old gentleman to wonder where + Mrs. Coventry found such a piquant little governess. + </p> + <p> + “That is done, and very well for a beginning,” she said to herself as she + approached the house. + </p> + <p> + In a green paddock close by fed a fine horse, who lifted up his head and + eyed her inquiringly, like one who expected a greeting. Following a sudden + impulse, she entered the paddock and, pulling a handful of clover, invited + the creature to come and eat. This was evidently a new proceeding on the + part of a lady, and the horse careered about as if bent on frightening the + newcomer away. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” she said aloud, laughing to herself. “I am not your master, and + you rebel. Nevertheless, I’ll conquer you, my fine brute.” + </p> + <p> + Seating herself in the grass, she began to pull daisies, singing idly the + while, as if unconscious of the spirited prancings of the horse. Presently + he drew nearer, sniffing curiously and eyeing her with surprise. She took + no notice, but plaited the daisies and sang on as if he was not there. + This seemed to pique the petted creature, for, slowly approaching, he came + at length so close that he could smell her little foot and nibble at her + dress. Then she offered the clover, uttering caressing words and making + soothing sounds, till by degrees and with much coquetting, the horse + permitted her to stroke his glossy neck and smooth his mane. + </p> + <p> + It was a pretty sight—the slender figure in the grass, the + high-spirited horse bending his proud head to her hand. Edward Coventry, + who had watched the scene, found it impossible to restrain himself any + longer and, leaping the wall, came to join the group, saying, with mingled + admiration and wonder in countenance and voice, “Good morning, Miss Muir. + If I had not seen your skill and courage proved before my eyes, I should + be alarmed for your safety. Hector is a wild, wayward beast, and has + damaged more than one groom who tried to conquer him.” + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Mr. Coventry. Don’t tell tales of this noble creature, who + has not deceived my faith in him. Your grooms did not know how to win his + heart, and so subdue his spirit without breaking it.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir rose as she spoke, and stood with her hand on Hector’s neck + while he ate the grass which she had gathered in the skirt of her dress. + </p> + <p> + “You have the secret, and Hector is your subject now, though heretofore he + has rejected all friends but his master. Will you give him his morning + feast? I always bring him bread and play with him before breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are not jealous?” And she looked up at him with eyes so bright + and beautiful in expression that the young man wondered he had not + observed them before. + </p> + <p> + “Not I. Pet him as much as you will; it will do him good. He is a solitary + fellow, for he scorns his own kind and lives alone, like his master,” he + added, half to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Alone, with such a happy home, Mr. Coventry?” And a softly compassionate + glance stole from the bright eyes. + </p> + <p> + “That was an ungrateful speech, and I retract it for Bella’s sake. Younger + sons have no position but such as they can make for themselves, you know, + and I’ve had no chance yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Younger sons! I thought—I beg pardon.” And Miss Muir paused, as if + remembering that she had no right to question. + </p> + <p> + Edward smiled and answered frankly, “Nay, don’t mind me. You thought I was + the heir, perhaps. Whom did you take my brother for last night?” + </p> + <p> + “For some guest who admired Miss Beaufort. I did not hear his name, nor + observe him enough to discover who he was. I saw only your kind mother, + your charming little sister, and—” + </p> + <p> + She stopped there, with a half-shy, half-grateful look at the young man + which finished the sentence better than any words. He was still a boy, in + spite of his one-and-twenty years, and a little color came into his brown + cheek as the eloquent eyes met his and fell before them. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Bella is a capital girl, and one can’t help loving her. I know + you’ll get her on, for, really, she is the most delightful little dunce. + My mother’s ill health and Bella’s devotion to her have prevented our + attending to her education before. Next winter, when we go to town, she is + to come out, and must be prepared for that great event, you know,” he + said, choosing a safe subject. + </p> + <p> + “I shall do my best. And that reminds me that I should report myself to + her, instead of enjoying myself here. When one has been ill and shut up a + long time, the country is so lovely one is apt to forget duty for + pleasure. Please remind me if I am negligent, Mr. Coventry.” + </p> + <p> + “That name belongs to Gerald. I’m only Mr. Ned here,” he said as they + walked toward the house, while Hector followed to the wall and sent a + sonorous farewell after them. + </p> + <p> + Bella came running to meet them, and greeted Miss Muir as if she had made + up her mind to like her heartily. “What a lovely bouquet you have got! I + never can arrange flowers prettily, which vexes me, for Mamma is so fond + of them and cannot go out herself. You have charming taste,” she said, + examining the graceful posy which Miss Muir had much improved by adding + feathery grasses, delicate ferns, and fragrant wild flowers to Sir John’s + exotics. + </p> + <p> + Putting them into Bella’s hand, she said, in a winning way, “Take them to + your mother, then, and ask her if I may have the pleasure of making her a + daily nosegay; for I should find real delight in doing it, if it would + please her.” + </p> + <p> + “How kind you are! Of course it would please her. I’ll take them to her + while the dew is still on them.” And away flew Bella, eager to give both + the flowers and the pretty message to the poor invalid. + </p> + <p> + Edward stopped to speak to the gardener, and Miss Muir went up the steps + alone. The long hall was lined with portraits, and pacing slowly down it + she examined them with interest. One caught her eye, and, pausing before + it, she scrutinized it carefully. A young, beautiful, but very haughty + female face. Miss Muir suspected at once who it was, and gave a decided + nod, as if she saw and caught at some unexpected chance. A soft rustle + behind her made her look around, and, seeing Lucia, she bowed, half + turned, as if for another glance at the picture, and said, as if + involuntarily, “How beautiful it is! May I ask if it is an ancestor, Miss + Beaufort?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the likeness of my mother” was the reply, given with a softened + voice and eyes that looked up tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I might have known, from the resemblance, but I scarcely saw you last + night. Excuse my freedom, but Lady Sydney treated me as a friend, and I + forget my position. Allow me.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, Miss Muir stooped to return the handkerchief which had + fallen from Lucia’s hand, and did so with a humble mien which touched the + other’s heart; for, though a proud, it was also a very generous one. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. Are you better, this morning?” she said, graciously. And + having received an affirmative reply, she added, as she walked on, “I will + show you to the breakfast room, as Bella is not here. It is a very + informal meal with us, for my aunt is never down and my cousins are very + irregular in their hours. You can always have yours when you like, without + waiting for us if you are an early riser.” + </p> + <p> + Bella and Edward appeared before the others were seated, and Miss Muir + quietly ate her breakfast, feeling well satisfied with her hour’s work. + Ned recounted her exploit with Hector, Bella delivered her mother’s thanks + for the flowers, and Lucia more than once recalled, with pardonable + vanity, that the governess had compared her to her lovely mother, + expressing by a look as much admiration for the living likeness as for the + painted one. All kindly did their best to make the pale girl feel at home, + and their cordial manner seemed to warm and draw her out; for soon she put + off her sad, meek air and entertained them with gay anecdotes of her life + in Paris, her travels in Russia when governess in Prince Jermadoff’s + family, and all manner of witty stories that kept them interested and + merry long after the meal was over. In the middle of an absorbing + adventure, Coventry came in, nodded lazily, lifted his brows, as if + surprised at seeing the governess there, and began his breakfast as if the + ennui of another day had already taken possession of him. Miss Muir + stopped short, and no entreaties could induce her to go on. + </p> + <p> + “Another time I will finish it, if you like. Now Miss Bella and I should + be at our books.” And she left the room, followed by her pupil, taking no + notice of the young master of the house, beyond a graceful bow in answer + to his careless nod. + </p> + <p> + “Merciful creature! she goes when I come, and does not make life + unendurable by moping about before my eyes. Does she belong to the moral, + the melancholy, the romantic, or the dashing class, Ned?” said Gerald, + lounging over his coffee as he did over everything he attempted. + </p> + <p> + “To none of them; she is a capital little woman. I wish you had seen her + tame Hector this morning.” And Edward repeated his story. + </p> + <p> + “Not a bad move on her part,” said Coventry in reply. “She must be an + observing as well as an energetic young person, to discover your chief + weakness and attack it so soon. First tame the horse, and then the master. + It will be amusing to watch the game, only I shall be under the painful + necessity of checkmating you both, if it gets serious.” + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t exert yourself, old fellow, on my account. If I was not above + thinking ill of an inoffensive girl, I should say you were the prize best + worth winning, and advise you to take care of your own heart, if you’ve + got one, which I rather doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “I often doubt it, myself; but I fancy the little Scotchwoman will not be + able to satisfy either of us upon that point. How does your highness like + her?” asked Coventry of his cousin, who sat near him. + </p> + <p> + “Better than I thought I should. She is well-bred, unassuming, and very + entertaining when she likes. She has told us some of the wittiest stories + I’ve heard for a long time. Didn’t our laughter wake you?” replied Lucia. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Now atone for it by amusing me with a repetition of these witty + tales.” + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible; her accent and manner are half the charm,” said Ned. + “I wish you had kept away ten minutes longer, for your appearance spoilt + the best story of all.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t she go on?” asked Coventry, with a ray of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “You forget that she overheard us last night, and must feel that you + consider her a bore. She has pride, and no woman forgets speeches like + those you made,” answered Lucia. + </p> + <p> + “Or forgives them, either, I believe. Well, I must be resigned to languish + under her displeasure then. On Sydney’s account I take a slight interest + in her; not that I expect to learn anything from her, for a woman with a + mouth like that never confides or confesses anything. But I have a fancy + to see what captivated him; for captivated he was, beyond a doubt, and by + no lady whom he met in society. Did you ever hear anything of it, Ned?” + asked Gerald. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not fond of scandal or gossip, and never listen to either.” With + which remark Edward left the room. + </p> + <p> + Lucia was called out by the housekeeper a moment after, and Coventry left + to the society most wearisome to him, namely his own. As he entered, he + had caught a part of the story which Miss Muir had been telling, and it + had excited his curiosity so much that he found himself wondering what the + end could be and wishing that he might hear it. + </p> + <p> + What the deuce did she run away for, when I came in? he thought. If she <i>is</i> + amusing, she must make herself useful; for it’s intensely dull, I own, + here, in spite of Lucia. Hey, what’s that? + </p> + <p> + It was a rich, sweet voice, singing a brilliant Italian air, and singing + it with an expression that made the music doubly delicious. Stepping out + of the French window, Coventry strolled along the sunny terrace, enjoying + the song with the relish of a connoisseur. Others followed, and still he + walked and listened, forgetful of weariness or tune. As one exquisite air + ended, he involuntarily applauded. Miss Muir’s face appeared for an + instant, then vanished, and no more music followed, though Coventry + lingered, hoping to hear the voice again. For music was the one thing of + which he never wearied, and neither Lucia nor Bella possessed skill enough + to charm him. For an hour he loitered on the terrace or the lawn, basking + in the sunshine, too indolent to seek occupation or society. At length + Bella came out, hat in hand, and nearly stumbled over her brother, who lay + on the grass. + </p> + <p> + “You lazy man, have you been dawdling here all this time?” she said, + looking down at him. + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ve been very busy. Come and tell me how you’ve got on with the + little dragon.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t stop. She bade me take a run after my French, so that I might be + ready for my drawing, and so I must.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s too warm to run. Sit down and amuse your deserted brother, who has + had no society but bees and lizards for an hour.” + </p> + <p> + He drew her down as he spoke, and Bella obeyed; for, in spite of his + indolence, he was one to whom all submitted without dreaming of refusal. + </p> + <p> + “What have you been doing? Muddling your poor little brains with all + manner of elegant rubbish?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ve been enjoying myself immensely. Jean is <i>so</i> interesting, + so kind and clever. She didn’t bore me with stupid grammar, but just + talked to me in such pretty French that I got on capitally, and like it as + I never expected to, after Lucia’s dull way of teaching it.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you talk about?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, all manner of things. She asked questions, and I answered, and she + corrected me.” + </p> + <p> + “Questions about our affairs, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Not one. She don’t care two sous for us or our affairs. I thought she + might like to know what sort of people we were, so I told her about Papa’s + sudden death, Uncle John, and you, and Ned; but in the midst of it she + said, in her quiet way, ‘You are getting too confidential, my dear. It is + not best to talk too freely of one’s affairs to strangers. Let us speak of + something else.’” + </p> + <p> + “What were you talking of when she said that, Bell?” + </p> + <p> + “You.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, then no wonder she was bored.” + </p> + <p> + “She was tired of my chatter, and didn’t hear half I said; for she was + busy sketching something for me to copy, and thinking of something more + interesting than the Coventrys.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “By the expression of her face. Did you like her music, Gerald?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Was she angry when I clapped?” + </p> + <p> + “She looked surprised, then rather proud, and shut the piano at once, + though I begged her to go on. Isn’t Jean a pretty name?” + </p> + <p> + “Not bad; but why don’t you call her Miss Muir?” + </p> + <p> + “She begged me not. She hates it, and loves to be called Jean, alone. I’ve + imagined such a nice little romance about her, and someday I shall tell + her, for I’m sure she has had a love trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t get such nonsense into your head, but follow Miss Muir’s well-bred + example and don’t be curious about other people’s affairs. Ask her to sing + tonight; it amuses me.” + </p> + <p> + “She won’t come down, I think. We’ve planned to read and work in my + boudoir, which is to be our study now. Mamma will stay in her room, so you + and Lucia can have the drawing room all to yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. What will Ned do?” + </p> + <p> + “He will amuse Mamma, he says. Dear old Ned! I wish you’d stir about and + get him his commission. He is so impatient to be doing something and yet + so proud he won’t ask again, after you have neglected it so many times and + refused Uncle’s help.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll attend to it very soon; don’t worry me, child. He will do very well + for a time, quietly here with us.” + </p> + <p> + “You always say that, yet you know he chafes and is unhappy at being + dependent on you. Mamma and I don’t mind; but he is a man, and it frets + him. He said he’d take matters into his own hands soon, and then you may + be sorry you were so slow in helping him.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir is looking out of the window. You’d better go and take your + run, else she will scold.” + </p> + <p> + “Not she. I’m not a bit afraid of her, she’s so gentle and sweet. I’m fond + of her already. You’ll get as brown as Ned, lying here in the sun. By the + way, Miss Muir agrees with me in thinking him handsomer than you.” + </p> + <p> + “I admire her taste and quite agree with her.” + </p> + <p> + “She said he was manly, and that was more attractive than beauty in a man. + She does express things so nicely. Now I’m off.” And away danced Bella, + humming the burden of Miss Muir’s sweetest song. + </p> + <p> + “‘Energy is more attractive than beauty in a man.’ She is right, but how + the deuce <i>can</i> a man be energetic, with nothing to expend his + energies upon?” mused Coventry, with his hat over his eyes. + </p> + <p> + A few moments later, the sweep of a dress caught his ear. Without + stirring, a sidelong glance showed him Miss Muir coming across the + terrace, as if to join Bella. Two stone steps led down to the lawn. He lay + near them, and Miss Muir did not see him till close upon him. She started + and slipped on the last step, recovered herself, and glided on, with a + glance of unmistakable contempt as she passed the recumbent figure of the + apparent sleeper. Several things in Bella’s report had nettled him, but + this look made him angry, though he would not own it, even to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Gerald, come here, quick!” presently called Bella, from the rustic seat + where she stood beside her governess, who sat with her hand over her face + as if in pain. + </p> + <p> + Gathering himself up, Coventry slowly obeyed, but involuntarily quickened + his pace as he heard Miss Muir say, “Don’t call him; <i>he</i> can do + nothing”; for the emphasis on the word “he” was very significant. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Bella?” he asked, looking rather wider awake than usual. + </p> + <p> + “You startled Miss Muir and made her turn her ankle. Now help her to the + house, for she is in great pain; and don’t lie there anymore to frighten + people like a snake in the grass,” said his sister petulantly. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon. Will you allow me?” And Coventry offered his arm. + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir looked up with the expression which annoyed him and answered + coldly, “Thank you, Miss Bella will do as well.” + </p> + <p> + “Permit me to doubt that.” And with a gesture too decided to be resisted, + Coventry drew her arm through his and led her into the house. She + submitted quietly, said the pain would soon be over, and when settled on + the couch in Bella’s room dismissed him with the briefest thanks. + Considering the unwonted exertion he had made, he thought she might have + been a little more grateful, and went away to Lucia, who always brightened + when he came. + </p> + <p> + No more was seen of Miss Muir till teatime; for now, while the family were + in retirement, they dined early and saw no company. The governess had + excused herself at dinner, but came down in the evening a little paler + than usual and with a slight limp in her gait. Sir John was there, talking + with his nephew, and they merely acknowledged her presence by the sort of + bow which gentlemen bestow on governesses. As she slowly made her way to + her place behind the urn, Coventry said to his brother, “Take her a + footstool, and ask her how she is, Ned.” Then, as if necessary to account + for his politeness to his uncle, he explained how he was the cause of the + accident. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes. I understand. Rather a nice little person, I fancy. Not exactly + a beauty, but accomplished and well-bred, which is better for one of her + class.” + </p> + <p> + “Some tea, Sir John?” said a soft voice at his elbow, and there was Miss + Muir, offering cups to the gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, thank you,” said Sir John, sincerely hoping she had overheard + him. + </p> + <p> + As Coventry took his, he said graciously, “You are very forgiving, Miss + Muir, to wait upon me, after I have caused you so much pain.” + </p> + <p> + “It is my duty, sir” was her reply, in a tone which plainly said, “but not + my pleasure.” And she returned to her place, to smile, and chat, and be + charming, with Bella and her brother. + </p> + <p> + Lucia, hovering near her uncle and Gerald, kept them to herself, but was + disturbed to find that their eyes often wandered to the cheerful group + about the table, and that their attention seemed distracted by the + frequent bursts of laughter and fragments of animated conversation which + reached them. In the midst of an account of a tragic affair which she + endeavored to make as interesting and pathetic as possible, Sir John burst + into a hearty laugh, which betrayed that he had been listening to a + livelier story than her own. Much annoyed, she said hastily, “I knew it + would be so! Bella has no idea of the proper manner in which to treat a + governess. She and Ned will forget the difference of rank and spoil that + person for her work. She is inclined to be presumptuous already, and if my + aunt won’t trouble herself to give Miss Muir a hint in time, I shall.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait until she has finished that story, I beg of you,” said Coventry, for + Sir John was already off. + </p> + <p> + “If you find that nonsense so entertaining, why don’t you follow Uncle’s + example? I don’t need you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. I will.” And Lucia was deserted. + </p> + <p> + But Miss Muir had ended and, beckoning to Bella, left the room, as if + quite unconscious of the honor conferred upon her or the dullness she left + behind her. Ned went up to his mother, Gerald returned to make his peace + with Lucia, and, bidding them good-night, Sir John turned homeward. + Strolling along the terrace, he came to the lighted window of Bella’s + study, and wishing to say a word to her, he half pushed aside the curtain + and looked in. A pleasant little scene. Bella working busily, and near her + in a low chair, with the light falling on her fair hair and delicate + profile, sat Miss Muir reading aloud. “Novels!” thought Sir John, and + smiled at them for a pair of romantic girls. But pausing to listen a + moment before he spoke, he found it was no novel, but history, read with a + fluency which made every fact interesting, every sketch of character + memorable, by the dramatic effect given to it. Sir John was fond of + history, and failing eyesight often curtailed his favorite amusement. He + had tried readers, but none suited him, and he had given up the plan. Now + as he listened, he thought how pleasantly the smoothly flowing voice would + wile away his evenings, and he envied Bella her new acquisition. + </p> + <p> + A bell rang, and Bella sprang up, saying, “Wait for me a minute. I must + run to Mamma, and then we will go on with this charming prince.” + </p> + <p> + Away she went, and Sir John was about to retire as quietly as he came, + when Miss Muir’s peculiar behavior arrested him for an instant. Dropping + the book, she threw her arms across the table, laid her head down upon + them, and broke into a passion of tears, like one who could bear restraint + no longer. Shocked and amazed, Sir John stole away; but all that night the + kindhearted gentleman puzzled his brains with conjectures about his + niece’s interesting young governess, quite unconscious that she intended + he should do so. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter III</i> PASSION AND PIQUE + </h2> + <p> + For several weeks the most monotonous tranquillity seemed to reign at + Coventry House, and yet, unseen, unsuspected, a storm was gathering. The + arrival of Miss Muir seemed to produce a change in everyone, though no one + could have explained how or why. Nothing could be more unobtrusive and + retiring than her manners. She was devoted to Bella, who soon adored her, + and was only happy when in her society. She ministered in many ways to + Mrs. Coventry’s comfort, and that lady declared there never was such a + nurse. She amused, interested and won Edward with her wit and womanly + sympathy. She made Lucia respect and envy her for her accomplishments, and + piqued indolent Gerald by her persistent avoidance of him, while Sir John + was charmed with her respectful deference and the graceful little + attentions she paid him in a frank and artless way, very winning to the + lonely old man. The very servants liked her; and instead of being, what + most governesses are, a forlorn creature hovering between superiors and + inferiors, Jean Muir was the life of the house, and the friend of all but + two. + </p> + <p> + Lucia disliked her, and Coventry distrusted her; neither could exactly say + why, and neither owned the feeling, even to themselves. Both watched her + covertly yet found no shortcoming anywhere. Meek, modest, faithful, and + invariably sweet-tempered—they could complain of nothing and + wondered at their own doubts, though they could not banish them. + </p> + <p> + It soon came to pass that the family was divided, or rather that two + members were left very much to themselves. Pleading timidity, Jean Muir + kept much in Bella’s study and soon made it such a pleasant little nook + that Ned and his mother, and often Sir John, came in to enjoy the music, + reading, or cheerful chat which made the evenings so gay. Lucia at first + was only too glad to have her cousin to herself, and he too lazy to care + what went on about him. But presently he wearied of her society, for she + was not a brilliant girl, and possessed few of those winning arts which + charm a man and steal into his heart. Rumors of the merry-makings that + went on reached him and made him curious to share them; echoes of fine + music went sounding through the house, as he lounged about the empty + drawing room; and peals of laughter reached him while listening to Lucia’s + grave discourse. + </p> + <p> + She soon discovered that her society had lost its charm, and the more + eagerly she tried to please him, the more signally she failed. Before long + Coventry fell into a habit of strolling out upon the terrace of an + evening, and amusing himself by passing and repassing the window of + Bella’s room, catching glimpses of what was going on and reporting the + result of his observations to Lucia, who was too proud to ask admission to + the happy circle or to seem to desire it. + </p> + <p> + “I shall go to London tomorrow, Lucia,” Gerald said one evening, as he + came back from what he called “a survey,” looking very much annoyed. + </p> + <p> + “To London?” exclaimed his cousin, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I must bestir myself and get Ned his commission, or it will be all + over with him.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “He is falling in love as fast as it is possible for a boy to do it. That + girl has bewitched him, and he will make a fool of himself very soon, + unless I put a stop to it.” + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid she would attempt a flirtation. These persons always do, + they are such a mischief-making race.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but there you are wrong, as far as little Muir is concerned. She does + not flirt, and Ned has too much sense and spirit to be caught by a silly + coquette. She treats him like an elder sister, and mingles the most + attractive friendliness with a quiet dignity that captivates the boy. I’ve + been watching them, and there he is, devouring her with his eyes, while + she reads a fascinating novel in the most fascinating style. Bella and + Mamma are absorbed in the tale, and see nothing; but Ned makes himself the + hero, Miss Muir the heroine, and lives the love scene with all the ardor + of a man whose heart has just waked up. Poor lad! Poor lad!” + </p> + <p> + Lucia looked at her cousin, amazed by the energy with which he spoke, the + anxiety in his usually listless face. The change became him, for it showed + what he might be, making one regret still more what he was. Before she + could speak, he was gone again, to return presently, laughing, yet looking + a little angry. + </p> + <p> + “What now?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘Listeners never hear any good of themselves’ is the truest of proverbs. + I stopped a moment to look at Ned, and heard the following flattering + remarks. Mamma is gone, and Ned was asking little Muir to sing that + delicious barcarole she gave us the other evening. + </p> + <p> + “‘Not now, not here,’ she said. + </p> + <p> + “‘Why not? You sang it in the drawing room readily enough,’ said Ned, + imploringly. + </p> + <p> + “‘That is a very different thing,’ and she looked at him with a little + shake of the head, for he was folding his hands and doing the passionate + pathetic. + </p> + <p> + “‘Come and sing it there then,’ said innocent Bella. ‘Gerald likes your + voice so much, and complains that you will never sing to him.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘He never asks me,’ said Muir, with an odd smile. + </p> + <p> + “‘He is too lazy, but he wants to hear you.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘When he asks me, I will sing—if I feel like it.’ And she shrugged + her shoulders with a provoking gesture of indifference. + </p> + <p> + “‘But it amuses him, and he gets so bored down here,’ began stupid little + Bella. ‘Don’t be shy or proud, Jean, but come and entertain the poor old + fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, thank you. I engaged to teach Miss Coventry, not to amuse Mr. + Coventry’ was all the answer she got. + </p> + <p> + “‘You amuse Ned, why not Gerald? Are you afraid of him?’ asked Bella. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir laughed, such a scornful laugh, and said, in that peculiar tone + of hers, ‘I cannot fancy anyone being <i>afraid</i> of your elder + brother.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I am, very often, and so would you be, if you ever saw him angry,’ And + Bella looked as if I’d beaten her. + </p> + <p> + “‘Does he ever wake up enough to be angry?’ asked that girl, with an air + of surprise. Here Ned broke into a fit of laughter, and they are at it + now, I fancy, by the sound.” + </p> + <p> + “Their foolish gossip is not worth getting excited about, but I certainly + would send Ned away. It’s no use trying to get rid of ‘that girl,’ as you + say, for my aunt is as deluded about her as Ned and Bella, and she really + does get the child along splendidly. Dispatch Ned, and then she can do no + harm,” said Lucia, watching Coventry’s altered face as he stood in the + moonlight, just outside the window where she sat. + </p> + <p> + “Have you no fears for me?” he asked smiling, as if ashamed of his + momentary petulance. + </p> + <p> + “No, have you for yourself?” And a shade of anxiety passed over her face. + </p> + <p> + “I defy the Scotch witch to enchant me, except with her music,” he added, + moving down the terrace again, for Jean was singing like a nightingale. + </p> + <p> + As the song ended, he put aside the curtain, and said, abruptly, “Has + anyone any commands for London? I am going there tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “A pleasant trip to you,” said Ned carelessly, though usually his + brother’s movements interested him extremely. + </p> + <p> + “I want quantities of things, but I must ask Mamma first.” And Bella began + to make a list. + </p> + <p> + “May I trouble you with a letter, Mr. Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + Jean Muir turned around on the music stool and looked at him with the cold + keen glance which always puzzled him. + </p> + <p> + He bowed, saying, as if to them all, “I shall be off by the early train, + so you must give me your orders tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come away, Ned, and leave Jean to write her letter.” + </p> + <p> + And Bella took her reluctant brother from the room. + </p> + <p> + “I will give you the letter in the morning,” said Miss Muir, with a + curious quiver in her voice, and the look of one who forcibly suppressed + some strong emotion. + </p> + <p> + “As you please.” And Coventry went back to Lucia, wondering who Miss Muir + was going to write to. He said nothing to his brother of the purpose which + took him to town, lest a word should produce the catastrophe which he + hoped to prevent; and Ned, who now lived in a sort of dream, seemed to + forget Gerald’s existence altogether. + </p> + <p> + With unwonted energy Coventry was astir seven next morning. Lucia gave him + his breakfast, and as he left the room to order the carriage, Miss Muir + came gliding downstairs, very pale and heavy-eyed (with a sleepless, + tearful night, he thought) and, putting a delicate little letter into his + hand, said hurriedly, “Please leave this at Lady Sydney’s, and if you see + her, say ‘I have remembered.’” + </p> + <p> + Her peculiar manner and peculiar message struck him. His eye involuntarily + glanced at the address of the letter and read young Sydney’s name. Then, + conscious of his mistake, he thrust it into his pocket with a hasty “Good + morning,” and left Miss Muir standing with one hand pressed on her heart, + the other half extended as if to recall the letter. + </p> + <p> + All the way to London, Coventry found it impossible to forget the almost + tragical expression of the girl’s face, and it haunted him through the + bustle of two busy days. Ned’s affair was put in the way of being speedily + accomplished, Bella’s commissions were executed, his mother’s pet + delicacies provided for her, and a gift for Lucia, whom the family had + given him for his future mate, as he was too lazy to choose for himself. + </p> + <p> + Jean Muir’s letter he had not delivered, for Lady Sydney was in the + country and her townhouse closed. Curious to see how she would receive his + tidings, he went quietly in on his arrival at home. Everyone had dispersed + to dress for dinner except Miss Muir, who was in the garden, the servant + said. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, I have a message for her”; and, turning, the “young master,” + as they called him, went to seek her. In a remote corner he saw her + sitting alone, buried in thought. As his step roused her, a look of + surprise, followed by one of satisfaction, passed over her face, and, + rising, she beckoned to him with an almost eager gesture. Much amazed, he + went to her and offered the letter, saying kindly, “I regret that I could + not deliver it. Lady Sydney is in the country, and I did not like to post + it without your leave. Did I do right?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right, thank you very much—it is better so.” And with an air + of relief, she tore the letter to atoms, and scattered them to the wind. + </p> + <p> + More amazed than ever, the young man was about to leave her when she said, + with a mixture of entreaty and command, “Please stay a moment. I want to + speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + He paused, eyeing her with visible surprise, for a sudden color dyed her + cheeks, and her lips trembled. Only for a moment, then she was quite + self-possessed again. Motioning him to the seat she had left, she remained + standing while she said, in a low, rapid tone full of pain and of + decision: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Coventry, as the head of the house I want to speak to you, rather + than to your mother, of a most unhappy affair which has occurred during + your absence. My month of probation ends today; your mother wishes me to + remain; I, too, wish it sincerely, for I am happy here, but I ought not. + Read this, and you will see why.” + </p> + <p> + She put a hastily written note into his hand and watched him intently + while he read it. She saw him flush with anger, bite his lips, and knit + his brows, then assume his haughtiest look, as he lifted his eyes and said + in his most sarcastic tone, “Very well for a beginning. The boy has + eloquence. Pity that it should be wasted. May I ask if you have replied to + this rhapsody?” + </p> + <p> + “I have.” + </p> + <p> + “And what follows? He begs you ‘to fly with him, to share his fortunes, + and be the good angel of his life.’ Of course you consent?” + </p> + <p> + There was no answer, for, standing erect before him, Miss Muir regarded + him with an expression of proud patience, like one who expected + reproaches, yet was too generous to resent them. Her manner had its + effect. Dropping his bitter tone, Coventry asked briefly, “Why do you show + me this? What can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “I show it that you may see how much in earnest ‘the boy’ is, and how open + I desire to be. You can control, advise, and comfort your brother, and + help me to see what is my duty.” + </p> + <p> + “You love him?” demanded Coventry bluntly. + </p> + <p> + “No!” was the quick, decided answer. + </p> + <p> + “Then why make him love you?” + </p> + <p> + “I never tried to do it. Your sister will testify that I have endeavored + to avoid him as I—” And he finished the sentence with an unconscious + tone of pique, “As you have avoided me.” + </p> + <p> + She bowed silently, and he went on: + </p> + <p> + “I will do you the justice to say that nothing can be more blameless than + your conduct toward myself; but why allow Ned to haunt you evening after + evening? What could you expect of a romantic boy who had nothing to do but + lose his heart to the first attractive woman he met?” + </p> + <p> + A momentary glisten shone in Jean Muir’s steel-blue eyes as the last words + left the young man’s lips; but it was gone instantly, and her voice was + full of reproach, as she said, steadily, impulsively, “If the ‘romantic + boy’ had been allowed to lead the life of a man, as he longed to do, he + would have had no time to lose his heart to the first sorrowful girl whom + he pitied. Mr. Coventry, the fault is yours. Do not blame your brother, + but generously own your mistake and retrieve it in the speediest, kindest + manner.” + </p> + <p> + For an instant Gerald sat dumb. Never since his father died had anyone + reproved him; seldom in his life had he been blamed. It was a new + experience, and the very novelty added to the effect. He saw his fault, + regretted it, and admired the brave sincerity of the girl in telling him + of it. But he did not know how to deal with the case, and was forced to + confess not only past negligence but present incapacity. He was as + honorable as he was proud, and with an effort he said frankly, “You are + right, Miss Muir. I <i>am</i> to blame, yet as soon as I saw the danger, I + tried to avert it. My visit to town was on Ned’s account; he will have his + commission very soon, and then he will be sent out of harm’s way. Can I do + more?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is too late to send him away with a free and happy heart. He must + bear his pain as he can, and it may help to make a man of him,” she said + sadly. + </p> + <p> + “He’ll soon forget,” began Coventry, who found the thought of gay Ned + suffering an uncomfortable one. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, thank heaven, that is possible, for men.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir pressed her hands together, with a dark expression on her + half-averted face. Something in her tone, her manner, touched Coventry; he + fancied that some old wound bled, some bitter memory awoke at the approach + of a new lover. He was young, heart-whole, and romantic, under all his + cool nonchalance of manner. This girl, who he fancied loved his friend and + who was beloved by his brother, became an object of interest to him. He + pitied her, desired to help her, and regretted his past distrust, as a + chivalrous man always regrets injustice to a woman. She was happy here, + poor, homeless soul, and she should stay. Bella loved her, his mother took + comfort in her, and when Ned was gone, no one’s peace would be endangered + by her winning ways, her rich accomplishments. These thoughts swept + through his mind during a brief pause, and when he spoke, it was to say + gently: + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir, I thank you for the frankness which must have been painful to + you, and I will do my best to be worthy of the confidence which you repose + in me. You were both discreet and kind to speak only to me. This thing + would have troubled my mother extremely, and have done no good. I shall + see Ned, and try and repair my long neglect as promptly as possible. I + know you will help me, and in return let me beg of you to remain, for he + will soon be gone.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with eyes full of tears, and there was no coolness in + the voice that answered softly, “You are too kind, but I had better go; it + is not wise to stay.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + She colored beautifully, hesitated, then spoke out in the clear, steady + voice which was her greatest charm, “If I had known there were sons in + this family, I never should have come. Lady Sydney spoke only of your + sister, and when I found two gentlemen, I was troubled, because—I am + so unfortunate—or rather, people are so kind as to like me more than + I deserve. I thought I could stay a month, at least, as your brother spoke + of going away, and you were already affianced, but—” + </p> + <p> + “I am not affianced.” + </p> + <p> + Why he said that, Coventry could not tell, but the words passed his lips + hastily and could not be recalled. Jean Muir took the announcement oddly + enough. She shrugged her shoulders with an air of extreme annoyance, and + said almost rudely, “Then you should be; you will be soon. But that is + nothing to me. Miss Beaufort wishes me gone, and I am too proud to remain + and become the cause of disunion in a happy family. No, I will go, and go + at once.” + </p> + <p> + She turned away impetuously, but Edward’s arm detained her, and Edward’s + voice demanded, tenderly, “Where will you go, my Jean?” + </p> + <p> + The tender touch and name seemed to rob her of her courage and calmness, + for, leaning on her lover, she hid her face and sobbed audibly. + </p> + <p> + “Now don’t make a scene, for heaven’s sake,” began Coventry impatiently, + as his brother eyed him fiercely, divining at once what had passed, for + his letter was still in Gerald’s hand and Jean’s last words had reached + her lover’s ear. + </p> + <p> + “Who gave you the right to read that, and to interfere in my affairs?” + demanded Edward hotly. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Muir” was the reply, as Coventry threw away the paper. + </p> + <p> + “And you add to the insult by ordering her out of the house,” cried Ned + with increasing wrath. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I beg her to remain.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce you do! And why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she is useful and happy here, and I am unwilling that your folly + should rob her of a home which she likes.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very thoughtful and devoted all at once, but I beg you will not + trouble yourself. Jean’s happiness and home will be my care now.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy, do be reasonable. The thing is impossible. Miss Muir sees it + herself; she came to tell me, to ask how best to arrange matters without + troubling my mother. I’ve been to town to attend to your affairs, and you + may be off now very soon.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no desire to go. Last month it was the wish of my heart. Now I’ll + accept nothing from you.” And Edward turned moodily away from his brother. + </p> + <p> + “What folly! Ned, you <i>must</i> leave home. It is all arranged and + cannot be given up now. A change is what you need, and it will make a man + of you. We shall miss you, of course, but you will be where you’ll see + something of life, and that is better for you than getting into mischief + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going away, Jean?” asked Edward, ignoring his brother entirely + and bending over the girl, who still hid her face and wept. She did not + speak, and Gerald answered for her. + </p> + <p> + “No, why should she if you are gone?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to stay?” asked the lover eagerly of Jean. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to remain, but—” She paused and looked up. Her eyes went + from one face to the other, and she added, decidedly, “Yes, I must go, it + is not wise to stay even when you are gone.” + </p> + <p> + Neither of the young men could have explained why that hurried glance + affected them as it did, but each felt conscious of a willful desire to + oppose the other. Edward suddenly felt that his brother loved Miss Muir, + and was bent on removing her from his way. Gerald had a vague idea that + Miss Muir feared to remain on his account, and he longed to show her that + he was quite safe. Each felt angry, and each showed it in a different way, + one being violent, the other satirical. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Jean, this is not the place for you; and you must let me + see you in a safer home before I go,” said Ned, significantly. + </p> + <p> + “It strikes me that this will be a particularly safe home when your + dangerous self is removed,” began Coventry, with an aggravating smile of + calm superiority. + </p> + <p> + “And <i>I</i> think that I leave a more dangerous person than myself + behind me, as poor Lucia can testify.” + </p> + <p> + “Be careful what you say, Ned, or I shall be forced to remind you that I + am master here. Leave Lucia’s name out of this disagreeable affair, if you + please.” + </p> + <p> + “You <i>are</i> master here, but not of me, or my actions, and you have no + right to expect obedience or respect, for you inspire neither. Jean, I + asked you to go with me secretly; now I ask you openly to share my + fortune. In my brother’s presence I ask, and <i>will</i> have an answer.” + </p> + <p> + He caught her hand impetuously, with a defiant look at Coventry, who still + smiled, as if at boy’s play, though his eyes were kindling and his face + changing with the still, white wrath which is more terrible than any + sudden outburst. Miss Muir looked frightened; she shrank away from her + passionate young lover, cast an appealing glance at Gerald, and seemed as + if she longed to claim his protection yet dared not. + </p> + <p> + “Speak!” cried Edward, desperately. “Don’t look to him, tell me truly, + with your own lips, do you, can you love me, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + “I have told you once. Why pain me by forcing another hard reply,” she + said pitifully, still shrinking from his grasp and seeming to appeal to + his brother. + </p> + <p> + “You wrote a few lines, but I’ll not be satisfied with that. You shall + answer; I’ve seen love in your eyes, heard it in your voice, and I know it + is hidden in your heart. You fear to own it; do not hesitate, no one can + part us—speak, Jean, and satisfy me.” + </p> + <p> + Drawing her hand decidedly away, she went a step nearer Coventry, and + answered, slowly, distinctly, though her lips trembled, and she evidently + dreaded the effect of her words, “I will speak, and speak truly. You have + seen love in my face; it is in my heart, and I do not hesitate to own it, + cruel as it is to force the truth from me, but this love is not for you. + Are you satisfied?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her with a despairing glance and stretched his hand toward + her beseechingly. She seemed to fear a blow, for suddenly she clung to + Gerald with a faint cry. The act, the look of fear, the protecting gesture + Coventry involuntarily made were too much for Edward, already excited by + conflicting passions. In a paroxysm of blind wrath, he caught up a large + pruning knife left there by the gardener, and would have dealt his brother + a fatal blow had he not warded it off with his arm. The stroke fell, and + another might have followed had not Miss Muir with unexpected courage and + strength wrested the knife from Edward and flung it into the little pond + near by. Coventry dropped down upon the seat, for the blood poured from a + deep wound in his arm, showing by its rapid flow that an artery had been + severed. Edward stood aghast, for with the blow his fury passed, leaving + him overwhelmed with remorse and shame. + </p> + <p> + Gerald looked up at him, smiled faintly, and said, with no sign of + reproach or anger, “Never mind, Ned. Forgive and forget. Lend me a hand to + the house, and don’t disturb anyone. It’s not much, I dare say.” But his + lips whitened as he spoke, and his strength failed him. Edward sprang to + support him, and Miss Muir, forgetting her terrors, proved herself a girl + of uncommon skill and courage. + </p> + <p> + “Quick! Lay him down. Give me your handkerchief, and bring some water,” + she said, in a tone of quiet command. Poor Ned obeyed and watched her with + breathless suspense while she tied the handkerchief tightly around the + arm, thrust the handle of his riding whip underneath, and pressed it + firmly above the severed artery to stop the dangerous flow of blood. + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Scott is with your mother, I think. Go and bring him here” was the + next order; and Edward darted away, thankful to do anything to ease the + terror which possessed him. He was gone some minutes, and while they + waited Coventry watched the girl as she knelt beside him, bathing his face + with one hand while with the other she held the bandage firmly in its + place. She was pale, but quite steady and self-possessed, and her eyes + shone with a strange brilliancy as she looked down at him. Once, meeting + his look of grateful wonder, she smiled a reassuring smile that made her + lovely, and said, in a soft, sweet tone never used to him before, “Be + quiet. There is no danger. I will stay by you till help comes.” + </p> + <p> + Help did come speedily, and the doctor’s first words were “Who improvised + that tourniquet?” + </p> + <p> + “She did,” murmured Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “Then you may thank her for saving your life. By Jove! It was capitally + done”; and the old doctor looked at the girl with as much admiration as + curiosity in his face. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that. See to the wound, please, while I ran for bandages, and + salts, and wine.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir was gone as she spoke, so fleetly that it was in vain to call + her back or catch her. During her brief absence, the story was told by + repentant Ned and the wound examined. + </p> + <p> + “Fortunately I have my case of instruments with me,” said the doctor, + spreading on the bench a long array of tiny, glittering implements of + torture. “Now, Mr. Ned, come here, and hold the arm in that way, while I + tie the artery. Hey! That will never do. Don’t tremble so, man, look away + and hold it steadily.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t!” And poor Ned turned faint and white, not at the sight but with + the bitter thought that he had longed to kill his brother. + </p> + <p> + “I will hold it,” and a slender white hand lifted the bare and bloody arm + so firmly, steadily, that Coventry sighed a sigh of relief, and Dr. Scott + fell to work with an emphatic nod of approval. + </p> + <p> + It was soon over, and while Edward ran in to bid the servants beware of + alarming their mistress, Dr. Scott put up his instruments and Miss Muir + used salts, water, and wine so skillfully that Gerald was able to walk to + his room, leaning on the old man, while the girl supported the wounded + arm, as no sling could be made on the spot. As he entered the chamber, + Coventry turned, put out his left hand, and with much feeling in his fine + eyes said simply, “Miss Muir, I thank you.” + </p> + <p> + The color came up beautifully in her pale cheeks as she pressed the hand + and without a word vanished from the room. Lucia and the housekeeper came + bustling in, and there was no lack of attendance on the invalid. He soon + wearied of it, and sent them all away but Ned, who remorsefully haunted + the chamber, looking like a comely young Cain and feeling like an outcast. + </p> + <p> + “Come here, lad, and tell me all about it. I was wrong to be domineering. + Forgive me, and believe that I care for your happiness more sincerely than + for my own.” + </p> + <p> + These frank and friendly words healed the breach between the two brothers + and completely conquered Ned. Gladly did he relate his love passages, for + no young lover ever tires of that amusement if he has a sympathizing + auditor, and Gerald <i>was</i> sympathetic now. For an hour did he lie + listening patiently to the history of the growth of his brother’s passion. + Emotion gave the narrator eloquence, and Jean Muir’s character was painted + in glowing colors. All her unsuspected kindness to those about her was + dwelt upon; all her faithful care, her sisterly interest in Bella, her + gentle attentions to their mother, her sweet forbearance with Lucia, who + plainly showed her dislike, and most of all, her friendly counsel, + sympathy, and regard for Ned himself. + </p> + <p> + “She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as no + one else can. She is unlike any girl I ever saw; there’s no sentimentality + about her; she is wise, and kind, and sweet. She says what she means, + looks you straight in the eye, and is as true as steel. I’ve tried her, I + know her, and—ah, Gerald, I love her so!” + </p> + <p> + Here the poor lad leaned his face into his hands and sighed a sigh that + made his brother’s heart ache. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my soul, Ned, I feel for you; and if there was no obstacle on her + part, I’d do my best for you. She loves Sydney, and so there is nothing + for it but to bear your fate like a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure about Sydney? May it not be some one else?” and Ned eyed his + brother with a suspicious look. + </p> + <p> + Coventry told him all he knew and surmised concerning his friend, not + forgetting the letter. Edward mused a moment, then seemed relieved, and + said frankly, “I’m glad it’s Sydney and not you. I can bear it better.” + </p> + <p> + “Me!” ejaculated Gerald, with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you; I’ve been tormented lately with a fear that you cared for her, + or rather, she for you.” + </p> + <p> + “You jealous young fool! We never see or speak to one another scarcely, so + how could we get up a tender interest?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you lounge about on that terrace for every evening? And why does + she get fluttered when your shadow begins to come and go?” demanded + Edward. + </p> + <p> + “I like the music and don’t care for the society of the singer, that’s why + I walk there. The fluttering is all your imagination; Miss Muir isn’t a + woman to be fluttered by a man’s shadow.” And Coventry glanced at his + useless arm. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for that, and for not saying ‘little Muir,’ as you generally + do. Perhaps it was my imagination. But she never makes fun of you now, and + so I fancied she might have lost her heart to the ‘young master.’ Women + often do, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “She used to ridicule me, did she?” asked Coventry, taking no notice of + the latter part of his brother’s speech, which was quite true + nevertheless. + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly, she was too well-bred for that. But sometimes when Bella and + I joked about you, she’d say something so odd or witty that it was + irresistible. You’re used to being laughed at, so you don’t mind, I know, + just among ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I. Laugh away as much as you like,” said Gerald. But he did mind, and + wanted exceedingly to know what Miss Muir had said, yet was too proud to + ask. He turned restlessly and uttered a sigh of pain. + </p> + <p> + “I’m talking too much; it’s bad for you. Dr. Scott said you must be quiet. + Now go to sleep, if you can.” + </p> + <p> + Edward left the bedside but not the room, for he would let no one take his + place. Coventry tried to sleep, found it impossible, and after a restless + hour called his brother back. + </p> + <p> + “If the bandage was loosened a bit, it would ease my arm and then I could + sleep. Can you do it, Ned?” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not touch it. The doctor gave orders to leave it till he came in + the morning, and I shall only do harm if I try.” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you it’s too tight. My arm is swelling and the pain is + intense. It can’t be right to leave it so. Dr. Scott dressed it in a hurry + and did it too tight. Common sense will tell you that,” said Coventry + impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll call Mrs. Morris; she will understand what’s best to be done.” And + Edward moved toward the door, looking anxious. + </p> + <p> + “Not she, she’ll only make a stir and torment me with her chatter. I’ll + bear it as long as I can, and perhaps Dr. Scott will come tonight. He said + he would if possible. Go to your dinner, Ned. I can ring for Neal if I + need anything. I shall sleep if I’m alone, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + Edward reluctantly obeyed, and his brother was left to himself. Little + rest did he find, however, for the pain of the wounded arm grew + unbearable, and, taking a sudden resolution, he rang for his servant. + </p> + <p> + “Neal, go to Miss Coventry’s study, and if Miss Muir is there, ask her to + be kind enough to come to me. I’m in great pain, and she understand wounds + better than anyone else in the house.” + </p> + <p> + With much surprise in his face, the man departed and a few moments after + the door noiselessly opened and Miss Muir came in. It had been a very warm + day, and for the first time she had left off her plain black dress. All in + white, with no ornament but her fair hair, and a fragrant posy of violets + in her belt, she looked a different woman from the meek, nunlike creature + one usually saw about the house. Her face was as altered as her dress, for + now a soft color glowed in her cheeks, her eyes smiled shyly, and her lips + no longer wore the firm look of one who forcibly repressed every emotion. + A fresh, gentle, and charming woman she seemed, and Coventry found the + dull room suddenly brightened by her presence. Going straight to him, she + said simply, and with a happy, helpful look very comforting to see, “I’m + glad you sent for me. What can I do for you?” + </p> + <p> + He told her, and before the complaint was ended, she began loosening the + bandages with the decision of one who understood what was to be done and + had faith in herself. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that’s relief, that’s comfort!” ejaculated Coventry, as the last + tight fold fell away. “Ned was afraid I should bleed to death if he + touched me. What will the doctor say to us?” + </p> + <p> + “I neither know nor care. I shall say to him that he is a bad surgeon to + bind it so closely, and not leave orders to have it untied if necessary. + Now I shall make it easy and put you to sleep, for that is what you need. + Shall I? May I?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would, if you can.” + </p> + <p> + And while she deftly rearranged the bandages, the young man watched her + curiously. Presently he asked, “How came you to know so much about these + things?” + </p> + <p> + “In the hospital where I was ill, I saw much that interested me, and when + I got better, I used to sing to the patients sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to sing to me?” he asked, in the submissive tone men + unconsciously adopt when ill and in a woman’s care. + </p> + <p> + “If you like it better than reading aloud in a dreamy tone,” she answered, + as she tied the last knot. + </p> + <p> + “I do, much better,” he said decidedly. + </p> + <p> + “You are feverish. I shall wet your forehead, and then you will be quite + comfortable.” She moved about the room in the quiet way which made it a + pleasure to watch her, and, having mingled a little cologne with water, + bathed his face as unconcernedly as if he had been a child. Her + proceedings not only comforted but amused Coventry, who mentally + contrasted her with the stout, beer-drinking matron who had ruled over him + in his last illness. + </p> + <p> + “A clever, kindly little woman,” he thought, and felt quite at his ease, + she was so perfectly easy herself. + </p> + <p> + “There, now you look more like yourself,” she said with an approving nod + as she finished, and smoothed the dark locks off his forehead with a cool, + soft hand. Then seating herself in a large chair near by, she began to + sing, while tidily rolling up the fresh bandages which had been left for + the morning. Coventry lay watching her by the dim light that burned in the + room, and she sang on as easily as a bird, a dreamy, low-toned lullaby, + which soothed the listener like a spell. Presently, looking up to see the + effect of her song, she found the young man wide awake, and regarding her + with a curious mixture of pleasure, interest, and admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Shut your eyes, Mr. Coventry,” she said, with a reproving shake of the + head, and an odd little smile. + </p> + <p> + He laughed and obeyed, but could not resist an occasional covert glance + from under his lashes at the slender white figure in the great velvet + chair. She saw him and frowned. + </p> + <p> + “You are very disobedient; why won’t you sleep?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t, I want to listen. I’m fond of nightingales.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall sing no more, but try something that has never failed yet. + Give me your hand, please.” + </p> + <p> + Much amazed, he gave it, and, taking it in both her small ones, she sat + down behind the curtain and remained as mute and motionless as a statue. + Coventry smiled to himself at first, and wondered which would tire first. + But soon a subtle warmth seemed to steal from the soft palms that enclosed + his own, his heart beat quicker, his breath grew unequal, and a thousand + fancies danced through his brain. He sighed, and said dreamily, as he + turned his face toward her, “I like this.” And in the act of speaking, + seemed to sink into a soft cloud which encompassed him about with an + atmosphere of perfect repose. More than this he could not remember, for + sleep, deep and dreamless, fell upon him, and when he woke, daylight was + shining in between the curtains, his hand lay alone on the coverlet, and + his fair-haired enchantress was gone. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter IV</i> A DISCOVERY + </h2> + <p> + For several days Coventry was confined to his room, much against his will, + though everyone did their best to lighten his irksome captivity. His + mother petted him, Bella sang, Lucia read, Edward was devoted, and all the + household, with one exception, were eager to serve the young master. Jean + Muir never came near him, and Jean Muir alone seemed to possess the power + of amusing him. He soon tired of the others, wanted something new; + recalled the piquant character of the girl and took a fancy into his head + that she would lighten his ennui. After some hesitation, he carelessly + spoke of her to Bella, but nothing came of it, for Bella only said Jean + was well, and very busy doing something lovely to surprise Mamma with. + Edward complained that he never saw her, and Lucia ignored her existence + altogether. The only intelligence the invalid received was from the gossip + of two housemaids over their work in the next room. From them he learned + that the governess had been “scolded” by Miss Beaufort for going to Mr. + Coventry’s room; that she had taken it very sweetly and kept herself + carefully out of the way of both young gentlemen, though it was plain to + see that Mr. Ned was dying for her. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gerald amused himself by thinking over this gossip, and quite annoyed + his sister by his absence of mind. + </p> + <p> + “Gerald, do you know Ned’s commission has come?” + </p> + <p> + “Very interesting. Read on, Bella.” + </p> + <p> + “You stupid boy! You don’t know a word I say,” and she put down the book + to repeat her news. + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad of it; now we must get him off as soon as possible—that + is, I suppose he will want to be off as soon as possible.” And Coventry + woke up from his reverie. + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t check yourself, I know all about it. I think Ned was very + foolish, and that Miss Muir has behaved beautifully. It’s quite + impossible, of course, but I wish it wasn’t, I do so like to watch lovers. + You and Lucia are so cold you are not a bit interesting.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll do me a favor if you’ll stop all that nonsense about Lucia and me. + We are not lovers, and never shall be, I fancy. At all events, I’m tired + of the thing, and wish you and Mamma would let it drop, for the present at + least.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh Gerald, you know Mamma has set her heart upon it, that Papa desired + it, and poor Lucia loves you so much. How can you speak of dropping what + will make us all so happy?” + </p> + <p> + “It won’t make me happy, and I take the liberty of thinking that this is + of some importance. I’m not bound in any way, and don’t intend to be till + I am ready. Now we’ll talk about Ned.” + </p> + <p> + Much grieved and surprised, Bella obeyed, and devoted herself to Edward, + who very wisely submitted to his fate and prepared to leave home for some + months. For a week the house was in a state of excitement about his + departure, and everyone but Jean was busied for him. She was scarcely + seen; every morning she gave Bella her lessons, every afternoon drove out + with Mrs. Coventry, and nearly every evening went up to the Hall to read + to Sir John, who found his wish granted without exactly knowing how it had + been done. + </p> + <p> + The day Edward left, he came down from bidding his mother good-bye, + looking very pale, for he had lingered in his sister’s little room with + Miss Muir as long as he dared. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, dear. Be kind to Jean,” he whispered as he kissed his sister. + </p> + <p> + “I will, I will,” returned Bella, with tearful eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Take care of Mamma, and remember Lucia,” he said again, as he touched his + cousin’s beautiful cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing. I will keep them apart,” she whispered back, and Coventry + heard it. + </p> + <p> + Edward offered his hand to his brother, saying, significantly, as he + looked him in the eye, “I trust you, Gerald.” + </p> + <p> + “You may, Ned.” + </p> + <p> + Then he went, and Coventry tired himself with wondering what Lucia meant. + A few days later he understood. + </p> + <p> + Now Ned is gone, little Muir will appear, I fancy, he said to himself; but + “little Muir” did not appear, and seemed to shun him more carefully than + she had done her lover. If he went to the drawing room in the evening + hoping for music, Lucia alone was there. If he tapped at Bella’s door, + there was always a pause before she opened it, and no sign of Jean + appeared though her voice had been audible when he knocked. If he went to + the library, a hasty rustle and the sound of flying feet betrayed that the + room was deserted at his approach. In the garden Miss Muir never failed to + avoid him, and if by chance they met in hall or breakfast room, she passed + him with downcast eyes and the briefest, coldest greeting. All this + annoyed him intensely, and the more she eluded him, the more he desired to + see her—from a spirit of opposition, he said, nothing more. It + fretted and yet it entertained him, and he found a lazy sort of pleasure + in thwarting the girl’s little maneuvers. His patience gave out at last, + and he resolved to know what was the meaning of this peculiar conduct. + Having locked and taken away the key of one door in the library, he waited + till Miss Muir went in to get a book for his uncle. He had heard her speak + to Bella of it, knew that she believed him with his mother, and smiled to + himself as he stole after her. She was standing in a chair, reaching up, + and he had time to see a slender waist, a pretty foot, before he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Can I help you, Miss Muir?” + </p> + <p> + She started, dropped several books, and turned scarlet, as she said + hurriedly, “Thank you, no; I can get the steps.” + </p> + <p> + “My long arm will be less trouble. I’ve got but one, and that is tired of + being idle, so it is very much at your service. What will you have?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I—you startled me so I’ve forgotten.” And Jean laughed, + nervously, as she looked about her as if planning to escape. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, wait till you remember, and let me thank you for the + enchanted sleep you gave me ten days ago. I’ve had no chance yet, you’ve + shunned me so pertinaciously.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I try not to be rude, but—” She checked herself, and turned + her face away, adding, with an accent of pain in her voice, “It is not my + fault, Mr. Coventry. I only obey orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose orders?” he demanded, still standing so that she could not escape. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t ask; it is one who has a right to command where you are concerned. + Be sure that it is kindly meant, though it may seem folly to us. Nay, + don’t be angry, laugh at it, as I do, and let me run away, please.” + </p> + <p> + She turned, and looked down at him with tears in her eyes, a smile on her + lips, and an expression half sad, half arch, which was altogether + charming. The frown passed from his face, but he still looked grave and + said decidedly, “No one has a right to command in this house but my mother + or myself. Was it she who bade you avoid me as if I was a madman or a + pest?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, don’t ask. I promised not to tell, and you would not have me break my + word, I know.” And still smiling, she regarded him with a look of merry + malice which made any other reply unnecessary. It was Lucia, he thought, + and disliked his cousin intensely just then. Miss Muir moved as if to step + down; he detained her, saying earnestly, yet with a smile, “Do you + consider me the master here?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” and to the word she gave a sweet, submissive intonation which made + it expressive of the respect, regard, and confidence which men find + pleasantest when women feel and show it. Unconsciously his face softened, + and he looked up at her with a different glance from any he had ever given + her before. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, will you consent to obey me if I am not tyrannical or + unreasonable in my demands?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll try.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! Now frankly, I want to say that all this sort of thing is very + disagreeable to me. It annoys me to be a restraint upon anyone’s liberty + or comfort, and I beg you will go and come as freely as you like, and not + mind Lucia’s absurdities. She means well, but hasn’t a particle of + penetration or tact. Will you promise this?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “It is better as it is, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “But you called it folly just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it seems so, and yet—” She paused, looking both confused and + distressed. + </p> + <p> + Coventry lost patience, and said hastily, “You women are such enigmas I + never expect to understand you! Well, I’ve done my best to make you + comfortable, but if you prefer to lead this sort of life, I beg you will + do so.” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>don’t</i> prefer it; it is hateful to me. I like to be myself, to + have my liberty, and the confidence of those about me. But I cannot think + it kind to disturb the peace of anyone, and so I try to obey. I’ve + promised Bella to remain, but I will go rather than have another scene + with Miss Beaufort or with you.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir had burst out impetuously, and stood there with a sudden fire in + her eyes, sudden warmth and spirit in her face and voice that amazed + Coventry. She was angry, hurt, and haughty, and the change only made her + more attractive, for not a trace of her former meek self remained. + Coventry was electrified, and still more surprised when she added, + imperiously, with a gesture as if to put him aside, “Hand me that book and + move away. I wish to go.” + </p> + <p> + He obeyed, even offered his hand, but she refused it, stepped lightly + down, and went to the door. There she turned, and with the same indignant + voice, the same kindling eyes and glowing cheeks, she said rapidly, “I + know I have no right to speak in this way. I restrain myself as long as I + can, but when I can bear no more, my true self breaks loose, and I defy + everything. I am tired of being a cold, calm machine; it is impossible + with an ardent nature like mine, and I shall try no longer. I cannot help + it if people love me. I don’t want their love. I only ask to be left in + peace, and why I am tormented so I cannot see. I’ve neither beauty, money, + nor rank, yet every foolish boy mistakes my frank interest for something + warmer, and makes me miserable. It is my misfortune. Think of me what you + will, but beware of me in time, for against my will I may do you harm.” + </p> + <p> + Almost fiercely she had spoken, and with a warning gesture she hurried + from the room, leaving the young man feeling as if a sudden thunder-gust + had swept through the house. For several minutes he sat in the chair she + left, thinking deeply. Suddenly he rose, went to his sister, and said, in + his usual tone of indolent good nature, “Bella, didn’t I hear Ned ask you + to be kind to Miss Muir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I try to be, but she is so odd lately.” + </p> + <p> + “Odd! How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, she is either as calm and cold as a statue, or restless and queer; + she cries at night, I know, and sighs sadly when she thinks I don’t hear. + Something is the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “She frets for Ned perhaps,” began Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear, no; it’s a great relief to her that he is gone. I’m afraid that + she likes someone very much, and someone don’t like her. Can it be Mr. + Sydney?” + </p> + <p> + “She called him a ‘titled fool’ once, but perhaps that didn’t mean + anything. Did you ever ask her about him?” said Coventry, feeling rather + ashamed of his curiosity, yet unable to resist the temptation of + questioning unsuspecting Bella. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but she only looked at me in her tragical way, and said, so + pitifully, ‘My little friend, I hope you will never have to pass through + the scenes I’ve passed through, but keep your peace unbroken all your + life.’ After that I dared say no more. I’m very fond of her, I want to + make her happy, but I don’t know how. Can you propose anything?” + </p> + <p> + “I was going to propose that you make her come among us more, now Ned is + gone. It must be dull for her, moping about alone. I’m sure it is for me. + She is an entertaining little person, and I enjoy her music very much. + It’s good for Mamma to have gay evenings; so you bestir yourself, and see + what you can do for the general good of the family.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very charming, and I’ve proposed it more than once, but Lucia + spoils all my plans. She is afraid you’ll follow Ned’s example, and that + is so silly.” + </p> + <p> + “Lucia is a—no, I won’t say fool, because she has sense enough when + she chooses; but I wish you’d just settle things with Mamma, and then + Lucia can do nothing but submit,” said Gerald angrily. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll try, but she goes up to read to Uncle, you know, and since he has + had the gout, she stays later, so I see little of her in the evening. + There she goes now. I think she will captivate the old one as well as the + young one, she is so devoted.” + </p> + <p> + Coventry looked after her slender black figure, just vanishing through the + great gate, and an uncomfortable fancy took possession of him, born of + Bella’s careless words. He sauntered away, and after eluding his cousin, + who seemed looking for him, he turned toward the Hall, saying to himself, + I will see what is going on up here. Such things have happened. Uncle is + the simplest soul alive, and if the girl is ambitious, she can do what she + will with him. + </p> + <p> + Here a servant came running after him and gave him a letter, which he + thrust into his pocket without examining it. When he reached the Hall, he + went quietly to his uncle’s study. The door was ajar, and looking in, he + saw a scene of tranquil comfort, very pleasant to watch. Sir John leaned + in his easy chair with one foot on a cushion. He was dressed with his + usual care and, in spite of the gout, looked like a handsome, + well-preserved old gentleman. He was smiling as he listened, and his eyes + rested complacently on Jean Muir, who sat near him reading in her musical + voice, while the sunshine glittered on her hair and the soft rose of her + cheek. She read well, yet Coventry thought her heart was not in her task, + for once when she paused, while Sir John spoke, her eyes had an absent + expression, and she leaned her head upon her hand, with an air of patient + weariness. + </p> + <p> + Poor girl! I did her great injustice; she has no thought of captivating + the old man, but amuses him from simple kindness. She is tired. I’ll put + an end to her task; and Coventry entered without knocking. + </p> + <p> + Sir John received him with an air of polite resignation, Miss Muir with a + perfectly expressionless face. + </p> + <p> + “Mother’s love, and how are you today, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Comfortable, but dull, so I want you to bring the girls over this + evening, to amuse the old gentleman. Mrs. King has got out the antique + costumes and trumpery, as I promised Bella she should have them, and + tonight we are to have a merrymaking, as we used to do when Ned was here.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir, I’ll bring them. We’ve all been out of sorts since the + lad left, and a little jollity will do us good. Are you going back, Miss + Muir?” asked Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “No, I shall keep her to give me my tea and get things ready. Don’t read + anymore, my dear, but go and amuse yourself with the pictures, or whatever + you like,” said Sir John; and like a dutiful daughter she obeyed, as if + glad to get away. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a very charming girl, Gerald,” began Sir John as she left the + room. “I’m much interested in her, both on her own account and on her + mother’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Her mother’s! What do you know of her mother?” asked Coventry, much + surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Her mother was Lady Grace Howard, who ran away with a poor Scotch + minister twenty years ago. The family cast her off, and she lived and died + so obscurely that very little is known of her except that she left an + orphan girl at some small French pension. This is the girl, and a fine + girl, too. I’m surprised that you did not know this.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I, but it is like her not to tell. She is a strange, proud + creature. Lady Howard’s daughter! Upon my word, that is a discovery,” and + Coventry felt his interest in his sister’s governess much increased by + this fact; for, like all wellborn Englishmen, he valued rank and gentle + blood even more than he cared to own. + </p> + <p> + “She has had a hard life of it, this poor little girl, but she has a brave + spirit, and will make her way anywhere,” said Sir John admiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Did Ned know this?” asked Gerald suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “No, she only told me yesterday. I was looking in the <i>Peerage</i> and + chanced to speak of the Howards. She forgot herself and called Lady Grace + her mother. Then I got the whole story, for the lonely little thing was + glad to make a confidant of someone.” + </p> + <p> + “That accounts for her rejection of Sydney and Ned: she knows she is their + equal and will not snatch at the rank which is hers by right. No, she’s + not mercenary or ambitious.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you say?” asked Sir John, for Coventry had spoken more to himself + than to his uncle. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if Lady Sydney was aware of this?” was all Gerald’s answer. + </p> + <p> + “No, Jean said she did not wish to be pitied, and so told nothing to the + mother. I think the son knew, but that was a delicate point, and I asked + no questions.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall write to him as soon as I discover his address. We have been so + intimate I can venture to make a few inquiries about Miss Muir, and prove + the truth of her story.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that you doubt it?” demanded Sir John angrily. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Uncle, but I must confess I have an instinctive + distrust of that young person. It is unjust, I dare say, yet I cannot + banish it.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t annoy me by expressing it, if you please. I have some penetration + and experience, and I respect and pity Miss Muir heartily. This dislike of + yours may be the cause of her late melancholy, hey, Gerald?” And Sir John + looked suspiciously at his nephew. + </p> + <p> + Anxious to avert the rising storm, Coventry said hastily as he turned + away, “I’ve neither time nor inclination to discuss the matter now, sir, + but will be careful not to offend again. I’ll take your message to Bella, + so good-bye for an hour, Uncle.” + </p> + <p> + And Coventry went his way through the park, thinking within himself, The + dear old gentleman is getting fascinated, like poor Ned. How the deuce + does the girl do it? Lady Howard’s daughter, yet never told us; I don’t + understand that. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter V</i> HOW THE GIRL DID IT + </h2> + <p> + At home he found a party of young friends, who hailed with delight the + prospect of a revel at the Hall. An hour later, the blithe company trooped + into the great saloon, where preparations had already been made for a + dramatic evening. + </p> + <p> + Good Sir John was in his element, for he was never so happy as when his + house was full of young people. Several persons were chosen, and in a few + moments the curtains were withdrawn from the first of these impromptu + tableaux. A swarthy, darkly bearded man lay asleep on a tiger skin, in the + shadow of a tent. Oriental arms and drapery surrounded him; an antique + silver lamp burned dimly on a table where fruit lay heaped in costly + dishes, and wine shone redly in half-emptied goblets. Bending over the + sleeper was a woman robed with barbaric splendor. One hand turned back the + embroidered sleeve from the arm which held a scimitar; one slender foot in + a scarlet sandal was visible under the white tunic; her purple mantle + swept down from snowy shoulders; fillets of gold bound her hair, and + jewels shone on neck and arms. She was looking over her shoulder toward + the entrance of the tent, with a steady yet stealthy look, so effective + that for a moment the spectators held their breath, as if they also heard + a passing footstep. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” whispered Lucia, for the face was new to her. + </p> + <p> + “Jean Muir,” answered Coventry, with an absorbed look. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! She is small and fair,” began Lucia, but a hasty “Hush, let + me look!” from her cousin silenced her. + </p> + <p> + Impossible as it seemed, he was right nevertheless; for Jean Muir it was. + She had darkened her skin, painted her eyebrows, disposed some wild black + locks over her fair hair, and thrown such an intensity of expression into + her eyes that they darkened and dilated till they were as fierce as any + southern eyes that ever flashed. Hatred, the deepest and bitterest, was + written on her sternly beautiful face, courage glowed in her glance, power + spoke in the nervous grip of the slender hand that held the weapon, and + the indomitable will of the woman was expressed—even the firm + pressure of the little foot half hidden in the tiger skin. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, isn’t she splendid?” cried Bella under her breath. + </p> + <p> + “She looks as if she’d use her sword well when the time comes,” said + someone admiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Good night to Holofernes; his fate is certain,” added another. + </p> + <p> + “He is the image of Sydney, with that beard on.” + </p> + <p> + “Doesn’t she look as if she really hated him?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she does.” + </p> + <p> + Coventry uttered the last exclamation, for the two which preceded it + suggested an explanation of the marvelous change in Jean. It was not all + art: the intense detestation mingled with a savage joy that the object of + her hatred was in her power was too perfect to be feigned; and having the + key to a part of her story, Coventry felt as if he caught a glimpse of the + truth. It was but a glimpse, however, for the curtain dropped before he + had half analyzed the significance of that strange face. + </p> + <p> + “Horrible! I’m glad it’s over,” said Lucia coldly. + </p> + <p> + “Magnificent! Encore! Encore!” cried Gerald enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + But the scene was over, and no applause could recall the actress. Two or + three graceful or gay pictures followed, but Jean was in none, and each + lacked the charm which real talent lends to the simplest part. + </p> + <p> + “Coventry, you are wanted,” called a voice. And to everyone’s surprise, + Coventry went, though heretofore he had always refused to exert himself + when handsome actors were in demand. + </p> + <p> + “What part am I to spoil?” he asked, as he entered the green room, where + several excited young gentlemen were costuming and attitudinizing. + </p> + <p> + “A fugitive cavalier. Put yourself into this suit, and lose no time asking + questions. Miss Muir will tell you what to do. She is in the tableau, so + no one will mind you,” said the manager pro tem, throwing a rich old suit + toward Coventry and resuming the painting of a moustache on his own boyish + face. + </p> + <p> + A gallant cavalier was the result of Gerald’s hasty toilet, and when he + appeared before the ladies a general glance of admiration was bestowed + upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Come along and be placed; Jean is ready on the stage.” And Bella ran + before him, exclaiming to her governess, “Here he is, quite splendid. + Wasn’t he good to do it?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir, in the charmingly prim and puritanical dress of a Roundhead + damsel, was arranging some shrubs, but turned suddenly and dropped the + green branch she held, as her eye met the glittering figure advancing + toward her. + </p> + <p> + “You!” she said with a troubled look, adding low to Bella, “Why did you + ask <i>him?</i> I begged you not.” + </p> + <p> + “He is the only handsome man here, and the best actor if he likes. He + won’t play usually, so make the most of him.” And Bella was off to finish + powdering her hair for “The Marriage à la Mode.” + </p> + <p> + “I was sent for and I came. Do you prefer some other person?” asked + Coventry, at a loss to understand the half-anxious, half-eager expression + of the face under the little cap. + </p> + <p> + It changed to one of mingled annoyance and resignation as she said, “It is + too late. Please kneel here, half behind the shrubs; put down your hat, + and—allow me—you are too elegant for a fugitive.” + </p> + <p> + As he knelt before her, she disheveled his hair, pulled his lace collar + awry, threw away his gloves and sword, and half untied the cloak that hung + about his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “That is better; your paleness is excellent—nay, don’t spoil it. We + are to represent the picture which hangs in the Hall. I need tell you no + more. Now, Roundheads, place yourselves, and then ring up the curtain.” + </p> + <p> + With a smile, Coventry obeyed her; for the picture was of two lovers, the + young cavalier kneeling, with his arm around the waist of the girl, who + tries to hide him with her little mantle, and presses his head to her + bosom in an ecstasy of fear, as she glances back at the approaching + pursuers. Jean hesitated an instant and shrank a little as his hand + touched her; she blushed deeply, and her eyes fell before his. Then, as + the bell rang, she threw herself into her part with sudden spirit. One arm + half covered him with her cloak, the other pillowed his head on the muslin + kerchief folded over her bosom, and she looked backward with such terror + in her eyes that more than one chivalrous young spectator longed to hurry + to the rescue. It lasted but a moment; yet in that moment Coventry + experienced another new sensation. Many women had smiled on him, but he + had remained heart-whole, cool, and careless, quite unconscious of the + power which a woman possesses and knows how to use, for the weal or woe of + man. Now, as he knelt there with a soft arm about him, a slender waist + yielding to his touch, and a maiden heart throbbing against his cheek, for + the first time in his life he felt the indescribable spell of womanhood, + and looked the ardent lover to perfection. Just as his face assumed this + new and most becoming aspect, the curtain dropped, and clamorous encores + recalled him to the fact that Miss Muir was trying to escape from his + hold, which had grown painful in its unconscious pressure. He sprang up, + half bewildered, and looking as he had never looked before. + </p> + <p> + “Again! Again!” called Sir John. And the young men who played the + Roundheads, eager to share in the applause begged for a repetition in new + attitudes. + </p> + <p> + “A rustle has betrayed you, we have fired and shot the brave girl, and she + lies dying, you know. That will be effective; try it, Miss Muir,” said + one. And with a long breath, Jean complied. + </p> + <p> + The curtain went up, showing the lover still on his knees, unmindful of + the captors who clutched him by the shoulder, for at his feet the girl lay + dying. Her head was on his breast, now, her eyes looked full into his, no + longer wild with fear, but eloquent with the love which even death could + not conquer. The power of those tender eyes thrilled Coventry with a + strange delight, and set his heart beating as rapidly as hers had done. + She felt his hands tremble, saw the color flash into his cheek, knew that + she had touched him at last, and when she rose it was with a sense of + triumph which she found it hard to conceal. Others thought it fine acting; + Coventry tried to believe so; but Lucia set her teeth, and, as the curtain + fell on that second picture, she left her place to hurry behind the + scenes, bent on putting an end to such dangerous play. Several actors were + complimenting the mimic lovers. Jean took it merrily, but Coventry, in + spite of himself, betrayed that he was excited by something deeper than + mere gratified vanity. + </p> + <p> + As Lucia appeared, his manner changed to its usual indifference; but he + could not quench the unwonted fire of his eyes, or keep all trace of + emotion out of his face, and she saw this with a sharp pang. + </p> + <p> + “I have come to offer my help. You must be tired, Miss Muir. Can I relieve + you?” said Lucia hastily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, thank you. I shall be very glad to leave the rest to you, and enjoy + them from the front.” + </p> + <p> + So with a sweet smile Jean tripped away, and to Lucia’s dismay Coventry + followed. + </p> + <p> + “I want you, Gerald; please stay,” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve done my part—no more tragedy for me tonight.” And he was gone + before she could entreat or command. + </p> + <p> + There was no help for it; she must stay and do her duty, or expose her + jealousy to the quick eyes about her. For a time she bore it; but the + sight of her cousin leaning over the chair she had left and chatting with + the governess, who now filled it, grew unbearable, and she dispatched a + little girl with a message to Miss Muir. + </p> + <p> + “Please, Miss Beaufort wants you for Queen Bess, as you are the only lady + with red hair. Will you come?” whispered the child, quite unconscious of + any hidden sting in her words. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear, willingly though I’m not stately enough for Her Majesty, nor + handsome enough,” said Jean, rising with an untroubled face, though she + resented the feminine insult. + </p> + <p> + “Do you want an Essex? I’m all dressed for it,” said Coventry, following + to the door with a wistful look. + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Beaufort said <i>you</i> were not to come. She doesn’t want you + both together,” said the child decidedly. + </p> + <p> + Jean gave him a significant look, shrugged her shoulders, and went away + smiling her odd smile, while Coventry paced up and down the hall in a + curious state of unrest, which made him forgetful of everything till the + young people came gaily out to supper. + </p> + <p> + “Come, bonny Prince Charlie, take me down, and play the lover as + charmingly as you did an hour ago. I never thought you had so much warmth + in you,” said Bella, taking his arm and drawing him on against his will. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be foolish, child. Where is—Lucia?” + </p> + <p> + Why he checked Jean’s name on his lips and substituted another’s, he could + not tell; but a sudden shyness in speaking of her possessed him, and + though he saw her nowhere, he would not ask for her. His cousin came down + looking lovely in a classical costume; but Gerald scarcely saw her, and, + when the merriment was at its height, he slipped away to discover what had + become of Miss Muir. + </p> + <p> + Alone in the deserted drawing room he found her, and paused to watch her a + moment before he spoke; for something in her attitude and face struck him. + She was leaning wearily back in the great chair which had served for a + throne. Her royal robes were still unchanged, though the crown was off and + all her fair hair hung about her shoulders. Excitement and exertion made + her brilliant, the rich dress became her wonderfully, and an air of + luxurious indolence changed the meek governess into a charming woman. She + leaned on the velvet cushions as if she were used to such support; she + played with the jewels which had crowned her as carelessly as if she were + born to wear them; her attitude was full of negligent grace, and the + expression of her face half proud, half pensive, as if her thoughts were + bittersweet. + </p> + <p> + One would know she was wellborn to see her now. Poor girl, what a burden a + life of dependence must be to a spirit like hers! I wonder what she is + thinking of so intently. And Coventry indulged in another look before he + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I bring you some supper, Miss Muir?” + </p> + <p> + “Supper!” she ejaculated, with a start. “Who thinks of one’s body when + one’s soul is—” She stopped there, knit her brows, and laughed + faintly as she added, “No, thank you. I want nothing but advice, and that + I dare not ask of anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have no right.” + </p> + <p> + “Everyone has a right to ask help, especially the weak of the strong. Can + I help you? Believe me, I most heartily offer my poor services.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you forget! This dress, the borrowed splendor of these jewels, the + freedom of this gay evening, the romance of the part you played, all blind + you to the reality. For a moment I cease to be a servant, and for a moment + you treat me as an equal.” + </p> + <p> + It was true; he <i>had</i> forgotten. That soft, reproachful glance + touched him, his distrust melted under the new charm, and he answered with + real feeling in voice and face, “I treat you as an equal because you <i>are</i> + one; and when I offered help, it is not to my sister’s governess alone, + but to Lady Howard’s daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you that?” she demanded, sitting erect. + </p> + <p> + “My uncle. Do not reproach him. It shall go no further, if you forbid it. + Are you sorry that I know it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I will not be pitied!” And her eyes flashed as she made a + half-defiant gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Then, if I may not pity the hard fate which has befallen an innocent + life, may I admire the courage which meets adverse fortune so bravely, and + conquers the world by winning the respect and regard of all who see and + honor it?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir averted her face, put up her hand, and answered hastily, “No, + no, not that! Do not be kind; it destroys the only barrier now left + between us. Be cold to me as before, forget what I am, and let me go on my + way, unknown, unpitied, and unloved!” + </p> + <p> + Her voice faltered and failed as the last word was uttered, and she bent + her face upon her hand. Something jarred upon Coventry in this speech, and + moved him to say, almost rudely, “You need have no fears for me. Lucia + will tell you what an iceberg I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Lucia would tell me wrong. I have the fatal power of reading + character; I know you better than she does, and I see—” There she + stopped abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “What? Tell me and prove your skill,” he said eagerly. + </p> + <p> + Turning, she fixed her eyes on him with a penetrating power that made him + shrink as she said slowly, “Under the ice I see fire, and warn you to + beware lest it prove a volcano.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment he sat dumb, wondering at the insight of the girl; for she + was the first to discover the hidden warmth of a nature too proud to + confess its tender impulses, or the ambitions that slept till some potent + voice awoke them. The blunt, almost stern manner in which she warned him + away from her only made her more attractive; for there was no conceit or + arrogance in it, only a foreboding fear emboldened by past suffering to be + frank. Suddenly he spoke impetuously: + </p> + <p> + “You are right! I am not what I seem, and my indolent indifference is but + the mask under which I conceal my real self. I could be as passionate, as + energetic and aspiring as Ned, if I had any aim in life. I have none, and + so I am what you once called me, a thing to pity and despise.” + </p> + <p> + “I never said that!” cried Jean indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Not in those words, perhaps; but you looked it and thought it, though you + phrased it more mildly. I deserved it, but I shall deserve it no longer. I + am beginning to wake from my disgraceful idleness, and long for some work + that shall make a man of me. Why do you go? I annoy you with my + confessions. Pardon me. They are the first I ever made; they shall be the + last.” + </p> + <p> + “No, oh no! I am too much honored by your confidence; but is it wise, is + it loyal to tell <i>me</i> your hopes and aims? Has not Miss Beaufort the + first right to be your confidante?” + </p> + <p> + Coventry drew back, looking intensely annoyed, for the name recalled much + that he would gladly have forgotten in the novel excitement of the hour. + Lucia’s love, Edward’s parting words, his own reserve so strangely thrown + aside, so difficult to resume. What he would have said was checked by the + sight of a half-open letter which fell from Jean’s dress as she moved + away. Mechanically he took it up to return it, and, as he did so, he + recognized Sydney’s handwriting. Jean snatched it from him, turning pale + to the lips as she cried, “Did you read it? What did you see? Tell me, + tell me, on your honor!” + </p> + <p> + “On my honor, I saw nothing but this single sentence, ‘By the love I bear + you, believe what I say.’ No more, as I am a gentleman. I know the hand, I + guess the purport of the letter, and as a friend of Sydney, I earnestly + desire to help you, if I can. Is this the matter upon which you want + advice?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let me give it?” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot, without knowing all, and it is so hard to tell!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me guess it, and spare you the pain of telling. May I?” And Coventry + waited eagerly for her reply, for the spell was still upon him. + </p> + <p> + Holding the letter fast, she beckoned him to follow, and glided before him + to a secluded little nook, half boudoir, half conservatory. There she + paused, stood an instant as if in doubt, then looked up at him with + confiding eyes and said decidedly, “I will do it; for, strange as it may + seem, you are the only person to whom I <i>can</i> speak. You know Sydney, + you have discovered that I am an equal, you have offered your help. I + accept it; but oh, do not think me unwomanly! Remember how alone I am, how + young, and how much I rely upon your sincerity, your sympathy!” + </p> + <p> + “Speak freely. I am indeed your friend.” And Coventry sat down beside her, + forgetful of everything but the soft-eyed girl who confided in him so + entirely. + </p> + <p> + Speaking rapidly, Jean went on, “You know that Sydney loved me, that I + refused him and went away. But you do not know that his importunities + nearly drove me wild, that he threatened to rob me of my only treasure, my + good name, and that, in desperation, I tried to kill myself. Yes, mad, + wicked as it was, I did long to end the life which was, at best, a burden, + and under his persecution had become a torment. You are shocked, yet what + I say is the living truth. Lady Sydney will confirm it, the nurses at the + hospital will confess that it was not a fever which brought me there; and + here, though the external wound is healed, my heart still aches and burns + with the shame and indignation which only a proud woman can feel.” + </p> + <p> + She paused and sat with kindling eyes, glowing cheeks, and both hands + pressed to her heaving bosom, as if the old insult roused her spirit anew. + Coventry said not a word, for surprise, anger, incredulity, and admiration + mingled so confusedly in his mind that he forgot to speak, and Jean went + on, “That wild act of mine convinced him of my indomitable dislike. He + went away, and I believed that this stormy love of his would be cured by + absence. It is not, and I live in daily fear of fresh entreaties, renewed + persecution. His mother promised not to betray where I had gone, but he + found me out and wrote to me. The letter I asked you to take to Lady + Sydney was a reply to his, imploring him to leave me in peace. You failed + to deliver it, and I was glad, for I thought silence might quench hope. + All in vain; this is a more passionate appeal than ever, and he vows he + will never desist from his endeavors till I give another man the right to + protect me. I <i>can</i> do this—I am sorely tempted to do it, but I + rebel against the cruelty. I love my freedom, I have no wish to marry at + this man’s bidding. What can I do? How can I free myself? Be my friend, + and help me!” + </p> + <p> + Tears streamed down her cheeks, sobs choked her words, and she clasped her + hands imploringly as she turned toward the young man in all the + abandonment of sorrow, fear, and supplication. Coventry found it hard to + meet those eloquent eyes and answer calmly, for he had no experience in + such scenes and knew not how to play his part. It is this absurd dress and + that romantic nonsense which makes me feel so unlike myself, he thought, + quite unconscious of the dangerous power which the dusky room, the + midsummer warmth and fragrance, the memory of the “romantic nonsense,” + and, most of all, the presence of a beautiful, afflicted woman had over + him. His usual self-possession deserted him, and he could only echo the + words which had made the strongest impression upon him: + </p> + <p> + “You <i>can</i> do this, you are tempted to do it. Is Ned the man who can + protect you?” + </p> + <p> + “No” was the soft reply. + </p> + <p> + “Who then?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not ask me. A good and honorable man; one who loves me well, and would + devote his life to me; one whom once it would have been happiness to + marry, but now—” + </p> + <p> + There her voice ended in a sigh, and all her fair hair fell down about her + face, hiding it in a shining veil. + </p> + <p> + “Why not now? This is a sure and speedy way of ending your distress. Is it + impossible?” + </p> + <p> + In spite of himself, Gerald leaned nearer, took one of the little hands in + his, and pressed it as he spoke, urgently, compassionately, nay, almost + tenderly. From behind the veil came a heavy sigh, and the brief answer, + “It is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + She flung her hair back with a sudden gesture, drew away her hand, and + answered, almost fiercely, “Because I do not love him! Why do you torment + me with such questions? I tell you I am in a sore strait and cannot see my + way. Shall I deceive the good man, and secure peace at the price of + liberty and truth? Or shall I defy Sydney and lead a life of dread? If he + menaced my life, I should not fear; but he menaces that which is dearer + than life—my good name. A look, a word can tarnish it; a scornful + smile, a significant shrug can do me more harm than any blow; for I am a + woman—friendless, poor, and at the mercy of his tongue. Ah, better + to have died, and so have been saved the bitter pain that has come now!” + </p> + <p> + She sprang up, clasped her hands over her head, and paced despairingly + through the little room, not weeping, but wearing an expression more + tragical than tears. Still feeling as if he had suddenly stepped into a + romance, yet finding a keen pleasure in the part assigned him, Coventry + threw himself into it with spirit, and heartily did his best to console + the poor girl who needed help so much. Going to her, he said as + impetuously as Ned ever did, “Miss Muir—nay, I will say Jean, if + that will comfort you—listen, and rest assured that no harm shall + touch you if I can ward it off. You are needlessly alarmed. Indignant you + may well be, but, upon my life, I think you wrong Sydney. He is violent, I + know, but he is too honorable a man to injure you by a light word, an + unjust act. He did but threaten, hoping to soften you. Let me see him, or + write to him. He is my friend; he will listen to me. Of that I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Be sure of nothing. When a man like Sydney loves and is thwarted in his + love, nothing can control his headstrong will. Promise me you will not see + or write to him. Much as I fear and despise him, I will submit, rather + than any harm should befall you—or your brother. You promise me, Mr. + Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated. She clung to his arm with unfeigned solicitude in her eager, + pleading face, and he could not resist it. + </p> + <p> + “I promise; but in return you must promise to let me give what help I can; + and, Jean, never say again that you are friendless.” + </p> + <p> + “You are so kind! God bless you for it. But I dare not accept your + friendship; she will not permit it, and I have no right to mar her peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Who will not permit it?” he demanded hotly. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Beaufort.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang Miss Beaufort!” exclaimed Coventry, with such energy that Jean broke + into a musical laugh, despite her trouble. He joined in it, and, for an + instant they stood looking at one another as if the last barrier were + down, and they were friends indeed. Jean paused suddenly, with the smile + on her lips, the tears still on her cheek, and made a warning gesture. He + listened: the sound of feet mingled with calls and laughter proved that + they were missed and sought. + </p> + <p> + “That laugh betrayed us. Stay and meet them. I cannot.” And Jean darted + out upon the lawn. Coventry followed; for the thought of confronting so + many eyes, so many questions, daunted him, and he fled like a coward. The + sound of Jean’s flying footsteps guided him, and he overtook her just as + she paused behind a rose thicket to take breath. + </p> + <p> + “Fainthearted knight! You should have stayed and covered my retreat. Hark! + they are coming! Hide! Hide!” she panted, half in fear, half in merriment, + as the gay pursuers rapidly drew nearer. + </p> + <p> + “Kneel down; the moon is coming out and the glitter of your embroidery + will betray you,” whispered Jean, as they cowered behind the roses. + </p> + <p> + “Your arms and hair will betray you. ‘Come under my plaiddie,’ as the song + says.” And Coventry tried to make his velvet cloak cover the white + shoulders and fair locks. + </p> + <p> + “We are acting our parts in reality now. How Bella will enjoy the thing + when I tell her!” said Jean as the noises died away. + </p> + <p> + “Do not tell her,” whispered Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” she asked, looking up into the face so near her own, with + an artless glance. + </p> + <p> + “Can you not guess why?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are so proud you cannot bear to be laughed at.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that. It is because I do not want you to be annoyed by silly + tongues; you have enough to pain you without that. I am your friend, now, + and I do my best to prove it.” + </p> + <p> + “So kind, so kind! How can I thank you?” murmured Jean. And she + involuntarily nestled closer under the cloak that sheltered both. + </p> + <p> + Neither spoke for a moment, and in the silence the rapid beating of two + hearts was heard. To drown the sound, Coventry said softly, “Are you + frightened?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I like it,” she answered, as softly, then added abruptly, “But why do + we hide? There is nothing to fear. It is late. I must go. You are kneeling + on my train. Please rise.” + </p> + <p> + “Why in such haste? This flight and search only adds to the charm of the + evening. I’ll not get up yet. Will you have a rose, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I will not. Let me go, Mr. Coventry, I insist. There has been enough + of this folly. You forget yourself.” + </p> + <p> + She spoke imperiously, flung off the cloak, and put him from her. He rose + at once, saying, like one waking suddenly from a pleasant dream, “I do + indeed forget myself.” + </p> + <p> + Here the sound of voices broke on them, nearer than before. Pointing to a + covered walk that led to the house, he said, in his usually cool, calm + tone, “Go in that way; I will cover your retreat.” And turning, he went to + meet the merry hunters. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later, when the party broke up, Miss Muir joined them in her + usual quiet dress, looking paler, meeker, and sadder than usual. Coventry + saw this, though he neither looked at her nor addressed her. Lucia saw it + also, and was glad that the dangerous girl had fallen back into her proper + place again, for she had suffered much that night. She appropriated her + cousin’s arm as they went through the park, but he was in one of his + taciturn moods, and all her attempts at conversation were in vain. Miss + Muir walked alone, singing softly to herself as she followed in the dusk. + Was Gerald so silent because he listened to that fitful song? Lucia + thought so, and felt her dislike rapidly deepening to hatred. + </p> + <p> + When the young friends were gone, and the family were exchanging + good-nights among themselves, Jean was surprised by Coventry’s offering + his hand, for he had never done it before, and whispering, as he held it, + though Lucia watched him all the while, “I have not given my advice, yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, I no longer need it. I have decided for myself.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask how?” + </p> + <p> + “To brave my enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! But what decided you so suddenly?” + </p> + <p> + “The finding of a friend.” And with a grateful glance she was gone. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter VI</i> ON THE WATCH + </h2> + <p> + “If you please, Mr. Coventry, did you get the letter last night?” were the + first words that greeted the “young master” as he left his room next + morning. + </p> + <p> + “What letter, Dean? I don’t remember any,” he answered, pausing, for + something in the maid’s manner struck him as peculiar. + </p> + <p> + “It came just as you left for the Hall, sir. Benson ran after you with it, + as it was marked ‘Haste.’ Didn’t you get it, sir?” asked the woman, + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but upon my life, I forgot all about it till this minute. It’s in my + other coat, I suppose, if I’ve not lost it. That absurd masquerading put + everything else out of my head.” And speaking more to himself than to the + maid, Coventry turned back to look for the missing letter. + </p> + <p> + Dean remained where she was, apparently busy about the arrangement of the + curtains at the hall window, but furtively watching meanwhile with a most + unwonted air of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Not there, I thought so!” she muttered, as Coventry impatiently thrust + his hand into one pocket after another. But as she spoke, an expression of + amazement appeared in her face, for suddenly the letter was discovered. + </p> + <p> + “I’d have sworn it wasn’t there! I don’t understand it, but she’s a deep + one, or I’m much deceived.” And Dean shook her head like one perplexed, + but not convinced. + </p> + <p> + Coventry uttered an exclamation of satisfaction on glancing at the address + and, standing where he was, tore open the letter. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear C: + + I’m off to Baden. Come and join me, then you’ll be out of harm’s way; + for if you fall in love with J.M. (and you can’t escape if you stay + where she is), you will incur the trifling inconvenience of having + your brains blown out by + + Yours truly, F.R. Sydney +</pre> + <p> + “The man is mad!” ejaculated Coventry, staring at the letter while an + angry flush rose to his face. “What the deuce does he mean by writing to + me in that style? Join him—not I! And as for the threat, I laugh at + it. Poor Jean! This headstrong fool seems bent on tormenting her. Well, + Dean, what are you waiting for?” he demanded, as if suddenly conscious of + her presence. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, sir; I only stopped to see if you found the letter. Beg pardon, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + And she was moving on when Coventry asked, with a suspicious look, “What + made you think it was lost? You seem to take an uncommon interest in my + affairs today.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear, no, sir. I felt a bit anxious, Benson is so forgetful, and it + was me who sent him after you, for I happened to see you go out, so I felt + responsible. Being marked that way, I thought it might be important so I + asked about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, you can go, Dean. It’s all right, you see.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not so sure of that,” muttered the woman, as she curtsied + respectfully and went away, looking as if the letter had <i>not</i> been + found. + </p> + <p> + Dean was Miss Beaufort’s maid, a grave, middle-aged woman with keen eyes + and a somewhat grim air. Having been long in the family, she enjoyed all + the privileges of a faithful and favorite servant. She loved her young + mistress with an almost jealous affection. She watched over her with the + vigilant care of a mother and resented any attempt at interference on the + part of others. At first she had pitied and liked Jean Muir, then + distrusted her, and now heartily hated her, as the cause of the increased + indifference of Coventry toward his cousin. Dean knew the depth of Lucia’s + love, and though no man, in her eyes, was worthy of her mistress, still, + having honored him with her regard, Dean felt bound to like him, and the + late change in his manner disturbed the maid almost as much as it did the + mistress. She watched Jean narrowly, causing that amiable creature much + amusement but little annoyance, as yet, for Dean’s slow English wit was no + match for the subtle mind of the governess. On the preceding night, Dean + had been sent up to the Hall with costumes and had there seen something + which much disturbed her. She began to speak of it while undressing her + mistress, but Lucia, being in an unhappy mood, had so sternly ordered her + not to gossip that the tale remained untold, and she was forced to bide + her tune. + </p> + <p> + Now I’ll see how <i>she</i> looks after it; though there’s not much to be + got out of <i>her</i> face, the deceitful hussy, thought Dean, marching + down the corridor and knitting her black brows as she went. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Mrs. Dean. I hope you are none the worse for last night’s + frolic. You had the work and we the play,” said a blithe voice behind her; + and turning sharply, she confronted Miss Muir. Fresh and smiling, the + governess nodded with an air of cordiality which would have been + irresistible with anyone but Dean. + </p> + <p> + “I’m quite well, thank you, miss,” she returned coldly, as her keen eye + fastened on the girl as if to watch the effect of her words. “I had a good + rest when the young ladies and gentlemen were at supper, for while the + maids cleared up, I sat in the ‘little anteroom.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I saw you, and feared you’d take cold. Very glad you didn’t. How is + Miss Beaufort? She seemed rather poorly last night” was the tranquil + reply, as Jean settled the little frills about her delicate wrists. The + cool question was a return shot for Dean’s hint that she had been where + she could oversee the interview between Coventry and Miss Muir. + </p> + <p> + “She is a bit tired, as any <i>lady</i> would be after such an evening. + People who are <i>used</i> to <i>play-acting</i> wouldn’t mind it, + perhaps, but Miss Beaufort don’t enjoy <i>romps</i> as much as <i>some</i> + do.” + </p> + <p> + The emphasis upon certain words made Dean’s speech as impertinent as she + desired. But Jean only laughed, and as Coventry’s step was heard behind + them, she ran downstairs, saying blandly, but with a wicked look, “I won’t + stop to thank you now, lest Mr. Coventry should bid me good-morning, and + so increase Miss Beaufort’s indisposition.” + </p> + <p> + Dean’s eyes flashed as she looked after the girl with a wrathful face, and + went her way, saying grimly, “I’ll bide my time, but I’ll get the better + of her yet.” + </p> + <p> + Fancying himself quite removed from “last night’s absurdity,” yet curious + to see how Jean would meet him, Coventry lounged into the breakfast room + with his usual air of listless indifference. A languid nod and murmur was + all the reply he vouchsafed to the greetings of cousin, sister, and + governess as he sat down and took up his paper. + </p> + <p> + “Have you had a letter from Ned?” asked Bella, looking at the note which + her brother still held. + </p> + <p> + “No” was the brief answer. + </p> + <p> + “Who then? You look as if you had received bad news.” + </p> + <p> + There was no reply, and, peeping over his arm, Bella caught sight of the + seal and exclaimed, in a disappointed tone, “It is the Sydney crest. I + don’t care about the note now. Men’s letters to each other are not + interesting.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Muir had been quietly feeding one of Edward’s dogs, but at the name + she looked up and met Coventry’s eyes, coloring so distressfully that he + pitied her. Why he should take the trouble to cover her confusion, he did + not stop to ask himself, but seeing the curl of Lucia’s lip, he suddenly + addressed her with an air of displeasure, “Do you know that Dean is + getting impertinent? She presumes too much on her age and your indulgence, + and forgets her place.” + </p> + <p> + “What has she done?” asked Lucia coldly. + </p> + <p> + “She troubles herself about my affairs and takes it upon herself to keep + Benson in order.” + </p> + <p> + Here Coventry told about the letter and the woman’s evident curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Dean, she gets no thanks for reminding you of what you had + forgotten. Next time she will leave your letters to their fate, and + perhaps it will be as well, if they have such a bad effect upon your + temper, Gerald.” + </p> + <p> + Lucia spoke calmly, but there was an angry color in her cheek as she rose + and left the room. Coventry looked much annoyed, for on Jean’s face he + detected a faint smile, half pitiful, half satirical, which disturbed him + more than his cousin’s insinuation. Bella broke the awkward silence by + saying, with a sigh, “Poor Ned! I do so long to hear again from him. I + thought a letter had come for some of us. Dean said she saw one bearing + his writing on the hall table yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “She seems to have a mania for inspecting letters. I won’t allow it. Who + was the letter for, Bella?” said Coventry, putting down his paper. + </p> + <p> + “She wouldn’t or couldn’t tell, but looked very cross and told me to ask + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very odd! I’ve had none,” began Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “But I had one several days ago. Will you please read it, and my reply?” + And as she spoke, Jean laid two letters before him. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not. It would be dishonorable to read what Ned intended for no + eyes but your own. You are too scrupulous in one way, and not enough so in + another, Miss Muir.” And Coventry offered both the letters with an air of + grave decision, which could not conceal the interest and surprise he felt. + </p> + <p> + “You are right. Mr. Edward’s note <i>should</i> be kept sacred, for in it + the poor boy has laid bare his heart to me. But mine I beg you will read, + that you may see how well I try to keep my word to you. Oblige me in this, + Mr. Coventry; I have a right to ask it of you.” + </p> + <p> + So urgently she spoke, so wistfully she looked, that he could not refuse + and, going to the window, read the letter. It was evidently an answer to a + passionate appeal from the young lover, and was written with consummate + skill. As he read, Gerald could not help thinking, If this girl writes in + this way to a man whom she does <i>not</i> love, with what a world of + power and passion would she write to one whom she <i>did</i> love. And + this thought kept returning to him as his eye went over line after line of + wise argument, gentle reproof, good counsel, and friendly regard. Here and + there a word, a phrase, betrayed what she had already confessed, and + Coventry forgot to return the letter, as he stood wondering who was the + man whom Jean loved. + </p> + <p> + The sound of Bella’s voice recalled him, for she was saying, half kindly, + half petulantly, “Don’t look so sad, Jean. Ned will outlive it, I dare + say. You remember you said once men never died of love, though women + might. In his one note to me, he spoke so beautifully of you, and begged + me to be kind to you for his sake, that I try to be with all my heart, + though if it was anyone but you, I really think I should hate them for + making my dear boy so unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “You are too kind, Bella, and I often think I’ll go away to relieve you of + my presence; but unwise and dangerous as it is to stay, I haven’t the + courage to go. I’ve been so happy here.” And as she spoke, Jean’s head + dropped lower over the dog as it nestled to her affectionately. + </p> + <p> + Before Bella could utter half the loving words that sprang to her lips, + Coventry came to them with all languor gone from face and mien, and laying + Jean’s letter before her, he said, with an undertone of deep feeling in + his usually emotionless voice, “A right womanly and eloquent letter, but I + fear it will only increase the fire it was meant to quench. I pity my + brother more than ever now.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I send it?” asked Jean, looking straight up at him, like one who + had entire reliance on his judgment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have not the heart to rob him of such a sweet sermon upon + self-sacrifice. Shall I post it for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; in a moment.” And with a grateful look, Jean dropped her eyes. + Producing her little purse, she selected a penny, folded it in a bit of + paper, and then offered both letter and coin to Coventry, with such a + pretty air of business, that he could not control a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “So you won’t be indebted to me for a penny? What a proud woman you are, + Miss Muir.” + </p> + <p> + “I am; it’s a family failing.” And she gave him a significant glance, + which recalled to him the memory of who she was. He understood her + feeling, and liked her the better for it, knowing that he would have done + the same had he been in her place. It was a little thing, but if done for + effect, it answered admirably, for it showed a quick insight into his + character on her part, and betrayed to him the existence of a pride in + which he sympathized heartily. He stood by Jean a moment, watching her as + she burnt Edward’s letter in the blaze of the spirit lamp under the urn. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you do that?” he asked involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + “Because it is my duty to forget” was all her answer. + </p> + <p> + “Can you always forget when it becomes a duty?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could! I wish I could!” + </p> + <p> + She spoke passionately, as if the words broke from her against her will, + and, rising hastily, she went into the garden, as if afraid to stay. + </p> + <p> + “Poor, dear Jean is very unhappy about something, but I can’t discover + what it is. Last night I found her crying over a rose, and now she runs + away, looking as if her heart was broken. I’m glad I’ve got no lessons.” + </p> + <p> + “What kind of a rose?” asked Coventry from behind his paper as Bella + paused. + </p> + <p> + “A lovely white one. It must have come from the Hall; we have none like + it. I wonder if Jean was ever going to be married, and lost her lover, and + felt sad because the flower reminded her of bridal roses.” + </p> + <p> + Coventry made no reply, but felt himself change countenance as he recalled + the little scene behind the rose hedge, where he gave Jean the flower + which she had refused yet taken. Presently, to Bella’s surprise, he flung + down the paper, tore Sydney’s note to atoms, and rang for his horse with + an energy which amazed her. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Gerald, what has come over you? One would think Ned’s restless + spirit had suddenly taken possession of you. What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m going to work” was the unexpected answer, as Coventry turned toward + her with an expression so rarely seen on his fine face. + </p> + <p> + “What has waked you up all at once?” asked Bella, looking more and more + amazed. + </p> + <p> + “You did,” he said, drawing her toward him. + </p> + <p> + “I! When? How?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember saying once that energy was better than beauty in a man, + and that no one could respect an idler?” + </p> + <p> + “I never said anything half so sensible as that. Jean said something like + it once, I believe, but I forgot. Are you tired of doing nothing, at last, + Gerald?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I neglected my duty to Ned, till he got into trouble, and now I + reproach myself for it. It’s not too late to do other neglected tasks, so + I’m going at them with a will. Don’t say anything about it to anyone, and + don’t laugh at me, for I’m in earnest, Bell.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you are, and I admire and love you for it, my dear old boy,” cried + Bella enthusiastically, as she threw her arms about his neck and kissed + him heartily. “What will you do first?” she asked, as he stood + thoughtfully smoothing the bright head that leaned upon his shoulder, with + that new expression still clear and steady in his face. + </p> + <p> + “I’m going to ride over the whole estate, and attend to things as a master + should; not leave it all to Bent, of whom I’ve heard many complaints, but + have been too idle to inquire about them. I shall consult Uncle, and + endeavor to be all that my father was in his time. Is that a worthy + ambition, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Gerald, let me tell Mamma. It will make her so happy. You are her + idol, and to hear you say these things, to see you look so like dear Papa, + would do more for her spirits than all the doctors in England.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till I prove what my resolution is worth. When I have really done + something, then I’ll surprise Mamma with a sample of my work.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you’ll tell Lucia?” + </p> + <p> + “Not on any account. It is a little secret between us, so keep it till I + give you leave to tell it.” + </p> + <p> + “But Jean will see it at once; she knows everything that happens, she is + so quick and wise. Do you mind her knowing?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see that I can help it if she is so wonderfully gifted. Let her + see what she can, I don’t mind her. Now I’m off.” And with a kiss to his + sister, a sudden smile on his face, Coventry sprang upon his horse and + rode away at a pace which caused the groom to stare after him in blank + amazement. + </p> + <p> + Nothing more was seen of him till dinnertime, when he came in so + exhilarated by his brisk ride and busy morning that he found some + difficulty in assuming his customary manner, and more than once astonished + the family by talking animatedly on various subjects which till now had + always seemed utterly uninteresting to him. Lucia was amazed, his mother + delighted, and Bella could hardly control her desire to explain the + mystery; but Jean took it very calmly and regarded him with the air of one + who said, “I understand, but you will soon tire of it.” This nettled him + more than he would confess, and he exerted himself to silently contradict + that prophecy. + </p> + <p> + “Have you answered Mr. Sydney’s letter?” asked Bella, when they were all + scattered about the drawing room after dinner. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered her brother, who was pacing up and down with restless + steps, instead of lounging near his beautiful cousin. + </p> + <p> + “I ask because I remembered that Ned sent a message for him in my last + note, as he thought you would know Sydney’s address. Here it is, something + about a horse. Please put it in when you write,” and Bella laid the note + on the writing table nearby. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll send it at once and have done with it,” muttered Coventry and, + seating himself, he dashed off a few lines, sealed and sent the letter, + and then resumed his march, eyeing the three young ladies with three + different expressions, as he passed and repassed. Lucia sat apart, + feigning to be intent upon a book, and her handsome face looked almost + stern in its haughty composure, for though her heart ached, she was too + proud to own it. Bella now lay on the sofa, half asleep, a rosy little + creature, as unconsciously pretty as a child. Miss Muir sat in the recess + of a deep window, in a low lounging chair, working at an embroidery frame + with a graceful industry pleasant to see. Of late she had worn colors, for + Bella had been generous in gifts, and the pale blue muslin which flowed in + soft waves about her was very becoming to her fair skin and golden hair. + The close braids were gone, and loose curls dropped here and there from + the heavy coil wound around her well-shaped head. The tip of one dainty + foot was visible, and a petulant little gesture which now and then shook + back the falling sleeve gave glimpses of a round white arm. Ned’s great + hound lay nearby, the sunshine flickered on her through the leaves, and as + she sat smiling to herself, while the dexterous hands shaped leaf and + flower, she made a charming picture of all that is most womanly and + winning; a picture which few men’s eyes would not have liked to rest upon. + </p> + <p> + Another chair stood near her, and as Coventry went up and down, a strong + desire to take it possessed him. He was tired of his thoughts and wished + to be amused by watching the changes of the girl’s expressive face, + listening to the varying tones of her voice, and trying to discover the + spell which so strongly attracted him in spite of himself. More than once + he swerved from his course to gratify his whim, but Lucia’s presence + always restrained him, and with a word to the dog, or a glance from the + window, as pretext for a pause, he resumed his walk again. Something in + his cousin’s face reproached him, but her manner of late was so repellent + that he felt no desire to resume their former familiarity, and, wishing to + show that he did not consider himself bound, he kept aloof. It was a quiet + test of the power of each woman over this man; they instinctively felt it, + and both tried to conquer. Lucia spoke several times, and tried to speak + frankly and affably; but her manner was constrained, and Coventry, having + answered politely, relapsed into silence. Jean said nothing, but silently + appealed to eye and ear by the pretty picture she made of herself, the + snatches of song she softly sang, as if forgetting that she was not alone, + and a shy glance now and then, half wistful, half merry, which was more + alluring than graceful figure or sweet voice. When she had tormented Lucia + and tempted Coventry long enough, she quietly asserted her supremacy in a + way which astonished her rival, who knew nothing of the secret of her + birth, which knowledge did much to attract and charm the young man. + Letting a ball of silk escape from her lap, she watched it roll toward the + promenader, who caught and returned it with an alacrity which added grace + to the trifling service. As she took it, she said, in the frank way that + never failed to win him, “I think you must be tired; but if exercise is + necessary, employ your energies to some purpose and put your mother’s + basket of silks in order. They are in a tangle, and it will please her to + know that you did it, as your brother used to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Hercules at the distaff,” said Coventry gaily, and down he sat in the + long-desired seat. Jean put the basket on his knee, and as he surveyed it, + as if daunted at his task, she leaned back, and indulged in a musical + little peal of laughter charming to hear. Lucia sat dumb with surprise, to + see her proud, indolent cousin obeying the commands of a governess, and + looking as if he heartily enjoyed it. In ten minutes she was as entirely + forgotten as if she had been miles away; for Jean seemed in her wittiest, + gayest mood, and as she now treated the “young master” like an equal, + there was none of the former meek timidity. Yet often her eyes fell, her + color changed, and the piquant sallies faltered on her tongue, as Coventry + involuntarily looked deep into the fine eyes which had once shone on him + so tenderly in that mimic tragedy. He could not forget it, and though + neither alluded to it, the memory of the previous evening seemed to haunt + both and lend a secret charm to the present moment. Lucia bore this as + long as she could, and then left the room with the air of an insulted + princess; but Coventry did not, and Jean feigned not to see her go. Bella + was fast asleep, and before he knew how it came to pass, the young man was + listening to the story of his companion’s life. A sad tale, told with + wonderful skill, for soon he was absorbed in it. The basket slid + unobserved from his knee, the dog was pushed away, and, leaning forward, + he listened eagerly as the girl’s low voice recounted all the hardships, + loneliness, and grief of her short life. In the midst of a touching + episode she started, stopped, and looked straight before her, with an + intent expression which changed to one of intense contempt, and her eye + turned to Coventry’s, as she said, pointing to the window behind him, “We + are watched.” + </p> + <p> + “By whom?” he demanded, starting up angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, say nothing, let it pass. I am used to it.” + </p> + <p> + “But <i>I</i> am not, and I’ll not submit to it. Who was it, Jean?” he + answered hotly. + </p> + <p> + She smiled significantly at a knot of rose-colored ribbon, which a little + gust was blowing toward them along the terrace. A black frown darkened the + young man’s face as he sprang out of the long window and went rapidly out + of sight, scrutinizing each green nook as he passed. Jean laughed quietly + as she watched him, and said softly to herself, with her eyes on the + fluttering ribbon, “That was a fortunate accident, and a happy + inspiration. Yes, my dear Mrs. Dean, you will find that playing the spy + will only get your mistress as well as yourself into trouble. You would + not be warned, and you must take the consequences, reluctant as I am to + injure a worthy creature like yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Soon Coventry was heard returning. Jean listened with suspended breath to + catch his first words, for he was not alone. + </p> + <p> + “Since you insist that it was you and not your mistress, I let it pass, + although I still have my suspicions. Tell Miss Beaufort I desire to see + her for a few moments in the library. Now go, Dean, and be careful for the + future, if you wish to stay in my house.” + </p> + <p> + The maid retired, and the young man came in looking both ireful and stern. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had said nothing, but I was startled, and spoke involuntarily. + Now you are angry, and I have made fresh trouble for poor Miss Lucia. + Forgive me as I forgive her, and let it pass. I have learned to bear this + surveillance, and pity her causeless jealousy,” said Jean, with a + self-reproachful air. + </p> + <p> + “I will forgive the dishonorable act, but I cannot forget it, and I intend + to put a stop to it. I am not betrothed to my cousin, as I told you once, + but you, like all the rest, seem bent on believing that I am. Hitherto I + have cared too little about the matter to settle it, but now I shall prove + beyond all doubt that I am free.” + </p> + <p> + As he uttered the last word, Coventry cast on Jean a look that affected + her strangely. She grew pale, her work dropped on her lap, and her eyes + rose to his, with an eager, questioning expression, which slowly changed + to one of mingled pain and pity, as she turned her face away, murmuring in + a tone of tender sorrow, “Poor Lucia, who will comfort her?” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Coventry stood silent, as if weighing some fateful purpose in + his mind. As Jean’s rapt sigh of compassion reached his ear, he had echoed + it within himself, and half repented of his resolution; then his eye + rested on the girl before him looking so lonely in her sweet sympathy for + another that his heart yearned toward her. Sudden fire shot into his eye, + sudden warmth replaced the cold sternness of his face, and his steady + voice faltered suddenly, as he said, very low, yet very earnestly, “Jean, + I have tried to love her, but I cannot. Ought I to deceive her, and make + myself miserable to please my family?” + </p> + <p> + “She is beautiful and good, and loves you tenderly; is there no hope for + her?” asked Jean, still pale, but very quiet, though she held one hand + against her heart, as if to still or hide its rapid beating. + </p> + <p> + “None,” answered Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “But can you not learn to love her? Your will is strong, and most men + would not find it a hard task.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, for something stronger than my own will controls me.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” And Jean’s dark eyes were fixed upon him, full of innocent + wonder. + </p> + <p> + His fell, and he said hastily, “I dare not tell you yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon! I should not have asked. Do not consult me in this matter; I am + not the person to advise you. I can only say that it seems to me as if any + man with an empty heart would be glad to have so beautiful a woman as your + cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “My heart is not empty,” began Coventry, drawing a step nearer, and + speaking in a passionate voice. “Jean, I <i>must</i> speak; hear me. I + cannot love my cousin, because I love you.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” And Jean sprang up with a commanding gesture. “I will not hear you + while any promise binds you to another. Remember your mother’s wishes, + Lucia’s hopes, Edward’s last words, your own pride, my humble lot. You + forget yourself, Mr. Coventry. Think well before you speak, weigh the cost + of this act, and recollect who I am before you insult me by any transient + passion, any false vows.” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought, I do weigh the cost, and I swear that I desire to woo you + as humbly, honestly as I would any lady in the land. You speak of my + pride. Do I stoop in loving my equal in rank? You speak of your lowly lot, + but poverty is no disgrace, and the courage with which you bear it makes + it beautiful. I should have broken with Lucia before I spoke, but I could + not control myself. My mother loves you, and will be happy in my + happiness. Edward must forgive me, for I have tried to do my best, but + love is irresistible. Tell me, Jean, is there any hope for me?” + </p> + <p> + He had seized her hand and was speaking impetuously, with ardent face and + tender tone, but no answer came, for as Jean turned her eloquent + countenance toward him, full of maiden shame and timid love, Dean’s prim + figure appeared at the door, and her harsh voice broke the momentary + silence, saying, sternly, “Miss Beaufort is waiting for you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, go at once, and be kind, for my sake, Gerald,” whispered Jean, for he + stood as if deaf and blind to everything but her voice, her face. + </p> + <p> + As she drew his head down to whisper, her cheek touched his, and + regardless of Dean, he kissed it, passionately, whispering back, “My + little Jean! For your sake I can be anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Beaufort is waiting. Shall I say you will come, sir?” demanded Dean, + pale and grim with indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, I’ll come. Wait for me in the garden, Jean.” And Coventry + hurried away, in no mood for the interview but anxious to have it over. + </p> + <p> + As the door closed behind him, Dean walked up to Miss Muir, trembling with + anger, and laying a heavy hand on her arm, she said below her breath, + “I’ve been expecting this, you artful creature. I saw your game and did my + best to spoil it, but you are too quick for me. You think you’ve got him. + There you are mistaken; for as sure as my name is Hester Dean, I’ll + prevent it, or Sir John shall.” + </p> + <p> + “Take your hand away and treat me with proper respect, or you will be + dismissed from this house. Do you know who I am?” And Jean drew herself up + with a haughty air, which impressed the woman more deeply than her words. + “I am the daughter of Lady Howard and, if I choose it, can be the wife of + Mr. Coventry.” + </p> + <p> + Dean drew back amazed, yet not convinced. Being a well-trained servant, as + well as a prudent woman, she feared to overstep the bounds of respect, to + go too far, and get her mistress as well as herself into trouble. So, + though she still doubted Jean, and hated her more than ever, she + controlled herself. Dropping a curtsy, she assumed her usual air of + deference, and said, meekly, “I beg pardon, miss. If I’d known, I should + have conducted myself differently, of course, but ordinary governesses + make so much mischief in a house, one can’t help mistrusting them. I don’t + wish to meddle or be overbold, but being fond of my dear young lady, I + naturally take her part, and must say that Mr. Coventry has not acted like + a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Think what you please, Dean, but I advise you to say as little as + possible if you wish to remain. I have not accepted Mr. Coventry yet, and + if he chooses to set aside the engagement his family made for him, I think + he has a right to do so. Miss Beaufort would hardly care to marry him + against his will, because he pities her for her unhappy love,” and with a + tranquil smile, Miss Muir walked away. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter VII</i> THE LAST CHANCE + </h2> + <p> + “She will tell Sir John, will she? Then I must be before her, and hasten + events. It will be as well to have all sure before there can be any + danger. My poor Dean, you are no match for me, but you may prove annoying, + nevertheless.” + </p> + <p> + These thoughts passed through Miss Muir’s mind as she went down the hall, + pausing an instant at the library door, for the murmur of voices was + heard. She caught no word, and had only time for an instant’s pause as + Dean’s heavy step followed her. Turning, Jean drew a chair before the + door, and, beckoning to the woman, she said, smiling still, “Sit here and + play watchdog. I am going to Miss Bella, so you can nod if you will.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, miss. I will wait for my young lady. She may need me when this + hard time is over.” And Dean seated herself with a resolute face. + </p> + <p> + Jean laughed and went on; but her eyes gleamed with sudden malice, and she + glanced over her shoulder with an expression which boded ill for the + faithful old servant. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve got a letter from Ned, and here is a tiny note for you,” cried Bella + as Jean entered the boudoir. “Mine is a very odd, hasty letter, with no + news in it, but his meeting with Sydney. I hope yours is better, or it + won’t be very satisfactory.” + </p> + <p> + As Sydney’s name passed Bella’s lips, all the color died out of Miss + Muir’s face, and the note shook with the tremor of her hand. Her very lips + were white, but she said calmly, “Thank you. As you are busy, I’ll go and + read my letter on the lawn.” And before Bella could speak, she was gone. + </p> + <p> + Hurrying to a quiet nook, Jean tore open the note and read the few blotted + lines it contained. + </p> + <p> + <i>I have seen Sydney; he has told me all; and, hard as I found it to + believe, it was impossible to doubt, for he has discovered proofs which + cannot be denied. I make no reproaches, shall demand no confession or + atonement, for I cannot forget that I once loved you. I give you three + days to find another home, before I return to tell the family who you are. + Go at once, I beseech you, and spare me the pain of seeing your disgrace.</i> + </p> + <p> + Slowly, steadily she read it twice over, then sat motionless, knitting her + brows in deep thought. Presently she drew a long breath, tore up the note, + and rising, went slowly toward the Hall, saying to herself, “Three days, + only three days! Can it be accomplished in so short a time? It shall be, + if wit and will can do it, for it is my last chance. If this fails, I’ll + not go back to my old life, but end all at once.” + </p> + <p> + Setting her teeth and clenching her hands, as if some memory stung her, + she went on through the twilight, to find Sir John waiting to give her a + hearty welcome. + </p> + <p> + “You look tired, my dear. Never mind the reading tonight; rest yourself, + and let the book go,” he said kindly, observing her worn look. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir. I am tired, but I’d rather read, else the book will not + be finished before I go.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, child! Where are you going?” demanded Sir John, looking anxiously at + her as she sat down. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you by-and-by, sir.” And opening the book, Jean read for a + little while. + </p> + <p> + But the usual charm was gone; there was no spirit in the voice of the + reader, no interest in the face of the listener, and soon he said, + abruptly, “My dear, pray stop! I cannot listen with a divided mind. What + troubles you? Tell your friend, and let him comfort you.” + </p> + <p> + As if the kind words overcame her, Jean dropped the book, covered up her + face, and wept so bitterly that Sir John was much alarmed; for such a + demonstration was doubly touching in one who usually was all gaiety and + smiles. As he tried to soothe her, his words grew tender, his solicitude + full of a more than paternal anxiety, and his kind heart overflowed with + pity and affection for the weeping girl. As she grew calmer, he urged her + to be frank, promising to help and counsel her, whatever the affliction or + fault might be. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are too kind, too generous! How can I go away and leave my one + friend?” sighed Jean, wiping the tears away and looking up at him with + grateful eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Then you do care a little for the old man?” said Sir John with an eager + look, an involuntary pressure of the hand he held. + </p> + <p> + Jean turned her face away, and answered, very low, “No one ever was so + kind to me as you have been. Can I help caring for you more than I can + express?” + </p> + <p> + Sir John was a little deaf at times, but he heard that, and looked well + pleased. He had been rather thoughtful of late, had dressed with unusual + care, been particularly gallant and gay when the young ladies visited him, + and more than once, when Jean paused in the reading to ask a question, he + had been forced to confess that he had not been listening; though, as she + well knew, his eyes had been fixed upon her. Since the discovery of her + birth, his manner had been peculiarly benignant, and many little acts had + proved his interest and goodwill. Now, when Jean spoke of going, a panic + seized him, and desolation seemed about to fall upon the old Hall. + Something in her unusual agitation struck him as peculiar and excited his + curiosity. Never had she seemed so interesting as now, when she sat beside + him with tearful eyes, and some soft trouble in her heart which she dared + not confess. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me everything, child, and let your friend help you if he can.” + Formerly he said “father” or “the old man,” but lately he always spoke of + himself as her “friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you, for I have no one else to turn to. I must go away + because Mr. Coventry has been weak enough to love me.” + </p> + <p> + “What, Gerald?” cried Sir John, amazed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; today he told me this, and left me to break with Lucia; so I ran to + you to help me prevent him from disappointing his mother’s hopes and + plans.” + </p> + <p> + Sir John had started up and paced down the room, but as Jean paused he + turned toward her, saying, with an altered face, “Then you do not love + him? Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not love him,” she answered promptly. + </p> + <p> + “Yet he is all that women usually find attractive. How is it that you have + escaped, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + “I love someone else” was the scarcely audible reply. + </p> + <p> + Sir John resumed his seat with the air of a man bent on getting at a + mystery, if possible. + </p> + <p> + “It will be unjust to let you suffer for the folly of these boys, my + little girl. Ned is gone, and I was sure that Gerald was safe; but now + that his turn has come, I am perplexed, for he cannot be sent away.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is I who must go; but it seems so hard to leave this safe and + happy home, and wander away into the wide, cold world again. You have all + been too kind to me, and now separation breaks my heart.” + </p> + <p> + A sob ended the speech, and Jean’s head went down upon her hands again. + Sir John looked at her a moment, and his fine old face was full of genuine + emotion, as he said slowly, “Jean, will you stay and be a daughter to the + solitary old man?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir” was the unexpected answer. + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” asked Sir John, looking surprised, but rather pleased than + angry. + </p> + <p> + “Because I could not be a daughter to you; and even if I could, it would + not be wise, for the gossips would say you were not old enough to be the + adopted father of a girl like me. Sir John, young as I am, I know much of + the world, and am sure that this kind plan is impractical; but I thank you + from the bottom of my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Where will you go, Jean?” asked Sir John, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “To London, and try to find another situation where I can do no harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it be difficult to find another home?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I cannot ask Mrs. Coventry to recommend me, when I have innocently + brought so much trouble into her family; and Lady Sydney is gone, so I + have no friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Except John Coventry. I will arrange all that. When will you go, Jean?” + </p> + <p> + “Tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “So soon!” And the old man’s voice betrayed the trouble he was trying to + conceal. + </p> + <p> + Jean had grown very calm, but it was the calmness of desperation. She had + hoped that the first tears would produce the avowal for which she waited. + It had not, and she began to fear that her last chance was slipping from + her. Did the old man love her? If so, why did he not speak? Eager to + profit by each moment, she was on the alert for any hopeful hint, any + propitious word, look, or act, and every nerve was strung to the utmost. + </p> + <p> + “Jean, may I ask one question?” said Sir John. + </p> + <p> + “Anything of me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “This man whom you love—can he not help you?” + </p> + <p> + “He could if he knew, but he must not.” + </p> + <p> + “If he knew what? Your present trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “No. My love.” + </p> + <p> + “He does not know this, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank heaven! And he never will.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I am too proud to own it.” + </p> + <p> + “He loves you, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know—I dare not hope it,” murmured Jean. + </p> + <p> + “Can I not help you here? Believe me, I desire to see you safe and happy. + Is there nothing I can do?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “May I know the name?” + </p> + <p> + “No! No! Let me go; I cannot bear this questioning!” And Jean’s + distressful face warned him to ask no more. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, and let me do what I may. Rest here quietly. I’ll write a + letter to a good friend of mine, who will find you a home, if you leave + us.” + </p> + <p> + As Sir John passed into his inner study, Jean watched him with despairing + eyes and wrung her hands, saying to herself, Has all my skill deserted me + when I need it most? How can I make him understand, yet not overstep the + bounds of maiden modesty? He is so blind, so timid, or so dull he will not + see, and time is going fast. What shall I do to open his eyes? + </p> + <p> + Her own eyes roved about the room, seeking for some aid from inanimate + things, and soon she found it. Close behind the couch where she sat hung a + fine miniature of Sir John. At first her eye rested on it as she + contrasted its placid comeliness with the unusual pallor and disquiet of + the living face seen through the open door, as the old man sat at his desk + trying to write and casting covert glances at the girlish figure he had + left behind him. Affecting unconsciousness of this, Jean gazed on as if + forgetful of everything but the picture, and suddenly, as if obeying an + irresistible impulse, she took it down, looked long and fondly at it, + then, shaking her curls about her face, as if to hide the act, pressed it + to her lips and seemed to weep over it in an uncontrollable paroxysm of + tender grief. A sound startled her, and like a guilty thing, she turned to + replace the picture; but it dropped from her hand as she uttered a faint + cry and hid her face, for Sir John stood before her, with an expression + which she could not mistake. + </p> + <p> + “Jean, why did you do that?” he asked, in an eager, agitated voice. + </p> + <p> + No answer, as the girl sank lower, like one overwhelmed with shame. Laying + his hand on the bent head, and bending his own, he whispered, “Tell me, is + the name John Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + Still no answer, but a stifled sound betrayed that his words had gone + home. + </p> + <p> + “Jean, shall I go back and write the letter, or may I stay and tell you + that the old man loves you better than a daughter?” + </p> + <p> + She did not speak, but a little hand stole out from under the falling + hair, as if to keep him. With a broken exclamation he seized it, drew her + up into his arms, and laid his gray head on her fair one, too happy for + words. For a moment Jean Muir enjoyed her success; then, fearing lest some + sudden mishap should destroy it, she hastened to make all secure. Looking + up with well-feigned timidity and half-confessed affection, she said + softly, “Forgive me that I could not hide this better. I meant to go away + and never tell it, but you were so kind it made the parting doubly hard. + Why did you ask such dangerous questions? Why did you look, when you + should have been writing my dismissal?” + </p> + <p> + “How could I dream that you loved me, Jean, when you refused the only + offer I dared make? Could I be presumptuous enough to fancy you would + reject young lovers for an old man like me?” asked Sir John, caressing + her. + </p> + <p> + “You are not old, to me, but everything I love and honor!” interrupted + Jean, with a touch of genuine remorse, as this generous, honorable + gentleman gave her both heart and home, unconscious of deceit. “It is I + who am presumptuous, to dare to love one so far above me. But I did not + know how dear you were to me till I felt that I must go. I ought not to + accept this happiness. I am not worthy of it; and you will regret your + kindness when the world blames you for giving a home to one so poor, and + plain, and humble as I.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, my darling. I care nothing for the idle gossip of the world. If you + are happy here, let tongues wag as they will. I shall be too busy enjoying + the sunshine of your presence to heed anything that goes on about me. But, + Jean, you are sure you love me? It seems incredible that I should win the + heart that has been so cold to younger, better men than I.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Sir John, be sure of this, I love you truly. I will do my best to be + a good wife to you, and prove that, in spite of my many faults, I possess + the virtue of gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + If he had known the strait she was in, he would have understood the cause + of the sudden fervor of her words, the intense thankfulness that shone in + her face, the real humility that made her stoop and kiss the generous hand + that gave so much. For a few moments she enjoyed and let him enjoy the + happy present, undisturbed. But the anxiety which devoured her, the danger + which menaced her, soon recalled her, and forced her to wring yet more + from the unsuspicious heart she had conquered. + </p> + <p> + “No need of letters now,” said Sir John, as they sat side by side, with + the summer moonlight glorifying all the room. “You have found a home for + life; may it prove a happy one.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not mine yet, and I have a strange foreboding that it never will + be,” she answered sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have an enemy who will try to destroy my peace, to poison your + mind against me, and to drive me out from my paradise, to suffer again all + I have suffered this last year.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that mad Sydney of whom you told me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. As soon as he hears of this good fortune to poor little Jean, he + will hasten to mar it. He is my fate; I cannot escape him, and wherever he + goes my friends desert me; for he has the power and uses it for my + destruction. Let me go away and hide before he comes, for, having shared + your confidence, it will break my heart to see you distrust and turn from + me, instead of loving and protecting.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor child, you are superstitious. Be easy. No one can harm you now, + no one would dare attempt it. And as for my deserting you, that will soon + be out of my power, if I have my way.” + </p> + <p> + “How, dear Sir John?” asked Jean, with a flutter of intense relief at her + heart, for the way seemed smoothing before her. + </p> + <p> + “I will make you my wife at once, if I may. This will free you from + Gerald’s love, protect you from Sydney’s persecution, give you a safe + home, and me the right to cherish and defend with heart and hand. Shall it + be so, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but oh, remember that I have no friend but you! Promise me to be + faithful to the last—to believe in me, to trust me, protect and love + me, in spite of all misfortunes, faults, and follies. I will be true as + steel to you, and make your life as happy as it deserves to be. Let us + promise these things now, and keep the promises unbroken to the end.” + </p> + <p> + Her solemn air touched Sir John. Too honorable and upright himself to + suspect falsehood in others, he saw only the natural impulse of a lovely + girl in Jean’s words, and, taking the hand she gave him in both of his, he + promised all she asked, and kept that promise to the end. She paused an + instant, with a pale, absent expression, as if she searched herself, then + looked up clearly in the confiding face above her, and promised what she + faithfully performed in afteryears. + </p> + <p> + “When shall it be, little sweetheart? I leave all to you, only let it be + soon, else some gay young lover will appear, and take you from me,” said + Sir John, playfully, anxious to chase away the dark expression which had + stolen over Jean’s face. + </p> + <p> + “Can you keep a secret?” asked the girl, smiling up at him, all her + charming self again. + </p> + <p> + “Try me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will. Edward is coming home in three days. I must be gone before he + comes. Tell no one of this; he wishes to surprise them. And if you love + me, tell nobody of your approaching marriage. Do not betray that you care + for me until I am really yours. There will be such a stir, such + remonstrances, explanations, and reproaches that I shall be worn out, and + run away from you all to escape the trial. If I could have my wish, I + would go to some quiet place tomorrow and wait till you come for me. I + know so little of such things, I cannot tell how soon we may be married; + not for some weeks, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Tomorrow, if we like. A special license permits people to marry when and + where they please. My plan is better than yours. Listen, and tell me if it + can be carried out. I will go to town tomorrow, get the license, invite my + friend, the Reverend Paul Fairfax, to return with me, and tomorrow evening + you come at your usual time, and, in the presence of my discreet old + servants, make me the happiest man in England. How does this suit you, my + little Lady Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + The plan which seemed made to meet her ends, the name which was the height + of her ambition, and the blessed sense of safety which came to her filled + Jean Muir with such intense satisfaction that tears of real feeling stood + in her eyes, and the glad assent she gave was the truest word that had + passed her lips for months. + </p> + <p> + “We will go abroad or to Scotland for our honeymoon, till the storm blows + over,” said Sir John, well knowing that this hasty marriage would surprise + or offend all his relations, and feeling as glad as Jean to escape the + first excitement. + </p> + <p> + “To Scotland, please. I long to see my father’s home,” said Jean, who + dreaded to meet Sydney on the continent. + </p> + <p> + They talked a little longer, arranging all things, Sir John so intent on + hurrying the event that Jean had nothing to do but give a ready assent to + all his suggestions. One fear alone disturbed her. If Sir John went to + town, he might meet Edward, might hear and believe his statements. Then + all would be lost. Yet this risk must be incurred, if the marriage was to + be speedily and safely accomplished; and to guard against the meeting was + Jean’s sole care. As they went through the park—for Sir John + insisted upon taking her home—she said, clinging to his arm: + </p> + <p> + “Dear friend, bear one thing in mind, else we shall be much annoyed, and + all our plans disarranged. Avoid your nephews; you are so frank your face + will betray you. They both love me, are both hot-tempered, and in the + first excitement of the discovery might be violent. You must incur no + danger, no disrespect for my sake; so shun them both till we are safe—particularly + Edward. He will feel that his brother has wronged him, and that you have + succeeded where he failed. This will irritate him, and I fear a stormy + scene. Promise to avoid both for a day or two; do not listen to them, do + not see them, do not write to or receive letters from them. It is foolish, + I know; but you are all I have, and I am haunted by a strange foreboding + that I am to lose you.” + </p> + <p> + Touched and flattered by her tender solicitude, Sir John promised + everything, even while he laughed at her fears. Love blinded the good + gentleman to the peculiarity of the request; the novelty, romance, and + secrecy of the affair rather bewildered though it charmed him; and the + knowledge that he had outrivaled three young and ardent lovers gratified + his vanity more than he would confess. Parting from the girl at the garden + gate, he turned homeward, feeling like a boy again, and loitered back, + humming a love lay, quite forgetful of evening damps, gout, and the + five-and-fifty years which lay so lightly on his shoulders since Jean’s + arms had rested there. She hurried toward the house, anxious to escape + Coventry; but he was waiting for her, and she was forced to meet him. + </p> + <p> + “How could you linger so long, and keep me in suspense?” he said + reproachfully, as he took her hand and tried to catch a glimpse of her + face in the shadow of her hat brim. “Come and rest in the grotto. I have + so much to say, to hear and enjoy.” + </p> + <p> + “Not now; I am too tired. Let me go in and sleep. Tomorrow we will talk. + It is damp and chilly, and my head aches with all this worry.” Jean spoke + wearily, yet with a touch of petulance, and Coventry, fancying that she + was piqued at his not coming for her, hastened to explain with eager + tenderness. + </p> + <p> + “My poor little Jean, you do need rest. We wear you out, among us, and you + never complain. I should have come to bring you home, but Lucia detained + me, and when I got away I saw my uncle had forestalled me. I shall be + jealous of the old gentleman, if he is so devoted. Jean, tell me one thing + before we part; I am free as air, now, and have a right to speak. Do you + love me? Am I the happy man who has won your heart? I dare to think so, to + believe that this telltale face of yours has betrayed you, and to hope + that I have gained what poor Ned and wild Sydney have lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Before I answer, tell me of your interview with Lucia. I have a right to + know,” said Jean. + </p> + <p> + Coventry hesitated, for pity and remorse were busy at his heart when he + recalled poor Lucia’s grief. Jean was bent on hearing the humiliation of + her rival. As the young man paused, she frowned, then lifted up her face + wreathed in softest smiles, and laying her hand on his arm, she said, with + most effective emphasis, half shy, half fond, upon his name, “Please tell + me, Gerald!” + </p> + <p> + He could not resist the look, the touch, the tone, and taking the little + hand in his, he said rapidly, as if the task was distasteful to him, “I + told her that I did not, could not love her; that I had submitted to my + mother’s wish, and, for a time, had felt tacitly bound to her, though no + words had passed between us. But now I demanded my liberty, regretting + that the separation was not mutually desired.” + </p> + <p> + “And she—what did she say? How did she bear it?” asked Jean, feeling + in her own woman’s heart how deeply Lucia’s must have been wounded by that + avowal. + </p> + <p> + “Poor girl! It was hard to bear, but her pride sustained her to the end. + She owned that no pledge tied me, fully relinquished any claim my past + behavior had seemed to have given her, and prayed that I might find + another woman to love me as truly, tenderly as she had done. Jean, I felt + like a villain; and yet I never plighted my word to her, never really + loved her, and had a perfect right to leave her, if I would.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she speak of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “What did she say?” + </p> + <p> + “Must I tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, tell me everything. I know she hates me and I forgive her, knowing + that I should hate any woman whom <i>you</i> loved.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you jealous, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Of you, Gerald?” And the fine eyes glanced up at him, full of a + brilliancy that looked like the light of love. + </p> + <p> + “You make a slave of me already. How do you do it? I never obeyed a woman + before. Jean, I think you are a witch. Scotland is the home of weird, + uncanny creatures, who take lovely shapes for the bedevilment of poor weak + souls. Are you one of those fair deceivers?” + </p> + <p> + “You are complimentary,” laughed the girl. “I <i>am</i> a witch, and one + day my disguise will drop away and you will see me as I am, old, ugly, bad + and lost. Beware of me in time. I’ve warned you. Now love me at your + peril.” + </p> + <p> + Coventry had paused as he spoke, and eyed her with an unquiet look, + conscious of some fascination which conquered yet brought no happiness. A + feverish yet pleasurable excitement possessed him; a reckless mood, making + him eager to obliterate the past by any rash act, any new experience which + his passion brought. Jean regarded him with a wistful, almost woeful face, + for one short moment; then a strange smile broke over it, as she spoke in + a tone of malicious mockery, under which lurked the bitterness of a sad + truth. Coventry looked half bewildered, and his eye went from the girl’s + mysterious face to a dimly lighted window, behind whose curtains poor + Lucia hid her aching heart, praying for him the tender prayers that loving + women give to those whose sins are all forgiven for love’s sake. His heart + smote him, and a momentary feeling of repulsion came over him, as he + looked at Jean. She saw it, felt angry, yet conscious of a sense of + relief; for now that her own safety was so nearly secured, she felt no + wish to do mischief, but rather a desire to undo what was already done, + and be at peace with all the world. To recall him to his allegiance, she + sighed and walked on, saying gently yet coldly, “Will you tell me what I + ask before I answer your question, Mr. Coventry?” + </p> + <p> + “What Lucia said of you? Well, it was this. ‘Beware of Miss Muir. We + instinctively distrusted her when we had no cause. I believe in instincts, + and mine have never changed, for she has not tried to delude me. Her art + is wonderful; I feel yet cannot explain or detect it, except in the + working of events which her hand seems to guide. She has brought sorrow + and dissension into this hitherto happy family. We are all changed, and + this girl has done it. Me she can harm no further; you she will ruin, if + she can. Beware of her in time, or you win bitterly repent your blind + infatuation!’” + </p> + <p> + “And what answer did you make?” asked Jean, as the last words came + reluctantly from Coventry’s lips. + </p> + <p> + “I told her that I loved you in spite of myself, and would make you my + wife in the face of all opposition. Now, Jean, your answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me three days to think of it. Good night.” And gliding from him, she + vanished into the house, leaving him to roam about half the night, + tormented with remorse, suspense, and the old distrust which would return + when Jean was not there to banish it by her art. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter VIII</i> SUSPENSE + </h2> + <p> + All the next day, Jean was in a state of the most intense anxiety, as + every hour brought the crisis nearer, and every hour might bring defeat, + for the subtlest human skill is often thwarted by some unforeseen + accident. She longed to assure herself that Sir John was gone, but no + servants came or went that day, and she could devise no pretext for + sending to glean intelligence. She dared not go herself, lest the unusual + act should excite suspicion, for she never went till evening. Even had she + determined to venture, there was no time, for Mrs. Coventry was in one of + her nervous states, and no one but Miss Muir could amuse her; Lucia was + ill, and Miss Muir must give orders; Bella had a studious fit, and Jean + must help her. Coventry lingered about the house for several hours, but + Jean dared not send him, lest some hint of the truth might reach him. He + had ridden away to his new duties when Jean did not appear, and the day + dragged on wearisomely. Night came at last, and as Jean dressed for the + late dinner, she hardly knew herself when she stood before her mirror, + excitement lent such color and brilliancy to her countenance. Remembering + the wedding which was to take place that evening, she put on a simple + white dress and added a cluster of white roses in bosom and hair. She + often wore flowers, but in spite of her desire to look and seem as usual, + Bella’s first words as she entered the drawing room were “Why, Jean, how + like a bride you look; a veil and gloves would make you quite complete!” + </p> + <p> + “You forget one other trifle, Bell,” said Gerald, with eyes that + brightened as they rested on Miss Muir. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” asked his sister. + </p> + <p> + “A bridegroom.” + </p> + <p> + Bella looked to see how Jean received this, but she seemed quite composed + as she smiled one of her sudden smiles, and merely said, “That trifle will + doubtless be found when the time comes. Is Miss Beaufort too ill for + dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “She begs to be excused, and said you would be willing to take her place, + she thought.” + </p> + <p> + As innocent Bella delivered this message, Jean glanced at Coventry, who + evaded her eye and looked ill at ease. + </p> + <p> + A little remorse will do him good, and prepare him for repentance after + the grand <i>coup</i>, she said to herself, and was particularly gay at + dinnertime, though Coventry looked often at Lucia’s empty seat, as if he + missed her. As soon as they left the table, Miss Muir sent Bella to her + mother; and, knowing that Coventry would not linger long at his wine, she + hurried away to the Hall. A servant was lounging at the door, and of him + she asked, in a tone which was eager in spite of all efforts to be calm, + “Is Sir John at home?” + </p> + <p> + “No, miss, he’s just gone to town.” + </p> + <p> + “Just gone! When do you mean?” cried Jean, forgetting the relief she felt + in hearing of his absence in surprise at his late departure. + </p> + <p> + “He went half an hour ago, in the last train, miss.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought he was going early this morning; he told me he should be back + this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he did mean to go, but was delayed by company. The steward came + up on business, and a load of gentlemen called, so Sir John could not get + off till night, when he wasn’t fit to go, being worn out, and far from + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he will be ill? Did he look so?” And as Jean spoke, a thrill + of fear passed over her, lest death should rob her of her prize. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know, miss, hurry of any kind is bad for elderly gentlemen + inclined to apoplexy. Sir John was in a worry all day, and not like + himself. I wanted him to take his man, but he wouldn’t; and drove off + looking flushed and excited like. I’m anxious about him, for I know + something is amiss to hurry him off in this way.” + </p> + <p> + “When will he be back, Ralph?” + </p> + <p> + “Tomorrow noon, if possible; at night, certainly, he bid me tell anyone + that called.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he leave no note or message for Miss Coventry, or someone of the + family?” + </p> + <p> + “No, miss, nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you.” And Jean walked back to spend a restless night and rise to + meet renewed suspense. + </p> + <p> + The morning seemed endless, but noon came at last, and under the pretense + of seeking coolness in the grotto, Jean stole away to a slope whence the + gate to the Hall park was visible. For two long hours she watched, and no + one came. She was just turning away when a horseman dashed through the + gate and came galloping toward the Hall. Heedless of everything but the + uncontrollable longing to gain some tidings, she ran to meet him, feeling + assured that he brought ill news. It was a young man from the station, and + as he caught sight of her, he drew bridle, looking agitated and undecided. + </p> + <p> + “Has anything happened?” she cried breathlessly. + </p> + <p> + “A dreadful accident on the railroad, just the other side of Croydon. News + telegraphed half an hour ago,” answered the man, wiping his hot face. + </p> + <p> + “The noon train? Was Sir John in it? Quick, tell me all!” + </p> + <p> + “It was that train, miss, but whether Sir John was in it or not, we don’t + know; for the guard is killed, and everything is in such confusion that + nothing can be certain. They are at work getting out the dead and wounded. + We heard that Sir John was expected, and I came up to tell Mr. Coventry, + thinking he would wish to go down. A train leaves in fifteen minutes; + where shall I find him? I was told he was at the Hall.” + </p> + <p> + “Ride on, ride on! And find him if he is there. I’ll run home and look for + him. Lose no time. Ride! Ride!” And turning, Jean sped back like a deer, + while the man tore up the avenue to rouse the Hall. + </p> + <p> + Coventry was there, and went off at once, leaving both Hall and house in + dismay. Fearing to betray the horrible anxiety that possessed her, Jean + shut herself up in her room and suffered untold agonies as the day wore on + and no news came. At dark a sudden cry rang through the house, and Jean + rushed down to learn the cause. Bella was standing in the hall, holding a + letter, while a group of excited servants hovered near her. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” demanded Miss Muir, pale and steady, though her heart died + within her as she recognized Gerald’s handwriting. Bella gave her the + note, and hushed her sobbing to hear again the heavy tidings that had + come. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear Bella: + + Uncle is safe; he did not go in the noon train. But several persons + are sure that Ned was there. No trace of him as yet, but many bodies + are in the river, under the ruins of the bridge, and I am doing my + best to find the poor lad, if he is there. I have sent to all his + haunts in town, and as he has not been seen, I hope it is a false + report and he is safe with his regiment. Keep this from my mother + till we are sure. I write you, because Lucia is ill. Miss Muir will + comfort and sustain you. Hope for the best, dear. + + Yours, G.C. +</pre> + <p> + Those who watched Miss Muir as she read these words wondered at the + strange expressions which passed over her face, for the joy which appeared + there as Sir John’s safety was made known did not change to grief or + horror at poor Edward’s possible fate. The smile died on her lips, but her + voice did not falter, and in her downcast eyes shone an inexplicable look + of something like triumph. No wonder, for if this was true, the danger + which menaced her was averted for a time, and the marriage might be + consummated without such desperate haste. This sad and sudden event seemed + to her the mysterious fulfilment of a secret wish; and though startled she + was not daunted but inspirited, for fate seemed to favor her designs. She + did comfort Bella, control the excited household, and keep the rumors from + Mrs. Coventry all that dreadful night. + </p> + <p> + At dawn Gerald came home exhausted, and bringing no tiding of the missing + man. He had telegraphed to the headquarters of the regiment and received a + reply, stating that Edward had left for London the previous day, meaning + to go home before returning. The fact of his having been at the London + station was also established, but whether he left by the train or not was + still uncertain. The ruins were still being searched, and the body might + yet appear. + </p> + <p> + “Is Sir John coming at noon?” asked Jean, as the three sat together in the + rosy hush of dawn, trying to hope against hope. + </p> + <p> + “No, he had been ill, I learned from young Gower, who is just from town, + and so had not completed his business. I sent him word to wait till night, + for the bridge won’t be passable till then. Now I must try and rest an + hour; I’ve worked all night and have no strength left. Call me the instant + any messenger arrives.” + </p> + <p> + With that Coventry went to his room, Bella followed to wait on him, and + Jean roamed through house and grounds, unable to rest. The morning was far + spent when the messenger arrived. Jean went to receive his tidings, with + the wicked hope still lurking at her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Is he found?” she asked calmly, as the man hesitated to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma’am.” + </p> + <p> + “You are sure?” + </p> + <p> + “I am certain, ma’am, though some won’t say till Mr. Coventry comes to + look.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he alive?” And Jean’s white lips trembled as she put the question. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, ma’am, that warn’t possible, under all them stones and water. The + poor young gentleman is so wet, and crushed, and torn, no one would know + him, except for the uniform, and the white hand with the ring on it.” + </p> + <p> + Jean sat down, very pale, and the man described the finding of the poor + shattered body. As he finished, Coventry appeared, and with one look of + mingled remorse, shame, and sorrow, the elder brother went away, to find + and bring the younger home. Jean crept into the garden like a guilty + thing, trying to hide the satisfaction which struggled with a woman’s + natural pity, for so sad an end for this brave young life. + </p> + <p> + “Why waste tears or feign sorrow when I must be glad?” she muttered, as + she paced to and fro along the terrace. “The poor boy is out of pain, and + I am out of danger.” + </p> + <p> + She got no further, for, turning as she spoke, she stood face to face with + Edward! Bearing no mark of peril on dress or person, but stalwart and + strong as ever, he stood there looking at her, with contempt and + compassion struggling in his face. As if turned to stone, she remained + motionless, with dilated eyes, arrested breath, and paling cheek. He did + not speak but watched her silently till she put out a trembling hand, as + if to assure herself by touch that it was really he. Then he drew back, + and as if the act convinced as fully as words, she said slowly, “They told + me you were dead.” + </p> + <p> + “And you were glad to believe it. No, it was my comrade, young Courtney, + who unconsciously deceived you all, and lost his life, as I should have + done, if I had not gone to Ascot after seeing him off yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “To Ascot?” echoed Jean, shrinking back, for Edward’s eye was on her, and + his voice was stern and cold. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; you know the place. I went there to make inquiries concerning you + and was well satisfied. Why are you still here?” + </p> + <p> + “The three days are not over yet. I hold you to your promise. Before night + I shall be gone; till then you will be silent, if you have honor enough to + keep your word.” + </p> + <p> + “I have.” Edward took out his watch and, as he put it back, said with cool + precision, “It is now two, the train leaves for London at half-past six; a + carriage will wait for you at the side door. Allow me to advise you to go + then, for the instant dinner is over I shall speak.” And with a bow he + went into the house, leaving Jean nearly suffocated with a throng of + contending emotions. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes she seemed paralyzed; but the native energy of the woman + forbade utter despair, till the last hope was gone. Frail as that now was, + she still clung to it tenaciously, resolving to win the game in defiance + of everything. Springing up, she went to her room, packed her few + valuables, dressed herself with care, and then sat down to wait. She heard + a joyful stir below, saw Coventry come hurrying back, and from a garrulous + maid learned that the body was that of young Courtney. The uniform being + the same as Edward’s and the ring, a gift from him, had caused the men to + believe the disfigured corpse to be that of the younger Coventry. No one + but the maid came near her; once Bella’s voice called her, but some one + checked the girl, and the call was not repeated. At five an envelope was + brought her, directed in Edward’s hand, and containing a check which more + than paid a year’s salary. No word accompanied the gift, yet the + generosity of it touched her, for Jean Muir had the relics of a once + honest nature, and despite her falsehood could still admire nobleness and + respect virtue. A tear of genuine shame dropped on the paper, and real + gratitude filled her heart, as she thought that even if all else failed, + she was not thrust out penniless into the world, which had no pity for + poverty. + </p> + <p> + As the clock struck six, she heard a carriage drive around and went down + to meet it. A servant put on her trunk, gave the order, “To the station, + James,” and she drove away without meeting anyone, speaking to anyone, or + apparently being seen by anyone. A sense of utter weariness came over her, + and she longed to lie down and forget. But the last chance still remained, + and till that failed, she would not give up. Dismissing the carriage, she + seated herself to watch for the quarter-past-six train from London, for in + that Sir John would come if he came at all that night. She was haunted by + the fear that Edward had met and told him. The first glimpse of Sir John’s + frank face would betray the truth. If he knew all, there was no hope, and + she would go her way alone. If he knew nothing, there was yet time for the + marriage; and once his wife, she knew she was safe, because for the honor + of his name he would screen and protect her. + </p> + <p> + Up rushed the train, out stepped Sir John, and Jean’s heart died within + her. Grave, and pale, and worn he looked, and leaned heavily on the arm of + a portly gentleman in black. The Reverend Mr. Fairfax, why has he come, if + the secret is out? thought Jean, slowly advancing to meet them and fearing + to read her fate in Sir John’s face. He saw her, dropped his friend’s arm, + and hurried forward with the ardor of a young man, exclaiming, as he + seized her hand with a beaming face, a glad voice, “My little girl! Did + you think I would never come?” + </p> + <p> + She could not answer, the reaction was too strong, but she clung to him, + regardless of time or place, and felt that her last hope had not failed. + Mr. Fairfax proved himself equal to the occasion. Asking no questions, he + hurried Sir John and Jean into a carriage and stepped in after them with a + bland apology. Jean was soon herself again, and, having told her fears at + his delay, listened eagerly while he related the various mishaps which had + detained him. + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen Edward?” was her first question. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, but I know he has come, and have heard of his narrow escape. I + should have been in that train, if I had not been delayed by the + indisposition which I then cursed, but now bless. Are you ready, Jean? Do + you repent your choice, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! I am ready, I am only too happy to become your wife, dear, + generous Sir John,” cried Jean, with a glad alacrity, which touched the + old man to the heart, and charmed the Reverend Mr. Fairfax, who concealed + the romance of a boy under his clerical suit. + </p> + <p> + They reached the Hall. Sir John gave orders to admit no one and after a + hasty dinner sent for his old housekeeper and his steward, told them of + his purpose, and desired them to witness his marriage. Obedience had been + the law of their lives, and Master could do nothing wrong in their eyes, + so they played their parts willingly, for Jean was a favorite at the Hall. + Pale as her gown, but calm and steady, she stood beside Sir John, uttering + her vows in a clear tone and taking upon herself the vows of a wife with + more than a bride’s usual docility. When the ring was fairly on, a smile + broke over her face. When Sir John kissed and called her his “little + wife,” she shed a tear or two of sincere happiness; and when Mr. Fairfax + addressed her as “my lady,” she laughed her musical laugh, and glanced up + at a picture of Gerald with eyes full of exultation. As the servants left + the room, a message was brought from Mrs. Coventry, begging Sir John to + come to her at once. + </p> + <p> + “You will not go and leave me so soon?” pleaded Jean, well knowing why he + was sent for. + </p> + <p> + “My darling, I must.” And in spite of its tenderness, Sir John’s manner + was too decided to be withstood. + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall go with you,” cried Jean, resolving that no earthly power + should part them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>Chapter IX</i> LADY COVENTRY + </h2> + <p> + When the first excitement of Edward’s return had subsided, and before they + could question him as to the cause of this unexpected visit, he told them + that after dinner their curiosity should be gratified, and meantime he + begged them to leave Miss Muir alone, for she had received bad news and + must not be disturbed. The family with difficulty restrained their tongues + and waited impatiently. Gerald confessed his love for Jean and asked his + brother’s pardon for betraying his trust. He had expected an outbreak, but + Edward only looked at him with pitying eyes, and said sadly, “You too! I + have no reproaches to make, for I know what you will suffer when the truth + is known.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” demanded Coventry. + </p> + <p> + “You will soon know, my poor Gerald, and we will comfort one another.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing more could be drawn from Edward till dinner was over, the servants + gone, and all the family alone together. Then pale and grave, but very + self-possessed, for trouble had made a man of him, he produced a packet of + letters, and said, addressing himself to his brother, “Jean Muir has + deceived us all. I know her story; let me tell it before I read her + letters.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop! I’ll not listen to any false tales against her. The poor girl has + enemies who belie her!” cried Gerald, starting up. + </p> + <p> + “For the honor of the family, you must listen, and learn what fools she + has made of us. I can prove what I say, and convince you that she has the + art of a devil. Sit still ten minutes, then go, if you will.” + </p> + <p> + Edward spoke with authority, and his brother obeyed him with a foreboding + heart. + </p> + <p> + “I met Sydney, and he begged me to beware of her. Nay, listen, Gerald! I + know she has told her story, and that you believe it; but her own letters + convict her. She tried to charm Sydney as she did us, and nearly succeeded + in inducing him to marry her. Rash and wild as he is, he is still a + gentleman, and when an incautious word of hers roused his suspicions, he + refused to make her his wife. A stormy scene ensued, and, hoping to + intimidate him, she feigned to stab herself as if in despair. She did + wound herself, but failed to gain her point and insisted upon going to a + hospital to die. Lady Sydney, good, simple soul, believed the girl’s + version of the story, thought her son was in the wrong, and when he was + gone, tried to atone for his fault by finding Jean Muir another home. She + thought Gerald was soon to marry Lucia, and that I was away, so sent her + here as a safe and comfortable retreat.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Ned, are you sure of all this? Is Sydney to be believed?” began + Coventry, still incredulous. + </p> + <p> + “To convince you, I’ll read Jean’s letters before I say more. They were + written to an accomplice and were purchased by Sydney. There was a compact + between the two women, that each should keep the other informed of all + adventures, plots and plans, and share whatever good fortune fell to the + lot of either. Thus Jean wrote freely, as you shall judge. The letters + concern us alone. The first was written a few days after she came. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dear Hortense: + + “Another failure. Sydney was more wily than I thought. All was going + well, when one day my old fault beset me, I took too much wine, and + I carelessly owned that I had been an actress. He was shocked, and + retreated. I got up a scene, and gave myself a safe little wound, to + frighten him. The brute was not frightened, but coolly left me to my + fate. I’d have died to spite him, if I dared, but as I didn’t, I + lived to torment him. As yet, I have had no chance, but I will not + forget him. His mother is a poor, weak creature, whom I could use as + I would, and through her I found an excellent place. A sick mother, + silly daughter, and two eligible sons. One is engaged to a handsome + iceberg, but that only renders him more interesting in my eyes, + rivalry adds so much to the charm of one’s conquests. Well, my dear, + I went, got up in the meek style, intending to do the pathetic; but + before I saw the family, I was so angry I could hardly control + myself. Through the indolence of Monsieur the young master, no + carriage was sent for me, and I intend he shall atone for that + rudeness by-and-by. The younger son, the mother, and the girl + received me patronizingly, and I understood the simple souls at + once. Monsieur (as I shall call him, as names are unsafe) was + unapproachable, and took no pains to conceal his dislike of + governesses. The cousin was lovely, but detestable with her pride, + her coldness, and her very visible adoration of Monsieur, who let + her worship him, like an inanimate idol as he is. I hated them both, + of course, and in return for their insolence shall torment her with + jealousy, and teach him how to woo a woman by making his heart ache. + They are an intensely proud family, but I can humble them all, I + think, by captivating the sons, and when they have committed + themselves, cast them off, and marry the old uncle, whose title + takes my fancy.” + </pre> + <p> + “She never wrote that! It is impossible. A woman could not do it,” cried + Lucia indignantly, while Bella sat bewildered and Mrs. Coventry supported + herself with salts and fan. Coventry went to his brother, examined the + writing, and returned to his seat, saying, in a tone of suppressed wrath, + “She did write it. I posted some of those letters myself. Go on, Ned.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I made myself useful and agreeable to the amiable ones, and + overheard the chat of the lovers. It did not suit me, so I fainted + away to stop it, and excite interest in the provoking pair. I + thought I had succeeded, but Monsieur suspected me and showed me + that he did. I forgot my meek role and gave him a stage look. It had + a good effect, and I shall try it again. The man is well worth + winning, but I prefer the title, and as the uncle is a hale, + handsome gentleman, I can’t wait for him to die, though Monsieur is + very charming, with his elegant languor, and his heart so fast + asleep no woman has had power to wake it yet. I told my story, and + they believed it, though I had the audacity to say I was but + nineteen, to talk Scotch, and bashfully confess that Sydney wished + to marry me. Monsieur knows S. and evidently suspects something. I + must watch him and keep the truth from him, if possible. + + “I was very miserable that night when I got alone. Something in the + atmosphere of this happy home made me wish I was anything but what I + am. As I sat there trying to pluck up my spirits, I thought of the + days when I was lovely and young, good and gay. My glass showed me + an old woman of thirty, for my false locks were off, my paint gone, + and my face was without its mask. Bah! how I hate sentiment! I drank + your health from your own little flask, and went to bed to dream + that I was playing Lady Tartuffe—as I am. Adieu, more soon.” + </pre> + <p> + No one spoke as Edward paused, and taking up another letter, he read on: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My Dear Creature: + + “All goes well. Next day I began my task, and having caught a hint + of the character of each, tried my power over them. Early in the + morning I ran over to see the Hall. Approved of it highly, and took + the first step toward becoming its mistress, by piquing the + curiosity and flattering the pride of its master. His estate is his + idol; I praised it with a few artless compliments to himself, and he + was charmed. The cadet of the family adores horses. I risked my neck + to pet his beast, and<i> he </i>was charmed. The little girl is romantic + about flowers; I made a posy and was sentimental, and<i> she </i>was + charmed. The fair icicle loves her departed mamma, I had raptures + over an old picture, and she thawed. Monsieur is used to being + worshipped. I took no notice of him, and by the natural perversity + of human nature, he began to take notice of me. He likes music; I + sang, and stopped when he’d listened long enough to want more. He is + lazily fond of being amused; I showed him my skill, but refused to + exert it in his behalf. In short, I gave him no peace till he began + to wake up. In order to get rid of the boy, I fascinated him, and he + was sent away. Poor lad, I rather liked him, and if the title had + been nearer would have married him. +</pre> + <p> + “Many thanks for the honor.” And Edward’s lip curled with intense scorn. + But Gerald sat like a statue, his teeth set, his eyes fiery, his brows + bent, waiting for the end. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The passionate boy nearly killed his brother, but I turned the + affair to good account, and bewitched Monsieur by playing nurse, + till Vashti (the icicle) interfered. Then I enacted injured virtue, + and kept out of his way, knowing that he would miss me, I mystified + him about S. by sending a letter where S. would not get it, and got + up all manner of soft scenes to win this proud creature. I get on + well and meanwhile privately fascinate Sir J. by being daughterly + and devoted. He is a worthy old man, simple as a child, honest as + the day, and generous as a prince. I shall be a happy woman if I win + him, and you shall share my good fortune; so wish me success. +</pre> + <p> + “This is the third, and contains something which will surprise you,” + Edward said, as he lifted another paper. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Hortense: + + “I’ve done what I once planned to do on another occasion. You know + my handsome, dissipated father married a lady of rank for his second + wife. I never saw Lady H——d but once, for I was kept out of the + way. Finding that this good Sir J. knew something of her when a + girl, and being sure that he did not know of the death of her little + daughter, I boldly said I was the child, and told a pitiful tale of + my early life. It worked like a charm; he told Monsieur, and both + felt the most chivalrous compassion for Lady Howard’s daughter, + though before they had secretly looked down on me, and my real + poverty and my lowliness. That boy pitied me with an honest warmth + and never waited to learn my birth. I don’t forget that and shall + repay it if I can. Wishing to bring Monsieur’s affair to a + successful crisis, I got up a theatrical evening and was in my + element. One little event I must tell you, because I committed an + actionable offense and was nearly discovered. I did not go down to + supper, knowing that the moth would return to flutter about the + candle, and preferring that the fluttering should be done in + private, as Vashti’s jealousy is getting uncontrollable. Passing + throught the gentlemen’s dressing room, my quick eye caught sight of + a letter lying among the costumes. It was no stage affair, and an + odd sensation of fear ran through me as I recognized the hand of S. + I had feared this, but I believe in chance; and having found the + letter, I examined it. You know I can imitate almost any hand. When + I read in this paper the whole story of my affair with S., truly + told, and also that he had made inquiries into my past life and + discovered the truth, I was in a fury. To be so near success and + fail was terrible, and I resolved to risk everything. I opened the + letter by means of a heated knife blade under the seal, therefore + the envelope was perfect; imitating S.‘s hand, I penned a few lines + in his hasty style, saying he was at Baden, so that if Monsieur + answered, the reply would not reach him, for he is in London, it + seems. This letter I put into the pocket whence the other must have + fallen, and was just congratulating myself on this narrow escape, + when Dean, the maid of Vashti, appeared as if watching me. She had + evidently seen the letter in my hand, and suspected something. I + took no notice of her, but must be careful, for she is on the watch. + After this the evening closed with strictly private theatricals, in + which Monsieur and myself were the only actors. To make sure that he + received my version of the story first, I told him a romantic story + of S.‘s persecution, and he believed it. This I followed up by a + moonlight episode behind a rose hedge, and sent the young gentleman + home in a half-dazed condition. What fools men are!” + </pre> + <p> + “She is right!” muttered Coventry, who had flushed scarlet with shame and + anger, as his folly became known and Lucia listened in astonished silence. + </p> + <p> + “Only one more, and my distasteful task will be nearly over,” said Edward, + unfolding the last of the papers. “This is not a letter, but a copy of one + written three nights ago. Dean boldly ransacked Jean Muir’s desk while she + was at the Hall, and, fearing to betray the deed by keeping the letter, + she made a hasty copy which she gave me today, begging me to save the + family from disgrace. This makes the chain complete. Go now, if you will, + Gerald. I would gladly spare you the pain of hearing this.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not spare myself; I deserve it. Read on,” replied Coventry, + guessing what was to follow and nerving himself to hear it. Reluctantly + his brother read these lines: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The enemy has surrendered! Give me joy, Hortense; I can be the + wife of this proud monsieur, if I will. Think what an honor for the + divorced wife of a disreputable actor. I laugh at the farce and + enjoy it, for I only wait till the prize I desire is fairly mine, to + turn and reject this lover who has proved himself false to brother, + mistress, and his own conscience. I resolved to be revenged on both, + and I have kept my word. For my sake he cast off the beautiful woman + who truly loved him; he forgot his promise to his brother, and put + by his pride to beg of me the worn-out heart that is not worth a + good man’s love. Ah well, I am satisfied, for Vashti has suffered + the sharpest pain a proud woman can endure, and will feel another + pang when I tell her that I scorn her recreant lover, and give him + back to her, to deal with as she will.” + </pre> + <p> + Coventry started from his seat with a fierce exclamation, but Lucia bowed + her face upon her hands, weeping, as if the pang had been sharper than + even Jean foresaw. + </p> + <p> + “Send for Sir John! I am mortally afraid of this creature. Take her away; + do something to her. My poor Bella, what a companion for you! Send for Sir + John at once!” cried Mrs. Coventry incoherently, and clasped her daughter + in her arms, as if Jean Muir would burst in to annihilate the whole + family. Edward alone was calm. + </p> + <p> + “I have already sent, and while we wait, let me finish this story. It is + true that Jean is the daughter of Lady Howard’s husband, the pretended + clergyman, but really a worthless man who married her for her money. Her + own child died, but this girl, having beauty, wit and a bold spirit, took + her fate into her own hands, and became an actress. She married an actor, + led a reckless life for some years; quarreled with her husband, was + divorced, and went to Paris; left the stage, and tried to support herself + as governess and companion. You know how she fared with the Sydneys, how + she has duped us, and but for this discovery would have duped Sir John. I + was in time to prevent this, thank heaven. She is gone; no one knows the + truth but Sydney and ourselves; he will be silent, for his own sake; we + will be for ours, and leave this dangerous woman to the fate which will + surely overtake her.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, it has overtaken her, and a very happy one she finds it.” + </p> + <p> + A soft voice uttered the words, and an apparition appeared at the door, + which made all start and recoil with amazement—Jean Muir leaning on + the arm of Sir John. + </p> + <p> + “How dare you return?” began Edward, losing the self-control so long + preserved. “How dare you insult us by coming back to enjoy the mischief + you have done? Uncle, you do not know that woman!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, boy, I will not listen to a word, unless you remember where you + are,” said Sir John with a commanding gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Remember your promise: love me, forgive me, protect me, and do not listen + to their accusations,” whispered Jean, whose quick eye had discovered the + letters. + </p> + <p> + “I will; have no fears, my child,” he answered, drawing her nearer as he + took his accustomed place before the fire, always lighted when Mrs. + Coventry was down. + </p> + <p> + Gerald, who had been pacing the room excitedly, paused behind Lucia’s + chair as if to shield her from insult; Bella clung to her mother; and + Edward, calming himself by a strong effort, handed his uncle the letters, + saying briefly, “Look at those, sir, and let them speak.” + </p> + <p> + “I will look at nothing, hear nothing, believe nothing which can in any + way lessen my respect and affection for this young lady. She has prepared + me for this. I know the enemy who is unmanly enough to belie and threaten + her. I know that you both are unsuccessful lovers, and this explains your + unjust, uncourteous treatment now. We all have committed faults and + follies. I freely forgive Jean hers, and desire to know nothing of them + from your lips. If she has innocently offended, pardon it for my sake, and + forget the past.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Uncle, we have proofs that this woman is not what she seems. Her own + letters convict her. Read them, and do not blindly deceive yourself,” + cried Edward, indignant at his uncle’s words. + </p> + <p> + A low laugh startled them all, and in an instant they saw the cause of it. + While Sir John spoke, Jean had taken the letters from the hand which he + had put behind him, a favorite gesture of his, and, unobserved, had + dropped them on the fire. The mocking laugh, the sudden blaze, showed what + had been done. Both young men sprang forward, but it was too late; the + proofs were ashes, and Jean Muir’s bold, bright eyes defied them, as she + said, with a disdainful little gesture. “Hands off, gentlemen! You may + degrade yourselves to the work of detectives, but I am not a prisoner yet. + Poor Jean Muir you might harm, but Lady Coventry is beyond your reach.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady Coventry!” echoed the dismayed family, in varying tones of + incredulity, indignation, and amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, my dear and honored wife,” said Sir John, with a protecting arm + about the slender figure at his side; and in the act, the words, there was + a tender dignity that touched the listeners with pity and respect for the + deceived man. “Receive her as such, and for my sake, forbear all further + accusation,” he continued steadily. “I know what I have done. I have no + fear that I shall repent it. If I am blind, let me remain so till time + opens my eyes. We are going away for a little while, and when we return, + let the old life return again, unchanged, except that Jean makes sunshine + for me as well as for you.” + </p> + <p> + No one spoke, for no one knew what to say. Jean broke the silence, saying + coolly, “May I ask how those letters came into your possession?” + </p> + <p> + “In tracing out your past life, Sydney found your friend Hortense. She was + poor, money bribed her, and your letters were given up to him as soon as + received. Traitors are always betrayed in the end,” replied Edward + sternly. + </p> + <p> + Jean shrugged her shoulders, and shot a glance at Gerald, saying with her + significant smile, “Remember that, monsieur, and allow me to hope that in + wedding you will be happier than in wooing. Receive my congratulations, + Miss Beaufort, and let me beg of you to follow my example, if you would + keep your lovers.” + </p> + <p> + Here all the sarcasm passed from her voice, the defiance from her eye, and + the one unspoiled attribute which still lingered in this woman’s artful + nature shone in her face, as she turned toward Edward and Bella at their + mother’s side. + </p> + <p> + “You have been kind to me,” she said, with grateful warmth. “I thank you + for it, and will repay it if I can. To you I will acknowledge that I am + not worthy to be this good man’s wife, and to you I will solemnly promise + to devote my life to his happiness. For his sake forgive me, and let there + be peace between us.” + </p> + <p> + There was no reply, but Edward’s indignant eyes fell before hers. Bella + half put out her hand, and Mrs. Coventry sobbed as if some regret mingled + with her resentment. Jean seemed to expect no friendly demonstration, and + to understand that they forbore for Sir John’s sake, not for hers, and to + accept their contempt as her just punishment. + </p> + <p> + “Come home, love, and forget all this,” said her husband, ringing the + bell, and eager to be gone. “Lady Coventry’s carriage.” + </p> + <p> + And as he gave the order, a smile broke over her face, for the sound + assured her that the game was won. Pausing an instant on the threshold + before she vanished from their sight, she looked backward, and fixing on + Gerald the strange glance he remembered well, she said in her penetrating + voice, “Is not the last scene better than the first?” + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Behind A Mask, Or A Woman’s Power, by A. M. 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