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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Abbot's Ghost, Or Maurice Treherne's
+Temptation, 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: The Abbot's Ghost, Or Maurice Treherne's Temptation
+
+Author: A. M. Barnard
+
+
+Release Date: August, 2005  [EBook #8694]
+This file was first posted on August 2, 2003
+Last Updated: April 23, 2013
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ABBOT'S GHOST ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Martin Agren, Charles Franks,
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE ABBOT'S GHOST
+
+OR, MAURICE TREHERNE'S TEMPTATION
+
+A Christmas Story
+
+
+By A.M. Barnard
+
+
+1867
+
+
+
+
+Chapter I
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+"How goes it, Frank? Down first, as usual."
+
+"The early bird gets the worm, Major."
+
+"Deuced ungallant speech, considering that the lovely Octavia is the
+worm," and with a significant laugh the major assumed an Englishman's
+favorite attitude before the fire.
+
+His companion shot a quick glance at him, and an expression of anxiety
+passed over his face as he replied, with a well-feigned air of
+indifference, "You are altogether too sharp, Major. I must be on my
+guard while you are in the house. Any new arrivals? I thought I heard a
+carriage drive up not long ago."
+
+"It was General Snowdon and his charming wife. Maurice Treherne came
+while we were out, and I've not seen him yet, poor fellow!"
+
+"Aye, you may well say that; his is a hard case, if what I heard is
+true. I'm not booked up in the matter, and I should be, lest I make some
+blunder here, so tell me how things stand, Major. We've a good half hour
+before dinner. Sir Jasper is never punctual."
+
+"Yes, you've a right to know, if you are going to try your fortune
+with Octavia."
+
+The major marched through the three drawing rooms to see that no
+inquisitive servant was eavesdropping, and, finding all deserted, he
+resumed his place, while young Annon lounged on a couch as he listened
+with intense interest to the major's story.
+
+"You know it was supposed that old Sir Jasper, being a bachelor, would
+leave his fortune to his two nephews. But he was an oddity, and as the
+title _must_ go to young Jasper by right, the old man said Maurice
+should have the money. He was poor, young Jasper rich, and it seemed but
+just, though Madame Mere was very angry when she learned how the will
+was made."
+
+"But Maurice didn't get the fortune. How was that?"
+
+"There was some mystery there which I shall discover in time. All went
+smoothly till that unlucky yachting trip, when the cousins were wrecked.
+Maurice saved Jasper's life, and almost lost his own in so doing. I
+fancy he wishes he had, rather than remain the poor cripple he is.
+Exposure, exertion, and neglect afterward brought on paralysis of the
+lower limbs, and there he is--a fine, talented, spirited fellow tied to
+that cursed chair like a decrepit old man."
+
+"How does he bear it?" asked Annon, as the major shook his gray head,
+with a traitorous huskiness in his last words.
+
+"Like a philosopher or a hero. He is too proud to show his despair at
+such a sudden end to all his hopes, too generous to complain, for Jasper
+is desperately cut up about it, and too brave to be daunted by a
+misfortune which would drive many a man mad."
+
+"Is it true that Sir Jasper, knowing all this, made a new will and left
+every cent to his namesake?"
+
+"Yes, and there lies the mystery. Not only did he leave it away from
+poor Maurice, but so tied it up that Jasper cannot transfer it, and at
+his death it goes to Octavia."
+
+"The old man must have been demented. What in heaven's name did he mean
+by leaving Maurice helpless and penniless after all his devotion to
+Jasper? Had he done anything to offend the old party?"
+
+"No one knows; Maurice hasn't the least idea of the cause of this sudden
+whim, and the old man would give no reason for it. He died soon after,
+and the instant Jasper came to the title and estate he brought his
+cousin home, and treats him like a brother. Jasper is a noble fellow,
+with all his faults, and this act of justice increases my respect for
+him," said the major heartily.
+
+"What will Maurice do, now that he can't enter the army as he intended?"
+asked Annon, who now sat erect, so full of interest was he.
+
+"Marry Octavia, and come to his own, I hope."
+
+"An excellent little arrangement, but Miss Treherne may object," said
+Annon, rising with sudden kindling of the eye.
+
+"I think not, if no one interferes. Pity, with women, is akin to love,
+and she pities her cousin in the tenderest fashion. No sister could be
+more devoted, and as Maurice is a handsome, talented fellow, one can
+easily foresee the end, if, as I said before, no one interferes to
+disappoint the poor lad again."
+
+"You espouse his cause, I see, and tell me this that I may stand aside.
+Thanks for the warning, Major; but as Maurice Treherne is a man of
+unusual power in many ways, I think we are equally matched, in spite of
+his misfortune. Nay, if anything, he has the advantage of me, for Miss
+Treherne pities him, and that is a strong ally for my rival. I'll be as
+generous as I can, but I'll _not_ stand aside and relinquish the woman I
+love without a trial first."
+
+With an air of determination Annon faced the major, whose keen eyes had
+read the truth which he had but newly confessed to himself. Major
+Royston smiled as he listened, and said briefly, as steps approached,
+"Do your best. Maurice will win."
+
+"We shall see," returned Annon between his teeth.
+
+Here their host entered, and the subject of course was dropped. But the
+major's words rankled in the young man's mind, and would have been
+doubly bitter had he known that their confidential conversation had been
+overheard. On either side of the great fireplace was a door leading to a
+suite of rooms which had been old Sir Jasper's. These apartments had
+been given to Maurice Treherne, and he had just returned from London,
+whither he had been to consult a certain famous physician. Entering
+quietly, he had taken possession of his rooms, and having rested and
+dressed for dinner, rolled himself into the library, to which led the
+curtained door on the right. Sitting idly in his light, wheeled chair,
+ready to enter when his cousin appeared, he had heard the chat of Annon
+and the major. As he listened, over his usually impassive face passed
+varying expressions of anger, pain, bitterness, and defiance, and when
+the young man uttered his almost fierce "We shall see," Treherne smiled
+a scornful smile and clenched his pale hand with a gesture which proved
+that a year of suffering had not conquered the man's spirit, though it
+had crippled his strong body.
+
+A singular face was Maurice Treherne's; well-cut and somewhat haughty
+features; a fine brow under the dark locks that carelessly streaked it;
+and remarkably piercing eyes. Slight in figure and wasted by pain, he
+still retained the grace as native to him as the stern fortitude which
+enabled him to hide the deep despair of an ambitious nature from every
+eye, and bear his affliction with a cheerful philosophy more pathetic
+than the most entire abandonment to grief. Carefully dressed, and with
+no hint at invalidism but the chair, he bore himself as easily and
+calmly as if the doom of lifelong helplessness did not hang over him. A
+single motion of the hand sent him rolling noiselessly to the curtained
+door, but as he did so, a voice exclaimed behind him, "Wait for me,
+cousin." And as he turned, a young girl approached, smiling a glad
+welcome as she took his hand, adding in a tone of soft reproach, "Home
+again, and not let me know it, till I heard the good news by accident."
+
+"Was it good news, Octavia?" and Maurice looked up at the frank face
+with a new expression in those penetrating eyes of his. His cousin's
+open glance never changed as she stroked the hair off his forehead with
+the caress one often gives a child, and answered eagerly, "The best to
+me; the house is dull when you are away, for Jasper always becomes
+absorbed in horses and hounds, and leaves Mamma and me to mope by
+ourselves. But tell me, Maurice, what they said to you, since you would
+not write."
+
+"A little hope, with time and patience. Help me to wait, dear, help
+me to wait."
+
+His tone was infinitely sad, and as he spoke, he leaned his cheek
+against the kind hand he held, as if to find support and comfort there.
+The girl's face brightened beautifully, though her eyes filled, for to
+her alone did he betray his pain, and in her alone did he seek
+consolation.
+
+"I will, I will with heart and hand! Thank heaven for the hope, and
+trust me it shall be fulfilled. You look very tired, Maurice. Why go in
+to dinner with all those people? Let me make you cozy here," she added
+anxiously.
+
+"Thanks, I'd rather go in, it does me good; and if I stay away, Jasper
+feels that he must stay with me. I dressed in haste, am I right,
+little nurse?"
+
+She gave him a comprehensive glance, daintily settled his cravat,
+brushed back a truant lock, and, with a maternal air that was charming,
+said, "My boy is always elegant, and I'm proud of him. Now we'll go in."
+But with her hand on the curtain she paused, saying quickly, as a voice
+reached her, "Who is that?"
+
+"Frank Annon. Didn't you know he was coming?" Maurice eyed her keenly.
+
+"No, Jasper never told me. Why did he ask him?"
+
+"To please you."
+
+"Me! When he knows I detest the man. No matter, I've got on the color he
+hates, so he won't annoy me, and Mrs. Snowdon can amuse herself with
+him. The general has come, you know?"
+
+Treherne smiled, well pleased, for no sign of maiden shame or pleasure
+did the girl's face betray, and as he watched her while she peeped, he
+thought with satisfaction, Annon is right, _I_ have the advantage,
+and I'll keep it at all costs.
+
+"Here is Mamma. We must go in," said Octavia, as a stately old lady made
+her appearance in the drawing room.
+
+The cousins entered together and Annon watched them covertly, while
+seemingly intent on paying his respects to Madame Mere, as his hostess
+was called by her family.
+
+"Handsomer than ever," he muttered, as his eye rested on the blooming
+girl, looking more like a rose than ever in the peach-colored silk which
+he had once condemned because a rival admired it. She turned to reply to
+the major, and Annon glanced at Treherne with an irrepressible frown,
+for sickness had not marred the charm of that peculiar face, so
+colorless and thin that it seemed cut in marble; but the keen eyes shone
+with a wonderful brilliancy, and the whole countenance was alive with a
+power of intellect and will which made the observer involuntarily
+exclaim, "That man must suffer a daily martyrdom, so crippled and
+confined; if it last long he will go mad or die."
+
+"General and Mrs. Snowden," announced the servant, and a sudden pause
+ensued as everyone looked up to greet the newcomers.
+
+A feeble, white-haired old man entered, leaning on the arm of an
+indescribably beautiful woman. Not thirty yet, tall and nobly molded,
+with straight black brows over magnificent eyes; rippling dark hair
+gathered up in a great knot, and ornamented with a single band of gold.
+A sweeping dress of wine-colored velvet, set off with a dazzling neck
+and arms decorated like her stately head with ornaments of Roman gold.
+At the first glance she seemed a cold, haughty creature, born to dazzle
+but not to win. A deeper scrutiny detected lines of suffering in that
+lovely face, and behind the veil of reserve, which pride forced her to
+wear, appeared the anguish of a strong-willed woman burdened by a heavy
+cross. No one would dare express pity or offer sympathy, for her whole
+air repelled it, and in her gloomy eyes sat scorn of herself mingled
+with defiance of the scorn of others. A strange, almost tragical-looking
+woman, in spite of beauty, grace, and the cold sweetness of her manner.
+A faint smile parted her lips as she greeted those about her, and as her
+husband seated himself beside Lady Treherne, she lifted her head with a
+long breath, and a singular expression of relief, as if a burden was
+removed, and for the time being she was free. Sir Jasper was at her
+side, and as she listened, her eye glanced from face to face.
+
+"Who is with you now?" she asked, in a low, mellow voice that was
+full of music.
+
+"My sister and my cousin are yonder. You may remember Tavia as a child,
+she is little more now. Maurice is an invalid, but the finest fellow
+breathing."
+
+"I understand," and Mrs. Snowdon's eyes softened with a sudden
+glance of pity for one cousin and admiration for the other, for she
+knew the facts.
+
+"Major Royston, my father's friend, and Frank Annon, my own. Do you know
+him?" asked Sir Jasper.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then allow me to make him happy by presenting him, may I?"
+
+"Not now. I'd rather see your cousin."
+
+"Thanks, you are very kind. I'll bring him over."
+
+"Stay, let me go to him," began the lady, with more feeling in face and
+voice than one would believe her capable of showing.
+
+"Pardon, it will offend him, he will not be pitied, or relinquish any
+of the duties or privileges of a gentleman which he can possibly
+perform. He is proud, we can understand the feeling, so let us humor
+the poor fellow."
+
+Mrs. Snowdon bowed silently, and Sir Jasper called out in his hearty,
+blunt way, as if nothing was amiss with his cousin, "Maurice, I've an
+honor for you. Come and receive it."
+
+Divining what it was, Treherne noiselessly crossed the room, and with no
+sign of self-consciousness or embarrassment, was presented to the
+handsome woman. Thinking his presence might be a restraint, Sir Jasper
+went away. The instant his back was turned, a change came over both: an
+almost grim expression replaced the suavity of Treherne's face, and Mrs.
+Snowdon's smile faded suddenly, while a deep flush rose to her brow, as
+her eyes questioned his beseechingly.
+
+"How dared you come?" he asked below his breath.
+
+"The general insisted."
+
+"And you could not change his purpose; poor woman!"
+
+"You will not be pitied, neither will I," and her eyes flashed; then the
+fire was quenched in tears, and her voice lost all its pride in a
+pleading tone.
+
+"Forgive me, I longed to see you since your illness, and so I
+'dared' to come."
+
+"You shall be gratified; look, quite helpless, crippled for life,
+perhaps."
+
+The chair was turned from the groups about the fire, and as he spoke,
+with a bitter laugh Treherne threw back the skin which covered his
+knees, and showed her the useless limbs once so strong and fleet. She
+shrank and paled, put out her hand to arrest him, and cried in an
+indignant whisper, "No, no, not that! You know I never meant such cruel
+curiosity, such useless pain to both--"
+
+"Be still, someone is coming," he returned inaudibly; adding aloud,
+as he adjusted the skin and smoothed the rich fur as if speaking of
+it, "Yes, it is a very fine one, Jasper gave it to me. He spoils me,
+like a dear, generous-hearted fellow as he is. Ah, Octavia, what can
+I do for you?"
+
+"Nothing, thank you. I want to recall myself to Mrs. Snowdon's memory,
+if she will let me."
+
+"No need of that; I never forget happy faces and pretty pictures. Two
+years ago I saw you at your first ball, and longed to be a girl again."
+
+As she spoke, Mrs. Snowdon pressed the hand shyly offered, and smiled at
+the spirited face before her, though the shadow in her own eyes deepened
+as she met the bright glance of the girl.
+
+"How kind you were that night! I remember you let me chatter away about
+my family, my cousin, and my foolish little affairs with the sweetest
+patience, and made me very happy by your interest. I was homesick, and
+Aunt could never bear to hear of those things. It was before your
+marriage, and all the kinder, for you were the queen of the night, yet
+had a word for poor little me."
+
+Mrs. Snowdon was pale to the lips, and Maurice impatiently tapped the
+arm of his chair, while the girl innocently chatted on.
+
+"I am sorry the general is such an invalid; yet I dare say you find
+great happiness in taking care of him. It is so pleasant to be of use to
+those we love." And as she spoke, Octavia leaned over her cousin to hand
+him the glove he had dropped.
+
+The affectionate smile that accompanied the act made the color deepen
+again in Mrs. Snowdon's cheek, and lit a spark in her softened eyes. Her
+lips curled and her voice was sweetly sarcastic as she answered, "Yes,
+it is charming to devote one's life to these dear invalids, and find
+one's reward in their gratitude. Youth, beauty, health, and happiness
+are small sacrifices if one wins a little comfort for the poor
+sufferers."
+
+The girl felt the sarcasm under the soft words and drew back with a
+troubled face.
+
+Maurice smiled, and glanced from one to the other, saying significantly,
+"Well for me that my little nurse loves her labor, and finds no
+sacrifice in it. I am fortunate in my choice."
+
+"I trust it may prove so--" Mrs. Snowdon got no further, for at that
+moment dinner was announced, and Sir Jasper took her away. Annon
+approached with him and offered his arm to Miss Treherne, but with an
+air of surprise, and a little gesture of refusal, she said coldly:
+
+"My cousin always takes me in to dinner. Be good enough to escort the
+major." And with her hand on the arm of the chair, she walked away with
+a mischievous glitter in her eyes.
+
+Annon frowned and fell back, saying sharply, "Come, Major, what are you
+doing there?"
+
+"Making discoveries."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter II
+
+
+BYPLAY
+
+A right splendid old dowager was Lady Treherne, in her black velvet and
+point lace, as she sat erect and stately on a couch by the drawing-room
+fire, a couch which no one dare occupy in her absence, or share
+uninvited. The gentlemen were still over their wine, and the three
+ladies were alone. My lady never dozed in public, Mrs. Snowdon never
+gossiped, and Octavia never troubled herself to entertain any guests but
+those of her own age, so long pauses fell, and conversation languished,
+till Mrs. Snowdon roamed away into the library. As she disappeared, Lady
+Treherne beckoned to her daughter, who was idly making chords at the
+grand piano. Seating herself on the ottoman at her mother's feet, the
+girl took the still handsome hand in her own and amused herself with
+examining the old-fashioned jewels that covered it, a pretext for
+occupying her telltale eyes, as she suspected what was coming.
+
+"My dear, I'm not pleased with you, and I tell you so at once, that you
+may amend your fault," began Madame Mere in a tender tone, for though a
+haughty, imperious woman, she idolized her children.
+
+"What have I done, Mamma?" asked the girl.
+
+"Say rather, what have you left undone. You have been very rude to Mr.
+Annon. It must not occur again; not only because he is a guest, but
+because he is your--brother's friend."
+
+My lady hesitated over the word "lover," and changed it, for to her
+Octavia still seemed a child, and though anxious for the alliance, she
+forbore to speak openly, lest the girl should turn willful, as she
+inherited her mother's high spirit.
+
+"I'm sorry, Mamma. But how can I help it, when he teases me so that I
+detest him?" said Octavia, petulantly.
+
+"How tease, my love?"
+
+"Why, he follows me about like a dog, puts on a sentimental look when I
+appear; blushes, and beams, and bows at everything I say, if I am
+polite; frowns and sighs if I'm not; and glowers tragically at every man
+I speak to, even poor Maurice. Oh, Mamma, what foolish creatures men
+are!" And the girl laughed blithely, as she looked up for the first time
+into her mother's face.
+
+My lady smiled, as she stroked the bright head at her knee, but asked
+quickly, "Why say 'even poor Maurice,' as if it were impossible for
+anyone to be jealous of him?"
+
+"But isn't it, Mamma? I thought strong, well men regarded him as one set
+apart and done with, since his sad misfortune."
+
+"Not entirely; while women pity and pet the poor fellow, his comrades
+will be jealous, absurd as it is."
+
+"No one pets him but me, and I have a right to do it, for he is my
+cousin," said the girl, feeling a touch of jealousy herself.
+
+"Rose and Blanche Talbot outdo you, my dear, and there is no cousinship
+to excuse them."
+
+"Then let Frank Annon be jealous of them, and leave me in peace. They
+promised to come today; I'm afraid something has happened to prevent
+them." And Octavia gladly seized upon the new subject. But my lady was
+not to be eluded.
+
+"They said they could not come till after dinner. They will soon arrive.
+Before they do so, I must say a few words, Tavia, and I beg you to give
+heed to them. I desire you to be courteous and amiable to Mr. Annon, and
+before strangers to be less attentive and affectionate to Maurice. You
+mean it kindly, but it looks ill, and causes disagreeable remarks."
+
+"Who blames me for being devoted to my cousin? Can I ever do enough to
+repay him for his devotion? Mamma, you forget he saved your son's life."
+
+Indignant tears filled the girl's eyes, and she spoke passionately,
+forgetting that Mrs. Snowdon was within earshot of her raised voice.
+With a frown my lady laid her hand on her daughter's lips, saying
+coldly, "I do not forget, and I religiously discharge my every
+obligation by every care and comfort it is in my power to bestow. You
+are young, romantic, and tender-hearted. You think you must give your
+time and health, must sacrifice your future happiness to this duty. You
+are wrong, and unless you learn wisdom in season, you will find that you
+have done harm, not good."
+
+"God forbid! How can I do that? Tell me, and I will be wise in time."
+
+Turning the earnest face up to her own, Lady Treherne whispered
+anxiously, "Has Maurice ever looked or hinted anything of love during
+this year he has been with us, and you his constant companion?"
+
+"Never, Mamma; he is too honorable and too unhappy to speak or think of
+that. I am his little nurse, sister, and friend, no more, nor ever shall
+be. Do not suspect us, or put such fears into my mind, else all our
+comfort will be spoiled."
+
+Flushed and eager was the girl, but her clear eyes betrayed no tender
+confusion as she spoke, and all her thought seemed to be to clear her
+cousin from the charge of loving her too well. Lady Treherne looked
+relieved, paused a moment, then said, seriously but gently, "This is
+well, but, child, I charge you tell me at once, if ever he forgets
+himself, for this thing cannot be. Once I hoped it might, now it is
+impossible; remember that he continue a friend and cousin, nothing more.
+I warn you in time, but if you neglect the warning, Maurice must go. No
+more of this; recollect my wish regarding Mr. Annon, and let your cousin
+amuse himself without you in public."
+
+"Mamma, do you wish me to like Frank Annon?"
+
+The abrupt question rather disturbed my lady, but knowing her daughter's
+frank, impetuous nature, she felt somewhat relieved by this candor, and
+answered decidedly, "I do. He is your equal in all respects; he loves
+you, Jasper desires it, I approve, and you, being heart-whole, can have
+no just objection to the alliance."
+
+"Has he spoken to you?"
+
+"No, to your brother."
+
+"You wish this much, Mamma?"
+
+"Very much, my child."
+
+"I will try to please you, then." And stifling a sigh, the girl kissed
+her mother with unwonted meekness in tone and manner.
+
+"Now I am well pleased. Be happy, my love. No one will urge or distress
+you. Let matters take their course, and if this hope of ours can be
+fulfilled, I shall be relieved of the chief care of my life."
+
+A sound of girlish voices here broke on their ears, and springing up,
+Octavia hurried to meet her friends, exclaiming joyfully, "They have
+come! they have come!"
+
+Two smiling, blooming girls met her at the door, and, being at an
+enthusiastic age, they gushed in girlish fashion for several minutes,
+making a pretty group as they stood in each other's arms, all talking at
+once, with frequent kisses and little bursts of laughter, as vents for
+their emotion. Madame Mere welcomed them and then went to join Mrs.
+Snowdon, leaving the trio to gossip unrestrained.
+
+"My dearest creature, I thought we never should get here, for Papa had a
+tiresome dinner party, and we were obliged to stay, you know," cried
+Rose, the lively sister, shaking out the pretty dress and glancing at
+herself in the mirror as she fluttered about the room like a butterfly.
+
+"We were dying to come, and so charmed when you asked us, for we haven't
+seen you this age, darling," added Blanche, the pensive one, smoothing
+her blond curls after a fresh embrace.
+
+"I'm sorry the Ulsters couldn't come to keep Christmas with us, for we
+have no gentlemen but Jasper, Frank Annon, and the major. Sad, isn't
+it?" said Octavia, with a look of despair, which caused a fresh peal
+of laughter.
+
+"One apiece, my dear, it might be worse." And Rose privately decided to
+appropriate Sir Jasper.
+
+"Where is your cousin?" asked Blanche, with a sigh of sentimental
+interest.
+
+"He is here, of course. I forget him, but he is not on the flirting
+list, you know. We must amuse him, and not expect him to amuse us,
+though really, all the capital suggestions and plans for merrymaking
+always come from him."
+
+"He is better, I hope?" asked both sisters with real sympathy, making
+their young faces womanly and sweet.
+
+"Yes, and has hopes of entire recovery. At least, they tell him so,
+though Dr. Ashley said there was no chance of it."
+
+"Dear, dear, how sad! Shall we see him, Tavia?"
+
+"Certainly; he is able to be with us now in the evening, and enjoys
+society as much as ever. But please take no notice of his infirmity, and
+make no inquiries beyond the usual 'How do you do.' He is sensitive, and
+hates to be considered an invalid more than ever."
+
+"How charming it must be to take care of him, he is so accomplished and
+delightful. I quite envy you," said Blanche pensively.
+
+"Sir Jasper told us that the General and Mrs. Snowdon were coming. I
+hope they will, for I've a most intense curiosity to see her--"
+began Rose.
+
+"Hush, she is here with Mamma! Why curious? What is the mystery? For you
+look as if there was one," questioned Octavia under her breath.
+
+The three charming heads bent toward one another as Rose replied in a
+whisper, "If I knew, I shouldn't be inquisitive. There was a rumor that
+she married the old general in a fit of pique, and now repents. I asked
+Mamma once, but she said such matters were not for young girls to hear,
+and not a word more would she say. _N'importe_, I have wits of my
+own, and I can satisfy myself. The gentlemen are coming! Am I all right,
+dear?" And the three glanced at one another with a swift scrutiny that
+nothing could escape, then grouped themselves prettily, and waited, with
+a little flutter of expectation in each young heart.
+
+In came the gentlemen, and instantly a new atmosphere seemed to pervade
+the drawing room, for with the first words uttered, several romances
+began. Sir Jasper was taken possession of by Rose, Blanche intended to
+devote herself to Maurice Treherne, but Annon intercepted her, and
+Octavia was spared any effort at politeness by this unexpected move on
+the part of her lover.
+
+"He is angry, and wishes to pique me by devoting himself to Blanche. I
+wish he would, with all my heart, and leave me in peace. Poor Maurice,
+he expects me, and I long to go to him, but must obey Mamma." And
+Octavia went to join the group formed by my lady, Mrs. Snowdon, the
+general, and the major.
+
+The two young couples flirted in different parts of the room, and
+Treherne sat alone, watching them all with eyes that pierced below the
+surface, reading the hidden wishes, hopes, and fears that ruled them. A
+singular expression sat on his face as he turned from Octavia's clear
+countenance to Mrs. Snowdon's gloomy one. He leaned his head upon his
+hand and fell into deep thought, for he was passing through one of those
+fateful moments which come to us all, and which may make or mar a life.
+Such moments come when least looked for: an unexpected meeting, a
+peculiar mood, some trivial circumstance, or careless word produces it,
+and often it is gone before we realize its presence, leaving
+aftereffects to show us what we have gained or lost. Treherne was
+conscious that the present hour, and the acts that filled it, possessed
+unusual interest, and would exert an unusual influence on his life.
+Before him was the good and evil genius of his nature in the guise of
+those two women. Edith Snowdon had already tried her power, and accident
+only had saved him. Octavia, all unconscious as she was, never failed to
+rouse and stimulate the noblest attributes of mind and heart. A year
+spent in her society had done much for him, and he loved her with a
+strange mingling of passion, reverence, and gratitude. He knew why Edith
+Snowdon came, he felt that the old fascination had not lost its charm,
+and though fear was unknown to him, he was ill pleased at the sight of
+the beautiful, dangerous woman. On the other hand, he saw that Lady
+Treherne desired her daughter to shun him and smile on Annon; he
+acknowledged that he had no right to win the young creature, crippled
+and poor as he was, and a pang of jealous pain wrung his heart as he
+watched her.
+
+Then a sense of power came to him, for helpless, poor, and seemingly an
+object of pity, he yet felt that he held the honor, peace, and happiness
+of nearly every person present in his hands. It was a strong temptation
+to this man, so full of repressed passion and power, so set apart and
+shut out from the more stirring duties and pleasures of life. A few
+words from his lips, and the pity all felt for him would be turned to
+fear, respect, and admiration. Why not utter them, and enjoy all that
+was possible? He owed the Trehernes nothing; why suffer injustice,
+dependence, and the compassion that wounds a proud man deepest? Wealth,
+love, pleasure might be his with a breath. Why not secure them now?
+
+His pale face flushed, his eye kindled, and his thin hand lay clenched
+like a vise as these thoughts passed rapidly through his mind. A look, a
+word at that moment would sway him; he felt it, and leaned forward,
+waiting in secret suspense for the glance, the speech which should
+decide him for good or ill. Who shall say what subtle instinct caused
+Octavia to turn and smile at him with a wistful, friendly look that
+warmed his heart? He met it with an answering glance, which thrilled her
+strangely, for love, gratitude, and some mysterious intelligence met and
+mingled in the brilliant yet soft expression which swiftly shone and
+faded in her face. What it was she could not tell; she only felt that it
+filled her with an indescribable emotion never experienced before. In an
+instant it all passed, Lady Treherne spoke to her, and Blanche Talbot
+addressed Maurice, wondering, as she did so, if the enchanting smile he
+wore was meant for her.
+
+"Mr. Annon having mercifully set me free, I came to try to cheer your
+solitude; but you look as if solitude made you happier than society does
+the rest of us," she said without her usual affectation, for his manner
+impressed her.
+
+"You are very kind and very welcome. I do find pleasures to beguile my
+loneliness, which gayer people would not enjoy, and it is well that I
+can, else I should turn morose and tyrannical, and doom some unfortunate
+to entertain me all day long." He answered with a gentle courtesy which
+was his chief attraction to womankind.
+
+"Pray tell me some of your devices, I'm often alone in spirit, if not so
+in the flesh, for Rose, though a dear girl, is not congenial, and I find
+no kindred soul."
+
+A humorous glimmer came to Treherne's eyes, as the sentimental damsel
+beamed a soft sigh and drooped her long lashes effectively. Ignoring the
+topic of "kindred souls," he answered coldly, "My favorite amusement is
+studying the people around me. It may be rude, but tied to my corner, I
+cannot help watching the figures around me, and discovering their little
+plots and plans. I'm getting very expert, and really surprise myself
+sometimes by the depth of my researches."
+
+"I can believe it; your eyes look as if they possessed that gift.
+Pray don't study _me_." And the girl shrank away with an air of
+genuine alarm.
+
+Treherne smiled involuntarily, for he had read the secret of that
+shallow heart long ago, and was too generous to use the knowledge,
+however flattering it might be to him. In a reassuring tone he said,
+turning away the keen eyes she feared, "I give you my word I never will,
+charming as it might be to study the white pages of a maidenly heart. I
+find plenty of others to read, so rest tranquil, Miss Blanche."
+
+"Who interests you most just now?" asked the girl, coloring with
+pleasure at his words. "Mrs. Snowdon looks like one who has a romance to
+be read, if you have the skill."
+
+"I have read it. My lady is my study just now. I thought I knew her
+well, but of late she puzzles me. Human minds are more full of
+mysteries than any written book and more changeable than the cloud
+shapes in the air."
+
+"A fine old lady, but I fear her so intensely I should never dare to try
+to read her, as you say." Blanche looked toward the object of discussion
+as she spoke, and added, "Poor Tavia, how forlorn she seems. Let me ask
+her to join us, may I?"
+
+"With all my heart" was the quick reply.
+
+Blanche glided away but did not return, for my lady kept her as well as
+her daughter.
+
+"That test satisfies me; well, I submit for a time, but I think I can
+conquer my aunt yet." And with a patient sigh Treherne turned to observe
+Mrs. Snowdon.
+
+She now stood by the fire talking with Sir Jasper, a handsome, reckless,
+generous-hearted young gentleman, who very plainly showed his great
+admiration for the lady. When he came, she suddenly woke up from her
+listless mood and became as brilliantly gay as she had been unmistakably
+melancholy before. As she chatted, she absently pushed to and fro a
+small antique urn of bronze on the chimneypiece, and in doing so she
+more than once gave Treherne a quick, significant glance, which he
+answered at last by a somewhat haughty nod. Then, as if satisfied, she
+ceased toying with the ornament and became absorbed in Sir Jasper's
+gallant badinage.
+
+The instant her son approached Mrs. Snowdon, Madame Mere grew anxious,
+and leaving Octavia to her friends and lover, she watched Jasper. But
+her surveillance availed little, for she could neither see nor hear
+anything amiss, yet could not rid herself of the feeling that some
+mutual understanding existed between them. When the party broke up for
+the night, she lingered till all were gone but her son and nephew.
+
+"Well, Madame Ma Mere, what troubles you?" asked Sir Jasper, as she
+looked anxiously into his face before bestowing her good-night kiss.
+
+"I cannot tell, yet I feel ill at ease. Remember, my son, that you are
+the pride of my heart, and any sin or shame of yours would kill me. Good
+night, Maurice." And with a stately bow she swept away.
+
+Lounging with both elbows on the low chimneypiece, Sir Jasper smiled at
+his mother's fears, and said to his cousin, the instant they were alone,
+"She is worried about E.S. Odd, isn't it, what instinctive antipathies
+women take to one another?"
+
+"Why did you ask E.S. here?" demanded Treherne.
+
+"My dear fellow, how could I help it? My mother wanted the general, my
+father's friend, and of course his wife must be asked also. I couldn't
+tell my mother that the lady had been a most arrant coquette, to put it
+mildly, and had married the old man in a pet, because my cousin and I
+declined to be ruined by her."
+
+"You _could_ have told her what mischief she makes wherever she goes,
+and for Octavia's sake have deferred the general's visit for a time. I
+warn you, Jasper, harm will come of it."
+
+"To whom, you or me?"
+
+"To both, perhaps, certainly to you. She was disappointed once when she
+lost us both by wavering between your title and my supposed fortune. She
+is miserable with the old man, and her only hope is in his death, for he
+is very feeble. You are free, and doubly attractive now, so beware, or
+she will entangle you before you know it."
+
+"Thanks, Mentor. I've no fear, and shall merely amuse myself for a
+week--they stay no longer." And with a careless laugh, Sir Jasper
+strolled away.
+
+"Much mischief may be done in a week, and this is the beginning of it,"
+muttered Treherne, as he raised himself to look under the bronze vase
+for the note. It was gone!
+
+
+
+
+Chapter III
+
+
+WHO WAS IT?
+
+Who had taken it? This question tormented Treherne all that sleepless
+night. He suspected three persons, for only these had approached the
+fire after the note was hidden. He had kept his eye on it, he thought,
+till the stir of breaking up. In that moment it must have been removed
+by the major, Frank Annon, or my lady; Sir Jasper was out of the
+question, for he never touched an ornament in the drawing room since he
+had awkwardly demolished a whole _etagere_ of costly trifles, to
+his mother's and sister's great grief. The major evidently suspected
+something, Annon was jealous, and my lady would be glad of a pretext to
+remove her daughter from his reach. Trusting to his skill in reading
+faces, he waited impatiently for morning, resolving to say nothing to
+anyone but Mrs. Snowdon, and from her merely to inquire what the note
+contained.
+
+Treherne usually was invisible till lunch, often till dinner; therefore,
+fearing to excite suspicion by unwonted activity, he did not appear till
+noon. The mailbag had just been opened, and everyone was busy over their
+letters, but all looked up to exchange a word with the newcomer, and
+Octavia impulsively turned to meet him, then checked herself and hid her
+suddenly crimsoned face behind a newspaper. Treherne's eye took in
+everything, and saw at once in the unusually late arrival of the mail a
+pretext for discovering the pilferer of the note.
+
+"All have letters but me, yet I expected one last night. Major, have you
+got it among yours?" And as he spoke, Treherne fixed his penetrating
+eyes full on the person he addressed.
+
+With no sign of consciousness, no trace of confusion, the major
+carefully turned over his pile, and replied in the most natural manner,
+"Not a trace of it; I wish there was, for nothing annoys me more than
+any delay or mistake about my letters."
+
+He knows nothing of it, thought Treherne, and turned to Annon, who was
+deep in a long epistle from some intimate friend, with a talent for
+imparting news, to judge from the reader's interest.
+
+"Annon, I appeal to you, for I _must_ discover who has robbed me of
+my letter."
+
+"I have but one, read it, if you will, and satisfy yourself" was the
+brief reply.
+
+"No, thank you. I merely asked in joke; it is doubtless among my lady's.
+Jasper's letters and mine often get mixed, and my lady takes care of his
+for him. I think you must have it, Aunt."
+
+Lady Treherne looked up impatiently. "My dear Maurice, what a coil about
+a letter! We none of us have it, so do not punish us for the sins of
+your correspondent or the carelessness of the post."
+
+She was not the thief, for she is always intensely polite when she
+intends to thwart me, thought Treherne, and, apologizing for his
+rudeness in disturbing them, he rolled himself to his nook in a sunny
+window and became apparently absorbed in a new magazine.
+
+Mrs. Snowdon was opening the general's letters for him, and, having
+finished her little task, she roamed away into the library, as if in
+search of a book. Presently returning with one, she approached Treherne,
+and, putting it into his hand, said, in her musically distinct voice,
+"Be so kind as to find for me the passage you spoke of last night. I am
+curious to see it."
+
+Instantly comprehending her stratagem, he opened it with apparent
+carelessness, secured the tiny note laid among the leaves, and,
+selecting a passage at hazard, returned her book and resumed his own.
+Behind the cover of it he unfolded and read these words:
+
+    _I understand, but do not be anxious; the line I left was merely
+    this--"I must see you alone, tell me when and where." No one can
+    make much of it, and I will discover the thief before dinner. Do
+    nothing, but watch to whom I speak first on entering, when we meet
+    in the evening, and beware of that person._
+
+Quietly transferring the note to the fire with the wrapper of the
+magazine, he dismissed the matter from his mind and left Mrs. Snowdon
+to play detective as she pleased, while he busied himself about his
+own affairs.
+
+It was a clear, bright December day, and when the young people separated
+to prepare for a ride, while the general and the major sunned themselves
+on the terrace, Lady Treherne said to her nephew, "I am going for an
+airing in the pony carriage. Will you be my escort, Maurice?"
+
+"With pleasure," replied the young man, well knowing what was in
+store for him.
+
+My lady was unusually taciturn and grave, yet seemed anxious to say
+something which she found difficult to utter. Treherne saw this, and
+ended an awkward pause by dashing boldly into the subject which
+occupied both.
+
+"I think you want to say something to me about Tavie, Aunt. Am I right?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then let me spare you the pain of beginning, and prove my sincerity by
+openly stating the truth, as far as I am concerned. I love her very
+dearly, but I am not mad enough to dream of telling her so. I know that
+it is impossible, and I relinquish my hopes. Trust me. I will keep
+silent and see her marry Annon without a word of complaint, if you will
+it. I see by her altered manner that you have spoken to her, and that my
+little friend and nurse is to be mine no longer. Perhaps you are wise,
+but if you do this on my account, it is in vain--the mischief is done,
+and while I live I shall love my cousin. If you do it to spare her, I am
+dumb, and will go away rather than cause her a care or pain."
+
+"Do you really mean this, Maurice?" And Lady Treherne looked at him with
+a changed and softened face.
+
+Turning upon her, Treherne showed her a countenance full of suffering
+and sincerity, of resignation and resolve, as he said earnestly, "I do
+mean it; prove me in any way you please. I am not a bad fellow, Aunt,
+and I desire to be better. Since my misfortune I've had time to test
+many things, myself among others, and in spite of many faults, I do
+cherish the wish to keep my soul honest and true, even though my body be
+a wreck. It is easy to say these things, but in spite of temptation, I
+think I can stand firm, if you trust me."
+
+"My dear boy, I do trust you, and thank you gratefully for this
+frankness. I never forget that I owe Jasper's life to you, and never
+expect to repay that debt. Remember this when I seem cold or unkind, and
+remember also that I say now, had you been spared this affliction, I
+would gladly have given you my girl. But--"
+
+"But, Aunt, hear one thing," broke in Treherne. "They tell me that any
+sudden and violent shock of surprise, joy, or sorrow may do for me what
+they hope time will achieve. I said nothing of this, for it is but a
+chance; yet, while there is any hope, need I utterly renounce Octavia?"
+
+"It is hard to refuse, and yet I cannot think it wise to build upon a
+chance so slight. Once let her have you, and both are made unhappy, if
+the hope fail. No, Maurice, it is better to be generous, and leave her
+free to make her own happiness elsewhere. Annon loves her, she is
+heart-whole, and will soon learn to love him, if you are silent. My poor
+boy, it seems cruel, but I must say it."
+
+"Shall I go away, Aunt?" was all his answer, very firmly uttered, though
+his lips were white.
+
+"Not yet, only leave them to themselves, and hide your trouble if you
+can. Yet, if you prefer, you shall go to town, and Benson shall see that
+you are comfortable. Your health will be a reason, and I will come, or
+write often, if you are homesick. It shall depend on you, for I want to
+be just and kind in this hard case. You shall decide."
+
+"Then I will stay. I can hide my love; and to see them together will
+soon cease to wound me, if Octavia is happy."
+
+"So let it rest then, for a time. You shall miss your companion as
+little as possible, for I will try to fill her place. Forgive me,
+Maurice, and pity a mother's solicitude, for these two are the last of
+many children, and I am a widow now."
+
+Lady Treherne's voice faltered, and if any selfish hope or plan
+lingered in her nephew's mind, that appeal banished it and touched his
+better nature. Pressing her hand he said gently, "Dear Aunt, do not
+lament over me. I am one set apart for afflictions, yet I will not be
+conquered by them. Let us forget my youth and be friendly counselors
+together for the good of the two whom we both love. I must say a word
+about Jasper, and you will not press me to explain more than I can
+without breaking my promise."
+
+"Thank you, thank you! It is regarding that woman, I know. Tell me all
+you can; I will not be importunate, but I disliked her the instant I saw
+her, beautiful and charming as she seems."
+
+"When my cousin and I were in Paris, just before my illness, we met her.
+She was with her father then, a gay old man who led a life of pleasure,
+and was no fit guardian for a lovely daughter. She knew our story and,
+having fascinated both, paused to decide which she would accept: Jasper,
+for his title, or me, for my fortune. This was before my uncle changed
+his will, and I believed myself his heir; but, before she made her
+choice, something (don't ask me what, if you please) occurred to send us
+from Paris. On our return voyage we were wrecked, and then came my
+illness, disinheritance, and helplessness. Edith Dubarry heard the
+story, but rumor reported it falsely, and she believed both of us had
+lost the fortune. Her father died penniless, and in a moment of despair
+she married the general, whose wealth surrounds her with the luxury she
+loves, and whose failing health will soon restore her liberty--"
+
+"And then, Maurice?" interrupted my lady.
+
+"She hopes to win Jasper, I think."
+
+"Never! We must prevent that at all costs. I had rather see him dead
+before me, than the husband of such a woman. Why is she permitted to
+visit homes like mine? I should have been told this sooner," exclaimed
+my lady angrily.
+
+"I should have told you had I known it, and I reproved Jasper for his
+neglect. Do not be needlessly troubled, Aunt. There is no blemish on
+Mrs. Snowdon's name, and, as the wife of a brave and honorable man, she
+is received without question; for beauty, grace, or tact like hers can
+make their way anywhere. She stays but a week, and I will devote myself
+to her; this will save Jasper, and, if necessary, convince Tavie of my
+indifference--" Then he paused to stifle a sigh.
+
+"But yourself, have you no fears for your own peace, Maurice? You must
+not sacrifice happiness or honor, for me or mine."
+
+"I am safe; I love my cousin, and that is my shield. Whatever happens
+remember that I tried to serve you, and sincerely endeavored to
+forget myself."
+
+"God bless you, my son! Let me call you so, and feel that, though I deny
+you my daughter, I give you heartily a mother's care and affection."
+
+Lady Treherne was as generous as she was proud, and her nephew had
+conquered her by confidence and submission. He acted no part, yet, even
+in relinquishing all, he cherished a hope that he might yet win the
+heart he coveted. Silently they parted, but from that hour a new and
+closer bond existed between the two, and exerted an unsuspected
+influence over the whole household.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Maurice waited with some impatience for Mrs. Snowdon's entrance, not
+only because of his curiosity to see if she had discovered the thief,
+but because of the part he had taken upon himself to play. He was equal
+to it, and felt a certain pleasure in it for a threefold reason. It
+would serve his aunt and cousin, would divert his mind from its own
+cares, and, perhaps by making Octavia jealous, waken love; for, though
+he had chosen the right, he was but a man, and moreover a lover.
+
+Mrs. Snowdon was late. She always was, for her toilet was elaborate, and
+she liked to enjoy its effects upon others. The moment she entered
+Treherne's eye was on her, and to his intense surprise and annoyance she
+addressed Octavia, saying blandly, "My dear Miss Treherne, I've been
+admiring your peacocks. Pray let me see you feed them tomorrow. Miss
+Talbot says it is a charming sight."
+
+"If you are on the terrace just after lunch, you will find them there,
+and may feed them yourself, if you like" was the cool, civil reply.
+
+"She looks like a peacock herself in that splendid green and gold dress,
+doesn't she?" whispered Rose to Sir Jasper, with a wicked laugh.
+
+"Faith, so she does. I wish Tavie's birds had voices like Mrs.
+Snowdon's; their squalling annoys me intensely."
+
+"I rather like it, for it is honest, and no malice or mischief is hidden
+behind it. I always distrust those smooth, sweet voices; they are
+insincere. I like a full, clear tone; sharp, if you please, but decided
+and true."
+
+"Well said, Octavia. I agree with you, and your own is a perfect sample
+of the kind you describe." And Treherne smiled as he rolled by to join
+Mrs. Snowdon, who evidently waited for him, while Octavia turned to her
+brother to defend her pets.
+
+"Are you sure? How did you discover?" said Maurice, affecting to admire
+the lady's bouquet, as he paused beside her.
+
+"I suspected it the moment I saw her this morning. She is no actress;
+and dislike, distrust, and contempt were visible in her face when we
+met. Till you so cleverly told me my note was lost, I fancied she was
+disturbed about her brother--or you."
+
+A sudden pause and a keen glance followed the last softly uttered
+word, but Treherne met it with an inscrutable smile and a quiet "Well,
+what next?"
+
+"The moment I learned that you did not get the note I was sure she had
+it, and, knowing that she must have seen me put it there, in spite of
+her apparent innocence, I quietly asked her for it. This surprised her,
+this robbed the affair of any mystery, and I finished her perplexity by
+sending it to the major the moment she returned it to me, as if it had
+been intended for him. She begged pardon, said her brother was
+thoughtless, and she watched over him lest he should get into mischief;
+professed to think I meant the line for him, and behaved like a charming
+simpleton, as she is."
+
+"Quite a tumult about nothing. Poor little Tavie! You doubtlessly
+frightened her so that we may safely correspond hereafter."
+
+"You may give me an answer, now and here."
+
+"Very well, meet me on the terrace tomorrow morning; the peacocks will
+make the meeting natural enough. I usually loiter away an hour or two
+there, in the sunny part of the day."
+
+"But the girl?"
+
+"I'll send her away."
+
+"You speak as if it would be an easy thing to do."
+
+"It will, both easy and pleasant."
+
+"Now you are mysterious or uncomplimentary. You either care nothing for
+a tete-a-tete with her, or you will gladly send her out of my way.
+Which is it?"
+
+"You shall decide. Can I have this?"
+
+She looked at him as he touched a rose with a warning glance, for the
+flower was both an emblem of love and of silence. Did he mean to hint
+that he recalled the past, or to warn her that someone was near? She
+leaned from the shadow of the curtain where she sat, and caught a
+glimpse of a shadow gliding away.
+
+"Who was it?" she asked, below her breath.
+
+"A Rose," he answered, laughing. Then, as if the danger was over, he
+said, "How will you account to the major for the message you sent him?"
+
+"Easily, by fabricating some interesting perplexity in which I want sage
+counsel. He will be flattered, and by seeming to take him into my
+confidence, I can hoodwink the excellent man to my heart's content, for
+he annoys me by his odd way of mounting guard over me at all times. Now
+take me in to dinner, and be your former delightful self."
+
+"That is impossible," he said, yet proved that it was not.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IV
+
+
+FEEDING THE PEACOCKS
+
+It was indeed a charming sight, the twelve stately birds perched on the
+broad stone balustrade, or prancing slowly along the terrace, with the
+sun gleaming on their green and golden necks and the glories of their
+gorgeous plumes, widespread, or sweeping like rich trains behind them.
+In pretty contrast to the splendid creatures was their young mistress,
+in her simple morning dress and fur-trimmed hood and mantle, as she
+stood feeding the tame pets from her hand, calling their fanciful names,
+laughing at their pranks, and heartily enjoying the winter sunshine, the
+fresh wind, and the girlish pastime. As Treherne slowly approached, he
+watched her with lover's eyes, and found her very sweet and blithe, and
+dearer in his sight than ever. She had shunned him carefully all the day
+before, had parted at night with a hasty handshake, and had not come as
+usual to bid him good-morning in the library. He had taken no notice of
+the change as yet, but now, remembering his promise to his aunt, he
+resolved to let the girl know that he fully understood the relation
+which henceforth was to exist between them.
+
+"Good-morning, cousin. Shall I drive you away, if I take a turn or two
+here?" he said, in a cheerful tone, but with a half-reproachful glance.
+
+She looked at him an instant, then went to him with extended hand and
+cheeks rosier than before, while her frank eyes filled, and her voice
+had a traitorous tremor in it, as she said, impetuously: "I _will_ be
+myself for a moment, in spite of everything. Maurice, don't think me
+unkind, don't reproach me, or ask my leave to come where I am. There is
+a reason for the change you see in me; it's not caprice, it is
+obedience."
+
+"My dear girl, I know it. I meant to speak of it, and show you that I
+understand. Annon is a good fellow, as worthy of you as any man can be,
+and I wish you all the happiness you deserve."
+
+"Do you?" And her eyes searched his face keenly.
+
+"Yes; do you doubt it?" And so well did he conceal his love, that
+neither face, voice, nor manner betrayed a hint of it.
+
+Her eyes fell, a cloud passed over her clear countenance, and she
+withdrew her hand, as if to caress the hungry bird that gently pecked at
+the basket she held. As if to change the conversation, she said
+playfully, "Poor Argus, you have lost your fine feathers, and so all
+desert you, except kind little Juno, who never forgets her friends.
+There, take it all, and share between you."
+
+Treherne smiled, and said quickly, "I am a human Argus, and you have
+been a kind little Juno to me since I lost my plumes. Continue to be so,
+and you will find me a very faithful friend."
+
+"I will." And as she answered, her old smile came back and her eyes met
+his again.
+
+"Thanks! Now we shall get on happily. I don't ask or expect the old
+life--that is impossible. I knew that when lovers came, the friend
+would fall into the background; and I am content to be second, where I
+have so long been first. Do not think you neglect me; be happy with
+your lover, dear, and when you have no pleasanter amusement, come and
+see old Maurice."
+
+She turned her head away, that he might not see the angry color in her
+cheeks, the trouble in her eyes, and when she spoke, it was to say
+petulantly, "I wish Jasper and Mamma would leave me in peace. I hate
+lovers and want none. If Frank teases, I'll go into a convent and so be
+rid of him."
+
+Maurice laughed, and turned her face toward himself, saying, in his
+persuasive voice, "Give him a trial first, to please your mother. It can
+do no harm and may amuse you. Frank is already lost, and, as you are
+heart-whole, why not see what you can do for him? I shall have a new
+study, then, and not miss you so much."
+
+"You are very kind; I'll do my best. I wish Mrs. Snowdon would come, if
+she is coming; I've an engagement at two, and Frank will look tragical
+if I'm not ready. He is teaching me billiards, and I really like the
+game, though I never thought I should."
+
+"That looks well. I hope you'll learn a double lesson, and Annon find a
+docile pupil in both."
+
+"You are very pale this morning; are you in pain, Maurice?" suddenly
+asked Octavia, dropping the tone of assumed ease and gaiety under which
+she had tried to hide her trouble.
+
+"Yes, but it will soon pass. Mrs. Snowdon is coming. I saw her at the
+hall door a moment ago. I will show her the peacocks, if you want to go.
+She won't mind the change, I dare say, as you don't like her, and I do."
+
+"No, I am sure of that. It was an arrangement, perhaps? I understand. I
+will not play Mademoiselle De Trop."
+
+Sudden fire shone in the girl's eyes, sudden contempt curled her lip,
+and a glance full of meaning went from her cousin to the door, where
+Mrs. Snowdon appeared, waiting for her maid to bring her some additional
+wrappings.
+
+"You allude to the note you stole. How came you to play that prank,
+Tavie?" asked Treherne tranquilly.
+
+"I saw her put it under the urn. I thought it was for Jasper, and I took
+it," she said boldly.
+
+"Why for Jasper?"
+
+"I remembered his speaking of meeting her long ago, and describing her
+beauty enthusiastically--and so did you."
+
+"You have a good memory."
+
+"I have for everything concerning those I love. I observed her manner
+of meeting my brother, his devotion to her, and, when they stood
+laughing together before the fire, I felt sure that she wished to charm
+him again."
+
+"Again? Then she did charm him once?" asked Treherne, anxious to know
+how much Jasper had told his sister.
+
+"He always denied it, and declared that you were the favorite."
+
+"Then why not think the note for me?" he asked.
+
+"I do now" was the sharp answer.
+
+"But she told you it was for the major, and sent it."
+
+"She deceived me; I am not surprised. I am glad Jasper is safe, and I
+wish you a pleasant tete-a-tete."
+
+Bowing with unwonted dignity, Octavia set down her basket, and walked
+away in one direction as Mrs. Snowdon approached in another.
+
+"I have done it now," sighed Treherne, turning from the girlish figure
+to watch the stately creature who came sweeping toward him with
+noiseless grace.
+
+Brilliancy and splendor became Mrs. Snowdon; she enjoyed luxury, and her
+beauty made many things becoming which in a plainer woman would have
+been out of taste, and absurd. She had wrapped herself in a genuine
+Eastern burnous of scarlet, blue, and gold; the hood drawn over her head
+framed her fine face in rich hues, and the great gilt tassels shone
+against her rippling black hair. She wore it with grace, and the
+barbaric splendor of the garment became her well. The fresh air touched
+her cheeks with a delicate color; her usually gloomy eyes were brilliant
+now, and the smile that parted her lips was full of happiness.
+
+"Welcome, Cleopatra!" cried Treherne, with difficulty repressing a
+laugh, as the peacocks screamed and fled before the rustling amplitude
+of her drapery.
+
+"I might reply by calling you Thaddeus of Warsaw, for you look very
+romantic and Polish with your pale, pensive face, and your splendid
+furs," she answered, as she paused beside him with admiration very
+visibly expressed in her eyes.
+
+Treherne disliked the look, and rather abruptly said, as he offered her
+the basket of bread, "I have disposed of my cousin, and offered to do
+the honors of the peacocks. Here they are--will you feed them?"
+
+"No, thank you--I care nothing for the fowls, as you know; I came to
+speak to you," she said impatiently.
+
+"I am at your service."
+
+"I wish to ask you a question or two--is it permitted?"
+
+"What man ever refused Mrs. Snowdon a request?"
+
+"Nay, no compliments; from you they are only satirical evasions. I was
+deceived when abroad, and rashly married that old man. Tell me truly how
+things stand."
+
+"Jasper has all. I have nothing."
+
+"I am glad of it."
+
+"Many thanks for the hearty speech. You at least speak sincerely," he
+said bitterly.
+
+"I do, Maurice--I do; let me prove it."
+
+Treherne's chair was close beside the balustrade. Mrs. Snowdon leaned on
+the carved railing, with her back to the house and her face screened by
+a tall urn. Looking steadily at him, she said rapidly and low, "You
+thought I wavered between you and Jasper, when we parted two years ago.
+I did; but it was not between title and fortune that I hesitated. It was
+between duty and love. My father, a fond, foolish old man, had set his
+heart on seeing me a lady. I was his all; my beauty was his delight, and
+no untitled man was deemed worthy of me. I loved him tenderly. You may
+doubt this, knowing how selfish, reckless, and vain I am, but I have a
+heart, and with better training had been a better woman. No matter, it
+is too late now. Next my father, I loved you. Nay, hear me--I _will_
+clear myself in your eyes. I mean no wrong to the general. He is kind,
+indulgent, generous; I respect him--I am grateful, and while he lives, I
+shall be true to him."
+
+"Then be silent now. Do not recall the past, Edith; let it sleep, for
+both our sakes," began Treherne; but she checked him imperiously.
+
+"It shall, when I am done. I loved you, Maurice; for, of all the gay,
+idle, pleasure-seeking men I saw about me, you were the only one who
+seemed to have a thought beyond the folly of the hour. Under the seeming
+frivolity of your life lay something noble, heroic, and true. I felt
+that you had a purpose, that your present mood was but transitory--a
+young man's holiday, before the real work of his life began. This
+attracted, this won me; for even in the brief regard you then gave me,
+there was an earnestness no other man had shown. I wanted your respect;
+I longed to earn your love, to share your life, and prove that even in
+my neglected nature slept the power of canceling a frivolous past by a
+noble future. Oh, Maurice, had you lingered one week more, I never
+should have been the miserable thing I am!"
+
+There her voice faltered and failed, for all the bitterness of lost
+love, peace, and happiness sounded in the pathetic passion of that
+exclamation. She did not weep, for tears seldom dimmed those tragical
+eyes of hers; but she wrung her hands in mute despair, and looked down
+into the frost-blighted gardens below, as if she saw there a true symbol
+of her own ruined life. Treherne uttered not a word, but set his teeth
+with an almost fierce glance toward the distant figure of Sir Jasper,
+who was riding gaily away, like one unburdened by a memory or a care.
+
+Hurriedly Mrs. Snowdon went on, "My father begged and commanded me to
+choose your cousin. I could not break his heart, and asked for time,
+hoping to soften him. While I waited, that mysterious affair hurried you
+from Paris, and then came the wreck, the illness, and the rumor that old
+Sir Jasper had disinherited both nephews. They told me you were dying,
+and I became a passive instrument in my father's hands. I promised to
+recall and accept your cousin, but the old man died before it was done,
+and then I cared not what became of me.
+
+"General Snowdon was my father's friend; he pitied me; he saw my
+desolate, destitute state, my despair and helplessness. He comforted,
+sustained, and saved me. I was grateful; and when he offered me his
+heart and home, I accepted them. He knew I had no love to give; but as a
+friend, a daughter, I would gladly serve him, and make his declining
+years as happy as I could. It was all over, when I heard that you were
+alive, afflicted, and poor. I longed to come and live for you. My new
+bonds became heavy fetters then, my wealth oppressed me, and I was
+doubly wretched--for I dared not tell my trouble, and it nearly drove me
+mad. I have seen you now; I know that you are happy; I read your
+cousin's love and see a peaceful life in store for you. This must
+content me, and I must learn to bear it as I can."
+
+She paused, breathless and pale, and walked rapidly along the terrace,
+as if to hide or control the agitation that possessed her.
+
+Treherne still sat silent, but his heart leaped within him, as he
+thought, "She sees that Octavia loves me! A woman's eye is quick to
+detect love in another, and she asserts what I begin to hope. My
+cousin's manner just now, her dislike of Annon, her new shyness with me;
+it may be true, and if it is--Heaven help me--what am I saying! I must
+not hope, nor wish, nor dream; I must renounce and forget."
+
+He leaned his head upon his hand, and sat so still Mrs. Snowdon rejoined
+him, pale, but calm and self-possessed. As she drew near, she marked his
+attitude, the bitter sadness of his face, and hope sprang up within her.
+Perhaps she was mistaken; perhaps he did not love his cousin; perhaps he
+still remembered the past, and still regretted the loss of the heart she
+had just laid bare before him. Her husband was failing, and might die
+any day. And then, free, rich, beautiful, and young, what might she not
+become to Treherne, helpless, poor, and ambitious? With all her faults,
+she was generous, and this picture charmed her fancy, warmed her heart,
+and comforted her pain.
+
+"Maurice," she said softly, pausing again beside him, "if I mistake you
+and your hopes, it is because I dare ask nothing for myself; but if ever
+a time shall come when I have liberty to give or help, ask of me
+_anything_, and it is gladly yours."
+
+He understood her, pitied her, and, seeing that she found consolation in
+a distant hope, he let her enjoy it while she might. Gravely, yet
+gratefully, he spoke, and pressed the hand extended to him with an
+impulsive gesture.
+
+"Generous as ever, Edith, and impetuously frank. Thank you for your
+sincerity, your kindness, and the affection you once gave me. I say
+'once,' for now duty, truth, and honor bar us from each other. My life
+must be solitary, yet I shall find work to do, and learn to be content.
+You owe all devotion to the good old man who loves you, and will not
+fail him, I am sure. Leave the future and the past, but let us make the
+present what it may be--a time to forgive and forget, to take heart and
+begin anew. Christmas is a fitting time for such resolves, and the birth
+of friendship such as ours may be."
+
+Something in his tone and manner struck her, and, eyeing him with soft
+wonder, she exclaimed, "How changed you are!"
+
+"Need you tell me that?" And he glanced at his helpless limbs with a
+bitter yet pathetic look of patience.
+
+"No, no--not so! I mean in mind, not body. Once you were gay and
+careless, eager and fiery, like Jasper; now you are grave and quiet, or
+cheerful, and so very kind. Yet, in spite of illness and loss, you seem
+twice the man you were, and something wins respect, as well as
+admiration--and love."
+
+Her dark eyes filled as the last word left her lips, and the beauty of a
+touched heart shone in her face. Maurice looked up quickly, asking with
+sudden earnestness, "Do you see it? Then it is true. Yes, I _am_
+changed, thank God! And she has done it."
+
+"Who?" demanded his companion jealously.
+
+"Octavia. Unconsciously, yet surely, she has done much for me, and this
+year of seeming loss and misery has been the happiest, most profitable
+of my life. I have often heard that afflictions were the best teachers,
+and I believe it now."
+
+Mrs. Snowdon shook her head sadly.
+
+"Not always; they are tormentors to some. But don't preach, Maurice. I
+am still a sinner, though you incline to sainthood, and I have one
+question more to ask. What was it that took you and Jasper so suddenly
+away from Paris?"
+
+"That I can never tell you."
+
+"I shall discover it for myself, then."
+
+"It is impossible."
+
+"Nothing is impossible to a determined woman."
+
+"You can neither wring, surprise, nor bribe this secret from the two
+persons who hold it. I beg of you to let it rest," said Treherne
+earnestly.
+
+"I have a clue, and I shall follow it; for I am convinced that something
+is wrong, and you are--"
+
+"Dear Mrs. Snowdon, are you so charmed with the birds that you forget
+your fellow-beings, or so charmed with one fellow-being that you forget
+the birds?"
+
+As the sudden question startled both, Rose Talbot came along the
+terrace, with hands full of holly and a face full of merry mischief,
+adding as she vanished, "I shall tell Tavie that feeding the
+peacocks is such congenial amusement for lovers, she and Mr. Annon
+had better try it."
+
+"Saucy gypsy!" muttered Treherne.
+
+But Mrs. Snowdon said, with a smile of double meaning, "Many a true word
+is spoken in jest."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter V
+
+
+UNDER THE MISTLETOE
+
+Unusually gay and charming the three young friends looked, dressed
+alike in fleecy white with holly wreaths in their hair, as they
+slowly descended the wide oaken stairway arm in arm. A footman was
+lighting the hall lamps, for the winter dusk gathered early, and the
+girls were merrily chatting about the evening's festivity when
+suddenly a loud, long shriek echoed through the hall. A heavy glass
+shade fell from the man's hand with a crash, and the young ladies
+clung to one another aghast, for mortal terror was in the cry, and a
+dead silence followed it.
+
+"What was it, John?" demanded Octavia, very pale, but steady in a
+moment.
+
+"I'll go and see, miss." And the man hurried away.
+
+"Where did the dreadful scream come from?" asked Rose, collecting her
+wits as rapidly as possible.
+
+"Above us somewhere. Oh, let us go down among people; I am frightened to
+death," whispered Blanche, trembling and faint.
+
+Hurrying into the parlor, they found only Annon and the major, both
+looking startled, and both staring out of the windows.
+
+"Did you hear it? What could it be? Don't go and leave us!" cried the
+girls in a breath, as they rushed in.
+
+The gentlemen had heard, couldn't explain the cry, and were quite ready
+to protect the pretty creatures who clustered about them like frightened
+fawns. John speedily appeared, looking rather wild, and as eager to tell
+his tale as they to listen.
+
+"It's Patty, one of the maids, miss, in a fit. She went up to the north
+gallery to see that the fires was right, for it takes a power of wood to
+warm the gallery even enough for dancing, as you know, miss. Well, it
+was dark, for the fires was low and her candle went out as she whisked
+open the door, being flurried, as the maids always is when they go in
+there. Halfway down the gallery she says she heard a rustling, and
+stopped. She's the pluckiest of 'em all, and she called out, 'I see
+you!' thinking it was some of us trying to fright her. Nothing answered,
+and she went on a bit, when suddenly the fire flared up one flash, and
+there right before her was the ghost."
+
+"Don't be foolish, John. Tell us what it was," said Octavia sharply,
+though her face whitened and her heart sank as the last word passed the
+man's lips.
+
+"It was a tall, black figger, miss, with a dead-white face and a black
+hood. She see it plain, and turned to go away, but she hadn't gone a
+dozen steps when there it was again before her, the same tall, dark
+thing with the dead-white face looking out from the black hood. It
+lifted its arm as if to hold her, but she gave a spring and dreadful
+screech, and ran to Mrs. Benson's room, where she dropped in a fit."
+
+"How absurd to be frightened by the shadows of the figures in armor that
+stand along the gallery!" said Rose, boldly enough, though she would
+have declined entering the gallery without a light.
+
+"Nay, I don't wonder, it's a ghostly place at night. How is the
+poor thing?" asked Blanche, still hanging on the major's arm in her
+best attitude.
+
+"If Mamma knows nothing of it, tell Mrs. Benson to keep it from her,
+please. She is not well, and such things annoy her very much," said
+Octavia, adding as the man turned away, "Did anyone look in the gallery
+after Patty told her tale?"
+
+"No, miss. I'll go and do it myself; I'm not afraid of man, ghost, or
+devil, saving your presence, ladies," replied John.
+
+"Where is Sir Jasper?" suddenly asked the major.
+
+"Here I am. What a deuce of a noise someone has been making. It
+disturbed a capital dream. Why, Tavie, what is it?" And Sir Jasper came
+out of the library with a sleepy face and tumbled hair.
+
+They told him the story, whereat he laughed heartily, and said the maids
+were a foolish set to be scared by a shadow. While he still laughed and
+joked, Mrs. Snowdon entered, looking alarmed, and anxious to know the
+cause of the confusion.
+
+"How interesting! I never knew you kept a ghost. Tell me all about it,
+Sir Jasper, and soothe our nerves by satisfying our curiosity," she said
+in her half-persuasive, half-commanding way, as she seated herself on
+Lady Treherne's sacred sofa.
+
+"There's not much to tell, except that this place used to be an abbey,
+in fact as well as in name. An ancestor founded it, and for years the
+monks led a jolly life here, as one may see, for the cellar is twice as
+large as the chapel, and much better preserved. But another ancestor, a
+gay and gallant baron, took a fancy to the site for his castle, and, in
+spite of prayers, anathemas, and excommunication, he turned the poor
+fellows out, pulled down the abbey, and built this fine old place. Abbot
+Boniface, as he left his abbey, uttered a heavy curse on all who should
+live here, and vowed to haunt us till the last Treherne vanished from
+the face of the earth. With this amiable threat the old party left Baron
+Roland to his doom, and died as soon as he could in order to begin his
+cheerful mission."
+
+"Did he haunt the place?" asked Blanche eagerly.
+
+"Yes, most faithfully from that time to this. Some say many of the monks
+still glide about the older parts of the abbey, for Roland spared the
+chapel and the north gallery which joined it to the modern building.
+Poor fellows, they are welcome, and once a year they shall have a chance
+to warm their ghostly selves by the great fires always kindled at
+Christmas in the gallery."
+
+"Mrs. Benson once told me that when the ghost walked, it was a sure sign
+of a coming death in the family. Is that true?" asked Rose, whose
+curiosity was excited by the expression of Octavia's face, and a certain
+uneasiness in Sir Jasper's manner in spite of his merry mood.
+
+"There is a stupid superstition of that sort in the family, but no one
+except the servants believes it, of course. In times of illness some
+silly maid or croaking old woman can easily fancy they see a phantom,
+and, if death comes, they are sure of the ghostly warning. Benson saw
+it before my father died, and old Roger, the night my uncle was seized
+with apoplexy. Patty will never be made to believe that this warning
+does not forebode the death of Maurice or myself, for the gallant
+spirit leaves the ladies of our house to depart in peace. How does it
+strike you, Cousin?"
+
+Turning as he spoke, Sir Jasper glanced at Treherne, who had entered
+while he spoke.
+
+"I am quite skeptical and indifferent to the whole affair, but I agree
+with Octavia that it is best to say nothing to my aunt if she is
+ignorant of the matter. Her rooms are a long way off, and perhaps she
+did not hear the confusion."
+
+"You seem to hear everything; you were not with us when I said that."
+And Octavia looked up with an air of surprise.
+
+Smiling significantly, Treherne answered, "I hear, see, and understand
+many things that escape others. Jasper, allow me to advise you to smooth
+the hair which your sleep has disarranged. Mrs. Snowdon, permit me. This
+rich velvet catches the least speck." And with his handkerchief he
+delicately brushed away several streaks of white dust which clung to the
+lady's skirt.
+
+Sir Jasper turned hastily on his heel and went to remake his toilet;
+Mrs. Snowdon bit her lip, but thanked Treherne sweetly and begged him to
+fasten her glove. As he did so, she said softly, "Be more careful next
+time. Octavia has keen eyes, and the major may prove inconvenient."
+
+"I have no fear that _you_ will," he whispered back, with a
+malicious glance.
+
+Here the entrance of my lady put an end to the ghostly episode, for it
+was evident that she knew nothing of it. Octavia slipped away to
+question John, and learn that no sign of a phantom was to be seen.
+Treherne devoted himself to Mrs. Snowdon, and the major entertained my
+lady, while Sir Jasper and the girls chatted apart.
+
+It was Christmas Eve, and a dance in the great gallery was the yearly
+festival at the abbey. All had been eager for it, but the maid's story
+seemed to have lessened their enthusiasm, though no one would own it.
+This annoyed Sir Jasper, and he exerted himself to clear the atmosphere
+by affecting gaiety he did not feel. The moment the gentlemen came in
+after dinner he whispered to his mother, who rose, asked the general for
+his arm, and led the way to the north gallery, whence the sound of music
+now proceeded. The rest followed in a merry procession, even Treherne,
+for two footmen carried him up the great stairway, chair and all.
+
+Nothing could look less ghostly now than the haunted gallery. Fires
+roared up a wide chimney at either end, long rows of figures clad in
+armor stood on each side, one mailed hand grasping a lance, the other
+bearing a lighted candle, a device of Sir Jasper's. Narrow windows
+pierced in the thick walls let in gleams of wintry moonlight; ivy,
+holly, and evergreen glistened in the ruddy glow of mingled firelight
+and candle shine. From the arched stone roof hung tattered banners, and
+in the midst depended a great bunch of mistletoe. Red-cushioned seats
+stood in recessed window nooks, and from behind a high-covered screen of
+oak sounded the blithe air of Sir Roger de Coverley.
+
+With the utmost gravity and stateliness my lady and the general led off
+the dance, for, according to the good old fashion, the men and maids in
+their best array joined the gentlefolk and danced with their betters in
+a high state of pride and bashfulness. Sir Jasper twirled the old
+housekeeper till her head spun around and around and her decorous skirts
+rustled stormily; Mrs. Snowdon captivated the gray-haired butler by her
+condescension; and John was made a proud man by the hand of his young
+mistress. The major came out strong among the pretty maids, and Rose
+danced the footmen out of breath long before the music paused.
+
+The merriment increased from that moment, and when the general
+surprised my lady by gallantly saluting her as she unconsciously stood
+under the mistletoe, the applause was immense. Everyone followed the
+old gentleman's example as fast as opportunities occurred, and the
+young ladies soon had as fine a color as the housemaids. More dancing,
+games, songs, and all manner of festival devices filled the evening,
+yet under cover of the gaiety more than one little scene was enacted
+that night, and in an hour of seeming frivolity the current of several
+lives was changed.
+
+By a skillful maneuver Annon led Octavia to an isolated recess, as if to
+rest after a brisk game, and, taking advantage of the auspicious hour,
+pleaded his suit. She heard him patiently and, when he paused, said
+slowly, yet decidedly, and with no sign of maiden hesitation, "Thanks
+for the honor you do me, but I cannot accept it, for I do not love you.
+I think I never can."
+
+"Have you tried?" he asked eagerly.
+
+"Yes, indeed I have. I like you as a friend, but no more. I know Mamma
+desires it, that Jasper hopes for it, and I try to please them, but love
+will not be forced, so what can I do?" And she smiled in spite of
+herself at her own blunt simplicity.
+
+"No, but it can be cherished, strengthened, and in time won, with
+patience and devotion. Let me try, Octavia; it is but fair, unless you
+have already learned from another the lesson I hope to teach. Is it so?"
+
+"No, I think not. I do not understand myself as yet, I am so young, and
+this so sudden. Give me time, Frank."
+
+She blushed and fluttered now, looked half angry, half beseeching, and
+altogether lovely.
+
+"How much time shall I give? It cannot take long to read a heart like
+yours, dear." And fancying her emotion a propitious omen, he assumed the
+lover in good earnest.
+
+"Give me time till the New Year. I will answer then, and, meantime,
+leave me free to study both myself and you. We have known each other
+long, I own, but, still, this changes everything, and makes you seem
+another person. Be patient, Frank, and I will try to make my duty a
+pleasure."
+
+"I will. God bless you for the kind hope, Octavia. It has been mine for
+years, and if I lose it, it will go hardly with me."
+
+Later in the evening General Snowdon stood examining the antique screen.
+In many places carved oak was pierced quite through, so that voices were
+audible from behind it. The musicians had gone down to supper, the young
+folk were quietly busy at the other end of the hall, and as the old
+gentleman admired the quaint carving, the sound of his own name caught
+his ear. The housekeeper and butler still remained, though the other
+servants had gone, and sitting cosily behind the screen chatted in low
+tones believing themselves secure.
+
+"It _was_ Mrs. Snowdon, Adam, as I'm a living woman, though I wouldn't
+say it to anyone but you. She and Sir Jasper were here wrapped in
+cloaks, and up to mischief, I'll be bound. She is a beauty, but I don't
+envy her, and there'll be trouble in the house if she stays long."
+
+"But how do you know, Mrs. Benson, she was here? Where's your proof,
+mum?" asked the pompous butler.
+
+"Look at this, and then look at the outlandish trimming of the lady's
+dress. You men are so dull about such matters you'd never observe these
+little points. Well, I was here first after Patty, and my light shone on
+this jet ornament lying near where she saw the spirit. No one has any
+such tasty trifles but Mrs. Snowdon, and these are all over her gown. If
+that ain't proof, what is?"
+
+"Well, admitting it, I then say what on earth should she and Master be
+up here for, at such a time?" asked the slow-witted butler.
+
+"Adam, we are old servants of the family, and to you I'll say what
+tortures shouldn't draw from to another. Master has been wild, as you
+know, and it's my belief that he loved this lady abroad. There was a
+talk of some mystery, or misdeed, or misfortune, more than a year ago,
+and she was in it. I'm loath to say it, but I think Master loves her
+still, and she him. The general is an old man, she is but young, and so
+spirited and winsome she can't in reason care for him as for a fine,
+gallant gentleman like Sir Jasper. There's trouble brewing, Adam, mark
+my words. There's trouble brewing for the Trehernes."
+
+So low had the voices fallen that the listener could not have caught the
+words had not his ear been strained to the utmost. He did hear all, and
+his wasted face flashed with the wrath of a young man, then grew pale
+and stern as he turned to watch his wife. She stood apart from the
+others talking to Sir Jasper, who looked unusually handsome and debonair
+as he fanned her with a devoted air.
+
+Perhaps it is true, thought the old man bitterly. They are well matched,
+were lovers once, no doubt, and long to be so again. Poor Edith, I was
+very blind. And with his gray head bowed upon his breast the general
+stole away, carrying an arrow in his brave old heart.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Blanche, come here and rest, you will be ill tomorrow; and I promised
+Mamma to take care of you." With which elder-sisterly command Rose led
+the girl to an immense old chair, which held them both. "Now listen to
+me and follow my advice, for I am wise in my generation, though not yet
+gray. They are all busy, so leave them alone and let me show you what is
+to be done."
+
+Rose spoke softly, but with great resolution, and nodded her pretty head
+so energetically that the holly berries came rolling over her white
+shoulders.
+
+"We are not as rich as we might be, and must establish ourselves as soon
+and as well as possible. I intend to be Lady Treherne. You can be the
+Honorable Mrs. Annon, if you give your mind to it."
+
+"My dear child, are you mad?" whispered Blanche.
+
+"Far from it, but you will be if you waste your time on Maurice. He is
+poor, and a cripple, though very charming, I admit. He loves Tavie, and
+she will marry him, I am sure. She can't endure Frank, but tries to
+because my lady commands it. Nothing will come of it, so try your
+fascinations and comfort the poor man; sympathy now will foster love
+hereafter."
+
+"Don't talk so here, Rose, someone will hear us," began her sister, but
+the other broke in briskly.
+
+"No fear, a crowd is the best place for secrets. Now remember what I
+say, and make your game while the ball is rolling. Other people are
+careful not to put their plans into words, but I'm no hypocrite, and say
+plainly what I mean. Bear my sage counsel in mind and act wisely. Now
+come and begin."
+
+Treherne was sitting alone by one of the great fires, regarding the gay
+scene with serious air. For him there was neither dancing nor games; he
+could only roam about catching glimpses of forbidden pleasures,
+impossible delights, and youthful hopes forever lost to him. Sad but not
+morose was his face, and to Octavia it was a mute reproach which she
+could not long resist. Coming up as if to warm herself, she spoke to him
+in her usually frank and friendly way, and felt her heart beat fast when
+she saw how swift a change her cordial manner wrought in him.
+
+"How pretty your holly is! Do you remember how we used to go and gather
+it for festivals like this, when we were happy children?" he asked,
+looking up at her with eyes full of tender admiration.
+
+"Yes, I remember. Everyone wears it tonight as a badge, but you have
+none. Let me get you a bit, I like to have you one of us in all things."
+
+She leaned forward to break a green sprig from the branch over the
+chimneypiece; the strong draft drew in her fleecy skirt, and in an
+instant she was enveloped in flames.
+
+"Maurice, save me, help me!" cried a voice of fear and agony, and
+before anyone could reach her, before he himself knew how the deed was
+done, Treherne had thrown himself from his chair, wrapped the tiger
+skin tightly about her, and knelt there clasping her in his arms
+heedless of fire, pain, or the incoherent expressions of love that
+broke from his lips.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VI
+
+
+MIRACLES
+
+Great was the confusion and alarm which reigned for many minutes, but
+when the panic subsided two miracles appeared. Octavia was entirely
+uninjured, and Treherne was standing on his feet, a thing which for
+months he had not done without crutches. In the excitement of the
+moment, no one observed the wonder; all were crowding about the girl,
+who, pale and breathless but now self-possessed, was the first to
+exclaim, pointing to her cousin, who had drawn himself up, with the
+help of his chair, and leaned there smiling, with a face full of
+intense delight.
+
+"Look at Maurice! Oh, Jasper, help him or he'll fall!"
+
+Sir Jasper sprung to his side and put a strong arm about him, while a
+chorus of wonder, sympathy, and congratulations rose about them.
+
+"Why, lad, what does it mean? Have you been deceiving us all this
+time?" cried Jasper, as Treherne leaned on him, looking exhausted but
+truly happy.
+
+"It means that I am not to be a cripple all my life; that they did not
+deceive me when they said a sudden shock might electrify me with a more
+potent magnetism than any they could apply. It _has_, and if I am cured
+I owe it all to you, Octavia."
+
+He stretched his hands to her with a gesture of such passionate
+gratitude that the girl covered her face to hide its traitorous
+tenderness, and my lady went to him, saying brokenly, as she embraced
+him with maternal warmth, "God bless you for this act, Maurice, and
+reward you with a perfect cure. To you I owe the lives of both my
+children; how can I thank you as I ought?"
+
+"I dare not tell you yet," he whispered eagerly, then added, "I am
+growing faint, Aunt. Get me away before I make a scene."
+
+This hint recalled my lady to her usual state of dignified
+self-possession. Bidding Jasper and the major help Treherne to his room
+without delay, she begged Rose to comfort her sister, who was sobbing
+hysterically, and as they all obeyed her, she led her daughter away to
+her own apartment, for the festivities of the evening were at an end.
+
+At the same time Mrs. Snowdon and Annon bade my lady good-night, as if
+they also were about to retire, but as they reached the door of the
+gallery Mrs. Snowdon paused and beckoned Annon back. They were alone
+now, and, standing before the fire which had so nearly made that
+Christmas Eve a tragical one, she turned to him with a face full of
+interest and sympathy as she said, nodding toward the blackened shreds
+of Octavia's dress, and the scorched tiger skin which still lay at their
+feet, "That was both a fortunate and an unfortunate little affair, but I
+fear Maurice's gain will be your loss. Pardon my frankness for Octavia's
+sake; she is a fine creature, and I long to see her given to one worthy
+of her. I am a woman to read faces quickly; I know that your suit does
+not prosper as you would have it, and I desire to help you. May I?"
+
+"Indeed you may, and command any service of me in return. But to what do
+I owe this unexpected friendliness?" cried Annon, both grateful and
+surprised.
+
+"To my regard for the young lady, my wish to save her from an
+unworthy man."
+
+"Do you mean Treherne?" asked Annon, more and more amazed.
+
+"I do. Octavia must not marry a gambler!"
+
+"My dear lady, you labor under some mistake; Treherne is by no means a
+gambler. I owe him no goodwill, but I cannot hear him slandered."
+
+"You are generous, but I am not mistaken. Can you, on your honor, assure
+me that Maurice never played?"
+
+Mrs. Snowdon's keen eyes were on him, and he looked embarrassed for a
+moment, but answered with some hesitation, "Why, no, I cannot say that,
+but I can assure you that he is not an habitual gambler. All young men
+of his rank play more or less, especially abroad. It is merely an
+amusement with most, and among men is not considered dishonorable or
+dangerous. Ladies think differently, I believe, at least in England."
+
+At the word "abroad," Mrs. Snowdon's face brightened, and she suddenly
+dropped her eyes, as if afraid of betraying some secret purpose.
+
+"Indeed we do, and well we may, many of us having suffered from this
+pernicious habit. I have had special cause to dread and condemn it, and
+the fear that Octavia should in time suffer what I have suffered as a
+girl urges me to interfere where otherwise I should be dumb. Mr. Annon,
+there was a rumor that Maurice was forced to quit Paris, owing to some
+dishonorable practices at the gaming table. Is this true?"
+
+"Nay, don't ask me; upon my soul I cannot tell you. I only know that
+something was amiss, but what I never learned. Various tales were
+whispered at the clubs, and Sir Jasper indignantly denied them all. The
+bravery with which Maurice saved his cousin, and the sad affliction
+which fell upon him, silenced the gossip, and it was soon forgotten."
+
+Mrs. Snowdon remained silent for a moment, with brows knit in deep
+thought, while Annon uneasily watched her. Suddenly she glanced over her
+shoulder, drew nearer, and whispered cautiously, "Did the rumors of
+which you speak charge him with--" and the last word was breathed into
+Annon's ear almost inaudibily.
+
+He started, as if some new light broke on him, and stared at the speaker
+with a troubled face for an instant, saying hastily, "No, but now you
+remind me that when an affair of that sort was discussed the other day
+Treherne looked very odd, and rolled himself away, as if it didn't
+interest him. I can't believe it, and yet it may be something of the
+kind. That would account for old Sir Jasper's whim, and Treherne's
+steady denial of any knowledge of the cause. How in heaven's name did
+you learn this?"
+
+"My woman's wit suggested it, and my woman's will shall confirm or
+destroy the suspicion. My lady and Octavia evidently know nothing, but
+they shall if there is any danger of the girl's being won by him."
+
+"You would not tell her!" exclaimed Annon.
+
+"I will, unless you do it" was the firm answer.
+
+"Never! To betray a friend, even to gain the woman I love, is a thing I
+cannot do; my honor forbids it."
+
+Mrs. Snowdon smiled scornfully.
+
+"Men's code of honor is a strong one, and we poor women suffer from it.
+Leave this to me; do your best, and if all other means fail, you may be
+glad to try my device to prevent Maurice from marrying his cousin.
+Gratitude and pity are strong allies, and if he recovers, his strong
+will will move heaven and earth to gain her. Good night." And leaving
+her last words to rankle in Annon's mind, Mrs. Snowdon departed to
+endure sleepless hours full of tormenting memories, newborn hopes, and
+alternations of determination and despair.
+
+Treherne's prospect of recovery filled the whole house with delight, for
+his patient courage and unfailing cheerfulness had endeared him to all.
+It was no transient amendment, for day by day he steadily gained
+strength and power, passing rapidly from chair to crutches, from
+crutches to a cane and a friend's arm, which was always ready for him.
+Pain returned with returning vitality, but he bore it with a fortitude
+that touched all who witnessed it. At times motion was torture, yet
+motion was necessary lest the torpidity should return, and Treherne took
+his daily exercise with unfailing perseverance, saying with a smile,
+though great drops stood upon his forehead, "I have something dearer
+even than health to win. Hold me up, Jasper, and let me stagger on, in
+spite of everything, till my twelve turns are made."
+
+He remembered Lady Treherne's words, "If you were well, I'd gladly give
+my girl to you." This inspired him with strength, endurance, and a
+happiness which could not be concealed. It overflowed in looks, words,
+and acts; it infected everyone, and made these holidays the blithest the
+old abbey had seen for many a day.
+
+Annon devoted himself to Octavia, and in spite of her command to be left
+in peace till the New Year, she was very kind--so kind that hope flamed
+up in his heart, though he saw that something like compassion often
+shone on him from her frank eyes, and her compliance had no touch of the
+tender docility which lovers long to see. She still avoided Treherne,
+but so skillfully that few observed the change but Annon and himself. In
+public Sir Jasper appeared to worship at the sprightly Rose's shrine,
+and she fancied her game was prospering well.
+
+But had any one peeped behind the scenes it would have been discovered
+that during the half hour before dinner, when everyone was in their
+dressing rooms and the general taking his nap, a pair of ghostly black
+figures flitted about the haunted gallery, where no servant ventured
+without orders. The major fancied himself the only one who had made this
+discovery, for Mrs. Snowdon affected Treherne's society in public, and
+was assiduous in serving and amusing the "dear convalescent," as she
+called him. But the general did not sleep; he too watched and waited,
+longing yet dreading to speak, and hoping that this was but a harmless
+freak of Edith's, for her caprices were many, and till now he had
+indulged them freely. This hesitation disgusted the major, who, being a
+bachelor, knew little of women's ways, and less of their powers of
+persuasion. The day before New Year he took a sudden resolution, and
+demanded a private interview with the general.
+
+"I have come on an unpleasant errand, sir," he abruptly began, as the
+old man received him with an expression which rather daunted the major.
+"My friendship for Lady Treherne, and my guardianship of her children,
+makes me jealous of the honor of the family. I fear it is in danger,
+sir; pardon me for saying it, but your wife is the cause."
+
+"May I trouble you to explain, Major Royston" was all the general's
+reply, as his old face grew stern and haughty.
+
+"I will, sir, briefly. I happen to know from Jasper that there were love
+passages between Miss Dubarry and himself a year or more ago in Paris. A
+whim parted them, and she married. So far no reproach rests upon either,
+but since she came here it has been evident to others as well as myself
+that Jasper's affection has revived, and that Mrs. Snowdon does not
+reject and reprove it as she should. They often meet, and from Jasper's
+manner I am convinced that mischief is afloat. He is ardent, headstrong,
+and utterly regardless of the world's opinion in some cases. I have
+watched them, and what I tell you is true."
+
+"Prove it."
+
+"I will. They meet in the north gallery, wrapped in dark cloaks, and
+play ghost if anyone comes. I concealed myself behind the screen last
+evening at dusk, and satisfied myself that my suspicions were correct. I
+heard little of their conversation, but that little was enough."
+
+"Repeat it, if you please."
+
+"Sir Jasper seemed pleading for some promise which she reluctantly gave,
+saying, 'While you live I will be true to my word with everyone but him.
+He will suspect, and it will be useless to keep it from him.'
+
+"'He will shoot me for this if he knows I am the traitor,'
+expostulated Jasper.
+
+"'He shall not know that; I can hoodwink him easily, and serve my
+purpose also.'
+
+"'You are mysterious, but I leave all to you and wait for my reward.
+When shall I have it, Edith?' She laughed, and answered so low I could
+not hear, for they left the gallery as they spoke. Forgive me, General,
+for the pain I inflict. You are the only person to whom I have spoken,
+and you are the only person who can properly and promptly prevent this
+affair from bringing open shame and scandal on an honorable house. To
+you I leave it, and will do my part with this infatuated young man if
+you will withdraw the temptation which will ruin him."
+
+"I will. Thank you, Major. Trust to me, and by tomorrow I will prove
+that I can act as becomes me."
+
+The grief and misery in the general's face touched the major; he
+silently wrung his hand and went away, thanking heaven more fervently
+than ever that no cursed coquette of a woman had it in her power to
+break his heart.
+
+While this scene was going on above, another was taking place in the
+library. Treherne sat there alone, thinking happy thoughts evidently,
+for his eyes shone and his lips smiled as he mused, while watching the
+splendors of a winter sunset. A soft rustle and the faint scent of
+violets warned him of Mrs. Snowdon's approach, and a sudden foreboding
+told him that danger was near. The instant he saw her face his fear
+was confirmed, for exultation, resolve, and love met and mingled in
+the expression it wore. Leaning in the window recess, where the red
+light shone full on her lovely face and queenly figure, she said,
+softly yet with a ruthless accent below the softness, "Dreaming
+dreams, Maurice, which will never come to pass, unless I will it. I
+know your secret, and I shall use it to prevent the fulfillment of the
+foolish hope you cherish."
+
+"Who told you?" he demanded, with an almost fierce flash of the eye and
+an angry flush.
+
+"I discovered it, as I warned you I should. My memory is good, I recall
+the gossip of long ago, I observe the faces, words, and acts of those
+whom I suspect, and unconscious hints from them give me the truth."
+
+"I doubt it," and Treherne smiled securely.
+
+She stooped and whispered one short sentence into his ear. Whatever it
+was it caused him to start up with a pale, panic-stricken face, and eye
+her as if she had pronounced his doom.
+
+"Do you doubt it now?" she asked coldly.
+
+"He told you! Even your skill and craft could not discover it alone,"
+he muttered.
+
+"Nay, I told you nothing was impossible to a determined woman. I needed
+no help, for I knew more than you think."
+
+He sank down again in a despairing attitude and hid his face, saying
+mournfully, "I might have known you would hunt me down and dash my hopes
+when they were surest. How will you use this unhappy secret?"
+
+"I will tell Octavia, and make her duty less hard. It will be kind to
+both of you, for even with her this memory would mar your happiness; and
+it saves her from the shame and grief of discovering, when too late,
+that she has given herself to a--"
+
+"Stop!" he cried, in a tone that made her start and pale, as he rose out
+of his chair white with a stern indignation which awed her for a moment.
+"You shall not utter that word--you know but half the truth, and if you
+wrong me or trouble the girl I will turn traitor also, and tell the
+general the game you are playing with my cousin. You feign to love me as
+you feigned before, but his title is the bait now as then, and you fancy
+that by threatening to mar my hopes you will secure my silence, and gain
+your end."
+
+"Wrong, quite wrong. Jasper is nothing to me; I use _him_ as a tool, not
+you. If I threaten, it is to keep you from Octavia, who cannot forgive
+the past and love you for yourself, as I have done all these miserable
+months. You say I know but half the truth. Tell me the whole and I will
+spare you."
+
+If ever a man was tempted to betray a trust it was Treherne then. A
+word, and Octavia might be his; silence, and she might be lost; for this
+woman was in earnest, and possessed the power to ruin his good name
+forever. The truth leaped to his lips and would have passed them, had
+not his eye fallen on the portrait of Jasper's father. This man had
+loved and sheltered the orphan all his life, had made of him a son, and,
+dying, urged him to guard and serve and save the rebellious youth he
+left, when most needing a father's care.
+
+"I promised, and I will keep my promise at all costs," sighed Treherne,
+and with a gesture full of pathetic patience he waved the fair tempter
+from him, saying steadily, "I will never tell you, though you rob me of
+that which is dearer than my life. Go and work your will, but remember
+that when you might have won the deepest gratitude of the man you
+profess to love, you chose instead to earn his hatred and contempt."
+
+Waiting for no word of hers, he took refuge in his room, and Edith
+Snowdon sank down upon the couch, struggling with contending emotions of
+love and jealousy, remorse and despair. How long she sat there she could
+not tell; an approaching step recalled her to herself, and looking up
+she saw Octavia. As the girl approached down the long vista of the
+drawing rooms, her youth and beauty, innocence and candor touched that
+fairer and more gifted woman with an envy she had never known before.
+Something in the girl's face struck her instantly: a look of peace and
+purity, a sweet serenity more winning than loveliness, more impressive
+than dignity or grace. With a smile on her lips, yet a half-sad,
+half-tender light in her eyes, and a cluster of pale winter roses in her
+hand, she came on till she stood before her rival and, offering the
+flowers, said, in words as simple as sincere, "Dear Mrs. Snowdon, I
+cannot let the last sun of the old year set on any misdeeds of mine for
+which I may atone. I have disliked, distrusted, and misjudged you, and
+now I come to you in all humility to say forgive me."
+
+With the girlish abandon of her impulsive nature Octavia knelt down
+before the woman who was plotting to destroy her happiness, laid the
+roses like a little peace offering on her lap, and with eloquently
+pleading eyes waited for pardon. For a moment Mrs. Snowdon watched her,
+fancying it a well-acted ruse to disarm a dangerous rival; but in that
+sweet face there was no art; one glance showed her that. The words smote
+her to the heart and won her in spite of pride or passion, as she
+suddenly took the girl into her arms, weeping repentant tears. Neither
+spoke, but in the silence each felt the barrier which had stood between
+them vanishing, and each learned to know the other better in that moment
+than in a year of common life. Octavia rejoiced that the instinct which
+had prompted her to make this appeal had not misled her, but assured her
+that behind the veil of coldness, pride, and levity which this woman
+wore there was a heart aching for sympathy and help and love. Mrs.
+Snowdon felt her worser self slip from her, leaving all that was true
+and noble to make her worthy of the test applied. Art she could meet
+with equal art, but nature conquered her. For spite of her misspent life
+and faulty character, the germ of virtue, which lives in the worst, was
+there, only waiting for the fostering sun and dew of love to strengthen
+it, even though the harvest be a late one.
+
+"Forgive you!" she cried, brokenly. "It is I who should ask forgiveness
+of you--I who should atone, confess, and repent. Pardon _me_, pity me,
+love me, for I am more wretched than you know."
+
+"Dear, I do with heart and soul. Believe it, and let me be your friend"
+was the soft answer.
+
+"God knows I need one!" sighed the poor woman, still holding fast the
+only creature who had wholly won her. "Child, I am not good, but not so
+bad that I dare not look in your innocent face and call you friend. I
+never had one of my own sex. I never knew my mother; and no one ever saw
+in me the possibility of goodness, truth, and justice but you. Trust and
+love and help me, Octavia, and I will reward you with a better life, if
+I can do no more."
+
+"I will, and the new year shall be happier than the old."
+
+"God bless you for that prophecy; may I be worthy of it."
+
+Then as a bell warned them away, the rivals kissed each other tenderly,
+and parted friends. As Mrs. Snowdon entered her room, she saw her
+husband sitting with his gray head in his hands, and heard him murmur
+despairingly to himself, "My life makes her miserable. But for the sin
+of it I'd die to free her."
+
+"No, live for me, and teach me to be happy in your love." The clear
+voice startled him, but not so much as the beautiful changed face of the
+wife who laid the gray head on her bosom, saying tenderly, "My kind and
+patient husband, you have been deceived. From me you shall know all the
+truth, and when you have forgiven my faulty past, you shall see how
+happy I will try to make your future."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VII
+
+
+A GHOSTLY REVEL
+
+"Bless me, how dull we are tonight!" exclaimed Rose, as the younger
+portion of the party wandered listlessly about the drawing rooms that
+evening, while my lady and the major played an absorbing game of piquet,
+and the general dozed peacefully at last.
+
+"It is because Maurice is not here; he always keeps us going, for he is
+a fellow of infinite resources," replied Sir Jasper, suppressing a yawn.
+
+"Have him out then," said Annon.
+
+"He won't come. The poor lad is blue tonight, in spite of his
+improvement. Something is amiss, and there is no getting a word
+from him."
+
+"Sad memories afflict him, perhaps," sighed Blanche.
+
+"Don't be absurd, dear, sad memories are all nonsense; melancholy is
+always indigestion, and nothing is so sure a cure as fun," said Rose
+briskly. "I'm going to send in a polite invitation begging him to come
+and amuse us. He'll accept, I haven't a doubt."
+
+The message was sent, but to Rose's chagrin a polite refusal was
+returned.
+
+"He _shall_ come. Sir Jasper, do you and Mr. Annon go as a deputation
+from us, and return without him at your peril" was her command.
+
+They went, and while waiting their reappearance the sisters spoke of
+what all had observed.
+
+"How lovely Mrs. Snowdon looks tonight. I always thought she owed half
+her charms to her skill in dress, but she never looked so beautiful as
+in that plain black silk, with those roses in her hair," said Rose.
+
+"What has she done to herself?" replied Blanche. "I see a change,
+but can't account for it. She and Tavie have made some beautifying
+discovery, for both look altogether uplifted and angelic all of a
+sudden."
+
+"Here come the gentlemen, and, as I'm a Talbot, they haven't got him!"
+cried Rose as the deputation appeared, looking very crestfallen. "Don't
+come near me," she added, irefully, "you are disloyal cowards, and I
+doom you to exile till I want you. _I_ am infinite in resources as well
+as this recreant man, and come he shall. Mrs. Snowdon, would you mind
+asking Mr. Treherne to suggest something to wile away the rest of this
+evening? We are in despair, and can think of nothing, and you are
+all-powerful with him."
+
+"I must decline, since he refuses you" was the decided answer, as Mrs.
+Snowdon moved away.
+
+"Tavie, dear, do go; we _must_ have him; he always obeys you, and you
+would be such a public benefactor, you know."
+
+Without a word Octavia wrote a line and sent it by a servant. Several
+minutes passed, and the gentlemen began to lay wagers on the success of
+her trial. "He will not come for me, you may be sure," said Octavia. As
+the words passed her lips he appeared.
+
+A general laugh greeted him, but, taking no notice of the jests at
+his expense, he turned to Octavia, saying quietly, "What can I do for
+you, Cousin?"
+
+His colorless face and weary eyes reproached her for disturbing him, but
+it was too late for regret, and she answered hastily, "We are in want of
+some new and amusing occupation to wile away the evening. Can you
+suggest something appropriate?"
+
+"Why not sit round the hall fire and tell stories, while we wait to see
+the old year out, as we used to do long ago?" he asked, after a
+moment's thought.
+
+"I told you so! There it is, just what we want." And Sir Jasper looked
+triumphant.
+
+"It's capital--let us begin at once. It is after ten now, so we shall
+not have long to wait," cried Rose, and, taking Sir Jasper's arm, she
+led the way to the hall.
+
+A great fire always burned there, and in wintertime thick carpets
+and curtains covered the stone floor and draped the tall windows.
+Plants blossomed in the warm atmosphere, and chairs and lounges
+stood about invitingly. The party was soon seated, and Treherne was
+desired to begin.
+
+"We must have ghost stories, and in order to be properly thrilling and
+effective, the lights must be put out," said Rose, who sat next him, and
+spoke first, as usual.
+
+This was soon done, and only a ruddy circle of firelight was left to
+oppose the rapt gloom that filled the hall, where shadows now seemed to
+lurk in every corner.
+
+"Don't be very dreadful, or I shall faint away," pleaded Blanche,
+drawing nearer to Annon, for she had taken her sister's advice, and laid
+close siege to that gentleman's heart.
+
+"I think your nerves will bear my little tale," replied Treherne.
+"When I was in India, four years ago, I had a very dear friend in my
+regiment--a Scotchman; I'm half Scotch myself, you know, and clannish,
+of course. Gordon was sent up the country on a scouting expedition,
+and never returned. His men reported that he left them one evening to
+take a survey, and his horse came home bloody and riderless. We
+searched, but could not find a trace of him, and I was desperate to
+discover and avenge his murder. About a month after his disappearance,
+as I sat in my tent one fearfully hot day, suddenly the canvas door
+flap was raised and there stood Gordon. I saw him as plainly as I see
+you, Jasper, and should have sprung to meet him, but something held me
+back. He was deathly pale, dripping with water, and in his bonny blue
+eyes was a wild, woeful look that made my blood run cold. I stared
+dumbly, for it was awful to see my friend so changed and so unearthly.
+Stretching his arm to me he took my hand, saying solemnly, 'Come!' The
+touch was like ice; an ominous thrill ran through me; I started up to
+obey, and he was gone."
+
+"A horrid dream, of course. Is that all?" asked Rose.
+
+With his eyes on the fire and his left hand half extended, Treherne went
+on as if he had not heard her.
+
+"I thought it was a fancy, and soon recovered myself, for no one had
+seen or heard anything of Gordon, and my native servant lay just outside
+my tent. A strange sensation remained in the hand the phantom touched.
+It was cold, damp, and white. I found it vain to try to forget this
+apparition; it took strong hold of me; I told Yermid, my man, and he
+bade me consider it a sign that I was to seek my friend. That night I
+dreamed I was riding up the country in hot haste; what led me I know
+not, but I pressed on and on, longing to reach the end. A half-dried
+river crossed my path, and, riding down the steep bank to ford it, I saw
+Gordon's body lying in the shallow water looking exactly as the vision
+looked. I woke in a strange mood, told the story to my commanding
+officer, and, as nothing was doing just then, easily got leave of
+absence for a week. Taking Yermid, I set out on my sad quest. I thought
+it folly, but I could not resist the impulse that drew me on. For seven
+days I searched, and the strangest part of the story is that all that
+time I went on exactly as in the dream, seeing what I saw then, and led
+by the touch of a cold hand on mine. On the seventh day I reached the
+river, and found my friend's body."
+
+"How horrible! Is it really true?" cried Mrs. Snowdon.
+
+"As true as I am a living man. Nor is that all: this left hand of mine
+never has been warm since that time. See and feel for yourselves."
+
+He opened both hands, and all satisfied themselves that the left was
+smaller, paler, and colder than the right.
+
+"Pray someone tell another story to put this out of my mind; it makes me
+nervous," said Blanche.
+
+"I'll tell one, and you may laugh to quiet your nerves. I want to have
+mine done with, so that I can enjoy the rest with a free mind." With
+these words Rose began her tale in the good old fashion.
+
+"Once upon a time, when we were paying a visit to my blessed grandmamma,
+I saw a ghost in this wise: The dear old lady was ill with a cold and
+kept her room, leaving us to mope, for it was very dull in the great
+lonely house. Blanche and I were both homesick, but didn't like to leave
+till she was better, so we ransacked the library and solaced ourselves
+with all manner of queer books. One day I found Grandmamma very low and
+nervous, and evidently with something on her mind. She would say
+nothing, but the next day was worse, and I insisted on knowing the
+cause, for the trouble was evidently mental. Charging me to keep it from
+Blanche, who was, and is, a sad coward, she told me that a spirit had
+appeared to her two successive nights. 'If it comes a third time, I
+shall prepare to die,' said the foolish old lady.
+
+"'No, you won't, for I'll come and stay with you and lay your ghost,' I
+said. With some difficulty I made her yield, and after Blanche was
+asleep I slipped away to Grandmamma, with a book and candle for a long
+watch, as the spirit didn't appear till after midnight. She usually
+slept with her door unlocked, in case of fire or fright, and her maid
+was close by. That night I locked the door, telling her that spirits
+could come through the oak if they chose, and I preferred to have a fair
+trial. Well, I read and chatted and dozed till dawn and nothing
+appeared, so I laughed at the whole affair, and the old lady pretended
+to be convinced that it was all a fancy.
+
+"Next night I slept in my own room, and in the morning was told that not
+only Grandmamma but Janet had seen the spirit. All in white, with
+streaming hair, a pale face, and a red streak at the throat. It came and
+parted the bed-curtains, looking in a moment, and then vanished. Janet
+had slept with Grandmamma and kept a lamp burning on the chimney, so
+both saw it.
+
+"I was puzzled, but not frightened; I never am, and I insisted on trying
+again. The door was left unlocked, as on the previous night, and I lay
+with Grandmamma, a light burning as before. About two she clutched me as
+I was dropping off. I looked, and there, peeping in between the dark
+curtains, was a pale face with long hair all about it, and a red streak
+at the throat. It was very dim, the light being low, but I saw it, and
+after one breathless minute sprang up, caught my foot, fell down with a
+crash, and by the time I was around the bed, not a vestige of the thing
+appeared. I was angry, and vowed I'd succeed at all hazards, though I'll
+confess I was just a bit daunted.
+
+"Next time Janet and I sat up in easy chairs, with bright lights
+burning, and both wide awake with the strongest coffee we could make. As
+the hour drew near we got nervous, and when the white shape came gliding
+in Janet hid her face. I didn't, and after one look was on the point of
+laughing, for the spirit was Blanche walking in her sleep. She wore a
+coral necklace in those days, and never took it off, and her long hair
+half hid her face, which had the unnatural, uncanny look somnambulists
+always wear. I had the sense to keep still and tell Janet what to do, so
+the poor child went back unwaked, and Grandmamma's spirit never walked
+again for I took care of that."
+
+"Why did you haunt the old lady?" asked Annon, as the laughter ceased.
+
+"I don't know, unless it was that I wanted to ask leave to go home, and
+was afraid to do it awake, so tried when asleep. I shall not tell any
+story, as I was the heroine of this, but will give my turn to you, Mr.
+Annon," said Blanche, with a soft glance, which was quite thrown away,
+for the gentleman's eyes were fixed on Octavia, who sat on a low ottoman
+at Mrs. Snowdon's feet in the full glow of the firelight.
+
+"I've had very small experience in ghosts, and can only recall a little
+fright I once had when a boy at college. I'd been out to a party, got
+home tired, couldn't find my matches, and retired in the dark. Toward
+morning I woke, and glancing up to see if the dim light was dawn or
+moonshine I was horrified to see a coffin standing at the bed's foot. I
+rubbed my eyes to be sure I was awake, and looked with all my might.
+There it was, a long black coffin, and I saw the white plate in the
+dusk, for the moon was setting and my curtain was not drawn. 'It's some
+trick of the fellows,' I thought; 'I'll not betray myself, but keep
+cool.' Easy to say but hard to do, for it suddenly flashed into my mind
+that I might be in the wrong room. I glanced about, but there were the
+familiar objects as usual, as far as the indistinct light allowed me to
+see, and I made sure by feeling on the wall at the bed's head for my
+watchcase. It was there, and mine beyond a doubt, being peculiar in
+shape and fabric. Had I been to a college wine party I could have
+accounted for the vision, but a quiet evening in a grave professor's
+well-conducted family could produce no ill effects. 'It's an optical
+illusion, or a prank of my mates; I'll sleep and forget it,' I said, and
+for a time endeavored to do so, but curiosity overcame my resolve, and
+soon I peeped again. Judge of my horror when I saw the sharp white
+outline of a dead face, which seemed to be peeping up from the coffin.
+It gave me a terrible shock for I was but a lad and had been ill. I hid
+my face and quaked like a nervous girl, still thinking it some joke and
+too proud to betray fear lest I should be laughed at. How long I lay
+there I don't know, but when I looked again the face was farther out and
+the whole figure seemed rising slowly. The moon was nearly down, I had
+no lamp, and to be left in the dark with that awesome thing was more
+than I could bear. Joke or earnest, I must end the panic, and bolting
+out of my room I roused my neighbor. He told me I was mad or drunk, but
+lit a lamp and returned with me, to find my horror only a heap of
+clothes thrown on the table in such a way that, as the moon's pale light
+shot it, it struck upon my black student's gown, with a white card lying
+on it, and produced the effect of a coffin and plate. The face was a
+crumpled handkerchief, and what seemed hair a brown muffler. As the moon
+sank, these outlines changed and, incredible as it may seem, grew like a
+face. My friend not having had the fright enjoyed the joke, and
+'Coffins' was my sobriquet for a long while."
+
+"You get worse and worse. Sir Jasper, do vary the horrors by a touch of
+fun, or I shall run away," said Blanche, glancing over her shoulder
+nervously.
+
+"I'll do my best, and tell a story my uncle used to relate of his young
+days. I forget the name of the place, but it was some little country
+town famous among anglers. My uncle often went to fish, and always
+regretted that a deserted house near the trout stream was not occupied,
+for the inn was inconveniently distant. Speaking of this one evening as
+he lounged in the landlady's parlor, he asked why no one took it and let
+the rooms to strangers in the fishing season. 'For fear of the
+ghostissess, your honor,' replied the woman, and proceeded to tell, him
+that three distinct spirits haunted the house. In the garret was heard
+the hum of a wheel and the tap of high-heeled shoes, as the ghostly
+spinner went to and fro. In a chamber sounded the sharpening of a knife,
+followed by groans and the drip of blood. The cellar was made awful by a
+skeleton sitting on a half-buried box and chuckling fiendishly. It seems
+a miser lived there once, and was believed to have starved his daughter
+in the garret, keeping her at work till she died. The second spirit was
+that of the girl's rejected lover, who cut his throat in the chamber,
+and the third of the miser who was found dead on the money chest he was
+too feeble to conceal. My uncle laughed at all this, and offered to lay
+the ghosts if anyone would take the house.
+
+"This offer got abroad, and a crusty old fellow accepted it, hoping to
+turn a penny. He had a pretty girl, whose love had been thwarted by the
+old man, and whose lover was going to sea in despair. My uncle knew this
+and pitied the young people. He had made acquaintance with a wandering
+artist, and the two agreed to conquer the prejudices against the house
+by taking rooms there. They did so, and after satisfying themselves
+regarding the noises, consulted a wise old woman as to the best means of
+laying the ghosts. She told them if any young girl would pass a night in
+each haunted room, praying piously the while, that all would be well.
+Peggy was asked if she would do it, and being a stouthearted lass she
+consented, for a round sum, to try it. The first night was in the
+garret, and Peggy, in spite of the prophecies of the village gossips,
+came out alive, though listeners at the door heard the weird humming and
+tapping all night long. The next night all went well, and from that time
+no more sharpening, groaning, or dripping was heard. The third time she
+bade her friends good-bye and, wrapped in her red cloak, with a lamp and
+prayer book, went down into the cellar. Alas for pretty Peggy! When day
+came she was gone, and with her the miser's empty box, though his bones
+remained to prove how well she had done her work.
+
+"The town was in an uproar, and the old man furious. Some said the devil
+had flown away with her, others that the bones were hers, and all agreed
+that henceforth another ghost would haunt the house. My uncle and the
+artist did their best to comfort the father, who sorely reproached
+himself for thwarting the girl's love, and declared that if Jack would
+find her he should have her. But Jack had sailed, and the old man 'was
+left lamenting.' The house was freed from its unearthly visitors,
+however, for no ghost appeared; and when my uncle left, old Martin found
+money and letter informing him that Peggy had spent her first two nights
+preparing for flight, and on the third had gone away to marry and sail
+with Jack. The noises had been produced by the artist, who was a
+ventriloquist, the skeleton had been smuggled from the surgeons, and the
+whole thing was a conspiracy to help Peggy and accommodate the
+fishermen."
+
+"It is evident that roguery is hereditary," laughed Rose as the
+narrator paused.
+
+"I strongly suspect that Sir Jasper the second was the true hero of that
+story," added Mrs. Snowdon.
+
+"Think what you like, I've done my part, and leave the stage for
+you, madam."
+
+"I will come last. It is your turn, dear." As Mrs. Snowdon softly
+uttered the last word, and Octavia leaned upon her knee with an
+affectionate glance, Treherne leaned forward to catch a glimpse of the
+two changed faces, and looked as if bewildered when both smiled at him,
+as they sat hand in hand while the girl told her story.
+
+"Long ago a famous actress suddenly dropped dead at the close of a
+splendidly played tragedy. She was carried home, and preparations were
+made to bury her. The play had been gotten up with great care and
+expense, and a fine actor was the hero. The public demanded a
+repetition, and an inferior person was engaged to take the dead lady's
+part. A day's delay had been necessary, but when the night came the
+house was crowded. They waited both before and behind the curtain for
+the debut of the new actress, with much curiosity. She stood waiting for
+her cue, but as it was given, to the amazement of all, the great
+tragedienne glided upon the stage. Pale as marble, and with a strange
+fire in her eyes, strange pathos in her voice, strange power in her
+acting, she went through her part, and at the close vanished as
+mysteriously as she came. Great was the excitement that night, and
+intense the astonishment and horror next day when it was whispered
+abroad that the dead woman never had revived, but had lain in her coffin
+before the eyes of watchers all the evening, when hundreds fancied they
+were applauding her at the theater. The mystery never was cleared up,
+and Paris was divided by two opinions: one that some person marvelously
+like Madame Z. had personated her for the sake of a sensation; the other
+that the ghost of the dead actress, unable to free itself from the old
+duties so full of fascination to an ambitious and successful woman, had
+played for the last time the part which had made her famous."
+
+"Where did you find that, Tavie? It's very French, and not bad if you
+invented it," said Sir Jasper.
+
+"I read it in an old book, where it was much better told. Now, Edith,
+there is just time for your tale."
+
+As the word "Edith" passed her lips, again Treherne started and eyed
+them both, and again they smiled, as Mrs. Snowdon caressed the
+smooth cheek leaning on her knee, and looking full at him began the
+last recital.
+
+"You have been recounting the pranks of imaginary ghosts; let me show
+you the workings of some real spirits, evil and good, that haunt every
+heart and home, making its misery or joy. At Christmastime, in a country
+house, a party of friends met to keep the holidays, and very happily
+they might have done so had not one person marred the peace of several.
+Love, jealousy, deceit, and nobleness were the spirits that played their
+freaks with these people. The person of whom I speak was more haunted
+than the rest, and much tormented, being willful, proud, and jealous.
+Heaven help her, she had had no one to exorcise these ghosts for her,
+and they goaded her to do much harm. Among these friends there were more
+than one pair of lovers, and much tangling of plots and plans, for
+hearts are wayward and mysterious things, and cannot love as duty bids
+or prudence counsels. This woman held the key to all the secrets of the
+house, and, having a purpose to gain, she used her power selfishly, for
+a time. To satisfy a doubt, she feigned a fancy for a gentleman who once
+did her the honor of admiring her, and, to the great scandal of certain
+sage persons, permitted him to show his regard for her, knowing that it
+was but a transient amusement on his part as well as upon hers. In the
+hands of this woman lay a secret which could make or mar the happiness
+of the best and dearest of the party. The evil spirits which haunted her
+urged her to mar their peace and gratify a sinful hope. On the other
+side, honor, justice, and generosity prompted her to make them happy,
+and while she wavered there came to her a sweet enchantress who, with a
+word, banished the tormenting ghosts forever, and gave the haunted woman
+a talisman to keep her free henceforth."
+
+There the earnest voice faltered, and with a sudden impulse Mrs. Snowdon
+bent her head and kissed the fair forehead which had bent lower and
+lower as she went on. Each listener understood the truth, lightly veiled
+in that hasty fable, and each found in it a different meaning. Sir
+Jasper frowned and bit his lips, Annon glanced anxiously from face to
+face, Octavia hid hers, and Treherne's flashed with sudden intelligence,
+while Rose laughed low to herself, enjoying the scene. Blanche, who was
+getting sleepy, said, with a stifled gape, "That is a very nice, moral
+little story, but I wish there had been some real ghosts in it."
+
+"There was. Will you come and see them?"
+
+As she put the question, Mrs. Snowdon rose abruptly, wishing to end the
+seance, and beckoning them to follow glided up the great stairway. All
+obeyed, wondering what whim possessed her, and quite ready for any jest
+in store for them.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII
+
+
+JASPER
+
+She led them to the north gallery and, pausing at the door, said
+merrily, "The ghost--or ghosts rather, for there were two--which
+frightened Patty were Sir Jasper and myself, meeting to discuss certain
+important matters which concerned Mr. Treherne. If you want to see
+spirits we will play phantom for you, and convince you of our power."
+
+"Good, let us go and have a ghostly dance, as a proper finale of our
+revel," answered Rose as they flocked into the long hall.
+
+At that moment the great clock struck twelve, and all paused to bid the
+old year adieu. Sir Jasper was the first to speak, for, angry with Mrs.
+Snowdon, yet thankful to her for making a jest to others of what had
+been earnest to him, he desired to hide his chagrin under a gay manner;
+and taking Rose around the waist was about to waltz away as she
+proposed, saying cheerily, "'Come one and all, and dance the new year
+in,'" when a cry from Octavia arrested him, and turning he saw her
+stand, pale and trembling, pointing to the far end of the hall.
+
+Eight narrow Gothic windows pierced either wall of the north
+gallery. A full moon sent her silvery light strongly in upon the
+eastern side, making broad bars of brightness across the floor. No
+fires burned there now, and wherever the moonlight did not fall deep
+shadows lay. As Octavia cried out, all looked, and all distinctly
+saw a tall, dark figure moving noiselessly across the second bar of
+light far down the hall.
+
+"Is it some jest of yours?" asked Sir Jasper of Mrs. Snowdon, as the
+form vanished in the shadow.
+
+"No, upon my honor, I know nothing of it! I only meant to relieve
+Octavia's superstitious fears by showing her our pranks" was the
+whispered reply as Mrs. Snowdon's cheek paled, and she drew nearer
+to Jasper.
+
+"Who is there?" called Treherne in a commanding tone.
+
+No answer, but a faint, cold breath of air seemed to sigh along the
+arched roof and die away as the dark figure crossed the third streak
+of moonlight. A strange awe fell upon them all, and no one spoke, but
+stood watching for the appearance of the shape. Nearer and nearer it
+came, with soundless steps, and as it reached the sixth window its
+outlines were distinctly visible. A tall, wasted figure, all in black,
+with a rosary hanging from the girdle, and a dark beard half
+concealing the face.
+
+"The Abbot's ghost, and very well got up," said Annon, trying to laugh
+but failing decidedly, for again the cold breath swept over them,
+causing a general shudder.
+
+"Hush!" whispered Treherne, drawing Octavia to his side with a
+protecting gesture.
+
+Once more the phantom appeared and disappeared, and as they waited for
+it to cross the last bar of light that lay between it and them, Mrs.
+Snowdon stepped forward to the edge of the shadow in which they stood,
+as if to confront the apparition alone. Out of the darkness it came, and
+in the full radiance of the light it paused. Mrs. Snowdon, being
+nearest, saw the face first, and uttering a faint cry dropped down upon
+the stone floor, covering up her eyes. Nothing human ever wore a look
+like that of the ghastly, hollow-eyed, pale-lipped countenance below the
+hood. All saw it and held their breath as it slowly raised a shadowy arm
+and pointed a shriveled finger at Sir Jasper.
+
+"Speak, whatever you are, or I'll quickly prove whether you are man or
+spirit!" cried Jasper fiercely, stepping forward as if to grasp the
+extended arm that seemed to menace him alone.
+
+An icy gust swept through the hall, and the phantom slowly receded into
+the shadow. Jasper sprang after it, but nothing crossed the second
+stream of light, and nothing remained in the shade. Like one possessed
+by a sudden fancy he rushed down the gallery to find all fast and empty,
+and to return looking very strangely. Blanche had fainted away and Annon
+was bearing her out of the hall. Rose was clinging to Mrs. Snowdon, and
+Octavia leaned against her cousin, saying in a fervent whisper, "Thank
+God it did not point at you!"
+
+"Am I then dearer than your brother?" he whispered back.
+
+There was no audible reply, but one little hand involuntarily pressed
+his, though the other was outstretched toward Jasper, who came up white
+and startled but firm and quiet. Affecting to make light of it, he said,
+forcing a smile as he raised Mrs. Snowdon, "It is some stupid joke of
+the servants. Let us think no more of it. Come, Edith, this is not like
+your usual self."
+
+"It was nothing human, Jasper; you know it as well as I. Oh, why did I
+bring you here to meet the warning phantom that haunts your house!"
+
+"Nay, if my time is near the spirit would have found me out wherever
+I might be. I have no faith in that absurd superstition--I laugh at
+and defy it. Come down and drink my health in wine from the Abbot's
+own cellar."
+
+But no one had heart for further gaiety, and, finding Lady Treherne
+already alarmed by Annon, they were forced to tell her all, and find
+their own bewilderment deepened by her unalterable belief in the
+evil omen.
+
+At her command the house was searched, the servants cross-questioned,
+and every effort made to discover the identity of the apparition. All in
+vain; the house was as usual, and not a man or maid but turned pale at
+the idea of entering the gallery at midnight. At my lady's request, all
+promised to say no more upon the mystery, and separated at last to such
+sleep as they could enjoy.
+
+Very grave were the faces gathered about the breakfast table next
+morning, and very anxious the glances cast on Sir Jasper as he came in,
+late as usual, looking uncommonly blithe and well. Nothing serious ever
+made a deep impression on his mercurial nature. Treherne had more the
+air of a doomed man, being very pale and worn, in spite of an occasional
+gleam of happiness as he looked at Octavia. He haunted Jasper like a
+shadow all the morning, much to that young gentleman's annoyance, for
+both his mother and sister hung about him with faces of ill-dissembled
+anxiety. By afternoon his patience gave out, and he openly rebelled
+against the tender guard kept over him. Ringing for his horse he said
+decidedly, "I'm bored to death with the solemnity which pervades the
+house today, so I'm off for a brisk gallop, before I lose my temper and
+spirits altogether."
+
+"Come with me in the pony carriage, Jasper. I've not had a drive with
+you for a long while, and should enjoy it so much," said my lady,
+detaining him.
+
+"Mrs. Snowdon looks as if she needed air to revive her roses, and the
+pony carriage is just the thing for her, so I will cheerfully resign my
+seat to her," he answered laughing, as he forced himself from his
+mother's hand.
+
+"Take the girls in the clarence. We all want a breath of air, and you
+are the best whip we know. Be gallant and say yes, dear."
+
+"No, thank you, Tavie, that won't do. Rose and Blanche are both asleep,
+and you are dying to go and do likewise, after your vigils last night.
+As a man and a brother I beg you'll do so, and let me ride as I like."
+
+"Suppose you ask Annon to join you--" began Treherne with well-assumed
+indifference; but Sir Jasper frowned and turned sharply on him, saying,
+half-petulantly, half-jocosely:
+
+"Upon my life I should think I was a boy or a baby, by the manner in
+which you mount guard over me today. If you think I'm going to live in
+daily fear of some mishap, you are all much mistaken. Ghost or no ghost,
+I shall make merry while I can; a short life and a jolly one has always
+been my motto, you know, so fare you well till dinnertime."
+
+They watched him gallop down the avenue, and then went their different
+ways, still burdened with a nameless foreboding. Octavia strolled into
+the conservatory, thinking to refresh herself with the balmy silence
+which pervaded the place, but Annon soon joined her, full of a lover's
+hopes and fears.
+
+"Miss Treherne, I have ventured to come for my answer. Is my New Year to
+be a blissful or a sad one?" he asked eagerly.
+
+"Forgive me if I give you an unwelcome reply, but I must be true, and so
+regretfully refuse the honor you do me," she said sorrowfully.
+
+"May I ask why?"
+
+"Because I do not love you."
+
+"And you do love your cousin," he cried angrily, pausing to watch her
+half-averted face.
+
+She turned it fully toward him and answered, with her native sincerity,
+"Yes, I do, with all my heart, and now my mother will not thwart me, for
+Maurice has saved my life, and I am free to devote it all to him."
+
+"Happy man, I wish I had been a cripple!" sighed Annon. Then with a
+manful effort to be just and generous, he added heartily, "Say no more,
+he deserves you; I want no sacrifice to duty; I yield, and go away,
+praying heaven to bless you now and always."
+
+He kissed her hand and left her to seek my lady and make his adieus, for
+no persuasion could keep him. Leaving a note for Sir Jasper, he hurried
+away, to the great relief of Treherne and the deep regret of Blanche,
+who, however, lived in hopes of another trial later in the season.
+
+"Here comes Jasper, Mamma, safe and well," cried Octavia an hour or two
+later, as she joined her mother on the terrace, where my lady had been
+pacing restlessly to and fro nearly ever since her son rode away.
+
+With a smile of intense relief she waved her handkerchief as he came
+clattering up the drive, and seeing her he answered with hat and hand.
+He usually dismounted at the great hall door, but a sudden whim made him
+ride along the wall that lay below the terrace, for he was a fine
+horseman, and Mrs. Snowdon was looking from her window. As he
+approached, the peacocks fled screaming, and one flew up just before the
+horse's eyes as his master was in the act of dismounting. The spirited
+creature was startled, sprang partway up the low, broad steps of the
+terrace, and, being sharply checked, slipped, fell, and man and horse
+rolled down together.
+
+Never did those who heard it forget the cry that left Lady Treherne's
+lips as she saw the fall. It brought out both guests and servants, to
+find Octavia recklessly struggling with the frightened horse, and my
+lady down upon the stones with her son's bleeding head in her arms.
+
+They bore in the senseless, shattered body, and for hours tried
+everything that skill and sciences could devise to save the young man's
+life. But every effort was in vain, and as the sun set Sir Jasper lay
+dying. Conscious at last, and able to speak, he looked about him with a
+troubled glance, and seemed struggling with some desire that
+overmastered pain and held death at bay.
+
+"I want Maurice," he feebly said, at length.
+
+"Dear lad, I'm here," answered his cousin's voice from a seat in the
+shadow of the half-drawn curtains.
+
+"Always near when I need you. Many a scrape have you helped me out of,
+but this is beyond your power," and a faint smile passed over Jasper's
+lips as the past flitted before his mind. But the smile died, and a
+groan of pain escaped him as he cried suddenly, "Quick! Let me tell it
+before it is too late! Maurice never will, but bear the shame all his
+life that my dead name may be untarnished. Bring Edith; she must hear
+the truth."
+
+She was soon there, and, lying in his mother's arms, one hand in his
+cousin's, and one on his sister's bent head, Jasper rapidly told the
+secret which had burdened him for a year.
+
+"I did it; I forged my uncle's name when I had lost so heavily at play
+that I dared not tell my mother, or squander more of my own fortune. I
+deceived Maurice, and let him think the check a genuine one; I made him
+present it and get the money, and when all went well I fancied I was
+safe. But my uncle discovered it secretly, said nothing, and, believing
+Maurice the forger, disinherited him. I never knew this till the old man
+died, and then it was too late. I confessed to Maurice, and he forgave
+me. He said, 'I am helpless now, shut out from the world, with nothing
+to lose or gain, and soon to be forgotten by those who once knew me, so
+let the suspicion of shame, if any such there be, still cling to me, and
+do you go your way, rich, happy, honorable, and untouched by any shadow
+on your fame.' Mother, I let him do it, unconscious as he was that many
+knew the secret sin and fancied him the doer of it."
+
+"Hush, Jasper, let it pass. I can bear it; I promised your dear father
+to be your staunch friend through life, and I have only kept my word."
+
+"God knows you have, but now my life ends, and I cannot die till you are
+cleared. Edith, I told you half the truth, and you would have used it
+against him had not some angel sent this girl to touch your heart. You
+have done your part to atone for the past, now let me do mine. Mother,
+Tavie loves him, he has risked life and honor for me. Repay him
+generously and give him this."
+
+With feeble touch Sir Jasper tried to lay his sister's hand in
+Treherne's as he spoke; Mrs. Snowdon helped him, and as my lady bowed
+her head in silent acquiescence, a joyful smile shone on the dying
+man's face.
+
+"One more confession, and then I am ready," he said, looking up into the
+face of the woman whom he had loved with all the power of a shallow
+nature. "It was a jest to you, Edith, but it was bitter earnest to me,
+for I loved you, sinful as it was. Ask your husband to forgive me, and
+tell him it was better I should die than live to mar a good man's peace.
+Kiss me once, and make him happy for my sake."
+
+She touched his cold lips with remorseful tenderness, and in the same
+breath registered a vow to obey that dying prayer.
+
+"Tavie dear, Maurice, my brother, God bless you both. Good-bye, Mother.
+He will be a better son than I have been to you." Then, the reckless
+spirit of the man surviving to the last, Sir Jasper laughed faintly, as
+he seemed to beckon some invisible shape, and died saying gaily, "Now,
+Father Abbot, lead on, I'll follow you."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A year later three weddings were celebrated on the same day and in the
+same church. Maurice Treherne, a well man, led up his cousin. Frank
+Annon rewarded Blanche's patient siege by an unconditional surrender,
+and, to the infinite amusement of Mrs. Grundy, Major Royston publicly
+confessed himself outgeneraled by merry Rose. The triple wedding feast
+was celebrated at Treherne Abbey, and no uncanny visitor marred its
+festivities, for never again was the north gallery haunted by the
+ghostly Abbot.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Abbot's Ghost, Or Maurice
+Treherne's Temptation, by A. M. Barnard
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