THE ADVENTURESS

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 682, 30 June 1909, Page 2

THE ADVENTURESS

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

i'.y E.-thr Miller,*

lutbor of "The Quicksands of Life," "The Crime of Gloria Dare, - ' "Wha Was Her Sin?*' "Was She Guilty?" &c, &c.

COPYRIGHT.

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. CHAPTERS I &. IL—The siory ipens in Pans. Mis. Baskerviile revives a letter which causes her great »erturbation. Sue aispatches a reply Jo the writer, Teddy Fitzgerald, asking him to call, but she awaits bis arrival jb vain, Then she shows her daughter Camilla the missive. Fiuieiald chaiges Mrs. Baskerviile with (urging a cneque, presumably representing his losses at bridge. He demands the return of the money, with tureats of legal action. The mother fcaks Camilla to go to Air. Fitzgerald and secure the return of the cheque, tailing that, Airs. Baskerviile threat ens to commit suicide. Camilla relut tunuy consents to go to his rooms. CHAPTERS IL (continued) & 111. Fitzgerald assures Camilla that the cheque is a forgery. For her sake, iowever, he returns the draft, and proBuses to forego any further action in the matter. Mrs. Baskerviile is relieved, but is still inclined to be relentful. Next morning she sees a newspaper advertisement informing a Mrs. Blanche Herbert that if she will communicate with a firm of London solicitors she will hear of something ;o her advantage., Mrs. Baskerviile at once informs her daughter of her intention to leave for London. On her return she tells Camilla that she has rome into a legacy, and that it will be becessar? to resume their proper name of Herbert. She also proposes to leave Paris for more luxurious quarters at Menton as soon as possible. CHAPTERS HI. (continued), IV. & V. —In the Cote d'Azur express en route for the Riviera the Herberts learn of the murder of Fitzgerald's grandfather Colonel Horace Newbolt. One of their fellow-travellers is a young man, "who introduces himself as Alec Arlington, youngest son of a late millionaire. Mrs. Herbert cultivates his acquaintance, and encourages her daughter to do likewise. He arranges to visit them at the Regina Hotel, Menton, where many distinguished guests are staying, including Prince Philippe and Alec's friend. Austin Cheyne. K.C. CHAPTERS V. (continued) & Vl. Mrs. Herbert goes over to Monte Carlo nearly every day; but after a round of frivolity she finds that Alec Arlington has not accepted their invitation, so she repeats it. The young man accepts, and the girl's mother arranges to leave him and Camilla tete-a-tete. "His visit is repeated, and their acquaintance ripens. In response to frequent and pressing hints from her mother, Camilla says that she will marry Arlington if be asks her, aljhough she does not love him. Alec is having tea with the Herberts when Austin Cheyne returns. Cheyne having noticed Mrs. Herbert's gambling propensities, warns young Arlington against seeing too much of her and her daughter.

CHAPTER VII toonunucu./ Mrs. Herbert gasped at this piece of news; it was a shock indeed. For thirty seconds she was too aghast to try to hide what she felt. Then she pulled herself together, and essayed the ghost of a smile. "It sounds rather extraordinary," she said. "Perhaps you are only repeating gossip?" "I have seen his father's will." "I call it most unjust," she said, betraying her chagrin. "Why should one brother be allowed to dictate to another?" « "Ralph Arlington is six years older than Alec in age, and twenty years ofder in worldly wisdom. He was a man at two-and-twenty, whereas Alec is still a boy. George Arlington gauged their dispositions to a hair. He was one of the cleverest men of his day, you must remember, and knew very well what he was doing." "I call it most unjust," she insisted. "It is all in the point of view," said the K.C. dryly. The lady was breathing deeply, but she was coming to the conclusion at the same time that it was useless to have "words" with Austin Cheyne; conciliation was better policy. "And if he defied his brother what would become of the money?" "It would go to certain charities." "Not to Ralph Arlington?'" l "Certainly not." She was left thoughtful. There may have been a ray of light already; her mind was agile if not profound. "Of course," she said, coming down from her high horse, "no really nice girl would wish to create dissension between him and his, and no doubt Mr. Ralph Arlington would not withhold his consent unjustly. So after all our young friend need not complain." "Altc is the last boy on earth to look for grievances," responded Cheyne. "I am -sure it has never occurred to

him that his father's will was unjust. He adored his father, who could do no wrong in his sight." "Filial devotion is an amiable trait in a young man," she observed, "and so rare, unfortunately, in these days." Their respective "tones" had quite resumed the normal equability; in the words of the classics: "Butter would not have melted in her mouth.'' But Cheyne was sceptical by nature and profession: had she really abandoned the chase? He doubted it. Did she rely upon Alec's wringing the necessary consent from Ralph ? At any rate, he had administered a wholesome check to her ardour, and he left her to her meditations by-and-by, tolerably satisfied with his work, to take a stroll in the town. She was a smart woman, and her society, as a holiday pastime, was pleasant, but between a butterfly acquaintance of the kind and the real friendship which existed between him and Ralph Arlington there was the gap of half a world. He regretted, nevertheless, being obliged to cross swords with her, and the sight of Rumpelmayer's window full of glazed fruits in fancy straw baskets lured him in to purchase. He bought a basket to be posted to a small niece at home, and a basket each for Mrs. Herbert and Camilla by way of peace offering. The young person, who was such a lovely and attractive young person, could not have Alec Arlington, but she might have a couple of kilos of sweetstuff! It seemed like sheer irony. He paid his 200 francs in the spirit of human kindness, however, and listened to the band in the Jardin Publique with the soothing consciousness of duty done. The sea was as blue as only the Meditenanean can be, and there were transparent little gauzy clouds clinging to the mountain tops, and an almost aggressive colour and life and movement prevailed around him. It made a man feel "good." Why did so charming a free-lance as Mrs. Herbert spoil the fun by attempting impossible feats? In her place she was admirable —the materialised genius, as it were, of this frivolous life. But when she tried to obtrude herself and her belongings into the serious existence of hearth and home she became as ridiculous as a pantomime fairy by daylight. Cheyne smiled at his own humour—a habit acquired in the law-courts. It was rash; she was cleverer than he knew.

Like a dainty spider she sat weaving upon the terrace overlooking the town. And she weaved diamonds and carriages and fine establishments for her daughter, and a comfortable pension for herself. "Austin Cheyne is a beast," she said, vindictively. "What spirit of mischief sent him here to interfere.' He will spoil everything if he can. So unlucky." She was furious with herself for not having gone to Monte Carlo instead. There she and Camilla would have had Alec all to themselves. The first time she could capture the youth she had a question or two to ask him. "Do you often write to your brother while you are away?" "Oh, not very often," said Alec, candidly. "I loathe letter writing. If he hears from me once or twice, just to know I'm alive, he is quite satisfied. He has only had postcards this time." '.'But you are very fond of each othe?" "Rather 1" "And I suppose he would do anything for you?" "Well, he promised the dad to look after me, you know," said Alec, with a soft light in his eyes, "and he is a brick anyhow. I believe if I were ill, or in trouble, he would make any sacrifice. Good old Ralph!" "I like to see such affection between brothers," said Mrs. Herbert. "Young men are so inclined to be hard and. indifferent." She might have been moralising to Cheyne—sheer waste of time—but she was genuine for once. If Ralph Arlington were a good fellow and really attached to his younger brother, it should not be impossible to manage him. Her courage revived; once more the light of battle shone in her eyes. Her scheme was a secret marriage and an appeal to Ralph Arlington's

brotherly low; when it was too late for his objections to prevail. He could scarcely be brute enough to beggar Alec for no personal gain. The thing once done, what would be the use of quarrelling? Under such circumstances the most worldly-minded man and the most sentimental alike, could only make the best of it. She defied Austin Cheyne; he could do his worst. Alec was over age, and bis marriage would be as legal without his brother's consent as with it. Nobody could prevent his pleasing himself. And he had returned from the excursion to St. Agnes even more infatuated with Camilla than before. A climax approached. "When he has proposed I will give him a hint to hold his tongue till all is safe," she thought. "He is so easily influenced that he will do anything we ask."

CHAPTER Vlll.—Alec's Intentions. Ci reuins lances were combining at this time to make Camilla her mother's willing tool. The atmosphere she disliked so much, and was so anxious to escape, was rendered more than usually obnoxious to her by a new element. At bed time that night she lingered in her mother's room as though she had something to say which was disagreeable or difficult. "I wish the prince would go away," she observed, abruptly. "I don't like him." "What is the matter?" Mrs. Herbert was brushing out her golden hair, and did not look at her daughter. "I don't like his manner—the way he treats us, I mean." "Why? I am sure he is most agreeable —and friendly," replied Mrs. Herbert, impatiently. "Sometimes I forget who he is!" "I think he forgets sometimes who we are too," said Camila, flushing. "He is too friendly; he is familiar." Mrs. Herbert put down the 'ivorybacked hairbrush with a clatter. "Jcor goodness' sake don't be prudish, Camilla!" she said. "There is \othmg so old-fashioned"' and Uremic"

"He* is impertinent," persisted the girl, with a little pant. "Is it possible you don't see it, mamma? He treats us as though—as though we weren't ladies! It makes me so angry that I feel inclined to get up and walk away 1 Why did he put his hand on my arm when he was talking to me this evening? Why.does he chaff you, and blowkisses to you riefore people, and call me by my name? Mr. Arlington, doesn't do these things, Mr. Cheyne doesn't do them; even Mr. Collier and Count Longavilla behave better, although they are not as respectful to us as they might be. Why do these men think they may say what they like before us ? I am sure they are quite different to their own mothers and sisters, and their sisters' friends." "I don't think I have heard you make such a long speech for a month," replied Mrs. Herbert, irritably. "Have you been saving it up ? The Prince, and Longavilla, and old Collier are men of the world, that is all, and not used to talking to ingenues. They may be a little free in their manners but the prince is a prince, one must remember, and accustomed to his own way. Perhaps he is a little spoilt—quite naturally—and apt to take advantage, and the others follow his example at a distance. What do you want me to do—make a scene? ic would be too absurd. They would think me mad." "1 think they would think more of you than they do now, mamma." '•Nonsense! lou must learn to take care of yourself, Camilla, and to manage men. This experience is very good practice for you." "I hope it is an experience I shall '■■ not have again," said Camilla, with * quiver of the lip. That conversation, and the impatience with which her mother met one of the rare unveilings of her soul, sent the girl to bed with a new idea which bore fruit in a night of wakefulness and tears. They could not go pn living together. Unless she married Alec Arlington, she would have to find some other means of independence. The moment had come which was bound to occur sooner or later. At eighteen years old she felt the burden of her own existence already on her shoulders, and she was too young. The consciousness of her inexperience and dread of the future made her doubly anxious to marry. She would not have taken an old man, or a man she disliked, for the sake of a home, but there was nothing about Alec Arlington which could be repulsive to any girl. She felt sure she could be happy with him. The preference she showed for Alec's society may have had something to do with the prince's behaviour at this time. His familiarity was certainly becoming more offensive. Was he piqued by this young girl's indifference to his rank and fascinations and cosmopolitan smartness, and anxious to assert his own importance; or was it merely mischief that actuated him—a malicious appreciation of Alec's youthful worship, and the desire u> annoy ?

"J. ih.\nk you, my dear lady. And you, Mademoiselle Camilla?" "I should be, sorry if anybody were killed," replied Camilla, sedately. Philippe made a grimace, laughed, loudly, and drank his tea. "Your little girl is not so kind to me as you are, Mrs. Herbert. She is an English mees ; she will not pay compliments to a gentleman in public. But when we are alone—that is another matter, eh ?." "No. it is just the said Camilla. He was trying to make her look at him, but she would not look. He laughed again. "Never mind. I shall return good for evil. I have been lucky to-day. After lunch I went into the Rooms for half-an-hour, and won a pocketful of money. So I thought I would -buy my charming lady friends a little present —a little present from the Casino company 1" A couple of jewel cases came out ofr the prince's pocket—one for Mrs. Herbert, one for Camilla. ■• Mrs. Herbert's contained a pearl and diamond ring; Camilla's a really beautiful pendant consisting of a cabochon emerald and several diamonds suspended from a. slender platinum chain. Mrs. Herbert uttered an infantile cry of joy. "How sweet!" Camilla turned red and pale, and sat staring at her jewel with big helpless eyes. "We cannot accept such valuable presents, mamma!" she said, huskily. She would have refused outright if she had been left to herself. But Mrs. Herbert would not hear of such a thing. Her natural greed overcame prudence; even under the infuriated, eyes of Alec, and the cynical eyes of Cheyne, she could not forego these royally splendid gifts, and her thanks to Philippe were the more voluble that Camilla was almost dumb. "If he had been anybody else, I should have refused, of course," she explained afterwards to Alec and Camilla. "But it was impossible to insult the prince. "I think he's got jolly cheek!" 'grumbled Alec. "It would do him ! good to be taken down a peg or two'!" j He looked as though he would like to do it himself.

Mrs. Herbert laughed, and the lightness of her tone seemed to rob the incident of any seriousness. "My dear boy." she said, "you cannot expect a man of his rank to : be governed by ordinary social laws. As 1 was telling Camilla the other day, he claims a certain latitude as a right. And you must remember, too, he is a foreigner and does not understand our ways. I am sure he would be surprised and grieved if he thought he had done anything outre." "Oh, he's a rotter!" said Alec. "A fine king he would make I" The schoolboy term of contempt gave Camilla a thrill of painfully awakened memory. Once more she was at Teddy Fitzgerald's flat in Paris, heavy-hearted, desperate, ashamed. It reminded her, if she needed reminding,, how anxious she was to leave her mother, and she looked at Alec with a sudden mute appeal which touched him, although he did not understand what it meant. In the warm rush of emotion which set the boy trembling, he realised how very much he loved her; and how necessary it was to tell ,her so without delay. No other man, whatever his rank, should give her jewels if she were his. She should return the beastly pendant. He dined oh air that evening, waiting for his opportunity, but none came as it happened —Cheyne was alert. He' may have detected the symptoms of a crisis and made up his mind to delay it till the last possible moment. Alec, borne off a reluctant and chafing captive, glared defiance in the starlight at his legal friend. "A lovely night," said the barrister, blandly. "I don't care a hang if it is!" said Alec.

"My dear boy, why so fierce?" "You said you wanted to speak to me," replied Alec, with ill-concealed impatience. Over his shoulder he had seen Camilla disappear in the gloom with the prince. It was more than flesh and blood could bear.! "I do'. I had a letter from Ralph to-day. He hopes lam keeping an eye on you. What shall I tell him?" "That I am old enough to mind my own business," replied Alec, precipitately.

"My dear boy, it isn't a question of age," replied Cheyne. > "Your special kind of fever attacks us at seventy as well as seventeen. Only if you were anybody else, I should laugh. I care too much to laugh at you." "I don't sec. why you should call it a 'fever!' It is perfectly natural, I am sure ! You think I am too young —but I know what I want!" "Then you arc in earnest after all! 1 thought you suggested " "1 hadn t made up my mind." "You mean to marry her?" "I mean ! It is a question of whether she will have me or not. Perhaps she won't. 1 am not half good enough, of course! No fellow could be." ile trembled visibly, and feh\ sick with apprehension, and Chevne groaned. "You wretched boy ! What are you storing up for yourself? Do ycu really imagine, that any woman —any woman would refuse your millions!" "She isn't a woman; she's a bit of a girl." "She is oidei than you socially at any rate—and she has her mother ai the back of her. For Cod's sake don't contemplate such madness V\ "I won't Talk about ill'' Alec rubbed his wet forehead with

He rushed back from Monte Carlo the next afternoon in his giddiest mood, peeled off a motor coat covered with Just, and joined the group on the verandah. The attentive Longavilla placed a chair for him between the ladies, and Mrs. Herbert gave, him tea. "We broke our record, in returning, by three minutes," he said. "You should have been with us, Mrs. Herbert.-' "One day you will break your neck. You are so reckless," she said. "I dread that new Panhard." "Vuu would weep if I were killed?" he asked. "Of course! What a question!"

his hand, and swallowed convulsively, and there was silence. His feelings were too deep for words. A light figure, hastening as though pursued, a girl's face white and wild, broke suddenly upon them out of the night. "He has insulted me 1" she gasped. "I don't care for his rank. I'll never speak to him aga?in—never—never ! Oh, where is mamma!" Alec started and turned pale. "What has he said to you ?" he asked thickly. "I can't tell you." "Did he touch you." ♦ "He kissed me." "I'll break his head!'' roared the boy. "D his insolence!" Cheyne grasped him by the arm as the girl fled back to the hotel. '"Steady, Alec! Where are you go ing?" "?9 tell the cad what I think of him!'-' .-- "Nonseßsc! you cannot interfere. What is it to do with you?" "If her mother won't protect her, I will! It is infamous that a girl like that should be subject to —to " "You don't even know what has hap pened." "She said enough. I can guess." "Girls are prone to exaggeration. Philippe is a gentleman." , ,'< "He is a confounded libertine," roared Ales, almost beside himself with rage. '-'And if you are insinuating that she is telling lies about it you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Let me go!" But Cheyne tightened his grasp of the infuriated youth. (To be Continued;,) ..