GRAZIA'S MISTAKE

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 102, 30 April 1894, Page 3

GRAZIA'S MISTAKE

BY MRS OJEORGIE SHELDON.

Author of * Faibhful Shirley,' Brownie's Triumph,' 'The Forsaken Bride,' * Geoffrey's Victory,' etc.

CHAPTER XVIII. KAYMOND VBNTNOR'S PROPHECY IS

VERIFIED,

Great excitement prevailed in certain portions of New York during the next week or two.

Mr Ventnor's friend, after making the startling discovery regarding the mine in which he had been a large stockholder, sought the president of the Company, and revealed the secret to him.

Other members were then called together, and measures adopted to put a stop to the fraud that waa being perpotrated against him.

The man from the wild West was lured into an assembly, where, by mean? of threats and bribes, be was finally made to reveal all he knew regarding that mine. He had for years, he said, been a trapper in the West, and one day, while hunting, had come upon the abandoned mind. Actuated by a spirit of curiosity and adventure, he had entered it, and, in wander* ing about, missed his bearings and became lost.

He was two days trying to find his way out, when he finally did escape it was from a different opening from the one by which he had entered.

The sound of tanning water and a gleam of light at the extremity of a passage had renewed his courage, when be had about given up hope of ever breathing the free air of heaven again ; and, harrying toward it, he found a fissure in the rocks that led up and out upon the side of the mountain.

But he had a hard struggle for his life, even then, for the way was steep and rugged, tha rocks slippery from the stream that trickled over them, and overgrown in places with tangled briars and vines that were almost impenetrable. But all the way out be was attracted by glittering particles of gold, that gleamed in the rocks everywhere about him, and he gathered many specimens of the ore as he went along.

When he finally reached the surface once more, he marked the spot, and afterward found that it waa not five hundred feet from the entrance to the mine, but almost as many higher up on the mountain.

The mistake of the operators, in working the mine, had been in digging down instead of going upward.

Dick Cotton, for that was the Westerner's cognomen, made his way with all possible speed to Denver, where he ' fell in with a chap by the name of Lang,' and who, upon examining the specimens of ore, claimed that their fortunes were made if they could get somo other men with money to go in with them, for he claimed they were the ' iattest lumps he had ever seen.'

They came on to New • York together, where they ran across Howard; and between them, they hatched up the scheme of buying up all the original stock they could get hold of, giving as their reason for wanting to get hold of it, the building of the proposed line of railway.

A number of people had nibbled greedily at the bait, glad to accept almost any price for stock they considered worthless, and they bad already succeeded in getting into their hands nearly three hundred shares, excepting the sisty which were held by the young lady who had called at the office, but refused to sell, a few days previous.

Their game was to get possession of the greater portion of it, then display their ore, form another stock company, and advance the price of shares to suit themselves.

It was a very clever plot, and would have made the conspirators almost fabulously rich, had they succeeded in carrying it out; but the indignant stockholders pounced upon the firm of Howard and Lang with so much ferocity, that they were only too glad to settle the matter quietly, and restore the shares they had obtained under such false pretences, aba slight advance on what they bad paid for them. Measures to reopen the mine were immediately sot on foot; everybody was enthusiastic over the recent discoveries, and the stock was boomed stronger than ever before.

Thus Raymond Ventnor's prophecy, that) ' if the backwoodsman's stories proved true, Grazia would find herself a very rich young lady in the course of a few weeks,' was verified.

Acting upon hia advice, she disposed of a portion of her stock, at a price considerably in advance of the original amount, and reserved the remainder, which Mr Ventnor thought was liable to increase still more in value.

Of course, in conducting this business, ib became necessary for Mr Vonbnor to consult often with his fair client, and scarcely a week passed that did not find him two or three times a visitor in Paula Nelson's elegant home, where that young woman always greeted him with hearty cordiality, and Grazia smiled a shy welcome from her sweet brown eyes.

To his honour be it) said, however, he never presumed upon his privileges—he never, by word or acb, referred to the past, or his love which still burned as warmly in his breasb for her as ever.

But there was, however, always a tender reverence in his manner, which plainly betrayed that ehe was set apart in his estimation as above other women ; a gentler cadence in his tones, when uttering her name, that unconsciously spoke volumes to an observing ear.

It was not long in getting noised abroad fchab Miss King had suddenly come into possession of large wealth, whereupon she, of course, became a greater favourite than ever.

Congratulations ponred in npon her, and regrets also, when it was known that she would no longer follow her profession, for everybody, who had hitherto sought her cervices, assured her that it would be an irreparable loss to lose their 'sweet harpist.'

Reception after reception was tendered her, until the fair girl found it difficult to keep all her engagements. Miss Marie Macomber had learned these facts regarding Grazia; bad observed what a favourite she was becoming in society, while she had also occasionally heard it whispered that Raymond Ventnor was a regular visitor at the Nelson mansion, and all the jealousy of her nature was aroused by the reports.

One evening she was rather late in arriving at a fashionable reception, and, on entering the drawing-room, she came upon a group of ladies and gentlemen, in the centre of which there stood a tall, willowly figure, in a trailing robe of rich, white silk, gleaming jewels on her fair neck and arms, a bunch of fragrant English violets fastened to her corsage.

The lady's back was turned toward her as she entered, but there was something familiar in the poise of her small, proud head, which made her start, and look more closely at her. Th°e next instant, Grazia tnrned her head to make.some reply to a gentleman on her right, and, with a quickly suppressed exclamation of astonishment, Miss Macomber recocnised Grnzia Kingßley.

She had never seen her look so exquisitely lovely before, while it was evident, trom the admiring crowd aronnd her, that others shared in her opinion, and a demon of mischief at once took poseeaaion of the jealous girl's heart.

She made her way directly to her hostess, but after greeting her, she stationed herself where, she could watch the group gathered about Grazia, observing, with no little curiosity and interest, the perfect and fascinating manner in which she entertained her companions. Suddenly her face darkened, as she saw a gentleman approach the group, and, after apologizing for his intrusion, offer his arm to Grazia, and lead her away. The gentleman was Raymond Ventnor. •If he should marry her, 1 should have nothing to live for,' she muttered, between her white, set' teeth, a shiver of apprehension running over her. *He never shall! she added passionately, •To prevent it, I would ruin her before the world, in spite of my promise to him.' -She quietly followed the youae couple, and saw that Mr Ventnor was Bimply introducing Grazia to Borne friends of his; yet her quick eye did not tail to obeerve bis almost reverential manner, whenever he addressed her, and the tender glance of his eyes as they lingered yearningly upon her. •He surely loves her,' Bhe thought,' and if I do nob do something desperate, he will marry her in spite of everything. It drives" me mad to think of it,' she cried, a hot flush of anger crimsoning her face, ' when, for years, I have done my utmosb to win him ; when, until he met her, 1 felt sure I should win him. I will sound him this very night, and, if I find my fears verified, I will unmask her; then see if a proud Veotnor will wed her.' She watched her opportunity, and as soon as she saw him at liberty for a moment, she dipped-up to bii eide and greeted him with her usual cordiality. '1 particularly wanted to see you tonight,' she remarked, as she looked up into his eyes with an eager smile. •Ah, indeed ! and why am Iso honoured, if 1 may ask?' he inquired, with his customary courtesy. ' I have something to tell you,' she responded, in a confidential tone, as she drew him into a bay window behind some draperies away from the crowd. 'Really, Miss Marie, you excite my curiosity,' the gentleman smilingly returned. •Aml to become the recipient of a State secret? Has some one of your numerous admirers finally won the prize Whom so many covet?' Miss Macomber lifted a pair of pained, grare eyes to him. ' Raymond Venbnor, you know well enough tbat I have nothing of the kind to tell you,' ehe said, in a reproachful tone. He flnehed slightly. 1 Well, 1 he lightly returned, 'I never wa3 good at guessing riddles, 60 I shall have to wait, with what patience I can, until you choose to enlighten me.' • Well, then, we are talking of a European trip,' the girl went on to explain, watching him covertly out of the corners of her eyes, ' and you know that when we talked of it before, Mr and Mrs Charles Ventnor wanted us to wait a while, and half promised that you would all join ua. It would juat make a nice party. Will you go ?' A far-away look came into Mr Ventnor's eyes at this question. • ' I do not know how it might be with my brother and bis wife,' he thoughtfully remarked, ' but, for myself, I have important business which must be attended to, and it would be impossible for me to leave New York at present, much as I should enjoy a European trip.' Miss Macomber grew pale with disappointment. ' Business !' she repeated, with curling lips. ' I thought the wealthy Mr Ventnor was comparatively a man of leisure—that he had nothing to do but to follow the dictates of his own sweet will.' • Who has so maligned me ? Who has made me out such an idler ?' the young man smilingly inquired. •Everybody knows tbat you have an independent fortune—that there is not the slightest necessity for you to work for your living.' ' Granted, Misa Marie ; at the same time I do not enjoy idleness, therefore I manage to have something to occupy my time and attention during most of the year.' ' You manage to have something to do ! In that case ib would not be a very difficult matter for yon to lay aside your business affairs, if you chose,' hastily interposed Miss Macomber. Again Mr Ventnor flushed, and juefc at that moment Grazia passed them, leaning on the arm of their host. She looked up, smiled, and bowed to Marie, then resumed her conversation with her companion. Raymond Ventnor's eyes had lighted with joy at sight of her, and then followed her graceful form with a wistful tenderness that was almost maddening to the girl by his side. 'No—l do not think I could possibly leave,' he murmured, absently. The words and tone were too much for the self-control of Miss Macomber, and she threw discretion to the winds. ' I understand you !' she cried, in a voice of intense bitterness; ' there is too much of an attraction for you in New York juefc now.' • I do not understand you, Miss Macomber,' her companion returned, with a slight start. ' Then you mueb be wilfully obtuse,' was the even more passionate retort. ' I assure you, no. Pray explain yourself, 1 said Mr Ventnor, regarding her with surprise. 'Do you mean it ?' Do you wish me to explain?' and she turned her paaaionate eyes full upon him. •Certainly.' ' Ib is because you love her,' with a little despairing gesture, indicating: Grazia; ' because you cannot bear the thought of having the ocean separate you from her, that you will nob make one of our party. Your subterfuge regarding business was too transparent to deceive me, Mr Ventnor,' she concluded, with quivering lips. This attack was so wholly unexpected thab the young man started violently, and coloured a deep crimson, while a suspicion of the reason for it suddenly forced itself upon his mind, and, of course, made him exceedingly uncomfortable. He did not reply for a moment, for he hardly knew what to say. Ab length he straightened himself a trifle, and remarked, somewhat coldly. 'Pardon me, Miss Macombnr, but I fear' thab you do not realise, in your excitement, just what you are saying. lam nob in the habit of dealing in subterfuge, and I any nob aware thab I have made any attempt to to deceive you.1 ' But you do nob deny the charge.?' •What charge?' and Mr Ventnor waß strangely pale as he made the inquiry, while a dangerous light gleamed in his eyes. • ' Thab you love Grazia Kingeley.' He started violently. ' Thab name must not be spoken here,' he said, sternly. ' Ha, ha !' The laugh was a reckless one. ' That is another evasion.' ' I have no desire to be evasive. Yes, I do love the lady you have named, if you must have the truth,1 he coldly replied. •Ha. I knew it long ago.' It was a cry of mingled pain and anger, and the girl reeled and caught ab tbo draperies near which ahe waa standing, as her laafc hope was thus swept away from her. 'I never thought thab you, a Ventnor, would stoop co low a3 to wed a crim—' •Mies Macomber, I think it is time thab thi& interview came to an end,' Mr Venfcnor sternly interrupted. ' You know, aa well as I, tbat what you were about to assert is utterly untrue; we have discussed that point before, I believe, and you do Miss Kingeley an inestimable wrong by giving utterance to such a charge. I cannot understand your object in driving ma to the confession you hare i- bub if it will be any

, gratification to yon to know the facta of the • case, Ido not know of any reason why I ) should bo ashamed to acknowledge it Butt ) allow me to suggest,' he added, m a t (significant tone, 'that it will be an unwise ■ proceeding on your pare to proclaim whatl l have told you, for, in that case, I might ' find it necessary to make some explanations , on my own account.' i 'Do you presume to threaten me when you know that I hold tha fate of that girl in my hands?' angrily exclaimed Misa i Macomber, as she leaned toward him, her i face quivering with pain and passion. The man regarded her curiously a 1 moment, then ha remarked, in a regretful '■ tone: »» - ' » Where is your womanly heart, Marie, that you could wish to injure a lovely P»«, like Grazia Kingsley, in the way you in* 6inuate ? Why are you ao vindictive toward her?' 'My "womanly heart!"' she repeated, \ i in an unnatural voice, while ehe clasped her hands over her heaving bosom, as if to still the fierce throbbings within it. ' You j, speak as if it contained no womanly attributes; but you do not know, Raymond Ventnor, you cannot begin to know, the depth and strength of my nature. I could worship—l could be the slave of the man I loved. Why am I vindictive toward Grazia Kingeley?' ehe went on, with feverish haste. •Because, ob, because I cannot bear that you uhonld ruin your life, your reputation, your proud name, by a union with her.' It wbb out now—the secret of Tier love for him, although, of course, he had suspected it long ago. It bad been so plainly told that it would have been but a farce to ignore ib, and it was with a feeling of mingled pity and Contempt that he tried to think how best to respond to her, and save Grazia from her jealousy. , •I am very sorry, Miss Macomber, heat last began, in a tone of regret, ' that you Bhould have allowed yourself to become so excited over an imaginary fear. You have forced an acknowledgment from me which, perhaps, I was very unwise to make. I cannot unmake it, however, and I will add, that although my affections are irrevocably given to Miss Kingsley, I do not expect to marry her. 1 . ' • You do not?' eagerly exclaimed Mane. •No,'but it was a very regretful negative. ' 'Why?' • Pardon mo,' the young man returned, somewhat stiffly, ' but I do not feel called upon to give my reasons to any one. I can only say that, under existing circumstances, I can never marry Misß Kingsley; but'— and he now spoke with deliberate emphasis —' loving her as I do, and always must, I Bhall never marry any one.' It was no light thing for Raymond Ventnor to subdue his haughty spirit sufficiently to say this to the arrogant girl, whp t< he knew, hated Grazia with fierce intensity, and be never would have stooped to do it had he not thereby hoped to save the woman he loved from the vindictiveness of her would-be rival. It would have been better, perhaps, if he had left that last resolve unuttered; but he had hoped to quench forever whatever hope Marie Macomber had of becoming his wife, and thus settle their re- . lations toward each other for all time. But they roused a veritable demon within her. She saw that her case was hopeless. She realised that he meant to tell her so. She stood speechless for a moment, pressing her hands hard over her bounding heart; then, leaning toward her companion, with a bitter smile on her lips, she sarcastically exclaimed: ■ 'I thank you, Mr Ventnor, for your timely warning.' , ~ The next instant she was gone and he stood alone behind tbe heavy draperies. • He is too proud to marry her,' the girl muttered,, as she ran quickly up to the dressing-room to compose her pain-drawn face, ' but he loves her, and I will crush her all tbe same.' (Tobe Continued;)