My Lady's Sin.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 229, 25 September 1903, Page 6

My Lady's Sin.

' CHAPTER XXIV. THE PICTURE. AND A LUCKLESS MESSAGE. "Great heavens!" repeated Brigitta, shivering from head to foot. "You saw the master's ghost, miss!" Nina echoed the words, half-inquiring-ly, half-contemptuously. Brigitta continued as if the girl had not spoken. "It's always been said, miss," she went on, "that nobody sees it but the castle folks, and they only a while before daybreak, when it's the darkest. There's many a guest slept hen —the haunted chamber it is called— but not one before that ever saw the ma. ter, though this, just as it stands, was his own favourite room. The Lord helj) us! why should he show himself to you? Does he come in anger, or does he come in mercy?" Brigitta put those concluding questions looking at Nina, with an askance glance, as if in some way the girl had become associated terrifyingly with "the master." But. Kina failed to observe it. She, was gazing at the woman in immeasurable astonishment that burst its way in one slow, amazed question. "The master's ghost—the haunted chamber—the guests that have slept here!" she repeated, impressively. "What do you know of all these things, Brigitta? I thought you were a stranger" at the castle, and yet you speak like one well acquainted with its secrets." The blood flowed back to Brigitta's pale face in one swift, burning tide. The terrors of "the master's ghost" were forgotten in the present and consequently greater terror of baring betrayed herself. For one instant she hesitated, guilt depicted on every feature. The next she answered, with a wellassumed air of reproach: "You forgot. Miss Beauchamp," she said, "that I spent last evening in the servants' hall. The castle's ghost is no secret there, and all that I know I learned there. I have only repeated what was told me, miss. And as the servants all speak .of the dead Mr Allingham as 'the master,' I naturally fell into " ; Nina stopped her, bowing her head upon one hand in weary doubt ancl disgust, and waving the other to enforce silence. "That will do," she said. Then, some subtle instinct warning her to be cautious, she added, quietly, raising her head again: "I was hasty in my conclusions. I did not think of the servants." Brigitta's face brightened xmder an immense sense of relief. She continued, garrulously, though her cheeks paled a little as she spoke: "It's easy to satisfy yourself, Miss Beauchamp* as to whether it was Mr jAllingham's ghost you saw. The other door there opens into the room where your luggage has been put. In that room is a small portrait of Mr Ailingham. One of the men who carried up the luggage pointed it out, and told me what it was." Seized with an uncontrollable desire to see the picture, Nina hastily arose to her feet. But she as quickly dropped back to her chair again. 'You are faint, miss," cried Brigitta, running to a bracket and snatching up a llask of perfumed water. Nina interposed. "I need nothing," she said. "It willpass over if I remain quiet for a little." The woman hesitated a moment, and then stole into the next room, directly returning with the picture of which she bad spoken. At the sound of her approach, Nina opened her eyes, and. ** with a quick, eager gesture, commanded her to turn the pictured face toward the light. "When you are better, miss," answered Brigitta, respectfully, not willing to run any risks. "I only brought it so as to have it ready, and keep you. from exerting yourself. It might, you know, be a shock. It might,'" speaking in somewhat awed tones, "be the face of him you saw last night." "1 shall not be shocked. Turn it." At that second command the woman obeyed. The event proved her right, and Nina wrong. / In spite of herself, the girl's blood seemed suddenly chilled in her veins. "I said so!" cried Brigitta, hoarsely, noticing the wild stare and shivering breath with which her eyes fell upon the pictured face. With those words she made a hurried movement toward the room from which she had just come. Nina stopped her on the instant. "Stay!" she said, in clear, calm tones. "I am not frightened. How could I be, gazing at such a face as that?—a face ' instinct with every noble aspiration. For a moment I was startled, and still am deeply mystified." "It is the same!" breathed Brigitta. "It is the same. The young man's face, surrounded by the old man's snowy hair and beard." "He became gray in a night," breathed Brigitta again. "Some shock or other," she went on, an odd, introverted look in her eyes, as if that shock had been a subject of serious speculation. "But what it was nobody knows but the mistress—not even Dr. Ailingham, it seems." Once more that glib utterance of "the mistress." But this time it escaped Nina's notice. Her intent, fascinated gaze still riveted upon the striking head, she was revolving a certain question. As Brigitta ceased speaking, she suddenly looked up and put it. "I have never," she said, by way of preface, "heard the particulars of Mr Allingham's death. Do they say he is dead? —that- he is really known to be i dead, I mean."

By the Au-hop of "Tbe Branded Foot,* "Carile's Sacriflcs," Etc, Etc.

! As she spoke those concluding words, I her eyes went slowly from the woman's 1 | face to the spot where she had seen j her appalling visitant, thus plainly in- ! dicating the doubt in her mind. I To Brigitta, the question was a grim I joke. Had she not seen the coffin lid screwI ed down over the master's dead face, I and had she not seen the coffin placed jin the ground? A quick smile showed itself about her mouth an instant as Nina's eyes rested on the hangings. The smile suppressed, ishe answered: j "They told me he died of a slow fever, miss, and in his bed like a Christian.' There's no use," she concluded, as Nina's gaze returned to her —"there's no use in thinking he's alive, miss. It was his ghost you saw, and nothing else." Brigitta's face paled a little over those" last words. She. could speak f lightly enough of the master as dead, or dying; but the masters ghost was a more serious matter. ~.,•+ Nina made no reply. She felt it I was useless to combat the woman s superstitious notions, and Bilently resolving to henceforth sleep with locked doors, she directed her to restore the picture to its place. When Brigitta returned, >una was already making hasty preparations for her toilet. Dr. and Mrs. Jeffries were to start for Baden immediately after an early breakfast; and she de«Tei above all things, to be present at tne meal- ■_ .___._. She had, however, been on her feet a little while, when the return of the prostrating faintness compelled her to relinquish the idea. "Put the room in order, and make me presentable, Brigitta." she cried, "and then . down and tell them. I am greatly disappointed; but .must, however, 'breakfast here." Mrs. Allingham was the first to appear, running up immediately on receiving Brigitta's report. Her stay was short—breakfast about beinc, served—but her utterances were many, and effectively anxious and ten- • '__» soon as breakfast wa.s over Dr. and Mrs. Jeffries came to make their adicux. the latter in full readiness for her journey. , , , . , Both felt a certain'distress at leaving the girl, but preserved a cheerful deNina, on her part, was as considerate of them. , "I have made my choice," she thought, "and I shall abide by it without mdulg- ' in* in foolish fears or useless rcpimngs. For the present I must remain at the Castle. .. Dr. Jeffries examined her carefully, but felt no increase of alarm- The faintness was an old syrapton, and its temporary' aggravation easily accounted ior by over-fatigue and want of rest "A few hours' sleep will set you right a«ain," he said, cheerfully patting her shoulder with his little fat hand. ""And, my dear," he continued, "do not be afraid to trust yourself in Dr. Al-' lingham's care- He is a man of superior intellect, and of most thorough knowledge of his profession. After you ladies retired last night _ I had a long and exhaustive conversation with him, and can conscientiously say he under, stands your ease as well as I do." "And what do you think, my dear Nina?" interpolated Mrs. Jeffries proudly, "he showed the doctor the manuscript of his forthcoming book. It's a medical work, and the doctor says a magnificent one!" - "Stupendous!" corrected the doctor, admiringly. After some further conversation, and the many "last words" which precede a parting, the kindly but thoroughly duped pair took leave. Nina's eyes followed them in wistful silence till they reached the door. As the doctor opened it she suddenly called him. "You will not forget, dftctor," she said, tremulously, "to mention my wishes to papa immediately on your return? If anything should happen to me, I want them carried out to the letter, remember. "Happen to you!'" echoed the doctor and his wife, cheerily. "Nothing is going to happen to you but a renewal of health and the merry approach of yonr wedding day. But never fe?r, my child. I'll report every word faithfully," continued the doctor; "ancl, more than that, in case of the sad necessity. I will see that your wishes are sacredly observed." . Warned by his rising emotions, he hastily closed the door. As he did so, both he and Mrs. Jeffries became aware of the presence of Mrs. Allingham. The surprised, questioning look depicted on her countenance plainly proved that she had heard both request and .reply. But, quick to perceive the doctor's gesture, intimating that he would explain below, she silently turned and led the. way downstairsAt the foot of the stairs she spoke. With voice and countenance expressive of the deepest feeling, she asked, hurriedly: "Have her fears become, excited, doctor? Does she begin to doubt her recovery ?" "I think not! I think not!" answered the doctor, with forced cheerfulness; "though," he went on, "she' may be a trifle depressed this morning." "Her voice certainly indicated it," remarked Mrs. Allingham, as he paused. "And her message to her father indicated it," supplemented Mrs. Jeffries. Dr. Allingham had joined them as they were speaking, and Dr. Jeffries turned to him. "The message," he explained, "referred to the event of her death." "Ah!" ejaculated young Allingham, (somewhat starffledi. Dr. Jeffries went on. "She entertains," he said, "some peculiar ideas in that direction—ideas which were engendered by a great shock, received in her childhood, through looking unexpectedly upon a coffined face, and which she was for years persisted should be carried out at the time of her own death and burial.'* "Ah! I understand," exclaimed Dr. Allingham, leaping at once to the nature of the message. "And may I enquire," he went on, his voice carefully modulated to the proper degree of interost,

but his heart throbbing high with 8» sudden fierce desire to hear Dr. Jeffries' answer—"and may I enquire just what those ideas are?" Without an instant's hesitation Dr. Jeffries told him. Young Allingham listened with hushed, intentness and a growing exultation it was hardly possible to conceal. He listened to the end. At the end he breathed deep down in his soul, one ominously-triumphant, word. "Eureka!" he said.

CHAPTER XXV. ALONE AT THE CASTLE. Mrs. Allingham saw her guests depart with the profoundest sense of relief. The instant they were gone, she turned to Dr. Allingham. Never dreaming that he had listened to Dr. Jeffries with other than her own supreme indifference to Nina's "peculiar ideas," she said, eagerly, dropping her hand in caressing affection . upon 'his shoulder as she spoke: "Now, Berthold, give me an hour. I had no chance to talk with you last night, ahd am absolutely pining to do so this morning." But Dr. Allingham felt himself scarcely prepared for so momentous an interview. He was not without his own shrewd suspicions.in regard to bis mother's anxiety, and. desirous of having his mind clear and fixed as to his intentions, found a prompt excuse. He promised, however, to meet her in the drawing-room before noon, and, with that promise, at once hastened away. Mrs. Allingham looked after him a moment, and then, shaking her head 'with an uncomfortable sense of increased anxiety, went to her own rooms. She found Brigitta there, busily cn„gaged in her usual tasks. "Miss Beauchamp is lying down," the womart explained, in reply to Mrs. Allingham's inquiry, "and, as she directed me not to go to her till I heard her bell, I thought I would make you comfortable, mistress." Mrs. Allingham nodded her head in acquiescence, and, walking to a window opening on one of the smaller courtyards, looked thoughtfully out. But she saw nothing of its beauty. Its wilderness of flowers, its singing fountains, its gay pavilions, its tesselated pavement, its gleaming statues, made no impression on her mind. One thought occupied her —the thought of her coming interview with, her son. From that thought she was at last recalled by Brigitta's voice. The maid, as she went to and fro at her work, had been furtively eyeing her in hesitating doubt, finally bursting out in these words: "He showed himself to Miss Beauchamp last night, mistress." Mrs. Allingham neither cried out nor spoke. She just turned slowly around and looked at the woman. But it was an awful 100k —a look of mute, white terror, for which there could have been no adequate words. Brigitta started to rui_ to her. Mrs. Allingham, still mute, repellantly raised one shaking hand and waved her back. Awed i_:to silence, Brigitta stood gazing abater, waiting till sh« could speak. Directly the words came. Slowly, painfully, as if by a great effort, she began, hoarsely: • "Did he—did he " Her voice failed her. Brigitta hastened to answer: "He said nothing, mistress—just looked at her, and she fainted." "Ah!" breathed Mrs. Allingham, sinking into a chair. "No wonder she fainted! No wonder! I should faint! —I did, 3'ou know." "Yes, I know, mistress," answered the woman, her voice awed and anxious. "But Ln never comes here?" "Never! It is only the other and more dilapidated portion of the castle he haunts. But—but she is a guest!" As she uttered those last shuddering words she raised her eyes in terrified inquiry to Brigitta's face. The woman spoke the very thought that was in her mind. "Is it in mercy, mistress?" Brigitta whispered. Notwithstanding that answer was in exact accordance with Mrs. Allingham's fears, the effect was precisely the reverse of what might hava been expected. It aroused he. slumbering spirit. She rose to her feet, still pale, still trembling, but with the fire of her natural, imperiousness and determination blazing from her eyes. "In mercy!" she repeated, harshly, raising her arm in arrogant defiance. "No mau, living or dead, shall stand between me and my project! Have I gone this far only to be baulked? No! A thousand times no! And, Brigitta"—turning her flaming gaze upon the awed maid— "there is to be no change of rooms! That; one is best adapted to our purpose. In that one she must and shall be kept!" "She has no wish to change, mistress. I asked her." Mrs. Allingham forgot her superstitious terrors in amazement. "No wish!" she echoed. Brigitta repeated all that had passed between Nina and herself, from the moment of her first entrance into the haunted chamber 'hat morning to the moment of her dismissal. As she came to a close, Mrs. Allingham nodded her head approvingly. "So," she remarked, "you told her I disbelieved in—in its appearance? That was wise." For a little she stood in silent thought. Then, saying she would go up and see if Miss Beauchamp was asleep, she moved to the door. Then she suddenly looked back. "Do not," she said, "intrude 'upon her till she rings. Remember that you are to scrupulously obey her most trifling directions, unless —they happen to clash with mine." With that charge she disappeared. She Avent straight to Nina's chamber. Fearful of awakening the girl if asleep, she entered without knocking. She found her stretched upon a broad, luxurious couch injhront of the fire, and, as she anticipated, wrapped in a still, dreamless slumber. The window curtains were carefully arranged to exclude a dangerous stream of sharp mountain air and the too brilliant rays of the sun. But in the soft, subdued light the sleeper looked inexpressibly pure and beautiful. Mrs. Allingham stood gazing down upon her for awhile, and then stole softly away to the drawing-room to await the tardy appearance of her son. "If it were not for Berthold," she mused, "I would not imbrue my hands in her blood. She is good and lovely— too good and too lovely to be " She broke off there, exclaiming passionately the next moment: "What is she in comparison with Berthold's safety and aggrandizement? Nothing!—less than nothing.* Let her

die, that he may rise higher!" For some twa hours she sat in the lonely drawing-room absorbed in her wicked plans, and for some two hours Nina slept peacefully and refreshingly in her distant chamber. At the end of that time the girl awoke. She Jay still for a little, and then, concluding not to summon Brigitta, arose, and made her simple toilet without assistance. "I feel better, very much better," she thought, drawing aside the curtains and allowing the sun' to pour unobstructed into the chamber. "This pure, balsamic air is, as Mrs. Allingham says, sure to invigorate inc." Her gaze wandered delightedly over the superb view stretching out from the beetling precipice, on the verge of which the southern side of the castle arose, and then sought the wider but no less beautiful scene visible from the windows facing the east. "I should hardy like to be imprisoned here," she smiled to herself, as she stepped to the latter and' looked down from her dizzy height to the courtyard below- "Escape might be contemplated as an entertaining problem, but that would be all." The courtyard belonged to the portion of the castle which had been suffered to fall into decay, and offered no wilderness of beauty like that upon which Mrs. Allingham's windows opened. Here was displayed the rough and rugged work of time, softened into rude picturesqueness by the untrained but kindly hand of nature. The ivy-clad ruins of the crumbling chapel, battlemented towers, and weatherbeaten chambers arose in varied heights above the debris below, while beyond lay the wild forest, broken in a grand succession of deep ravines, rocky precipices, and inaccessible summits. For many minutes Nina stood contemplating the scene in a rapt delight too profound for words. At last, with a deep, pleasurable sigh, she turned away, and, resolving to visit the ruins as soon a,s possible, left her chamber. With much doubt and several halts, she threaded the network of corridors which connected it with the inhabited portion of the castle, finally arriving at the one which separated the reception-room from the private apartments of Mrs. Allingham and her son. Still restrained by the fear of intruding into a strictly private apartment, she passed a bewildering range of doors, stopping at last before one which she believed to be that of the reception-room. She was right. But in her hesitancy she tapped lightly, and after a moment opened the door. A glance was sufficient. She entered. Voices, which she recognLed as those of her young host and his mother, reached her unintelligibly from the farther drawingrroom, and she at once proceeded in that direction. But just as her outstretched hand pressed back the. sweeping hangings between the two central apartments, she stopped as if suddenly turned into stone. Just at that moment Dr. Allingham's voice broke upon his mother's low, rapid tones in a thunderous outburst that revealed only too plainly the murderous plot that threatened her life. (To be ouatinued in Saturday's Supplement.)