THE NOVELIST. THE MORTIMERS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 7499, 19 October 1895, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE NOVELIST. THE MORTIMERS.

[BY SARA DUNN.]

CHAPTER XXXI

Zoe Mortimer was early awake» albeit the excitement of that memorable ball had not brought much joy and sweetness to soothe the bitter elements in her lot.

Her first sensation had been one of Tague disquiet at feeling something had happened both for good and for evil, which must either be conquered or endured with a fortitude that she had scarcely courage as yet to summon to her aid.

The house was quiet after the bustle of the night before. Even the servants were still sleeping, or else moving stealthily about the house in the dreamy condition that is so often the result of more than common excitement. Ihe girl was too restless to sleep, or even to remain quietly in her bed till summoned by the maid, and she sprang to the floor in a sort of desperate impatience, which was very rare to her self-constituted nature.

The morning was exceedingly cold ; but she saw that her fire was still smouldering in the grate,"and capable of being roused up by a judicious effort.

So she cautiously put on some light coals and a little wood that happened to be lying near, and soon brought a cheerful blaze to warm her trembling frame.

She dressed rapidly, rather, perhaps, from a sort of morbid agitation than from any necessity for a hurried toilette; and, in the end, discovered that she was ready at least an hour before the visual time tor breakfast, and, in all probability, as much more before it would be served on that especial morning. She could not employ herself in any of her usual feminine ways, so she resolved to start down-stairs to the library, and seek the first volume of a book that had been especially recommended by Guy in conversing with his neighbor at supper ; and which, with the sentimental fancy of a very warm and loving heart, she seemed to feel was sufficiently associated with him to win her attentions.

She took her lamp, for it was still somewhat too dark for her to discern the books in the gloomy precincts of the library, and glided downstairs with a noiseless step that could scarcely awaken the tired laggards who still rested in a happy peace after the revels.

She opened the door of the apartment in full expectation of finding it dark and tenantless ; but a blazing fire and the light of a reading-lamp illumined the room, and revealed the figure of Noel Mortimer hastily swallowing a cup of coffee ; and, at the same moment, rapidly completing a nearly-finished sheet of paper that lay before him on the table. Zoe hesitated 'for a moment whether to retreat or

advance,

Her father might be displeased at her intruding on his privacy ; but there was too much at stake for her to observe the respect that would btEergoverned her conduct. quietiy-efossd- the door behind her, and advanced nearly to her father's side before he observed her presence.

' Papa dear, surely you are not ill that you are up and breakfasting so early 7' she asked, timidly. Noel Mortimer looked at her with a Start of evident annoyance and displeasure. • Zoe, what does this mean ? Am I not even to be left alone in peace by my own child 7 Why do you watch me thus 7 It is displeasing to me !' he said, coldly. ' Forgive me, papa ; but I did not intend it ; I did not even guess that you were here,' she replied deprecatingly ; ' only I could not sleep, and I did not see you last night, after you went to the ball with that old lady, and I think that rather upset me ; for I am never content unless I know that you are well and happy, my dear, dear father !'

And she knelt down on the warm wool rug before tbe blazing fire, and took his hand in her 3as it freed itself from the encumbrance of the cup it had held.

' You are a good child, and a loving and true one, my dear Zoe,' said Noel, scarcely able to restrain the tears that he felt would disgrace his manhood and endanger his secret. ' But there are limits to every, even the most zealous, affection ; and, in this case, I really do not wish to be disturbed before I go off. I have an appointment which I did not know of till yesterday, and Which will prevent my remaining to breakfast,|and then returning home with you and your sister. I was just penning a few lines to tell you so, and that you must not be alarmed if I do not come back to day. It is possible I may be detained ; but I shall let you know if that happens afterwards.' Zoe's eyes were raised earnestly to her father's, though there was no demonstrative sharpness in their soft depths, and yet Noel was conscious that the girl read but too surely something oE the truth.

4 Papa, tell me all ; do not keep me in deferred suspense ! I can bear it, and I will. You shall have no trouble from me—none, whatever is to happen ; but I can't endure procrastination and shock—indeed ! What has happened 7—where are you going 7—may I not accompany you? My right place is comforting and supporting you. I would do it beEore the whole world, wero it necessary, in any circumstances, howShe stopped, and Noel concluded the Sentence. ' However ' disgraceful as you would '^^str^r^o^cMlj>-^-gl l " e^,you ' and !t both cutsaflU heals the vvjmnds in my breast, to feel that I have a noble heart and true affection to rest upon, even in my ruin—were that to happen !'

' Then you will prove that you trust me—you will let me share your sorrow and anxiety—will you not, my father ?' 3he asked, in her soft, persuasive tones. The uneasy tremor that had recently agitated her whole frame was silenced bravely by the unselfish desire to spare her father in his extremity, and her very voice was controlled to betray no such weakness. ' I can guess all. I know it is Fabian who has fulfilled his threat 1 He has lost little time,' she said, quickly. « What has he done, my father 7' Noel Mortimer still hesitated to reply. There was a great struggle in the father's mind. It seemed almost like realising all that was most disastrousand culpable—like cutting away the bridge that divided him from the past —like confessing there could be sufficient evidence or cause for tho danger that was imminent. Would Zoe be able to conceal it— would she be capable of preserving still her love and duty to a parent who was placed in so disgraceful and suspicious a situation, were he to comply, and tell her what did really await him? But, then, who else could ho trust to supply his place—to cover his absence, and to comfort and defend him in the. time of his possible need 7 _ Time was too pressing for any possibility of long hesitation, and his spirit was too crushed and weakened by long agony and suffering for him to refuse the aid and consolation that was offered him by his heroic child. ' You- have conquered—you have gained your point, Zoe,' he said, mournfully ; ' but time will prove whether it will be for good or evil ! Yet, you have moreover tempted the blow that I am about to inflict,' he went on, hurriedly. 'You have guessed too truly what has happened. Fabian Mortimer's was no empty threat. For that I was prepared, but scarcely for the immediate action he has taken. I am going this day, my child, to meet the preliminary investigation, the result of which will decide my fate as to any more serious enquiry. And my return home, as I said just now, will depend on the success of the plot against my liberty and my honor !' Zoe felt alarmed, but she had promised, and she sternly repressed the fluttering of her throbbing heart. 'I understand ; but what will be done if—if it is adverse to you ?' she asked, in a subdued tone.

' I can scarcely tell. Perhaps I may be admitted to bail —perhaps sternly sent to prison ! It is impossible to say ; all depends on the proof, and on the magistrate,' said Noel, calmly. ' Yes, yes—of course. I was foolish to trouble you by asking. I mean, what do you wish me to do in either case 7' she returned, hurriedly.

' I desire you should act as if noth- ' ing was the matter, till you know more,' he said, earnestly. ' It was on that 1 account that I was so anxious that you should know nothing of the affair, so I that you might have less difficulty in ] preserving unconsciousness. For in- i stance, it will be your proper course to J carry out the natural -directions I ' should give in such a case. I wish you ( to make every excuse to Lady Marwood, and then return home with your ; sister without needless delay, ere the afternoon. Julius, of course, will arrange his own movements, but you need not wait for him to carry out my wishsa, and what would have been done had not this occurred.' Zoe bowed her head. ' Certainly, papa ; I think I can promise all that,' she replied, like one learning by rote a hard lesson. ' And what else ? Suppose you were not to return to-night 7' • Then, till I send for you, I wish you to remain with your sister and Hector,' he resumed, in a voice of suppressed emotion. ' They will need you even more than I do, Zoe ; and I should be wretched if I believed you would desert them till I desired it.' Zoe looked thoughtfully at her father when he pronounced these words. ' Father,'she said, 'it is the very last moment when I ought, or would, resist in any respect your wishes, only I should like to tell you my own earnest feelings on the subject. If this should happen—if you are not triumphantly acquitted to day, I should rather leave the Place till all is over. I could not endure to remain till we were turned from its doors. It were far more dignified to quit the disputed spot, and return in successful joy and peace, than to hear in its honored walls that we are banished for ever. And we should be near you, my father, and the blow would be less heavy, whatever might be the end. Let us follow you ; let us come to you, my father, and be prepared for the worst.' ' Which you anticipate—is it not so, my child ?' he asked, sadly. ' I could not anticipate evil, but I do think that Fabian Mortimer is too clever and cunning to risk this, unless he believed he had good reason,' she replied, firmly ; ' and it is impossible to tell what may bo the evidence he has to bring.' Noel shook his head sadly. ' I see—l see ! Aud yet you think this, and retain your love for, your trust in me, Zoe !' he said, despairingly. ' Are you not my father 7 Have you not been njured, suffering, tempted 7' she replied, lovingly. ' Is it for your own children to turn against you, and blame what w.as done for their sakes, if done at all ?' She threw her arms round her father's neck, and pressed her soft lips to his pale cheek. ' My noble, blessed child ! At least, some blessing must come upon me for your sake !' he said, in a broken tone. ' There will be benign influence round , me that will keep me from despair in , my worst hour of trial !' he moaned. , ' And now we must part, Zoe ; I hear the chime of the hour when I promised i to be ready. You understand what I require, do you not 7' I ' Yes ; aud I will perform it to the ; very utmost of my ability,'she returned, ' firuily. Adieu, my father. I only ask i for the truth when you know it. Please , do not delay when once it is over.' ' Ho clasped her to his heart, and

kissed her with a tenderness that had something of reverence in it.

' Trust me, Zoe ; you shall be the very first to know what we have to expect. Hector and Eulalie depend on you ; that is the best stimulus I can give you for your heroic efforts, ray darling, my best-loved child.'

There was no moisture on the girl's fair cheek as she bade her father farewell. His last impression of her was a smile, soft and gentle as the breath of summer breeze ; then she glided from the room, and the stricken man felt as if the very pith was taken from his whole powers when she disappeared.

But there was little time for this ; tho announcement of the carriage, and that a ' person was waiting,' roused him from any weak indulgence.

He must cast off the very shadow of such woman's tenderness, and meet his destiny like a man. Yes, and an innocent and indignant descendant of a long and highly-born race.

'I am ready. I shall not be one moment,' he replied.

And then, gathering up the few papers that lay before him, and swallowing the remains of his scanty breakfast, Noel Mortimer drew on bis overcoat and scarf, and descended to the carriage in waiting,

' Come, that's all right ; you've come up to the scratch—it's plucky, any way. It will save me. from trouble,' said the man, who was anxiously looking out for him. ' I very much like to deal with real gentlemen, because, whatever may happen, they always seem to keep their place. There's nothing low and mean about them. What they say they'll do, they do, and there's an end of it. It does one good to meet with such honorable fellows, even among prisoners and felons,' he concluded, with a galling chuckle. Noel Mortimer pressed his very teeth together, in tbe stern effort to crush back the passion that would have found vent in words that might have been fatal to his comfort, if not to his actual fate.

But he instinctively recoiled from a war of words with one far more than his match in coarse abuse, and, with a calm inclination oE the head, he entered the carriage, and fixing himself in the utmost corner of the vehicle, he leant back, as if in sleep. But though he tried thus to silence any attempt at conversation from his companion, his brain was busy in the past and future to a feverish restlessness that was hard to control.

The crisis of his fate was come, whether innocent or guilty. It was a fearful cast of the die for a man on whom others, dear and helpless, were dependent on its result. Zoe, Eulalie, Hector, seemed to rise up before him with torturing vividness ; though Julius was less present to his mind, yet he was his first-born and his heir, and *tbus could scarcely be indifferent to a parent's heart.

Thus the»distance to Monmouth was traversed almost unconsciously while these thoughts and struggles were engrossing the prisoner's mental and physical senses. And when the carriage stopped, and he was politely escorted, under an unmistakeable guard, to the private room of the magistrate, his faculties were well-nigh numbed by the pressure that had been weighing on them for the last few hours.

CHAPTER XXXII

' Well, Meta, you sent for me, and I am here,' said Julius Mortimer, on the afternoon of the same day that had witnessed his father's enforced departure from Brooklea. 'In fact, I should probably have taken the opportunity of visiting you in safety, which an accident has afforded. But you must not risk any more communications, Meta. I cannot any longer carry on this absurd game that your are playing with me. Once for all, do as I am forced to do—submit to circumstances and forget the past, though I grant that it was a very happy and pleasant dream.' Meta did not exhibit the stormy agitation that such a proposition would have stirred up in her veins some brief months before. Either her mind had been accustomed to the idea of such desertion, or else some fresh interest and plan changed her mode of action.

' You have told me this before more than once, Julius,' she said, coolly, 'and in ordinary circumstances I think it might very well apply. But, unfortunately, it is quite different in our case. A marriage is not so easily and promptly annulled, except under special circumstances, and you and I were certainly lawfully united, so that we could neither of us cancel such a deed.'

'My dear girl, if you only rest upon that nothing can be easier,' said Julius, eagerly. ' The whole affair was so exceedingly slippery, that the difficulty would be rather to legalise it were any important interest depending on it, and you know how very lax and considerate the law of divorce is in your own country. So my proposal is a very simple one. The sole proof of the nuptials is the doeumeut signed by the man who went through the ceremony ; but, then, as I am a Protestant and you a Roman Catholic, there lacked the legal conclusion of a second marriage. Now, I don't mean to say that either of us could not give annoyance to the other if we choose ; but certainly the marriage would not hold in any court of Christendom, being solemnized where it was.'

'And you repent it 7 You cease to care for me, Julius 7' she asked, coolly ; so coolly, indeed, that he was thrown off his guard.

< I do repent it as a foolish action, Meta ; but, luckily, it can easily be repaired. And to prove to you how impossible it will be to carry on such child's play, I must tell you that I am betrothed to an Earl's daughter, with the consent of her parents and mine ; so that you must see how very irrational it will be for you to insist on such utter ruin for yourself and me !' 'And it is quite settled, is it, that you are to marry Lady Edith Lea?' she asked firmly.

' Without doubt. All is arranged, except the settlements being signed, and the exact time of the wedding. We have just been staying there ; and though I do not pretend that it was announced, yet it was fully understood by everyone that we were betrothed.

ROAD.

B 19, 1895.

So, my dear Meta, though I tell you honestly that I did and do love you still—far better than my future wife— we must part; and I doubt not you will make a far more desirable match than myself in your own country !' There was a suspicious cloud crossed her brow as he spoke, as though she were not clear about the real meaning of his words.

' Why do yo say that 7 What do you know about it ?' she asked.

'I know that you are a very pretty and very attractive little creature, and that you are sure to pick up some admirer, far worthier than myself,' he replied. 'He will be a lucky man, whoever he may be, my love, and I shall often think of him with envy, I can assure you !'

' I dare say ; I shall not be surprised !' she resumed, with a smile. ' And now, then, let us see what is to be done in order to free us both from the chains you find so irksome ;'

' Oh, it is as simple as need be. It is only to burn the papers that passed between us ; and then the man who performed the ceremony is either dead or missing, so that it will be quite unnecessary to trouble about his share in the affair,' he replied, joyfully. ' And when that is done, remember that it is no injury to you, because it will be quite a legal divorce, if it was not a legal marriage. You are an angel, I must say, my pretty one, to submit so willingly to what is for my good, and yet is, I know, something of a trial for you. I shall never cease to love and think of you, my darling, with the tenderest gratitude and affection 1'

He stooped forward to imprint a kiss on her lips, but she started back as if his embrace would sting her. ' JSIo, no ; you are nothing to me now, Julius, only a stranger. If you have one spark of chivalry in your heart, you will treat me with the respect that you owe to a woman—l will not say a ' lady ;' that title I leave to the Earl's daughter whom you expect to be your bride !'

' Expect, Meta ? That is a singular epithet! Have I not told you that it is all arranged, and is only a matter of time 7' he said, sharply.

' Certainly. I beg your pardon for the ill-chosen word, Julius. Yes it should be—' whom you will so soon call your bride.' But it matters little. Suppose we proceed to business. Have you the document with you of which you spoke just now 7' ' I 7 Oh, yes, I think so I Is the one we exchanged in your possession, my love?' he stammered, in a confusion that was all but contemptible to witness.

' Certainly. It has been my dearest treasure ; it may, perhaps, be my best safe-guard!' she repeated, dreamily. ' Now, then, for the decisive moment that will set us both free for life!''

He drew out a note-book, which he soon emptied of its contents, with a flurried haste and perplexity, which was in strange contrast to his companion's apparent calmness.

But at last he discovered the missing paper, and selecting it from the others, he placed it in triumph before Meta.

.' Ah, well, that is all easy and plainnow,' she said, lightly. 'And how shall we manage about the destruction ? We might have a fair opportunity of defrauding each other, if we were so inclined,' she went on, with a strange gaiety of tone. Julius recoiled from her with a genuine and reproachful resentment. ' Meta, do you really believe me to be such a villain ? And you so utterly distrustful and alienated as to judge me thus V he said, sadly. ' You are unjust, if such is your belief. Bad as I may be, T am not quite so hardened as that.'

The girl was overcome with a momentary pang at the reproach, but the freezing hardness that numbed each faculty so resumed its power.

' No,' she said ; ' I do not suspect you more than you may feel inclined to lack faith in me ; still we are doing such a doubtful deed, that we may very fairly be allowed to treat the whole affair with an extraordinary precaution. But, come—we can easily get over all the difficulty by burning them at the same time in that glorious wood-coal lire. That is one advantage you possess over our close German stoves.'

The attitude of both was worthy of remark, as they extended the papers they held over the blazing fire, and pauzed for a moment in their next movement.

It resembled the attitude of two duellists without a second, waiting for the dropping of the fatal handkerchief for the exchange of shots.

Perhaps the nicest chronometer could have scarcely defined the exact moment at which the papers were allowed to escape the retaining fingers, nor which was the one that first fell a victim to the flames, but it was done at last.

The documents crackled and danced in the fire, and then flew up the chimney, as if in light and giddy mockery of those who watched a deed so important to the whole destiny of their lives.

An instant, and it was done—a second, and neither of those who sat gazing at the gradual smouldering, whirling fragments bad more than their bare, unassisted word to prove their very existence. Meta was the first to speak when all was over.

' Then we are both free. Neither has the least claim on the other. Is it not so, my whilom lover 7' she said quietly.

and sickness, and never permitted one word nor one censure to come near your heart! It is over now, and may the bitterness you have cast into my cup be doubled to gall in your own !'

She spoke quietly, and oven softly, but it did but add to the effect of her words that no passion nor emotion mingled in their utterance.

' Nonsense, Meta ! This is all very silly and needless,' he replied, wearily. ' I know as well as yourself that I am the undoubted heir to a large and unburdened property, and Lord Marwood is glad enough to exchange the daughter for the wealthy husband. I

do not quite think that he will be sucl an utter renegade to his word as t< retract.'

Meta gave a little scornful laugh that had a world of hidden meaning in its sarcastic sound.

' Poor Julius !' she said ; ' I could almost find it in my heart to feel sorrow and compassion for your lot, if you had not so cruelly and wilfully thrown over the claim of love and duty. What would you say if I were to predict that ere three months are over you will be an exile in poverty and disgrace from that splendid residence which yotrprize so highly, and that your sister and helpless brother will be far more depen-j dent than myself on your courage and energy ? As to Lady Edith—pah !— she will no more be your wife than I shall be a crown princess 1' she added, triumphantly. Julius looked in serious doubt of her sanity, and yet there were many suggestions in his mind, and remarkable memories, that all tended to strengthen the idea that hidden truth lurked beneath her words.

'This is idle raving,' he said ; 'but I will forgive it as the outburst of a disappointed woman, and wish you a better fate than you kindly predict for me Meta, my still loved now farewell! You will not refuse me one last kiss before we part, if only for the sake, of the past ?'

Meta was a young and affective woman, after all that had galled and hardened the first springs of kindness in her susceptible heart.

Julius was her first love—her husband, as she had firmly believed ; am his voice, his look, touched her to thi very quick in that moment of parting for ever.

She did not resent the proffered caress, though she did not return ita tenderness. For a brief moment, his arm was round her, as it had been in olden days ; his lips were touching hers, his head bent over that bewitching countenance, that had a strange charm in it, apart from beauty. They were lost in the happy past, the sad present, and the threatening future, too entirely to be aware of what was passing neai them.

They did not notice a modest rinj at the bell, a slow, soft, step, a gentl turn of the door-handle.

And it came like a thunder-clap 01 both when a deep gutteral voice soundei near to the spot where they stood, ii stern, angry tones, 'Villain! youshal pay dearly for this !'

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

' Certainly. It was a pang—a sharp wrench ; but it is over now, Meta, and we both feel, I am sure, that it is all for the best. And I trust you will find a far more unfettered, if not more devoted suitor, before long, my pretty damsel,' he replied, in a tone of real regret that was not utterly lost on his companion's ears.

' Then, now it is time for mo to warn you of what you have done in cutting the knot which bound us together,' was tho response to that yearning speech. ' Julius, listen for I am speaking only simple, sad," earnest truth. Tho bride you believe secured to you will never give you her hand ! There is disgrace and misfortune shadowing, liko a dark, heavy cloud, your future ; and you have just cut away your only hope of happiness, and sympathy, and devotion. I would have worked for you, begged for you through the whole world, Julius—l would have stood by you in disgrace, and penury,

tant item is never to have very large cups, yet the saucers must be largo enough to rest a piece of cake or bread on at the side, as in afternoon tea plates