'LADY GWENDOLINE'S SECRET.'

Evening Star, Issue 15139, 22 March 1913, Page 3

'LADY GWENDOLINE'S SECRET.'

By 'Agn-bs M. and W. J. Bowk, Authors of "The Lady of Kiloen,' ' A Shadowed Life,' ' His American "Wife,' 'A Hermitage of Shame,' etc., etc. . CHAPTER in. THE MYSTTTarOTTS TELEGRAM. Ladr Gwendoline Dysart war, strikingly beautiful, though past her girlhood days, and though now in the full bloom of etateiy womanhood, her smile still stirred men's hearts, and on© look of her soft brown eyes was sufficient to make them almost her slaves. There were many who termed her cold arid haughty, and who in the rago of theh' disappointed hopes did not scruple to say that Lady Gwendoline's beautiful face hid a cold "and heart--1«M nature, while others declared she was but waiting for higher game. But as years rolled on, and one season after another still saw her unmarried and the reigning belle (especially when it became public property that she had refused the hand of. the Duke of Byford and looked coldly on the attentions' of Prince Carl Mendoza), society was stirred to its depths. What was the girl waiting for? What ■wa6 her object in letting such chances slip ty? And again, they thought it was very hard on ih« earl, her father, to see his daughter passing her youth-in such an aimless fashion, "instead of looking to the future.

Yet, in spite of her numerous admirers, 'no one could conscientiously say that Lady Gwendoline was a flirt. No" man could honestly claim that he had been more favored than another. She was always sweet, always kind and gracious ; yet on the slightest sign of love, on their parts she could be at once both haughty and cold enough to effectually check all further advances

It was no little grievance to those mammas who had younger, if plainer, daughters to present that the beautiful Lady Gwendoline was still unclaimed ; for though the more sensible men saw their chances with her were few, there was always others only ioo willing to pay her court and hover round her, as the "moth does the. candle.

Unheeding the- remarks of her friends »nd society in general, the heiress, lived on her own life. So, in spite of her father's entreaties and the pleading of her relatives, eho was still Lady Gwendoline, though mnch past thirty. As Reginald watched her ladyship" s face during the interview, he saw triafc she was strangely .moved. There was no sign of pride or coldness about her now. Tears dimmed her eyes, and she lay back lost in thought. Her mind .had wandexed far away, while a terrible look of sorrow and suffering—one such as only a great grief c»n cause—was depicted on her sweet faoe. It was a relief to the youth, who had sat there in silence, unable to break the spell, when at Last the door opened and the girl on whom his eye had first alighted entered. Her entrance recalled Lady Gwendoline's wandering thoughts, and she.said : "Ida, this is not Txird Everslcigh. There has been, some mistake, owing to the strong resemblance between them. Thus gentleman is M.r Reginald Weyman. A friend of ours, the Reverend Mr Fell, of Barrow, 'eent him to Lord Triston, and now he has fallen into our hands/' she said, langhing. For a moment the girl gazed at the young man in mute surprise ; then, as she saw his flushed face pale again, she too saw her mistake. "Well, I never wa« so mistaken in my life before; but the likeness is really marvellous, thottgh I see the difference now. But, oh, Mr Weyman, i am so sorry for all I have said! What must you have thought of me?" _ And the girl held forth her hand to Reginald. Lady Gwendoline smiled. "Yes, I am glad that yon and Miss Trevor are friends now. You tee, Mr Weyman, you have discovered her weak spot. You come from Lancashire, and are a friend of Mr Fell's; and in her eyes there is no place on earth like- Barrow, and no minister to equal the vicar of St. Luke's." The girl laugh-ed softly. "Yon are quite right, Lady Gwendoline. I agree with you, and I know Mr Weyman, being a Barrow man, will do the same.

A substantial lunch was placed before Reginald, to which, needless to say, considering the state of his appetite, he did ample "justice.

Before the meal was finished he had gathered that the girl he had met so strangely was no other than the beautiful Miss Trevor, who, on acconnt of her goodness to the poor of Barrow, was idolised among them. She, the daughter of one of the wealthiest landowners, as well as Barrow's parliamentary representative, was now chatting as amiably with the shopkeeper's son as though he had been the expected Lord Everakagh, An hour later saw Reginald taking his departure in search of Lord Triston. Lady Gwendoline, true to her promise, had furnished him with a note, while she had also insisted on his calling to inform her of his progress.

"We shall see each other often, I feel crrre, and so you must make quite a friend of me from this hour. I know you will be all right with Lord Triston. Good-bye! and God bless you."

The last -words were uttered m a low, broken gasp, as though, even now, she was doubtful of hi 3 identity, could not realise "the truth, and longed to keep him by her side.

Reginald's heart, quailed in spite of all as he found himself about to enter Lord Tristan's rooms. "Everyone will not bo 60 easy to please as that lady was, and though I dare say the influence" of an carl's daughter is great, yet I wonder if I will meet—oh, if I could only come up to his lordship's requirements." The.young man was received in quite a friendly manner by Lord Tristan, a genial, good-natured, bachelor. "I like you, Mr Weyman. f admit you remind me of som/one T knew years ago, and on the recommendation of my old and revered friend am willing to give you a trial. Then, again, .Lady Gwendoline seems interested on your "behalf, and I wonld do much to please her. Now. as to the duties required. I am a bachelor, ami most tell you I roam about at my leisure, a. perfect wanderer on the earth. Your position would be between that of secretary and companion, n-hile 1 would also like you to possess business capabilities, for, as you know, I am engaged largelv in the 6teel and iron trade of Bannw. mj that the knowledge of tho business and also of the locality you possess would be in your favor. The principal thing is: Are'von satisfied to lead a roving life- and to put' up with my peculiarities?" "I should prefer it above all others, mv lord.

Then shall we say £l5O a vear to ( . om . mence with, and see how we get along? You will require some things most likelv, ko here is a small cheque in advance. Do not rush the tailors too much; T find it does not pay in the long run. The beginning of the month will 6U it me adinirablv." As Reginald left the hotel to seek "his humble lodgings, he felt dazed bv the new and unexpected good luck which' had overtaken him. His heart was full u» overflowing; he felt happy and proud; and it was with feelings of thankfulness he remembered that after all his crosses and disappointments fortnne had smiled on him. # * * # ■>:- # *

Lady Gwendoline was certainlr not her usual bright self after the departure of Kegiaald. She became abstracted and dreamy in her manner, and was so preoccupied and quiet that not only her young friend Ida Trevor, but even her father the earl and Stanley Beaumont were conscious of the change. The>dittner hour arrived. They were dining en famille, and Stanley Beaumont had schooled himself so well that it was he who, turning to his,cousin, said: "There was some mistake aboat Eric to-day; Henri, I am told, showed the stranger into your sitting room, thinking

"Tee, that is so; and the strangest part of all is that the young man was eo like Eversleigh. J.s it not a coincidence, rapa? The poor young fellow came from Barrow-in-Furness, and had letters from the Vicar to Lord Triston." "Yes, it was,strango he should fall into your hands, Gwendoline, but the likeness is not so remarkable. How rqany one meets in a day almost tho counterpart of someone else," said the secretary. "But it was marvellous the resemblance to our family; surely one cannot deem it a mere accident," said her ladyship sharply. "Stanley is right, my dear; one meets this kind of thing every day. I trust you have not been taken in by some adventurer or importer. It is not wise to give such people entry into the house," remarked the eaii. Lady Gwendoline's eyes flashed angrily, but it was her friend Ida who spoke. "My lord, you forget that this voung gentleman was a friend of Mr Fells', and the letters he carried were not forgeries, I assure you." "Oh, yes, of course, it may be quite right, and I do not wish Gwendoline to be suspicious; but in these days vou cannot be too careful." "I am sure Ladv Gwendoline is so clever and just that she is not likely to be easily imposed upon." said Stanley, with a glance of admiration at his beautiful cousin. Her ladyship returned the compliment with the coldest of bows; then, givinnthe signal to retire, she and Ida left the room, followed by the piercing glance of Beaumont's eyes as he held the door open for the.ni. Left alone over their wine, the earl turned eagerly to his relative '•Stanley -to? said sadly, "I am anxkw and pozzleu by Lady Gwendoline's manner ot late. Surely the old wound has healed by this time, and it cannot be that she is retting about young F,verslei s h? Of course lie. is not all to u.s we should like; something seems to hnve estranged him lately and weaned the lad away from ~.,. Yet I feel this 16 not the reason; lam firmly convinced there i 6 more in her action* than we think Jhere are those morbid fits, and the journeys sh„ takes annually \ h ™ Dol,e of «« ''an discover her whe r »- abouts. Gwendoline is a strange woman, proud and independent; though' I fancy at times that eho lows me. there are others when she seems to be indifferent. Oh' (Stanley, old. aft T am, T do not vet know my own daughter," and the earl 'sighed. '\mi must not take these thrncs so much to Wt. Lady Gwendoline is a feature ot moods, but she k affectionate tor all that, and see how she has dmi* to vou and remained single, all these yearu." the earl smiled.

"It I could only see her happHv married to a good man—one she could" love and look up to—it would he the dearest wisri ot my lite gratified," he said earnestly. Stanley Beai.mont played with the st~m of Ins half-empty champagne glass. th«n he raised his eye* and looked steadily into trie earl's face as he said slowly and deliberately ;

My lord, there was a time, as vcm know, when my one wish, mv onlv ambition in luo, was to gain the. love of my fair cousin. 'Things were against me then and you, as well as e.he, declined mv offer ■with scorn. That was years aw. 'Times have changed, other suitors have come and gone, Lady Gwendoline has had many trials, aswell ;ls numberless offers, and still remains unmarried. My lord, what would you say if I told you that' mv love for her is still unaltered ; that if anything my passion grows stronger day by day? I love her more now than ever' I did in her girlhood. I havo remained her friend all through. Lord Lysart, answer me. unworthy as I am, would von be willing to give mo your daughter if I could win the Lady Gwendoline's love? CHAPTER IV. THE EATtL RECEIVES A SHOCK. For a moment the older man seemed too overcome- with emotion to speak, and as hi-s head rested on his hand it trembled visibly. Ac last in broken accents he answered : " Stanley, yon have been more than a son to me all these years. In the day of our trouble you stood manfully in the breach. Is it likely I forget all that now? No, Stanley Beaumont, if my words of those other days could since' hr.ve been recalled, how willingly I would have withdrawn them; but the past is gone, the future alone remains. Need I say with what happiness, with what confidence I would entmst my daughter to your keeping. Win her love, gain her heart (and, oh! what woman cr«i withstand such devotion as yours has been). I willingly give my consent to your euit, and will forward it all I can." The earl stretched forth his hand as he finished. It was grasped in the strong palm of the other, and so the compact was sealed. The ladi?s had not been long in the drawing room before it became'plain to Ida, that hev companion was not in a talkative mood. The younger woman had done all she could to draw the other into conversation and interest her. but though Gwendoline was far too polite to show indifference, yet her thoughts were far away from present surroundings. Occasionally, too, she started, and glanced towards the door, as if every moment she expected someone to enter. Ida went to the piano, and her fingers wandered gently over the keys. She knew that no more soothing sedative could she find for hev ladyship's present restless mood. Strange ns it may seem, these two women, dissimihix in age and temperament, were greatly attached to each other, and the younger knew a.nd studied the older in manv wavs.

Yet for all their intimacy Ida. knew nothing of her friend's past. That Lady Gwendoline had known some great sorrow, which had changed her life, leaving her cold and haughty to outsiders, she understood from the people around, but she never sought the confidence of her friend. Presently the sweet, Bad notes of the song ' TTor Ever and for river' rose on the still air, and the words, sung in that sweet, rich voice, filled the room. Who was she thinking of, or whether her plaintive strain meant auythinsr more than an appeal Co some as vet unformed ideal it w.mld be difficult to say. but certain it was that Ida. becoming engrossed in her song, did not hear the opening of a. door, or notice a maid enter with a telegram which she handrd to l>ady Gwendoline, just as Ida's soft voice began the second verse : "Perchance if we had never met, I had been spared this mad regret, This endless striving to forget, Tor ever and for ever! Perehiwee if thou wert far away, Did T not see thee day by day, I might again he blithe and gay, For ever and for ever !'' A shuddering, heartbroken cry rang through thi-. room as the last words di.?d away. Springing from the stool, Ida. beheld with horrified eyes the unconscious figure of Lady Gwendoline lying full length upon the rug, while by her side stood the white-laerd maid evidently too stunned to move. Ida- gazed but a moment noon her friend's senroless f.-.rm. then hurrying hastily to the bewildered waiting woman, she gave orders in a clear, lirm tone: "Help me to remove your mistress to the couch, and while f bailie her head with tau-de-Cologne go for the smelling salts quickly." The words roused the maid, and, as if an inspiration had come to her, she bent hastily over the. prostrate form, removed the fateful telegram I'rom the cold tinners, and hid it in her own garments. Then as she saw the look of surprise which Ida cast upon her. she burst forth : "Oh, forgive me, Miss Trevor, but though my action may seem strange and unwarrantable to you, I am but acting as she would desire. Oh. plea.se. as you love. my dear mistress, I beg of you not to mention the incident of the telegram before either the earl or Mr Baaumont." As she finished the maid hurried from the room, just as the, other dcor opened to admit the earl and Stanley Beaumont. Lord Dysart was greatly disturbed, by this sudden indisposition of his daughter, and in spite of all remonstrance, even when Lady Gwendoline herself opened her quite jeell again*

that it was nothing but the heat, he would not bo satisfied without the doctor's opinion.

Lady Gwendoline was as determined as the earl himself, for though to please him she consented to see a medical man, it was a different thing ail together when he declared her suffering from shock and worry. Her ladyship smiled at such, a suggestion, but when the mention of change was broached she received tho idea with open arms.

'* Yes, yes, that is what I want; I feel a short rest would do mo a world of good." Then ttrrning abruptly to the earl : " Oh, father, yes, that is what I need ; a short stay with my old nurse in Devonshire will soon set me up again." The earl seemed surprised. " But, my dear, why go there; can you not choose some more suitable spot? The Isle of Wight or Bournemouth—some place whore wo could all go together—would be more pliasant and cheerful." " Oh, no, papa; I would not think of taking Stanley and you away from town in the height of the season. Besides, I feel that quietness and rest is more what I want than the company at a fashionable resort. To be alone and enjoy the beautiful country, as well as indulge in old nuvre's cream, fresh eggs, and. butter, and be potted and spoiled by the dear old soul, i.-i the height of my present ambition."

.So as was generally the- way in such cases, Lady Gwendoline gained her point. It was arranged that when Ida, who was a great friend and companion and often stayed with her, left Gwendoline would start for v the south. Ida felt puzxled. she could not quite make her friend out; often enough before Lady Gwendoline had ,been pleased to have her society when she had gone to the seaside or elsewhere: while now the very mention of her a.:companing her seemed to bring a terrible look of fear and horror into her friend's face. Then, again, she thought of that telegram, and the secret manner in which the maid concealed it and kept all knowledge of it from the earl worried hor not a little. Only onoe did she broach the subject to Gwendoline, saying: " I hope, dear, you received no bad news in that telegram ; is there anything 1 could do to help you?" The other's face blanched suddenly. '' No, oh, no; it was not much, nothing of any consequence, I mean. And, dearest, thanks for your offer, but yon really could do nothing—l—of course there is nothing to do. But Ida, dear, you have not mentioned the arrival of that telegram to papa?" " No, certainly not; your maid afiked me not to speak of it. She took charge'of it for you." " Yes, I knew that was all right; she is a woman in a thousand, one who studies her mistress. I am so glad, though, you did not tell papa of ite arrival; you see it was nothing, and would only frighten him."

Nothing! Ida thought, oh, Gwendoline, how can you keep all this to yourself, why not trust me if you are in trouble, let me help you? Then, as a new idea occurred to her, there is certainly some mystery here. I only hope, that maid ia as faithful as her mistress thinks. There are times when somehow I mistrust hex, but what can I do? I do not wish to pry into your affaire, yet I feel no good can axise from so much secrecy. Oh, dearest friend, is there nothing loft for me to do. no way of helping you but to wait and watch?

Meantime Stanley Beaumont is enraged beyond measure on finding Reginald Weyman installed as secretary to Lord Triton. Not only will he himself be thrown much in contact with the young man, but owing to the friendly relations existing between the two families, he knew that Lady Gwendoline and the Earl would also see a great deal of him. To begin at once and try to make mischief would be useless, and perhaps defeat his own ends. Mr Beaumont therefore took a. more diplomatic course, and on being introduced to Reginald as his lordship's secretary, expressed the hope that as they were likely to see a good deal of each other they would be friends. Yet, for all that, he managed very ingeniously to keep Reginald and the Earl apart for a time, and when they did meet it was in the following strange manner: Reginald had been already a few days in his new situation-, and began to feel quite at home •with the bachelor lord. His duties turned out to be even less arduous than he expected, 60 he had a good deal of spare time at his disposal; and > when not required to accompany his employer could spend his evenings as he pleased. One evening I.ord Triston, having an engagement, Reginald was delighted, on receiving a small scented note from Gwendoline, to find it contained a request that he would spend a few hours with, her aud Miss Trevor, as they were alone. The young man's heart bounded with joy at the prospect before him. Once or twice since- his arrival at the hotel he had met Miss Trevor and Lady Gwendoline, but only for a short time; and that in the drawing room. But the thought that he was specially invited, and that he would spend an evening alone with the two ladies, was rapture. Even yet Reginald scarcely admitted that it was Ida he was anxious to see. He dared not acknowledge that there must be some reason for her fair face appearing so constantly before him, or thoughts of her filling his mind by day and haunting his dreams by night. ' It was the day before Ida's departure and her ladyship's journey South. Stanley Beaumont continued to shower upon Gwendoline those many little marked attentions which denote the lover; only that evening he had begged to be allowed to_ escort her to the opera, but he.r ladyship, though apparently grateful for the offer, declined most decidedly.

She would not even consent to her cousin's remaining at homo, said she had some letters to write before her departure. and would be obliged if they left her and Ida alone for a time.

The few hours spent in the ladies' society fled »U too quickly for Reginald ; much of his shyness was" wearing off, he was no longer shabby and ill-dressed, and his constant companionship with his employer, assisted by hi<s innate refinement, was already making a difference in his general demeanor. They chatted on different topics, discussed books, music, and the politics of the clay in a manner which showed the ladies that the young man was well versed in such things. Lady Gwendoline was greatly surprised that one in his .station "in life and so young, too, should have such, knowledge as he possessed : while to Tda he no longer appeared a rather shy and reserved young man of the middle class, but one, far "above his present position; a man, she felt certain, who was likely to rise in the world : one who, but given the opportunity, would mount the ladder even to the top." It never occurred to this beautiful daughter of an old and wealthy race that there might be danger ahead if she allowed her admiration for the young stranger to increase. As the daughter of the hroadminded memlwr for Barrow, she had mixed freely among her father's constituents at election and other important times, and being able from her own personal knowledge of the middle class to respect them, such an idea had never entered her head.

Ida. and Lady Gwendoline played and sang; and it was when they discovered that Reginald liad a most powerful tenor voice; quite without thinking he had let them know that lie sang that beautiful song 'My Queen,' and Ida, with all a devotees' love of music, pressed him to sing it.

Clear as a bell the rich musical tones rang out. Both women held their breath in amazement; then, as Ida's lingers wandered over the keys in unison with his singing, a. strange sensation crept* over her; all else, but the melody of those rich notes, the ecstatic feeling 'of the words, and the pathetic expression of his voice seemed to act upon her like a spell, was forgotten.

Too late she recognised that song was sung to her, and for her alone. Yet was she angry She could .scarce!v tell. A wild, tumultuous beating of hex heart, a strange, exultant feeling of joy, which was new to her, caused the warm btlood to surge quickly to her fa.ee. An awkward silence fell •upon them when he had finished, which was broken hy,. Gwendoline,

"Thank you for that pleasure : you have a soul for music. Might I ask you where you learned to sing like that? it seems a pity you did not make more use of your voice.'' Reginald laughed. "I never thought of it in that wav : In fact, I did not think 1 sang well, thougn I am passionately fond ot the art." Ida was strangely silent, and murmured only a few" words -of thanks. There seemed likely to be another awkward pause, when the door opened, and the Kirl, accompanied by Lord Triston. entered. When lie had greeted the ladies, the gonial bachelor turned laughingly to his secretary. '"Well done! Mr Weyjnan ; glad to find you so weil employed.' A splendid voice, too,, by Jove !" Meantime Lady Gwendoline had approached her father. " I am pleased you returned in time to meet Mr Weyman, papa. .Ulow me to introduce you." The young man rose from his seat as tho Earl advanced with his daughter. For one second only the lord and the°conimoner laced each oilier, then suddenlr ;i change came over the old man's fact :' the blood surged quickly to his brow, he 'reeled backwards, while the words : "Merciful heavens! It is Maurice! oh, my boy !my boy!" burst in gasps from his parched lips. (To be continued.)