DRIVEN BY FATE.

Lake County Press, Issue 2460, 9 January 1913, Page 2

DRIVEN BY FATE.

I'I'IU.ISHKI) BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

FLORENCE MOPE, iutboi of 'The ITials of Madge Moberley,'' "Tangled Thready "The Brown Rosary," &c, &c. (Copyright)

CHAPTEK Xll.—Continued. Branscombe and Grimshaw were close friends and the former under a certain debt of obligation to Dare, therefore quite ready to do what lie could to please him. Dare had begged him to keep his name out of the thing; he wished to benefit the young doctor, he declared, secretly, so on no account was his name to be mentioned.

"You quite understand, Branseombe?" he had said markedly. "Quite,"' had been,the laconic reply, and the doc Lor had wondered what was Grimshaw'-, real motive in getting the young doctor out of the country. However, it did not concern him, and the young fellow bore an excellent reputation. He was clever, hardworking, conscientious, then why shouldn't he have his chance? Three\ months had passed since Phyllis had left Marshlands, she had been living with Agatha Lorrens, sharing a sitting-room together, and now that Jack was out of hospital and keen about getting work, the two women had taken a small cheap flat, three bedrooms, a sitting-room and tiny kitchen, and resolved to share the home together. Mrs. Lorrens had through Ilatherley obtained several cases of massage, and, being recommended from one to another, she was really getting on and doing well. But Phyllis had been unfortunate in getting nothing to suit her, and in order to earn a little money week by week was giving cheap music lessons at 2s. an hour, and painting sunshades and sachets. Christmas cards would be coming on, an din fact she was doing any and everything she couid put her hand :o. As for Jack, he was full of hope, declaring- he was quite strong, and well. - He was going to write a play that would thrill London, and whilst the two women were out for their long morning's work he covered the table in the flat sitting-room with his manuscripts, a bowl of roses in the centre left b§ Agatha Lorrens to inspire . him. What a delightful woman she was ' It was she to inspire him, not the roses, thought Jack, grateful to her for a smile, a word, a touch oi' her helrfful, healing hand. And Phyllis was # so glad that her brother liked her new friend, not think.ng of the danger that might come from such close intimacy. Just now it was she and Geoff who occupied the sitting-room: he had rushed in with his news, giud to find Phyllis at home, and the others out. Jack had gone to dine with a certain editor at that gentleman's club, and Mrs. Lcrrcns would not be in until late, so thot the lovers were alone. '"You must s ce die good ,uck in this thing, Phyllis darling, so don't be a baby about it, please don't, urged Geoff, who felt exhilarated with hope o:: the future. Fancy being called a baby! The girl smothered her sobs, wiped her eye 3 with Geoff's pocket handkerchief, and sat up bravely. 'l'm not going tu make a fool of myself again, and of course l'ii be glad, and we'll talk about tlu future, Geoff, and the tir ie when Jack and 1 will come out to yen. Ju-t lei's thiuk of that. I can see you watching for the ship, standing at the end of the quay, mistaking ever 50 many girls for me, until we come nearer and nearer, and then—oh. Geoff, 1 -hall die of joy at seeing you .gain. I'm sure I shall." Phyllis hugged him, half-laughing. half-crying; the thought was so rapturous. "You dear little goose! Imagine my ever mistaking any girl ior you—an absolute impossibility. There is no one like you in all the world," exclaimed GeiffL "No one? Arc you quite—quite sure ?" "Absolutely." "Then I r lust trust sou out there

without me? You won't go falling in love with anyone else " "Phyllis!" "Yes, I know, but South African beauties may be very bewitching and—" He stopped jier mouth then with his kisses. "And what about you —look at tli dangers 1 leave you too, the adorer:-, etc., etc.," laughed Geoff. "There's the hall porter of the flat = the policeman at the corner who wi." see me over the crossing. What othci adorers I'd like to know?'' retorted Phyllis. "Do you never hear of anything of that man Grimshaw?" asked Hatherley, his face darkening. "Never! I've not heard or seen an., thing of him since I left Marshsca. II has dropped out of my life, and I ai: more than thankful for it. I hav heard from Sir Marcus twice. He i living in Paris, whilst his wife Is with this Doctor Miraille, and he writes hopefully_about her. He has not mentioned Mr. Grimshaw. Why' should he? Probably he is still yachting. Why do you bring up his name ; I hate it." The g"irl shuddered, and Geoff drew her close to him again . In a fortnight he was to leave her; therefore, every moment that he could spare must be spent with his darling, and every minute apart they would both grudge. It was nearly ten o'clock when Mrs. Lorrens came in, looking tired out, but pleased with her work. She shook hands cordially with Hatherley, and told him she had another patient, thanks to him ; then sank down in the armchair Phyllis pushed forward for her and unfastened her long cloak. "Now let me hear all the news," she said, glancing from one to the other with sympathy. She listened to Hatherley's good prospects, and laid a hand on Phyllis's, pressing it hard, for she knew all the girl must be feeling, and how the parting- would be. "Will you look after my little girl whilst 1 am away, Mrs. Lorrens?" said Geoff. "Yes, you may leave her in my care. I'll do my best to guard her from harm," replied Agatha earnestly. Did she remember those words—that promise later on? But she was powerless, helpless against the ruthlessness of Fate that swept the powers of goodness aside to make way for evil. "Jack's late," she said presently, missing the brother, whom she was beginning to care for as much as she did for his sister. "Dining with an editor," said Phyllis. "'Ah, yes; a clever man; his paper is a success, and Jack will be in luck's way if he becomes one of the contributors," remarked Geoff. Then lie got up to go, and Phyllis went down the three flights of stone stairs to the hall below to see the last of him. The porter kindly walked away with recollections of his own love-days that were long ago past and done with, and made his re-appcarancc when he heard the girl begin to mount iho stairs again. "Good-night, missy," he called out. •"Good-night, Morton." "Good luck to you both, missy." "Thank you, Morton ; it's on its way," said Phyllis, cheerily, though a sharp pang dug in her heart, for The luck meant pain—that separation thai die dreaded and feared, and that she darod not, must not, think of. "It seems a big thing. 1 wonder why Dr. Branscombe should have chosen Dr. Hatherley out of all the men lie must know," said Agatha Lorrens, reflectively, when Phyllis returned to the sitting-room. "Why? Because Geoff is far cleverer, for the best of them all, of course." replied the girl, loyally, with pride. "But he knows so little of him. 1 should think there must be some influence behind that you don't know j of," said Agatha ''Anyway, it's a feather it* Geoff"; ;

cup. It's a splendid thing, he declares., only—only—oh ! Agatha, I—l wish he were not going. I don't know why I should dread it so; but—try to understand there is sc.nct.hing--some-thing telling rnc not to let him accept it. 1 can't got away from the hauntingimpression that this means harm to us. Yes, I've put it into words now — to you, Agatha; I dared not to him. I have a foreboding, a presentiment—and it. has seized hold of me—l'm frightened !"' Phyllis fell on her knees, shuddering from head to foot, and hiding her face in Agatha'.- lap. The woman instinctively put her ,ii!s round the girl as if shielding her from danger, and tried to soothe her with her low. sweet voice, murmuring words of courage and comfort. '"Those fears come to all of us at times. Don't give way to them, dear; there is no reason why you should feel troubled or have doubts about this new venture of Dr. Ilatherley's. lie is quite th e sort of man to get on and overcome difficulties, and it is right he should go. I'm sure of that, so be brave, and, oh! child, be thankful anil glad that you have won the love of an honest and honourable man. That is verything. There ! there ! You must ink no more of vague forebodings nd nervous fears; they will all pass, md you will laugh at them and wonder now you could have been so foolish." The quiet tones and touch of the hand, as it stroked Phyllis's hair, certainly tended to soothe the overbought feelings of the sensitive girl, and when Jack came in « httle he found the two women making plan s for the future home of all of them away out there on the African shores. "You look elated. What's happened, Jack?" asked Agatha, who had fallen into the easy way of Christian names with the brother and sister.

ton-wool two gold Maltese crosses. One was engraved on the back with ; ' Phyllis" and the date of their engagement; the other "Geoff," with the same date.

'What sentimentality! I should have thought Hatherley was too sensible. And so you are to wear these trifles always, I suppose, to shbw that you are bound to one another, is that it " said Jack?

"I've met that man who intcrcs'rjd himself in me at the hospital—your friend, Phyllis, Grimshaw. He was introduced to m e at the club, and was :wfully decent and nice. He says he shall come and cab. Mind you are in. lie says he'd like to see you again," said Jack in ignorant carelessness. Phyllis turned white, and Agatha looked at'her curiously. CHAPTER XIII. -THE SOUVENIR CROSSES. '•I. shall not be in when Mr. Grimshaw calls. I'm sorry you've met him, Jack," said Phyllis, in a low voice. "Not be in Nonsense! Of course, you'll be iu. You must be civil to a man who has been awfully good to me.; aid, of course, it was for your \ sake. I'm not such a fool as not to know that. i.'nyl," answered Jack. Agatha thought Phyllis turned even whiter. She looked in real distress. "Jack, you don't understand. I can't endure Mr. Grimshaw," she said, huskily. ••Uh. I'hyl, don't give way to fads and fancies, and do remember he can :lo a gnat deal foi me. He seems to gc in with a lot of influential men — stage managers,' editors, and the sort of set I want to get in with. He might do no end to help me, and you must be civil- that's all I ask. I don't suppose you won't need so much of him, I won't ask you to. 1 suppose he has chosen to make love to you? Well, if he knows you are engaged to llathe r " li-y it will stop anything of that kind, of course ; so, really, you need not mind. Don't be disagreeable, Phyl, jus t a.- my bad luck seems to be changing. Mr. Grimshaw told me he would see if h 0 could not get my play read ; 3V Allington. Just, think of that." i " j young fellow's cheeks were dashed, 10s eyes shining with excitement and anticipation. How coulu i/hyihs, Liien, have the heart to stand in his way ? "Well, as you say, 1 need not see aiucii oi iiiui indeed; 1 don't see that 1 ..ecu meet him at all. Til do my best .0 be t ivil it' 1 have to see him —that's iil i can promise, jack. Good-night, j in tired," was wnat Phyllis allowed herself to say, and went to bed feeling as if life wore something a bit too much for her. \\ was full of difficulties. Jack was earning nothing, and money v'.as needed so badly. She must get another ~nd a good situation, and yet she felt .she- ought not to leave her brother, it would break up the little home, for, of course, he could not remain will Mrs. Lorrens; and small and simple though it was, it was a home—a real one that belonged to the three of them, and was so different from lodgings and tiresome or objectionable landladies. Then Gcoli go. ing ! Ah ! she dared not think of that, and Dare Grimshaw appearing again on tin.' scene ! Phyllis resolved not to speak ol that to Geoff; it would only worry him just as hi- was going away, and spoil then last hours together. She would try to sec as little of the man as possible, and might contrive to be out or engaged when he should call. 'lids happened three days later, when something else occurred, too. I'hyilis was typing a manuscript of her brother's, and jack was dictating to her when the electric bell of their little from door tinkled. I'hyilis jumped up to answer it. and came back to the sitting-room Vith a small parcel that looked like a jeweller's box. "Just a moment, jack." she said, j as she began to undo the paper wrap- j per. T must see it—it is something J th.it Geoff has had made for us to ..., .a- wkibt npait Oh ! look! j \i -.'i rhry sweet?" \ She li-a le-eri li, a little bed of i ol ■

"Yes, and if—of course, it can't be, but if on c of us should wish the engagement at an end, the cross is to be sent as a sign. No word, no explanation— it will be enough. That is Geoff's idea. It sounds tragic, so irrevocable, the thing at an end without words, just the little cross to tell the

There was nothing he left unexplained, unthought of, and as he went down the stone steps he stopped to write something else on jiis cuff, which happened to be the address of the jeweller who had designed the souvenir crosses. "Phyl! lie's gone!'' called out Jack as he closed the -front door. "Was it Mr. Grimshaw?" asked asked Phyllis, coming out of her room nervously. "Yes, and you need not flatter yourself he'comes to see you, my lady fair. He never even asked for you; has forgotten your existence, 1 should say," replied Jack • "Didn't ask for mc ? Oh, Jack!" exclaimed Phyllis, almost mortified at being put aside so lightly, even by a man she detested and feared"Never so much as left you a message, and he's asked me to dine with him to-morrow night at the Cavour. Cieat Scott! I'm awfully pleased; I toll you he's taken a fancy to me, I'm certain of it." "lie's a strange man, 1 can't make him out. I wouldn't trust him too nun hj, jack -oh, you shut up the crosses, I'm glad of that. I'll lock them away till Geoff comes, and that won't be till to-morrow night; he's too busy to-day. What a pity you'll be out," said Phyllis, "I'm sorry, but it can't be helped. I say. can you lend me a little money. I must go decent to this dinner, and 1 haven't a white tic. I don't know what my dress clothes look like," said Jack, i with n long face. (To be Continued.)

story." Phyllis brushed her hand across her eyes ; her voice shook with a sob. "But it won't happen; Geoff is true as steel, and so are you, Phyl, so don't be silly. I .say, there's another ring at the bell. Shall I go?" said Jack. "Yes; but let me get to my room iirst," was the reply, as Phyllis made her escape. She had left the box with the crosses on the table and open, so that when Jack returned, ushering in his visitor— Dare Grimshaw—his glance fell upon the dainty trifles, tender little souvenirs. "Jewellery, by jove! Are you making presents to your best girl, Wentworth?" said Dare, coolly examining the crosses. "Not I. It is a bit of sentiment between my sister and Geoff Hatherley, the man she is engaged to, who is off to South Africa next week,'' and he told the little story as Phyllis had told it to him. "Not a bad idea, don't you know," said Grimshaw, thoughtfully; "does away with foolish explanations, excuses, lies, perhaps; a cross returned, love is dead, the thing is over —most sensible." He was examining very closely the names and dates on the back, holding each little cross in his hand, a curious lok of intense Fhterest in his face. "A cross returned—-and all at an end," he murmured. "I see!" "Perhaps I had better put them way. Phyllis might not care about ther people examining them. Exuse me, Mr. Grimshaw," said Jack, suddenly feeling self-reproachful at talking of his sister's concerns. "By all means. Don't tell her 1 saw them; she's sensitive, and might be vexed, so say nothing about it, Wontworth. No use ruffling her feelings. When do you say Hatherley starts? By the by, may I smoke?" Dare sat down, and drew out his cigar-case, handing it fust to Jack. "On the 28th. He goes from Tilbury at i2 noon. I suppose Phyllis will want to see him oil. so I shall probably take her."

'■That's Saturday week," remarked Grimshaw, and taking off a gold pencil that hung on his watch-chain, he scribbled something on his shirt cull. "To remember not to come and look you up on that date, and you'll be out. By-the-by, I've only dropped in now to ask you to dine with me at the Cavour to meet a man who may be useful for you to know. Will to-morrow night suit you eight o'clock " "Delighted ; it's awfully good of you, Mr. Grimshaw," said jack, gratefully.

"Not at all; 1 want to do anything 1 can for you. You sec I helped you first for your sister's sake, but now it's wholly for your own. Then you'll come. I can't stay now, but f thought it would save time to call. Till to-mor-row, then.*' Dare Grimshaw rose to go, and g<*\c another glance at the box containing the crosses, but the lid was closed, with the name of the jeweller plainly printed on it. Shaking Jack's hand, Grimshaw left witliout ever inquiring for Phyllis.