DRIVEN BY FATE

Lake County Press, Issue 2461, 16 January 1913, Page 2

DRIVEN BY FATE

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

BY FLORENCE HOPE

katkot of "The Trials of Madge Moberk-y," "Tangled Threads, J • Browu Rosary," etc., etc.

(COPYRIGHT.)

CHAPTER XilL—(Continued-

"I'll brush them up and cut the frayed edges off your shirt cuffs, and sixpence will pay for a tie. Here's five shillings; don't spend it all, dear boy, we are getting rather low, and have to be careful," answered Phyllis, cheerfully, always keeping the worries of life to herself, so much so that Jack had a way of thinking the httle stors kept in the small tin cash box was endless. "That man came to-day," sh e told Agatha Lorrens when she came in that evening. ,"Mr. Grimshaw?"

"Yes."

"Well, you don't look so upset, my childl" "

"I'm not, he never so much as asked if I was at home or made any inquiries- about me whatever, the ill-man-nered beast!" Agatha laughed gaily.

"What a little woman it is! Piqued now. Oh, Phyllis, you are funny," she exclaimed.

"Agatha, if it be possible for you to , see him, I should like you two to meet. I want to know what you think of him. Dare Grimshaw is an enigma, difficult to fathom," said Phyllis.

"Dare! I once knew a man named Dare. It is an uncommon Christian name," replied Mrs. Lorrens. "A hard, brazen name that suits Mr. Grimshaw, who looks as if he would stick at nothing. Now he chooses to ignore me. What game i; he playing, J wonder?" said the girl, the colour deepening in her cheeks. "Let me tell you this tny dear, he has a certain power over you, bad or good, I cannot tell, but you feel his influence I can see that," said Agatha, watching her friend sharply. "Yes, but I hate it," retorted Phyllis.

"Then let him ignore you by all means, so much the better —curious that his name should be Dare, too," said Mrs. Lorrens, in a reflective tone. "Jack likes him, I wish he didn't," Phyllis said. •.'lf he is good to Jack he can be pardoned a great deal. Your brother needs a friend badly. A helping hand may do much for him just now, so don't let your feelings stand in the way, Phyllis," said Agatha, wisely. "I'm'not going to, Agatha. How much does a man's dress shirt cost? Jack has only one, and that's past wearing, the cuffs have been clipped till they can be clipped no more, and the front is impossible. He's going "to -dinner at the Cavour to-morrow night. He must look decent, besides I wouldn't have Mr. Grimshaw ashamed of my brother," said Phylis, warmly. "No man could ever be that. Jack in rags looks distinguished. He always looks a gentleman, and you a lady. Leave the shirt to me, I'll get one to-morrow morning, rmd have it sent up at once. I shall be in Bondstreet massaging a case. "Bond-street, but we can't run to Bond-street prices," remonstrated Phyllis in dismay. "That'll be all right; don't you worry. I'll get something cheap and nasty, then you'll be satisfied, I suppose," retorted Agatha. But the shirt sent up was perfection of style, the best, Jack declared, he had ever put on, and the price Mrs. Lorrens allowed Phyllis to pay and wha* it really cost was another matter.

CHAPTER XIV.—ACROSS MANY WATERS. "Dear Wentworth, "So sorry to have to tell you that

Alhngton can only see you at twelve o'clock next Saturday, and that's tiie day you want to go to Tilbury, 1 remember, with your sister. I'm afraid you'll aave to give that up for this appointment, as Allington is rather a pompous sort of ass, being a big pot in the theatrical world, and would probably not trouble again about you it you did not turn up at the hour he has fixed. He is keen about new men, especially when they are young and fresh. So go and see him, and good luck go with you. I hope your sister won't mind returning without you; she'll have Hatherley with her on the way to Tilbury. Kindest regards to you both, —Yours sincerely, Dare Grimshaw." This note arrived at the flat by the last post on Friday night, and elated though Jack felt at the coming interview that Grimshaw had procured him with the acting manager of the day, he was truly sorry not to be able to see th« last of his friend Hatherley, and take care of Phyllis on her way back. Not that they would want him, he knew that, but he -would certainly like to have been there to see the great ship start, and to be harrowed perhaps by the last scenes and tender farewells. However, he was sure when he explained the importance of the engagement, both Geoff and Phyllis would forgive him for not accompanyingthem. They came in presently from a last walk they had had together along the Embankment in the moonlight, where the dark waters were illuminated into a silver radiance, and the commonplace scene was beautified and rendered romantic through the soft moonlight and black shadows. Phyllis's eyes looked red, her face very pale, and Geoff appeared to be keeping a stern control over himself.

Jack told them of his engagement, expressing his regret not to bo with Geolf for the last moments. He could see, however, that they were so wrapped up m each other that nobody else really mattered. "I am glad, however, that I came in now, for it must be good-bye to-night instead of in the morning," said Hattherley, as he prepared to leave. "God bless you," said Jack, huskily, "and good luck go with you," he added, as they gripped hands. "Not all the luck, I must leave some behind for you and —her," replied Geoff, with a look at Phyllis. Then he went, and outside the door strained the girl against his heart. "There's to-morrow for us, Geoff," she whispered, for she knew he was almost at breaking point. "I wish I could take you with me, sweetheart," he sighed. "I couldn't leave Jack, you know, but make haste, and get ready for us. That's what I shall live for," answered Phyllis, bravely.

''Good-night, my. darling." "Good-night, Geoff." He went down the stairs, and she watched him, leaning over the iron rail at lae top. She saw him give something to the old porter, then a last look up at her, and he was gone. The next morning they met at Charing Cross, could not get a compartment to themselves, not even a substantia! tip wouid manage it, as the train was crowded, and they sat side by side, very silent with aching hearts. Both felt sorry now that Jack was not with them. He would have rattled on with random talk, keeping them from those last unbearable thoughts. Now and then Geoff's fingers pressed Phyllis's hand, and once or twice they whispered words of hope and courage.

. It was a relief to be out of the tram, ' and seeing after luggage, then, hurry I tng on to the big vessel tfiat looked like some terrible moastcr to poor Phyllis, a monster that was carrying away her boy from her. Now she trico her utmost to talk of trivial things. She must keep up to the last, and so she begged to sec Geoff's cabin, and trotted about the ship admiring this, wondering at that, and smiling, although there was that weight of misery iu her heart. Brave to the last I The bell was clanging now, that dreadful knell that meant the moment j of parting had really come.

Geoff took her back to hi» cabin. He could not bid farewell before others. For one last moment they must be alone. His hand touched her breast, yet under her breast the cross was there, and he drew her hand up to ins neck to feel that his too lay there against his chest. "We shall never part with them, dear," he whispered. "Never 1" Her lips moved, but he had to guess at the word she tned to murmur. Surely this parting was hke death. They heard hoarse, shouts of "Ashore!" "Ashore!" and clung close—then parted. At the door of the cabin Phyllis gave one look back at the little room, and bending over the narrow bed, kisseu the place where Geoff's head would he. Sue stumbled out then blinded by hot tears, and he led her to the gangway. They only pressed hands then, the real parting was over, and the ff'U went quite steadily down the steep plunk, away from her lover to the quay beluw. Tile band was playing "Auio Lang Syne," and voice* rose singing bravely, though there was the sound ot jbs in their song. The pathos of it as almost unbearable. Now Phyllis was standing at the end of the quay watching the statelyswing of the ship as sue moved slowly away from the snore, her blinded eyes, n\ed on one form that leaned over the bulwarks. Further and lurtner grew the distance between them. The waters gurgled up about the ship, the music was silent; there was only the sound of great waters in the girl's cars, and a terrible feeling of space, vast and empty, that lay before her.

"Geoff 1 Geoff 1" she cried aloud, breaking the spoil of misery that lay over her.

He could not hear that heartrending cry, but he saw her arms outstretched to him, and if he could have gone to her then, he would have done so.

"My beloved!" he cried out across the waters. And now the mists rose and hid them from one another. A gull flew over the foaming water, and it uttered a weird, plaintive cry that Phyllis heard, and that haunted her for days. It was a parting dirge, and sounded in the girl's ears like a wail of woe.

"I wish you had not let her go alone," said Agatha Lorrens, "she will feel so desperately lonely after he has g-.ine " She was leaving the flat just a? Jack was starting for his important appointment.

"I couldn't help it, but Phyl will be all right; she's got pluck," replied Jack, as they went down the steps side by side. "Pluck doesn't prevent misery. Those two ought never to have been separated; they are absolutely devoted to one another. I wish they had been married, and she gone out with him, or even ieit behind as his wife. Why didn't they think of that?"

"Don't worry so, Mrs. Lorrens, the separation won't be for long. As soon as Licoii is settled uut there, Ptiyllis will join him, perhaps 1 too, but you see if I get on hero 1 shan't care about leaving London, besides—" Jack hesitated and coloured slightly, looking very like his sister at that moment. "Besides what?" said Agatha.

"How could we leave you behind?" answered Jack, with a look in his eyes that startled his companion.

She gave a little forced laugh. "Oh, that wouldn't matter. You must leave me out of the question, Jack. I've my work, my patients, and, thank God, plenty to do," was the reply, but Agatha was thinking and saying to herself

tat it. wouldn't do for Phyllis's brother to fall in love with her, a widow left penniless, who had to take up a profession. She knew Jack liked her, that there w'as sympathy between them, but the idea of anything serious had never entered her mind. She would not have him care for her for anything!" "Sometimes I think you are too much wraped up in those blessed patients of yours, and think of no one else," growled Jack. "Oh, indeed! And am I not worrying enough over your dear little sister? I wish I could have gone with her. I would have done so had it been possible—oh, there's my omnibus, Jack. I must catch it—good-bye!"

He saw her safely inside, and lifting «i • hat turned towards a tube station. It was true he was caring a good bit for Mrs. Lorrens. Her personality at first had interested him, her beautiful face, with the tragic look of past pain in it, her strength of character, her goodness—he had never met any woman like her he declared, and never should, and the idea of going out to South Africa and leaving her behind wa s anything but pleasing to him. That she was seven years older than himself, a woman with experience, did not matter to Jack Wentworth. He admired her, liked her, aye, and unknown to himself was beginning to love her.

As he sat in his corner in the 1 uoc ne thought much about her, wondered if she would ever marry again, ana what sort of man would please her.

"Not a weak, good-tor-nothing like me," he reflected, "but then, if 1 happened to make a name—if i wrote a play that made a stir in London, or a uook that created a sensation, she might—yes, she might—" He dared not put into words the vague hope that possessed him, but it was there, and growing stronger every t day..

Meanwhile, Agatha Lorrcns, the nurse masseuse, was telling herself

that this would not do. If Jack was beginning to fancy he cared more for her than h e should, she must leave the flat; she could not go on living with them. No, that would be wrong. She must go right away, and accept perhaps the offer that was hanging in abeyance of accompanying a certain Miss Mamlyn to the South of Prance for the next winter season. She had told her repeatedly she could not bear to go without her, that she could not endure any other masseuse, and she must make up her mind to go with her. The offer was a good one, a generous salary, and the life sounded tempting, but Agatha hesitated. She did not want to leave the brother and sister until they were doing better and things looking up a bit. Besides, Phyllis would be very sad just now and lonely without Geoff. Phyllis! Ah, yes, the ship must be about starting, she would be alone and desolate. Desolate, yes, but alone! Was she

She had moved away the- sea mists closed round the ship, and the gull uttered its mournful cry, and stifling her sobs as best she could, turned to leave the quay and make her way to the railway station, when someone touched her on the arm. "You are alone—l am glad I came. You must let me seo you safe back, Miss Wentworth." The voice sent a thrill of fear through her; she shrank back. Of all men in the world, surely, Dare Gnmshaw was the last she desired to see. "Come," he said kindly. "I wish to be your friend, as I am your brother's, that is all; you may trust me."

CHAPTER XV.-AGATHA SPEAKS

Phyllis said not a word, only seemed to shrink more into herself and listened with a vague horror to Dare Grnushaw protesting his friendship for her and Jack. What friend did she want but Geoff No one but him ; she desired nothing from any other man. She wished Dare would leave her, but mechanieally endured his presence He helped her through the crowd, put her in a first elass compartment, and seated himself by her side. There was rather a rough crowd, men pushing rmd jostling, that under other circumstances Phyllis might have been thankful for an escort; and, indeed, when two half-drunken men tried to force an entrance >nto the carnage, and Dare, by main strength, held the door against them, she was glad for him to be there.

With all his marvellous insight into character, he refrained from obtruding his attentions upon her, and all the girl felt was that he was making things easier and more comfortable for her. After a time he ventured to speak about Geoff, told Phyllis that he knew the place where he had gone, and, indeed, many years ago had met the doctor's wife at whose hotiso lie would he staying until he found a suitable one for himself. This naturally interested Phyllis, and she asked questions. ''Yes; that doctor's wife was a very pretty woman, fascinating, too. She'll look after Hatherley well, be sure- of that. She has rather a p.nchant for young men, and makes herself amiable to them," said Grimshaw, laughing carelessly.

This remark jarred upon his listener Phyllis did not want a'pretty woman taking notice of her hoy -no, indeed ; and her misery was forgotten for the moment in her jealous fears. "But you need not mind, Miss Wentworth. You arc too sure of Hatherlcy's affections, lucky beggar that lie is!'' said Dare, reading- her feelings like a book.

"Of course I am," declared Phyllis. with a flame of colour dyeing her pale cheeks. "Geoff and I are bound to one another, and though wo are parted are still--together," sho stilled a little husky sob as sho said tho last word. Arrived at Charing Cross, Dare begged her to como with him to have some luncheon, but tho girl refused so decidedly that ho saw it would bo useloss to press his proposal, and seeing that it would please her better, he put her in a taxi-cab and sent her home to the flat.

After that Phyllis found herself seeing Grimshaw constantly, but as lie never attempted to make lovo to her, was even distant in his manner, she endured his visits to Jack for her brobrothor's sake.

He always called in the afternoons when Agatha Lorrens was never in, so it was that they did not meot, and he did not know of her as being an inmate of the flat. Through Grimshaw's influence Jack got a post as subeditor on a newspaper, and things began to be better for the brother and sister. (To be Continued.)