Stella Mowbray.

North Otago Times, 1 November 1906, Page 1 (Supplement)

Stella Mowbray.

(All Rights Reserved.)

A CAPTIVATING ENGLISH-AMERICAN LOVE STORY.

fly tho author of "A Ciirl In a Thousand," "Two Keys," &c, &c.

PART 12. •_ CHAPTER XXVI. DEFEATED. When they were within a few feet of the upper door, Mrs. Richards stepped towards them and stood directly in their path. The hall was nearly empty, almost everybody being in the parlours or the dancing room ; so there was no one by at that moment to witness what, transpired. "What L'oes this mean ?" Mrs. Richards demanded, in a low, authoritative tone. "Stella Mowbray, how is it that 1 lind you here.'? Uncle Jacob, where have you been all this time, and what strange freak of fortune brings you here in this unaccountable fashion ?" Mr. Rosevelt .started slightly on beholding'his niece standing excitedly in his path -while Stella grew pale at first, ior she had always stood somewhat in fear of the arrogant woman while she was an inmate in her house.

Sitii. remembering that everything was entirely different now. she quickly recovered herself, and the blood went surging through her veins, flushing her face into bright M' lowliness, lighting her eyes with indignation over tlio memory of past,wrong's and curling her beautiful lips with .'■. corn for the woman's meanness of soul.

But, for all that, she clung a little closer to Mr. Roscvelt's arm, as if she was glad he was there, though in no other way did she betray how disagreeable this encounter was to her, or appear as if she had ever met them before. "Tell me what this means," Mrs. Richards repeated, looking from one to the other, noting Stella's delicate beauty with a pang of bitter jealousy her sell-possession . and grace ; Mr. Roscvelt's improved appearance, and, more than all, the air of pride and fondness that pervaded every look and attention which he bestowed upon his companion. "Well, Niece Ellen," Mr. Rosevelt returned in a quiet tone, while he met her eye with a cold, steady glance which made her very uncomfortable, "it appears that you are considerably excited over this unexpected meeting. Suppose we retire to yonder ante-room, where we can converse undisturbed."

He turned and led the way with Stella still upon his arm, to a small room on the opposito side of the hall. They entered, and he shut the door, for he did not care that anyone should overhear what passed between them, nor did he intend that Ellen Richards should do or say anything which should make them objects of remark.

With a dignity of word and manner that surprised his enraged listener, ?>fr. Rosevelt recorded the history of his life since meeting, with Stella, gave cogent reasons for his assumption of poverty, and concluded by proclaiming her his heiress. Mrs. Richards was pallid with anger, mortification, and bitter disappointment, when Mr. Rosevelt concluded. it was a terrible blow to her to lose the chance of such a fortune, and now, when too late, she regretted her heartless treatment of her uncle, Mr. Richards had liiet with heavy losses in business of late, ana it was only by straining every nerve, calculating, and contriving that she and Josephine had been able to come to Newport at all that season, and it was maddening to think that Stella, whom she had so disliked from the fbst, should have won by little acts of kindness, what she would have spared no pains to secure had she once suspected the truth. She could not conceal her hatred of the girl who had surplantcd her, and with more bitterness than she had yet betrayed, she said to Mr. Rosevelt

"I can congratulate Miss Mowbray upon being more successful in wheedling you out of your fortune than she was in her manoeuvres to become Lady Carrol." This was a cruel thrust, and wholly unexpected on the part of either Mr. Rosevelt or Stella. He was about to reply, but she begged him not to do so.

A shiver of agony ran through every nerve of her body at this rough" probing of the still unhealed wound, and a painful crimson shot over her beautiful face.

Hut it quickly subsided, leaving only, the bright spots on her checks. She rose from the chair which Mr. Rosevelt had placed for her, drew herself up proudly, her eyes gleaming as brightly as the diamonds in lie" ears, and, entirely ignoring the woman's malicious thrust, she looked up at her companion and said, in her sweetest, clearest 'tones :

"Uncle Jacob, I believe we are going out to see the illuminations."

"True, child, true," he said, taking her hand and laying it upon liis arm while he cast an angry look upon his niece for her cowardly attack. "Come we will go at once." 'Airtl with a formal inclination to Mrs. Richards and her daughter, he led Stella from the room, shutting the door after them.

"Did you ever hear anything like it ?" Mrs. Richards said, hopelessly, after they' had .gone. "No, indeed; and it is just as you suspected—he was playing poverty all the time," Josephine answered.

"Oh, if I could only have known it!" groaned - her mother to whom the calamity appeared to have grown , more appalling every moment, • "He makes a perfect fool of himself over that girl," snapped Josephine. "Just think of the amount . of money it must have cost to deck her out to-night." "I am going back to our hotel," Mrs. Richards said, rising, "lam not going' to stay here to see her play the fine lady and crow over us." As they swept up the hall, and up the grand staircase, on their way to the dressing room, they encountered Mrs. Blunt, who was waiting with warm wraps for her young mistress. Determined to gain all possible information about Stella, Mrs. Richards questioned her late housekeeper, ami found, as she suspected, that the woman had l<Jft her service to enter that of Mr. Rosevelt and his adopted daughter. Mrs, BHint was not sparing In her praise of her now mistress and masim'i and gave a glowing account of |no gmtiduur and luxury ol their mm

Mrs. Richards did not wait U> hear more, but, bestowing a glance which would have annihilated if a look could have had that power, upon their old servant, they swept on towards the dressing room, with a sense of defeat such as they had never before experienced and hoped never to experience again,

CHAPTER XXVII

UNMERITED KINDNESS

If Mrs. Richards liad conducted herself according' to her own inclination she. would have left Newport at once. Hut she was unwilling that Mr. Rosevelt or Stella should think that she. had run away, from them, or that, she was heart-broken over the disclosures which .her uncle had made to her. t

No, she would stay, and she resolved she would make things as uncomfortable as possible for the girl, while Josephine should be made to shine with all the splendour of which their means and Mr. Richards's credit were capable.

A- week passed quickly by, mid then Grace Meredith and her brother arrived at the, watering-place, and immediately attached themselves to Mr. Hosevelt and Stella, by mutual consent ; and many envious looks were bestowed on,this dark, handsome stranger who appeared to assume the' right to be their escort everywhere.

But Stella, whenever she appeared in company, laughed, chatted, and danced with all that was possible of her admirers, dispensing her favours with an impartiality that was exasperating not only to her victims—if such they could be called who were r ach anxious to secure the prize—but also to the many forlorn damsels who wore all sighing for the attentions she was receiving, and the honours she was usurping.

One day, n week after Iho arrival of the Mereditlis, an excursion was arranged 1.0 visit a point on Narraifansctt Bay, and it was a picnic after the pood old-fashioned sort of rarrying liis own basket and sharing with his neighbour. A boat had b.'cn chartered to take the parly down the hay in the morning, and return at night by moonlight. Ralph Meredith and two or three'of his friends were the originators of the affair, and the invitations were very select, and limited to one hundred.

As it happened, Mrs. Richards and Josephine, with quite a number of others from their hotel were included in the party. The morning was delightful, and the spirits of the whole company were at their highest, while the jaunty, white-winged boat, with its inspiring band of music seemed like a floating world devoted entirely to pleasure—as indeed it was. Ralph Meredith had arranged a cosy little nook on the boat for Stella and his sister, by taking some camp-chairs amd cushioning them with rugs, with a couple of hassocks at their feet, while a sail had been I adjusted as an awning to screen them from the hot sun.

But when, after they were well on their way, ho conducted them thither he found to his chagrin, that this snug corner upon which he had spent so much care had been appropriated by Mrs. Richards and her brilliant daughter, who were holding a little court to themselves.

They moved away to another portion of the boat, but when, an hour later, they saw the interlopers promenading the deck, they quietly slipped into the vacated seats and settled themselves for the remainder of the sail.

.Here they were .soon chatting in the most sociable manner, and were in the midst of a most interesting discussion regarding their toilet for an approaching reception, when a cold voire-broke in upon them, saying: "Miss Mowbray, may I trouble you to vacate our seats ?" .Stella flushed and started. Too well she knew tho.se incisive tones.

But she quickly recovered herself, and looking up at Mrs. Richards, made a motion to Grace, who, she saw, was bristling with indignation, to keep silent; then she arose, bowing with graceful politeness to Mrs. Richards and her daughter, though her eyes were gleaming with suppressed laughter. "I beg pardon if I have been occupying what does not rightfully belong to me, and I cheerfully resign my chair to your prior claim." Josephine flushed hotly, for she saw it was all Stella could do to restrain her merriment, thought what could Imvo caused it she could not understand; while she looked so pretty and was so lady-like it made her angry.

"I'm sure," she began hotly, and raising her voice so that others could hear her, "I don't see what you are so amused over, - Stella Mowbray; and it seems to me that you are putting on altogether, too many airs for a girl who used to perform the services of a- chambermaid in our house."

For a moment Stella stood as' if dumbfounded ; then the hot, indignant blood mounted to her brow, losing itself beneath the glittering mist upon her forehead. Her lips parted, as if, upon the impulse of the moment, she would have replied in the same strain, but no sound came from them; she controlled her angry emotions. The blood receded leaving her a little paler than usual. She lifted her head a trifle as if in conscious superiority, gave Miss Richards a cold stare of surprise and turned away without a word. * * * *

The gay company reached their destination after a delightful sail of two hours

It was a lovely grove upon the shore of the bay, which people were in the habit of frequenting for picnics of this sort, and the parly wandered about in groups for another two hours, exploring, the beauties and attractions around them.

It was four in the afternoon before dinner was concluded, and then the company scattered—some to lounge about and rest, others to stroll into the shadows of die woods. Mr.- Hosevclt and Stella, Miss Meredith and her brothe.", and two or three others, wandered away by themselves, and fipally sat down beneath a wide-spreading tree for a rest, and a quiet chat. . While they sat there Stella got up quietly and slipped out of sight, some spirit of restlessness possessing her to get away for a ramble still further into the far-reaching woods.

She had walked some distance when she heard voices, and soon saw a gentleman and a lad, both with guns over their shoulders, approaching her and looking heated and very anxious. They saluted her courteously and the gentleman said, abruptly: "Have you seen anything of a small white Spitz dog, Miss ? It is a pretty little creature, wearing a silver collar round his neck, and tiny blue bows tied in his cars." "No," Stella answered ; "I have seen no dog to-day."

"Wo are in search of it because wo are afraid it has ryn mad, It has not been well for several days, and this morning showed unmistakable signs of hydrophobia. It escaped cgnft&M' from the cottaffg, r mile

or so (rum here and ran towards

ino.'ie wuiiiis ui/inii an hour ago, Tlie.v passed on, and Stella thought it would bo best (or her to go back to her- friends, and therefore turned to retrace her steps. _

She had only gone about half tho distance when she heard n clear, musical laugh ring out from, among the shrubbery oil the right of the pa 111. Thinking it must be'somo of her party she stepped forward to warn them of their danger.

She parted the trees, and looked through. What was her horror to see Josephine liiehards sitting at the fool of a tree, her hat tossed upon Ihe ground beside her, and holding in her lap the mad little dog against which she had just been wanted ! It was a beautiful little creature, and had evidently been made a pet and plaything. It. had lovely brown eyes looking ; out from beneath its-' shaggy brovVst. Its coat was as white as snow, while round its neck there glistened a silver collar, and in its pretty ears were the tiny blue bows of which she had just been told.

Miss Richards evidently had just coaxed the little pet into her lap, and was playing with it without a suspicion of the terrible danger that she was in, ' while just for the moment it showed no signs of the madness which possessed it. Stella's face was as white as her dress as she took in the dreadful situation ; then she stepped quickly forward, determined, at all risks, to save the girl who had so little merited her kindness.

CHAPTER XXVIII. TRUE HEROISM. In clear, authoritative tones Stella exclaimed : "Miss • Richards, put that dog down as quietly as you can, and come away with me instantly, for I have just heard that it is mad."

No sooner had she uttered these words than the little creature snapped at the hand raised to caress il, and with a scream of fright. .Josephine sprang to her feel, and turned to run.

Hut the act roused all the fury in the maddened animal, and he seized hold of her skirts, biting and tearing tliein in the most furious manner, "foaming at the" mouth, and howling (rightfully in its sudden paroxysm of frenzy.

"Save me-save me!" Josephine ceied.

There was not a thought of personal danger in Stella's heart—not a thought of enmity or of malice or evil. All Iter mind was concentrated upon one thing-how best to save her companion front the terrible danger, and from a horrible death,

"Stand still!" she commanded in steady, stern tones. "Let him bite at your clothes all ho chooses but do not allow him to get at your feet. If you run he will seize them and bite through your boots. Have you the courage to stand where you are for a moment ? I will go behind and slip the end of my parasol through his collar, and pin him to the ground ; then you can go and call help for me,"

She spoke calmly but rapidly, and Josephine saw at once how much wisdom there was in her plan. "Yes, yes—l will do anything," she said, hysterically. "But be quick." "Be still just a moment longer and I will save you if I can," said Stella, Watching her opportunity she stole softly behind the struggling animal, and by a dexterous movement slipped the.end of her parasol, which waj a very strong one, into his collar, and then, with all her strength d"ovc it into the ground and held it there, though the creature struggled furiously to release himself.

lie" face had not an atom of colour in it, but her lips did not falter as she said to the horror.stricken girl watching her :

"Go quickly and get help for me: for, small as it is, I cannot 'hold him long." Josephine did not need a second bidding, but went shrieking back to the compaby in a way to almost rouse the dead.

She, had not been gone two minutes—though the two minutes seemed an age to Stella, who found an almost superhuman strength in that writhing, twisting thing at her feet — when the bushes behind her parted again, abd the same'gentleman who had met and warned her of the (Inn ger sprang towards her with his gun cocked, and aimed at the dog.

His face was almost as colourless as her own.

"Can you hold him just an instant longer ? Will you dare hold him while I shoot him ? I will not harm you in the least," he questioned, in rapid tones.

"Yes, I will hold him," she said, resolutely. "If I let him loose now he will be sure to bite someone."

Although she spoke so steadily, and with so much fortitude, she looked like some beautiful spirit from another world, and the gentleman knew he must do what he had to do or it would be too late. There was an instant of silence ; then a quick, sharp report rang through the woods, and the little danger-fiend lay dead at her feet. All danger was past. Stella had saved an enemy from a horrible fate. She had done an heroic deed, but the tension of her own nerves jjjavo way when il was all over. She swayed, tottered, and would have fallen to the ground, but another figure sprang through the bushes at her side, and her fainting form was received into the strong arms of Ralph Meredith, who had heard Josephine's warning, and was guided by the report of the gun. It was a long time befo"e Stella revived." The shock to her nervous system had been a terrible one,, and Nature seemed loth to resume her sway after il. But at the end of half ail hour her chest began to heave, and a slight tinge of colour returned to her lips. Finally, lo everybody's relief, her .beautiful eyes looked up, and a long shuddering sigh shook her frame. "What , has happened she questioned, with a'vacant look. , "You arc faint, dear. l)i;ink this, you you will be better,:' Grace Meredith said, gently, while she held a silver cup to her lips. She swallowed the stimulant, mechanically, and then began to shiver, as from cold.

"I remember," she murmured, all the colour fading from lier face, again. . , ."Is he dead ?" she asked, a moment, after, beginning to rally once more.

"Yes; lie was killed instantly," Ralph Meredith returned. "And Josephine—Miss Richardsis she safe ?"

Everybody looked surprised at the question, 'for no one knew she-had been in any danger until now. "Yes, Miss Richards is safe," Mr, Rosevelt answered; but a frown contracted his brow as he began to understand that Stella had sacrificed her own safety to save tho ungrateful girl. No one had been able to gather frem Josephine's excited and incoherent account 'anything Bave that the bum! M bad fttlaeUQd lilsa Mow

beay in the wood. She said not a word of how the girl had come to her rescue, warned her of her danger, and then put into execution a hazardous plan to securo safety. When they came, bringing Stella—for she was still too weak to walkto tho spot where they had all gathered, gay and thoughtless that morning, there was a look of sadness and sympathy on every countenance save those of Mrs. Richards and her daughter, who stole away by themselves, jealous of tho interest and concern manifested by the I whole company for tho object of their hatred.

Stella was soon much better, but still very weak, and looked so white and feeble that everybody was alarmed.

When she found that Josephine had kept the facts of the encounter with the mad dog to herself, simply saying that Miss Mowbray had been attacked by it, she also appeared very reluctant to talk about it, and as the subject seemed to excite her no one felt disposed to press her with questions:

Upon reaching Newport, Miss Meredith and her brother accompanied St'ella and Mr. Uosevelt, lo their hotel, and Grace insisted upon staying the- night with Stella. During tho long hours of friendly .companionship Stella grew confidential, and told Miss Meredilh much concerning her lite, and how it happeoed that she was at one time an inmate of Mrs. Richards's family. She also related the events that had transpired since she left them and concluded by describing the scene with the mad dog, and expressed her .deep thankfulness for having saved Josephine from so terrible a fate.

Miss Meredith was warmly indignant at Josephine's ingratitude, and look care next day to repeat the story of Stella's true and noble heroism.

Mr. Roscvclt was deeply. touched when lie heard of it, and declared to Stella that Josephine Richards was unworthy of such a brave and unselfish defence. Hut Stella's instant reply was that she was glad and thankful thai she had strength given her to do what was right, and return good for evil. As she spoke thus Mr. Roscvelt regarded her with a look of tonderest affection.

"That good book which you love so well says that 'a little child shall lead them,' and truly, Stella, you in your youth shamo me in my maturer years by your Christian spirit." ho said, humbly.

Stella did not reply, but she loolv ed very happy.

CHAPTER XXIX, "I LOVE HIM STILL." The first of the week following the events just related, Mrs. Itichards and her daughter wore suddenly "recalled to Brooklyn;" for when the truth of the exciting events connected with the picnic became known there was a disagreeable buzzing in every quarter,

Besides, Mr. Richards had intimated in language more forcible than agreeable that ithey must put an end their extravagance immediately. He was continually suffering heavy losses in his business, and his purse could not long endure such exhaustive drains. '

They were gone before anyone knew that they contemplated going; and it must be confessed, it was a great relief both to Mr. Roscvelt and Stella when they knew they would be obliged to meet them no more."

Stella had receovcred her usual health and strength, but she had suffered from a shock that she could not meet or see a dog without a feeling .of fear and an almost overpowering weakness. She had seemed unusually thoughtful, too; since the event. Most people noticing it, thought it but natural considering the frightful danger she had been in, but Stella had a very different reason for it, The moment she had returned to consciousness and found herself in Ralph Meredith's arms—seen bis agonised looks, heard his tones of fear, and noted the quiver of his pale lips as he hung over her, she knew that he was no longer what she had regarded him—merely as a kind and congenial friend. These signs she had interpreted in a way to make her feci very grave and deeply troubled, She felt that he regarded her with feelings which she knew it would be impossible for her to return, and she feared he was cherishing hopes which if not "nipped in the bud," might ruin his whole life. Iler fears were only too well founded, for one evening, when they all went for a walk in the park, he succeeded in securing Stella for a companion ; and scarcely had they been a moment together, when he told her how truly and devotedly he loved her. In piteous accents Stella begged him to forget what he had just said to her, and listen to the story of her heart.

With bowed head and troubled looks he listened lo the revelation of the love episode that had clouded her young life, and lie knew that his love was hopeless when be heard her confess that her- first love was her only love and that she had no heart to give elsewhere. lie begged her to tell him where the traitor was that he might go and brand him as a faithless coward; but Stella was unable to tell him, even had she been inclined to do so, which she certainly was not.

Time would bring its own punishment to her faithless lover, she believed, and she had no desire that anyono should act as her champion in the matter. She had called him Archibald Sherbrooke in speaking of him, feeling assured that if by any chance Ita'lph Meredith should ever meet him, he would not recognise in Lord Carrol, the man of whom she had spoken. Ere they joined the others, Ralph had extracted a promise from her that, henceforth they should be firm friends, and that upon that basis he might visit her as before. Doth .Mi 1 . Rosevelt and Miss Meredith saw at a glance that the interview had been a sorrowful one and both were disappointed ; Grace on her own, as well as her brother's account, for she had grown to love her friend fervently. Mr, Rosevelt liked tile young man and would have gladly given Stella's happiness into his keeping. But lie learned from her that night that jt was not to be, and he refrained from saying one persuasive word, for lie knew that Stella would only do what she felt to bo right. Whan they parted at the. door of the hotel, Ralph announced his intention of leaving early the next morning, and Stella knew by his dejected looks and sad tones that he was bidding good-bye to hope as well as to herself.

CHAPTER XXX. A NOBLE liE,SOLVE, The next day Mr. Roscvelt proposed they • should leave Newport as soon as possible; for he saw that Stella was far from being her own bright self, and ho felt sure that travel and change of scene would greatly benefit her, Miss Meredith (to whom Stella had fully explained the reasons of ho." brolhor'u rcjwilon) m asked to rc«

company them, and gladly she accepted llus welcome invitation. Together they went to the Whito Mountains, from thence to Montreal, down tlio St. Lawrence River anty Lake Ontario to Niagara. Tho trip occupied three weeks, and proved a most delightful s one. Stella was a first-rate traveller, Miss Meredith a most pleasant companion, and tliey all regained much of their accustomed spirits before it was over, and Mr. Hosevell congratulated himself that lie had planned most wisely.

'.'l think it is charming to travel this way," Stella said, one day, while they were at Niagara—"just a few of us who enjoy one another's cpmpany, stopping where we choose, going on when we like, and having everything our own way. I think there is nothing so pleasant as travelling."

"How would you like to go to California and the Yosemite Valley?" Mr. riosevelt asked.

"I should like it; very much," she answered, enthusiastically. "Will you go this autumn?" "Oh, Uncle Jacob, aren't you tired ? l)o you not need to go home and rest after so much dissipation?" the young girl asked ; but her face (lushed with anticipation. "Do you call it dissipation to travel ?" he asked, smiling at her eagerness. "1 enjoy it almost more than anything else." "Almost more!" Stella repeated, quickly. "'What would you enjoy more ?"

"To see you pcefcctly happy," he replied, tenderly; "and I believe that travel does you fully as much good as anything else. We will go home and rest for a week, then we will start for the Far West. What do you say to my plan ?" Miss Meredith's face lighted. "Say 'yes' to it by all means, Stella," she said, "and—and T will go with you if you will have me." "If we will have you !" Stella re: turned with dancing eyes, "Why, it would be the nicest thing in all the world—we three, with Mrs. Blunt to look after ns, to have such delightful cosy times-"

"I have Irh'li wishing for just such an opportunity for a long time," (■race answered, "and if you will take mo along with you, I should esteem it a great favour."

"I think with Stella that it would be the best arrangement in the world and, Miss Meredith, we shall consider you a member of our party," Mr. Roscvelt said, with a bow and a smile to that lady.

Stella looked up into the old gentleman's face. "Uncle Jacob, how good you are to me !" she said ; and her lips trembled over the words, for she knew that he had planned all this expressly for her to keep her mind from brooding over the past. "My dear, do I not owe my life, and all that I am at present enjoying to you," he asked gravely. "Hemember that when you arc happy, I am happy, too, and vice versa. Whatever cloud darkens your sky is sure to bring sorrow to me also ; so let us make the most of our lives while we have them."

And Stella thought, with something of self-reproach : "I will never trouble him with anything again. If I am miseraable I will hide it in the depths of my own heart, lio has had trouble enough during his life, I will put away every thought of self for the future, and devote all my powers to the work of making his a 'green old age,' I will strive to be what he really calls me, 'the star of his life ' and brighten all the years that remain to him, and make him so happy and contented that the memory of his early sorrow's shall grow fainter and fainter. I must strive, too, to lead him to look forward to a brighter future." These were noble resolves, and well and faithfully she kept them.

To be Continued.