WITCH HAZEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9244, 22 December 1888, Page 3 (Supplement)

WITCH HAZEL.

BY MRS. OEOUOIK SHELDON, Author of "Brownie's Triumph," "Tho Forsakon Bride," etc. CHAPTER XVII. HAZEL MAKES HER DEIJUT AMONG FASHIONAHLE PEOPLE. O.v the day following the brilliant lawn party at Osterly, the duchess and her household went to Brighton, and Helena returned to her mother ; but, as before mentioned, the grounds of the two places adjoined, and thus the families saw almost as much of each other as heretofore.

Lord Nelson Hartwell admired Helena exceedingly; he thought her the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and when in her presence she charmed him, as she did everyone else. Still, there were times, when he was alone, when he told himself that he feared she would not meet all the wants of his nature as a lifelong companion, and he hesitated about speaking words which would bind him to her, even though he knew that it was the united wish of his grandmother, the duchess, and Mrs. Stewart, that they should marry. " You will never find a more beautiful Or accomplished woman, go the world over," her grace had said to him many times. "I am getting old, toy boy, and so is his grace, and it is the desire of my heart to see you well settled in life before I leave it."

But Lord Nelson's reply was always : " Wait; lam nob quite ready. Helena is very sweet and beautiful, I admit; bub something holds me back." "It is only your diffidence, Nelson. 'Faint heart never won fair lady,' you know," her grace would retort, playfully, and then let the matter rest for a time.

A day or two after their arrival at Brighton, the duchess called to take Mrs. Stewart and Helena for a drive—" to show them the lions of the place," she said. Lord Nelson accompanied them, and as ho assisted Helena to enter the carriage, she was so bright and handsome, and greeted him so charmingly, he told himself that he believed he could do no better than to profit by his. grandmother's advice, after all.

During their drive they suddenly came face to face with a party of three, a gentleman and two ladies, when the duchess started, an exclamation of surprise and pleasure escaped her, and she greeted the occupants of the other carriage with evidences of delight such as she seldom manifested in the presence of anyone. " What a beautiful girl !" said Mrs. Stewart, as her eyes rested upon the face of the younger of the two ladies. " Yes, Marie Earlescourt is a lovely girl, and her mother is a lovelier woman. Did you notice her?" asked the duchess, her fair old face all aglow from the pleasure of the meeting. "No; my attention was wholly engrossed by the young lady," replied Mrs. Stewart.

" I am sorry ; but you will soon have an opportunity to meet her, no doubt. By the way, my friend, Mrs. Earlescourfc, is one of your own countrywomen." "Indeed! From what portion of the United States is she?"

" From Chicago, in the state of Illinois, I believe," replied the duchess. " She was visiting abroad a good many agoyears — before her first husband's doathand Mr. Earlescourt fell in love with her at that time. Her husband was lost whilo on his way to meet her here in England. She was very popular in societyas much so as our Helena here, and had a great many admirers. Two years after her return to America, a heart - broken widow, Mr. Earlescourt followed her and brought her back with him as his wife."

" Quito a romantic story," remarked Mrs. Stewart. "Is that young girl the only child they have ? " No ; they have two sons, .and I am told that Marie is only their child by adoption, although the whole family just idolise her. She is not yet really out; she is to be presented at Court next season. I wonder where they are stopping, Nelson ?" continued her grace, turning to her grandson. " You must ascertain for me, and I will try to induco them to come to us for a little visit."

" With pleasure," the young man replied, with animation, as ho turned to bestow another look upon the occupants of the vanishing carriage, and Mrs. Stewart glanced anxiously from him to Helena. She had set her heart upon having her daughter become the future Duchess of Jersey, therefore it would be a terrible disappointment to her if he should transfer his affections to anyone else, and Helena thus lose the proud position which his wife would occupy in the future. Helena herself was somewhat disturbed by what had just occurred. She had never yet really settled in her own mind the question whether she should marry the young lord or not. Since she had seen Percy Morton she had become conscious that he was the only person in the world whom she could ever love better than she loved herself. If she could win him she knew that no coronet in the kingdom would have any attraction for her ; if she could not—then, perhaps, the next best thing that she could do for herself would bo to secure the heirapparent to Osterly. She had always held him at a certain distance—she did not wish to bring matters to a crisis until she had tested still further her power over Percy Morton ; still, remarking his admiring glance at Marie Earlescourt, and seeing her grace's evident affection for the young lady's mother, she began to think that it might nob be pleasant to have his allegiance to her transferred to another, at least nob at present.

Lord Nelson learned that afternoon that .the Hon. William Earlescourt and his family were sojourning at one of the fine hotels of Brighton, where they intended remltirftng until they could secure a furnished house.' Her grace went to call upon them immediately and gave them an urgent invitation to*come to her until they were suited fqr the season.

The invitation was accepted as cordially as it was given, and two days later found tho family delightfully located ijj an elegant suite of rooms in the duchess' beautiful and '•pacious villa. *

Time had touched both Mr. and Mrs. Earlescourt very lightly. Emelie seemed scarcely a day older than when she came to England with her devoted husband. Her form was perhaps a trifle rounder, there was a little more of matronly dignity in her manner, a little graver sweetness in the lines of her perfect face. But there was scarce a thread of silver in her rich brown hair ; her eye was as clear and bright as on that morning when she gave her hand to the royal man whom she loved with her whole heart; her laugh was as sweet and cheery, her step as light as when we first saw her.

Two boys had been born to hertwo noble boys, tooone tho image of his father, the other bearing more of the impress of his mother's refined features, and a happier family could not be found in all England. Mario, however, was the idol of them all. Mr. and Mrs Earlescourt was bound up in her; the boys worshipped her, and well they might, for she was ever ready to sacrifice her own pleasure to their enjoyment. All this, however, had.been brought about by much labour and trial, for the little waif whom William Earlescourt and Emelie Graham had rescued from the Chicago flames was at that time a wild, untamed child, She was wilful and disobedient, selfish and tyrannical, showing that she had been allowed to have her own way and rule those about her. But Emelie Graham had governed her more wisely. She had first subdued the passionate and rebellious spirit and then won the child's idolatry by her sweetness and love, and in this work, after their marriage, Mr. Earlescourt was a great help. They were a remarkable couple both in social and private life, and their family was regarded as a model household.

The Stewarts and Earlescourts, together with tho family of Sir Henry Harwood, whose estate joined the duke's on the right, made a gay company, and almost every day was devoted to some excursion or amusement in which they all participated. Mrs. Harwood had two nieces with her, whom she delighted to entertain, and she instituted a round of pleasure for them and her son by sending out "at home" cards for every Tuesday evening. Belle and Hazel were not permitted to attend the first of these, although they had been included in Mrs. Harwood's invitation.

Mrs. Stewart was averse to allowing her younger daughter to go much into company, since it would be three years yet before she would make her regular debut. Besides, Helena objected. " Belle was such a hoyden," she said, " that it annoyed her to have her go where she was invited."

But afc«Mrs. Harwood's first reception that lady inquired so kindly for the absent girl, and expressed so much disappointment at her remaining away, that Mrs. Stewart relented, and regretted she had not allowed Belle to come.

And when her hostess learned that Hazel had also been detained, simply because of her position, she heartily said that she should be very glad to have Miss flay also make one of their number, and Mrs. Stewart promised not to refuse either of them the pleasure again. When Belle was informed of this she was nearly wild with excitement. " Hazel dear," she cried, dancing into their sitting-room, and giving her an ecstatic hug, " we will have gay times now ; mamma has left the bars down for her young colt, and I promise you she will make the most of her opportunities." " Belle, my dear girl, don't make such odious comparisons," Hazel urged, with a shocked expression, yet laughing in spite of her reproof, for Belle was prancing about in a very coltish manner, and manifesting her delight with more of vigour than dignity. "Well, you know that I am a sorb of untamed creature, but with you along to hold the curb, perhaps I shall nob be very vicious," she returned. " With me along !" said Hazel, looking up, surprised. "I am hoc going." " Oil, indeed you are ! 1 should not go one step without you. Besides, you are particularly invited, and Mrs. Harwood hopes thatyou will be willing to contribute a little music to her entertainment."

"I would gladly oblige Mrs. Hanvood, but, truly, Belle, I should feel out of place among such gay people, and besides" " Well, besides what, you modest witch ?" demanded her incorrigible pupil, "The wardrobe of a governess is nob supposed to bo very extensive," replied Hazel, smiling, but colouring, "and I should make a very poor appearance among the gay butterflies that will Hit about Mrs. liar wood's elegant parlou-'s." " Nonsense, Hazel ! You always look lovely. Your graduating dress is pretty, and nice enough for any place ; besides, you have that Indian lawn, dotted with for-get-me-nots—you are just captivating in that; then, too, you have your white mull. Of course you will go ; you could not be so cruel as to deprive me of so much pleasure, and I shall not stir without you," the young girl artfully concluded, knowing full well that this lust argument would win her point. it did ; and Hazel went with her when Tuesday evening came around again ; and very charming she was, boo, in her spotless mull, with only a broad, rich sash and a few flowers for ornament.

Mrs. Harwood was instantly attracted toward her, and, gracious lady that she was, told her that she was glad to see her in a hearty way that left no room for doubt upon the point. Later, she saw her sitting by herself in a corner, and, going to her, she asked why she did not join the dancers.

Hazel told her she was a stranger to almost everyone, and, besides, she feared that Mrs. Stewart would not approve. Mrs. Harwood went directly to that lady and asked her permission to introduce Hazel, and to allow her to mingle freely with the company. " These little socials arc to be very informal," she urged. "I have introduced them just for the safe of giving our young people a good time now and then, and I like to see everyone happy." Mrs. Stewart gave her permission, although she feared that she had made a mistake, a littlo later, when she saw Hazel the centre of an admiring coterie of gentlemen, who were eagerly soliciting the pleasure of dancing with her, Lord Nelson and Charles Harwood being foremost among them; while Hazel, with flushed cheeks and shining eyes, was entertaining them with a grace such as an accomplished belle might envy. When Mrs. Harwood told her that she had Mrs. Stewart's permission to mingle freely with the company, she gave herself up to the enjoyment of the occasion with all her heart, just as she did everything, and before she knew it she forgot that she was among the aristocracy of the land ; she remembered nothing save that everybody was delightful, that she was young and happy, and the world very beautiful. Madame Hawlcy had been in the habit of giving weekly receptions* to her pupils, and Hazel had therefore acquired an ease and self-possession in company which rendered her manner and bearing above criticism.

She was not allowed to sit out a set after Mrs. Harwood introduced her; she had more applicants for her hand than she could accept, while her partners found her irresistible ; she was merry, witty, fascinating, and without a suspicion of rudeness in her manner.

"She is the brightest little witch I've seen this many a day," Sir Henry observed to his wife, as ho watched her flitting in and out among the dancers ; noticed her graceful movements, heard her rippling laugh, and marked the quick repartee and jest which kept those about her in a state of delight and admiration. " Hazel, you are the belle of the evening, everybody is in love with you, and Helena is dociaely unappreciated. Look out for thunder heads to-morrow morning," whispered Belle, as she came in contact with Hazel during one of the changes of a figure. "Oh, Belle, I hope not," Hazel replied, looking greatly distressed for a moment. _ She glanced over to where Helena was standing, and met her eye. There was a peculiar glitter in it, and there was an expression on her face that made her quail for an instant. But it was only for a

moment, for as Helena caught Hazel's glance she smiled and nodded pleasantly, as much as to say that she was glad she was enjoying herself, and she felt sure that Belle was mistaken about her sister having any unpleasant feeling. She never felt comfortable, however* when in the presence of the brilliant belle. She had shrunk from her at their first meeting, for there was something about her which made her feel that Helena could be very cruel in spite of her apparent sweetness, the charm of which almost everyone acknowledged. If Hazel captured the young people during the early portion of the evening, she as surely won the hearts of the older guests, when, at Mrs. Harwood's request, she gave them some music, She first played a brilliant selection, which she executed from memory, and then sang a simple ballad with so much expression and pathos that her hearers were enraptured. CHAPTER XVIII HELENA SHOWS HER, COLOURS. "Who is she?" Mrs. Earlescourt asked of Mrs. Stewart, by whom she was sitting, and with whom she had been socially chatting during the last half hour. " She is Miss Gay, a member of my family," Mrs. Stewart replied. " Indeed ! you must be very proud of her, for she is exceedingly gifted. Is she a relative ?" " No ; she is simply the companion and governess of my younger daughter." " She seems very young for such a position," remarked Mrs. Earlescourt, as she studied the fair young face opposite her. "She is young, but she seems wonderfully fitted for it. She is just fresh from school", and, according to my judgment, all the bettor qualified to teach on that account." " She seems very much of a lady. Is she obliged to teach? Has she no home nor parents V" "No, she is an orphan." "Poor child!" said Mrs. Earlescourb, tears starting to her eyes, " how proud of her her father and mother would have been if they could have lived until now." Presently she excused herself, and, watching her opportunity, when Hazel was at liberty, she went to her and remarked in her gracious way : " You have given us a rare treat this evening, Miss Gay. I have enjoyed your music more than I can express. You must excuse me for addressing you without the formality of an introduction," she continued. " I am Mrs. Earlescourt, and I feel very much at home in the house of my friend, Mrs. Harwood. I hope you do not mind the lack of ceremony." "Not at all, madam," Hazel replied, her heart going out instantly toward this lovely women ; " and," she added, simply, " I am very glad that you enjoyed my music." She know that she played well, bub she was not vain of her gift, and it always made her happy to contribute in this way to the pleasure of others. " Who was your instructor, Miss Gay ?" Mrs. Earlescourt added.

" He was a German—Herr Heinrich, of London," Hazel replied. " Ah, yes, I have heard of him ; he is said to be very rigid, I believe." " Yes, he is stricthe has the reputation with some of being very cross," the young girl answered, smiling, " but I never found him so, although he will nob tolerate bad playing. I consider him a conscientious and superior teacher." "As soon as wo can find a house to suit us we shall begin to receivewill you come and play for my guests occasionally?" Mrs. Earlescourt asked with a winning smile. " With Mrs. Stewart's permission, I shall be very., happy to do so," Hazel replied, adding frankly, " My time belongs exclusively to her, as I am simply a governess in her family." " You are very young to teach," her companion remarked, studying the girl's sweet face ; "do you enjoy it?" "I have, thus far, although I have had bub very little experience—l came to Mrs. Stewart directly after graduating only a couple of weeks ago-" "Do you think you will like to follow this kind of life always?" Hazel sighed softly at this question, and glanced about her. More than once during the evening, even in the midst of her enjoyment, there had come into her heart, a wish that she was the cherished daughter of fond parents, and could enjoy, unrestrained, the delights of social life—at least for a while. But Hazel's nature was not a jealous one. "It has been very pleasant, thus far," she said, quietly, " but even if it had not been, one cannot always choose what one likes best."

" But you enjoy this ?" and Mrs. Earlescourt's glance wandered for a moment over the brilliant company, and then came back to the lovely face beside her. " Oh, yes, this is delightful," Hazel returned, with gloaming eyes. " Still, it might not be the best kind of life for me." "Why not?" "It might make me selfish and worldly if I were to give myself up wholly to it. I do not believe that a fashionable life is the noblest life to lead. I have my own living to earn, and I am not sure that I ought to indulge much in social pleasures—they might make be discontented with my lot." " It is very sweet of you to accept your condition so patiently and cheerfully," Mrs. Earlescourfc said, gently, while she laid her hand almost affectionately upon Hazel's arm. "I wonder," she continued, "if you have met my daughter this evening." "I do not remember having been intro duced to Miss Earlescourt," Hazel replied. "Come, then, and let me make you acquainted ; I would like Marie to know you." The gracious lady linked her arm within that of her young companion, and, leading her across the room, introduced her to Marie and then to her husband, who was banding beside her.

Hazel and Marie became friends immediately, and chatted freely together, until Lord Nelson Hartwell came to claim the former for a quadrille that had been promised him earlier in the evening.

He had not met Hazel until introduced to her there by Belle, but the moment his eye met hers, the moment his hand touched hers, he knew that Helena Stewart could never be his wife; he believed that he should love this beautiful, refined girl as he could love only once in this life.

When their quadrille was ended he enticed Hazel out on the verandah "to see the moon rise," he said, but really that he might secure her to himself for a few moments' quiet chat.

Hazel did not wonder that Belle had spoken in high praise of the. young lord, for she found him a truly delightful companion, and, next to Percy, he came up to her ideal of a noble man.

"Miss Gay," Lord Nelson said, as they stood watching the full, glorious moon rising apparently out of the shimmering sea, " we are making up a party to go to-morrow to Purgatory—a beautiful spot about five miles distant, but wretchedly misnamed. I wonder if you could be persuaded to make one of our number."

" I think not, your lordship," Hazel answered. "I am engaged with Miss Stewart from nine until two, and we do not allow anything to interfere with our study hours." '' You are very conscientious," returned Lord Nelson, smiling, "but if I could induce Mrs. Stewart to excuse Miss Belle for the day, would you go ?" "Thank you, but I think not," Hazel repeated, decidedly. " Belle i 8 beginning to be really interested, and is doing good work. I should prefer that there be no interruption just at present." •'Just for once, Miss Gay ; it could not matter," pleaded the young lord. Hazel glanced up archly at him, while a laugh of amusement rippled over her red lips. "If I am not misinformed, it was by your advice that a governess was engaged for Belle, and you are the last person I should expect would tempt me from my duty to your little friend. No, Lord Hartwell, I cannot go," she said, in a tone from which there was no appeal. "I stand condemned," the young man returned, "and I honour you for your firmness, Miss Gay. But I really wish both you and Belle to visit this charming spot, and there may be no other opportunity. Would you go after your study hours are over, if it could be arranged ?" " With Mrs. Stewart's permission, yes, and thank you for your kind thoughtfulness," Hazel responded, with heightened colour.

His face lighted, a smile wreathed his lips as he noticed it. This fair girl's beauty and sweetness were fast making a slave of him.

"Mrs. Stewart shall be interviewed this very evening," he said. "Now come in and give me this waltz that the orchestra has fust struck up, and I shall be amply repaid for my though tfulness." " But, Lord Hartwell, I have just danced with you," Hazel objected, not because she did not enjoy him as a partner, but fearing she would make herself conspicuous by monopolising so much of his time and society. "Never mind; I want this waltz with you, and then I promise not to ask you again—this evening," he persuaded. Hazel laughed merrily. "I am afraid I shall be paying you a doubtful compliment, if I grant your request upon such a condition ; however, since you made it yourself you will have no one else to blame," she retorted.

" You are fond of dancing, are you not, Miss Gay?" he asked, as he gave her his arm to conduct her within.

" Yes, indeed, when I have a good partner." "Am I an agreeable partner, Miss Gay ?" he inquired, bending eagerly toward her.

Hazel darted a quick, bright look at him. "I suspect that you are begging a compliment now," she said, roguishly, but colouring beneath his glance. "Never mind ; tell mc, please." "I never had a better," she confessed, lightly. " Thank you," the young lord returned, with a twinkle in his eye. " I shall remember that in the future when I request the pleasure of your hand, and remind you of it." *

Hazel told herself that all this was only jestonly the pleasant chat of the moment that really meant nothing ; nevertheless it was very pleasant to be sought out by him, to feel that he enjoyed her society, to listen to his cultured conversation. Something in his look, his tone, and his touch kept a lovely colour in her cheeks, and now, as she whirled over the polished floor upon his arm to the entrancing rhythm of the music, she forgot everything but the enjoyment of the moment, while many who observed her thought her tho loveliest creature in the room.

"Look at her, mother !" whispered Helena Stewart, as her eyes followed those two figures keeping step so perfectly. "She has danced three times with Lord Nelson — twice in succession ; your governess bids fair to become the belle of the season."

Helena's lips were wreathed with smiles, while, apparently, her eyes were follfiwing the dancers with delight. Anyone, beholding her, would have thought that she was simply giving herself up to the ejoyment of the gay scene before her. Mrs. Stewart alone caught the venom in her tone, the latent fire in her eye, and knew what envy and jealousy were rankling in her selfish heart ; knew that she never forgave anyone for outshining her, or taking the precedence in circles where she was accustomed to shine.

"Nevermind, Helena," her mother replied, good-naturedly ; " Lord Nelson is always trying to make people enjoy themselves ; probably he thought she was being neglected, and asked her out of pure kindness. " .

" Neglected 1" "repeated Helena, with a laugh, which, to uncritical ears, was sweetness itself ; " there isn't a young man in the room who has not tried to secure her for a partner. Hereafter, mamma, I think the schoolroom will be the proper place for your governess." "But, Helena, I cannot be disobliging: if my friends ask for her music, how can I refuse queried Mrs. Stewart, looking worried.

" Oh ! if you choose to keep a governess for the community at large, I suppose there is no law to prevent it. Thanks, Mr. Harwood, I shall be happy to polka with you ; I am quite rested, and have been enjoying watching the dancers immensely ;" and the beautiful belle sailed away on the arm of Charles Harwood, first giving her mother a fond smile and look, as if she was loth to leave her and had been saying the sweetest things to her, instead of plunging barbed arrows into her bosom.

When Lord Nelson craved permission for Belle and Hazel to join the pleasant party next morning, Mrs. Stewart said " No," decidedly, adding that " study was the law until two o'clock."

The young man bowed acquiescence, but did not yield his point, and, early the next day, presented himself in the Stewarts parlour, wit!) a request from his grandmother that the young girls might be allowed to accompany her to " Purgatory" in the afternoon. She did not feel able, she said, to spend the entire day with the party, but would drive over after lunch, if she could have someone to accompany her, otherwise she would not go at all. She would call for the young girls at quarterpast two, if Mrs. Stewart made no objection to the plan. That lady saw no reason why she should refuse, only she would have preferred that Hazel had not been included in the invitation. She knew that Helena would not like it, and she did not wish to vex her.

Still, Lord Nelson was to escort her, and, with the duchess to act as chapcrone to the girls, she. could not see how any harm would result from the arrangement, so she gave her consent. Belle and Hazel were delighted with the prospect of joining the excursionists, only the latter made it a condition that all lessons should be faithfully prepared and the practice honestly done. "Mamma has said that I can go, and I suppose I shall, even if I have not my lessons as well as usual," Belle pouted, in a momentary fit of antagonism at this condition.

Hazel shot a pained look at her. " Yes, I suppose you can go without regard. to the thoroughness of your work," she answered, quietly 9 "Is that supposed to be a threat that you will stay home if I do not get my lessons ?" Belle demanded, with a defiant toss of her head.

The late hours of the previous evening had not improved her naturally quick temper, although this was the first time that her will had really clashed with Hazel's.

"I do not wish to threaten at all, dear," Hazel said, with gentle patience, "but, truly, I do not feel like countenancing any pleasure that cannot be enjoyed with a clear conscience."

" Just as though my sins had anything to do with your conscience," retorted Belle, colouring with mingled shame and anger. " Still I must not condone them. I cannot share any pleasure with you, Belle, unless I dan show a good record to Mrs. Stewart," Hazel returned, without the least trace of annoyance, but with a firmness which plainly indicated that her decision was unalterable.

Belle was on her knees beside her in a moment, her arms twined about her waist, her repentant face lifted appealingly to her friend.

" You dear Hazel-eyed darling," she cried. "I shouldn't take a moment's comfort without you, and I will be so good that you. will not know me; you shall be proud of your pupil to-day if you never are again. And the warm-hearted, impulsive girl kept her word. [To be continued.]