A TWO-FOLD INHERITANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11878, 1 February 1902, Page 3 (Supplement)

A TWO-FOLD INHERITANCE.

[BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.]

; r BY GUY BOOTHBY, Author of "The Beautiful White < Devil," "Doctor Nikola-," etc., etc. SYNOPSIS. . CHAPTER The reader is introduced 'o a beautiful scene on the River Thames, where there is a. house-boat, known as " Love m • Idleness." It belonged to Mr. Dartreli at one time, and was a great resort for a certain class. After Mr.' Dartrell's death, the boathouse was still as popular as ever under the care of his beautiful and tactful widow. Mrs. Dartreli had a nice cottage in Mayfair, and sometimes her friends were entertained in the boathouse and sometims in the cottage. Curious characters meet at these places, and one Colonel Devereux is noted for card-playing. Reginald Fitzwilliam Sandridge is also a frequenter, and is generally known amongst his companions as Reggie. It was evident that the fascinating widow had a charm for him, and lie and others took much interest in the card-playing that took place in the boathouse and cottage. In the disputes that occurred over the cardtable, Reggie felt inclined to take the widow's part, and the friendship gradually increased, . until one night he seems to have been led to make advances which had important consequences

CHAPTER ll.—ln which Reggie Sandridgo is seen driving into the Waterloo Railway Station in great style. He entered the ticket office to obtain excursion tickets for himself and two friends, and on emerging ran across his cousin, Richard, when a mutual exchange of compliments took place. Reggie espied his two friends, bade good-bye to his cousin, and entering the train was soon at his destination—the village of Charlesford. Here he met a well-known , horse-trainer— son— gave him. full information about the racehorse in which he was interested, and xboth gentlemen felt confident the said horse would be the winner at the Epsom races, and further heavy bets were laid.

CHAPTER Hl.—Reggie visits Weldersham Castle, the home of his childhood. ■ He has an interview with his uncle, the Earl of Weldersham, whom he finds on his death-bed. The old earl threatens to leave his nephew out of bis will in consequence of Reggie's rumoured alliance with a certain Mrs. Dartrell, and also for his racing proclivities. Regpie renews the acquaintance of his cousin Dorothy. Mrs. Madison, and Mr. Margetson, the family lawyer, who informs him that he has heard some unfavourable remarks about his intended wife, and also that if the Knight of Malta should not win Reggie would be a ruined man. On his return journey to London he endeavours to interest himself in his newspaper, hut the memory of a certain pretty face, and a pair of honest blue eyes, comes between him and the columns. Strange to say that face was not the face of the fair widow, " CHAPTER IV. . Only three days then remained before the ■■ running of the race that was to mean so ' much to Reggie Sandridge and his friends. An animal named' Carrickfergus, winner of the Two Thousand Guineas,. was the first favourite, though Knight of Malta ran him very close in the betting; an animal named Whissoudine had suddenly come, to be regarded as a most useful competitor while it was said in the north that Pride of the Pit would certainly render a very good account cf himself.

The betting was as follows — 6—3 against Carrickfergus. 5—2 ~ Knight of Malta. 7—l ~ Whissendine.. 10-1 „ Pride of the Pit. A letter from Batcson informed Reggie that his liorse was as fit as possible, and doing his work witih a whole-lieartedness that ' spoke well for his chance in the impending struggle. From Weldersham came the news that his .uncle was steadily regaining strength. It is only just to Reggie to state that he was unfeignedly glad to hear this intelligence. "Why should I bear him any malice?" he asked himself. "He has his old-fashioned notions, and if he doesn't approve of my marriage that's his affair and not mine." A moment la,ter, however, he shook his head. "Yes, I'm afraid it's very likely to be more any affair than anyone else's," he continued. "If the Knight doesn't win I shall, be in rather a curious position." That afternoon he met Stella by appointment, and they rode together in the park. It was destined to be an eventful ride. Al- | ready. Reggie had noticed that his engage- 1 , went . had changed the demeanour of his friends, or rather his so-called friends, towards himself. Pretty women, who only a few days before had been anxious to attract his "attention, now found occasion to look another way as lie approached. Charming girls, who had hitherto been only too glad to have him for their cavalier, now bestowed upon him an off-hand bow, as : much as to say, "We knew you once, but since you have f preferred that creature to us we* have no desire to continue the ac- . quaintance." It was not Reggie's intention, ■ however, to let them see that he was in the least chagrined by their behaviour. He was Stella's, champion, and he would be, loyal to her. at all hazards. What did it matter to him what the social world tliougiht \ of him? He had made his choice and would abide by it. He glanced at his companion. She certainly did not appear to be overawed. At last they came to a part of the road which was apparently deserted. They - set their horses at a brisk canter, and when they pulled up Stella's face had suddenly become serious. "Reggie,'- she began, "you surely must see by this time how these women Late me. Don't you think I noticed how they stared —and how they whispered ;Cs soon as we had passed. They were saying to each other, ' There goes * Reggie Sandridge with the woman who is destined to work his ruin.' " "My dear Stella," Reggie_ replied,." you must not take so much notice of people's behaviour. You are a great deal too sensitive." ■ " You would be the same if you were in my place," she retorted. " Think what I have at stake. Your love and all the happiness of my life. They would take it from me if they dared. But I defy theml defy them all'" " But why should you always believe that,, people are always no bitter against you!' he inquired. " Because I am convinced of it," she replied. " And, believe me, they will be even more so now that they know that lam to marry you. Before they only disliked me because I happen to be pretty, ■ and also because I attracted the men; later they will hate me because I am the wife of Reggie Sandridgethe future Earl of Weldersham. You are great match! Surelv you must know that?" There was a certain something, lie knew not what, that grated upon Reggie's ear. ' Was it possible, he asked himself, that Stella was taking him merely for his rank: . " How do you kno\y that I am a great match?" lie inquired. "Because you are," she answered. At least I have always heard so! Not that I mind, one way or the other. Dont think that. I should love you just the" same if you were a shopman or a ploughboy! He was silent for it few moments, then he continued— "Stella, there was one thing I meant to have told you when I came back from Weldersham." • 1 • „ She looked nervously up at him. tier > experience of life had taught her that secrets mean trouble for someone. I herefore she was suspicious of them. ' '• What is it you have to tell mf' she inquired • "You know, when I went down to Weldersham the other day, I did so for the reason that my uncle was ill and desired to see me." She nodded, and stroked the mane of her horse with hei crop. ' "Well, it appears that he has been rather put out' at the way J air going 011 lately. ' He said nasty things—and—well, the long and short of it- is that he has disinnerited me. Of course, I shall have the title and the Weldersham entailed estates, but all his private propertywithout which the other cannot be kept —will be left to ) someone else." ' While he had been speaking Stella's face had suddenly become ashen pale, and she seemed to be struggling for breath. When ' she spoke again Reggie scarcely recognised . her voice, so changed was it. "I think I understand," she remarked. , "He has done this because he has'heard of your engagement to me. He does not ap- '' . prove of it, and he is showing it by taking ,/ y ' his money from you, I defy you to deny ' it." ' : ' .■ : . Reggie thus found himself in a serious fix.. .It seemed too cruel to admit to Stella :,v that she had guessed correctly, yet he could ;.T not see what other reply to give her. "Your face tells me that my surmise is - correct," she •; v*eoit on. ".Your : myiU has * . '*■ . . .....

willed Lis private fortune from, you for the reason, that he disapproves of. me. • In. this you have another example of the world's opinion. Oh, it is too cruel to be borne! From the way they treat me I might be the vilest woman in ! London! And what did you say to him?" , " I told him that he must do as he thought best. I gave him to understand that I had made my decision and intended to abide by it."

" Reggie," cried Stella, turning on him, that was noble of "you. It was the answer of my champion, and, as I live, you shall never regret it. Let him leave his money to whom he pleases, we will manage to do without it. I will show them all the sort of wife I can be to you, and when I am triumphant I will take my revenge on them. But we have said enough on this most unpleasant topiclet us now have a canter!" They did so, and, after a sharp gallop, left the park by Grosvenor Gate, and made their way towards Piccadilly. On reaching Stella's house they called a halt, and Reggie assisted her to alight—much to the interest of the young ladies of the opposite house, who were of course aware of his engagement to Stella, but. who had not beforo seen the lovers together. F "If you can't come to dinner to-night, won't you drop in later?" Stella inquired, as she stood beside him on the pavement tapping her neat little riding boot with her whip. "I fear it will be impossible," Reggie answered. "As you know I have a longstanding engagement to dine at Eaton Square to-night. If I can manage tc get away early, however, I'll be sure to come round." ■ . "On the chance of seeing you then, au revoir!" - Reggie bade her good-bye, and, after handing her horse to the groom who was in waiting, mounted his own hack and irode slowly off to his chambers in Mount-street. The dinner in Eaton Square was a stately function of the old style, and that is about all that can be said of it. Reggie found it exceedingly dull, and would have given much to have been able to get away, but as his host and hostess were old friends, lie could not leave as early as he hoped to bo able to do. In point of fact, it was nearly eleven o'clock when he left the house. When the door had been closed upon him he stood for some seconds on the pavement, wondering whether he would go to Brookstreet or not.

"Perhaps it would be as well for me to look-in," lie said to himself. "I promised that I would if I could." So saying he stepped into a passing cab and bade the man drive him to Stella's house. Upon his arrival there he was informed that Mrs. Dartrell was at home, and was invited by the young butler to follow him upstaire to the drawing-room. As they ascended the stairs the sound of singing reached them. The male voice was that of Colonel Devereux —Stella's was the other. The song was from the " Geisha,"and I believe deals with instructions in the art of kissing. ■>. Upon their reaching the drawing-room the butler softly opened the door, and Reggie entered without attracting the attention of the performers. To his surprise, neither the widow's companion, Mrs. Bennett, nor her American cousin, were in the room. Seating himself in a chair by the open window, for it was a hot night, he waited for the performance to reach its conclusion. Until that moment he had never realised how much he disliked the colonel. " Very pretty," said the gallant warrior, when the accompaniment was finished. " I do not think, however, that the kissing was quite loud enough!" " I thought it excellent," Reggie remarked quietly. " Forgive me, I did not mean to interrupt you," he continued, as Stella and the colonel turned swiftly round and faced him. " Why, Reggie, I had 110 idea that you were in the room," rried Stella. " You must have come in as quietly as a cat." " I hope I didn't frighten the music away then," lie returned, with what was almost a forced laugh. "Won't you sing something else? Your voice blends admirably with the colonel's." Stella, however would not hear of it. She declared that she was too tired to sing or play anything else. "After all," said the colonel, "the only instrument to sing to is the guitar. And one seldom hears that in England nowadays. All! those delicious nights in old Spain, with the clinking of the guitars in the silent streets and the fair senorita listening behind the lattice." " And papa waiting round the corner with his stiletto up his sleeve, ready to bury six inches of cold steel in your body as you wend your way homeward. Yes, I suppose there is plenty of romance still left in old Spain I" The colonel looked sharply up at the young man.. He had a notion that he was being laughed at, and he was not accustomed to that sort of treatment. Presently Stella asked them to excuse her and left the room. She returned a few moments later carrying a large fan. The conversation then recommenced, and for half an hour they discussed society and its doings. Then Mrs. Bennett entered the room, stifling a yawn behind her hand as she did so. After remarking that she had finished her letter to her aunt in Australia she subsided into a semi-conscious condition 011 the sofa, from which she was roused by Reggie's rising, to say good night. " If you are going my way we may as well walk as far as the corner together," said the colonel, who had also risen. "By all means," said Reggie politely, though lie had not the least desire for the other's society. Their hostess accompanied them to the ball.

" Shall wo ride together to-morrow afternoon?" she inquired of her lover. " By all means if you care about it," he answered. " I will call for you at the usual time." ' " And you will find me ready," she returned. Then the two men left the house. As they strode down the silent street Reggie regretted that ho had dismissed his cab. Ho did not like the colonel, and he had no objection to that gentleman knowing this. The other, however, was not to be snubbed. His skin,, when ho chose, could be of rhino-ceros-liko thickness. He laid himself out to please, but he soon found that he had entered upon a hopeless task. At the corner they stopped, and the colonel held out his hand. Reggie made as though he did net notice the action, but busied himself lighting his cigar. That operation accomplished, ho bade his companion good night and walked away down a side atreet. "I don't trust that man further than I can see him," said Reggie to himself as Inmade his way homewards. "When I «m married I'll trouble him to keep himself religiously on the street side of my front door." Upon returning to his chambers on the following afternoon, to dress for the ride in the park, he found a note from Stella. It ran as follows— My Dearest Boy,— , , I am down with a splitting headache this afternoon, and could no more sit Satanella than I could fly. Forgive me if I do not ride with you. I hope you will not be very disappointed. Don forget, however, that wo are to dine together at the Carolus to-night, and that wo go -on to tho Folly Theatre afterwards. Ever yours lovingly, . ■■ Stella. " Well, I may as well have my ride whether she comes or not," said Reggie to himself. " There's nothing else to be done, and I may find somebody in the park who will take compassion upon me."

Ho accordingly mounted his hack and set off. Upon entering the park gates he met two men of his acquaintance, and in their company proceeded down tho Row. The latter was crowded on that particular afternoon. It had been rumoured that Royalty would pass through, and all the world was there in consequence. On every hand the young man . recognised friends, and it was with a little sinking of the heart that Reggie realised that their greeting to himself , was more cordial than it had been on the previous afternoon. • -

Suddenly he became interested in the movements of a party of four in front of him. It was made up of three ladies and a gentleman, the latter being mounted on a handsome bay, that required more than a little riding. It was upon tho lady next to him, however, that Reggie bestowed most attention.

" Surely it can't be," he said to himself. " Yet I would almost swear to the figure and the shape of the head."

As he drew nearer the party he felt that his surmises were correct, and closer inspection told him thai he was not wrong. The lady_ in question was none other than his cousin Dorothy. Their cavalier was young George Derringtou,; of the Blues, and the two other girls his sisters. The Earring-

I tons owned a fine property in the neighbour- | hood of Weldersham, and their father sat as member lor the county. - "Why, Dorothy, this is no end of a surprise," said Reggie, as he rode alongside. " I had no idea you thought of coming to town. You said nothing to me about it." "I did not know that I was coming myself, nor should I have done had not Mrs. Derrington so- kindly invited me to stay with her for Derby week. At first I did not know what to do about leaving uncle, but he insisted upon my coming." " And how is he?" Reggie inquired. " The last bulletin I received stated that he was much better." " Oh, he is almost himself again," the girl replied. "The doctor is very pleased with the progress he has made." At this juncture young Derrington found an excuse to drop behind, thus allowing the cousins to ride side by side. Reggie looked at Dorothy admiringly. When he had seen' her in her white dress in the old hall at Weldersham he had told himself that she was one of the' prettiest girls -he had seen for many a long day ; now he thought her lovely. He remembered with pride that it was ho who had taught her to ride ; and he reminded her with a laugh of the old shaggy pony " Punch" upon whose back those lessons were given. " How long ago it all seems," she said almost sadly. ".Do you remember the day when I was first allowed to canter round tie

park by myself? Punch got out of hand, and being tired of lessons was anxious to return to his stable. What a battle we had!" " And I remember how angry I was," said Reggie. " I jumped him backwards and forwards over the brook. And so you are actually going to the Derby?" " Yes," she answered, falling back into the phraseology of their childhood, " really and truly, and I hope I am going to see Knight of Malta win. Look, Reggie, there is old Lady Reynsley, and her wig is more palpable than ever. Do you remember the day when the hounds met at Cripsly Wood, and her horse took her under the tree and scraped her toupee off. You weren't a bit sorry for the poor old thing, but I can assure you I was!" " How can you tell such a story, Dot. You know very well that you laughed until you nearly fell off old Perkin Warbeck's back. Let us hope her ladyship won't see us, or she'll join us for a certainty. In that case folk will think she is cousin Emily." " I'll tell mamma that, and let you know what she says. If there's one person she dislikes in this world it is Lady Reynsley. The latter told her once that a year's finishing at a stiff school would do me all the good in the world, as my manners were worse than uncouth. What do you think of that?" " That she is an old cat. I was not aware.that I disliked her so much !" By this time their friends in front had quickened their pace, and were some distance ahead. • • " Let us have a canter," said Reggie. " It's years since we had one together." They accordingly set their horses going, and went sweeping down the tan. When they pulled up Dorothy's horse began to plunge violently, but she sat him with all the confidence of a professional horse-breaker, and at last reduced him to obedience. "Bravo!" cried Reggie enthusiastically. " You managed 'him beautifully, Dot! I can see that my lessons have borne good fruit." He glanced round to see who had witnessed the performance, and then gave a little start as he found himself face to face with Stella, Her expression was by 'no means one of approval. She had followed the couple down the Row and had noted the way in which they had laughed and joked together. For the first time since her engagement she was permitting herself to become jealous. "Why, Stella!" cried Reggie, "this is indeed a surprise. Your note said tihafc you were feeling too ill to ride this afternoon." ' " I changed my mind," the other replied. "I sent a note round immediately afterwards to tell you. But I suppose, since you are here, you had gone before it arrived." j She spoke in a petulant tone, as if she half-suspected him of throwing her over in favour of the friend with whom he was now riding. "I am sorry I did not receive it," he answered. " But let me introduce you to my cousin, Miss Maddison, who is up in town for the Derby. I have often spoken of her to you." ; The ladies bowed to each other. Then turning their horses' heads they rode back by the way they had come, but in a very different spirit. "Stella was evidently sulky; Dorothy was ill at ease, while Reggie's former gaiety had deserted him entirely. He tried his best, however, to behave as usual, in order that other people might not think there was anything .amiss. It is one of our many peculiarities always to imagine that other people are closely watching ourselves and our affairs. When they reached the corner Dorothy bade them " good-bye," on the excuse that she must join her own party, and, with a pleasant little nod to Stella, rode off. Reggie and the latter thereupon turned their horses' heads and rode back by the way they had come.

'" And so that is your pretty cousin, who lives wit'li your ■ uncle at Weldersham, is she?" Stella*began. "She is certainly very pretty, don't you think so?" "I had no idea she had grown into such a pretty girl until I went down to Weldersham the other day. It was somo time since I had seen her." This was a foolish speech on his part, and it had the effect of adding fuel to the other's wrath. "Reggie," she said at last, "doesn't it strike you as being rather strange that none of your family have written to congratulate you on your engagement? At least, if they "have, you have not shown me their letters !" As a matter of fact no one, with the exception of his cousin Bertram, who at the same time had made a point of soliciting a loan of ten pounds, had written to him at all. " Oh, I've been congratulated by a lot of people," he answered ambiguously. " I suppose you have too!" "Oh, by hundreds!" she answered sarcastically. " All the dowagers of England have called upon mo to express their delight. Letters pour in by every post, and half my time is occupied endeavouring, to cope with my correspondence." Reggie was at a loss to understand her behaviour. Only the other day she had been all affability, now since their engagement had been announced she seemed to have completely changed. " I'm afraid, dear," he said, " that your headache must still be very bad. Wouldn't you like to go home?" She glanced at him suspiciously. " Will you come home with me?" " Of course, if you wish it," he answered. " Why not?" "I thought you might prefer to remain here," she said. "As you said just now, you have nob seen your cousin for so long!" "Stella," he said, severely, "I am beginning to believe that you are angry because you found me riding with poor little Dorothy. Surely that can't be so?" "I don't mind admitting it—-I am jealous she replied, looking straight before her. "I am jealous of every woman who speaks to you. And I always shall be! I want you for myself, and for myself alone! Besides, did you notice the way she looked at me? Some of the wretches who have been trying so hard to spoil - my life have been telling her things!" "There is nothing to tell, dear," said Reggie. " And, what is more, I am quite sure that Dorothy would he too loyal to me to believe anything against the lady who is to bo my wife." " Only because I am to be your wife. It is exactly of that I complain. She would believe it if I were to remain Mrs. Dart Ml. Can't you see that? Because, however, you have chosen me for your wife, sha is willing to take me on trust." " She knows that unless I thought you fit to be my wife I should not have chosen you." \ She did not answer, and they continued their ride for some time in silence, then left the park by Grbsvenor Gate and made their way to Brook-street, where he sent his horse home in charge of Stella's groom. From the butler they learnt that her cousin and companion were out shopping, for which for once in his life he was inclined to be sorry. On reaching the drawing-room they j found afternoon tea prepared for them. 1 Stella was in very low spirits, and seemed inclined to break into tears at a moment notice. ' She poured Reggie out a cup of tea, and invited him to help himself to the cakes and other confectioneries on the stand beside the tea-table. It was plain to him that she was suffering from an attack"' of suppressed emotion. It was pot |

long before the storm burst. At last she could contain herself no longer, and leaving her . chair, she threw herself on her knees before him and clasped his hands in hers. "My darling," she cried in heart-broken tones, "you can see how weak I am! I hare been so lonely, and it has worn me out! Forgive me, Reggie, oh, forgive me! I did not mean to make you angry with me." " There is nothing for me to forgive," he answered, pained by the piteous expression upon her face. " I don't like to see you like this, however. • I don't remember ever seeing you so low-spirited before we were engaged. You are happy, are you not'!'" "I am happy as long as you love me," she answered. "If I thought you did not I should kill myself, I believe, at once. You have no idea what you are to me. But you must love me with your whole heart and soul. You must never think of any other woman or allow me to be jealous for a moment. By that means only can you save me from myself."Her head dropped on to her hands, and she was beginning to cry. Reggie did his best to soothe her, but it was some time before he succeeded.

" You se what a weakminded baby I am," she cried, as she rose to her feet. " I must go to my room and bathe my eyes, or Mrs. Bennett will think we have been quarrelling." During her absence Reggie sat and pondered over her behaviour. Then he demolished a plate of cakes with the satisfaction of a man who has never been called upon to study his digestion, poured out for himself and drank "a second cup of tea, and then sauntered to the window. From that- point of vantage he witnessed a fight between two gutter urchins over a piece of banana peel and kept his eye on a horseylooking loafer who sauntered down the other side of the way and eventually camo to a standstill beneath a lamp-post. He had not been there many minutes before the door of the house in front of which he was standing opened and the butler emerged. After looking up and down the street the latter approached the loafer and started an animated conversation with him. Presently money changed hands, whereupon the loafer touched his cap and sped off in the opposite direction to that by which he had come. He was still wondering what this little drama meant when the door opened and Stella, after upwards of half an hour's absence, entered the room. He was delighted to see that she appeared to be her old self once more. Putting her arms round his neck she kissed him.

" Try to forgive me, Reggie," she said, " for my silliness. I was run down, and, I suppose, a little hysterical. It sha'n't happen again." Reggie returned her kiss, and then led her to a chair beside the tea-table. After this he reseated himself. There was a look of surprise and almost of horror upon his face as he did so. He tried to appear himself, but could not manage it. Words refused to come to his assistance. It was not so with Stella, however. All her old

vitality had returned, and she laughed and joked, apparently as happy as a child. She rallied her lover on his quietness, prophesied all sorts of happiness for their future, and was as different to the woman who had knelt at his feet crying half an hour before as light from darkness. As I have said, they had arranged to dine at the Carolus Restaurant that evening and afterwards to visit the Folly Theatre. When Reggie reached the restaurant two hours' later ' a note was handed to him by the manager. It was from Stella, and informed him that her headache had returned, and that she would not be able to join him at dinner, but that she would meet him at the theatre afterwards. He dined and went on there, only to find that she had not yet put in an appearance. He accordingly waited in the vestibule. A few moments before the commencement of the performance her carriage drove up. "I am sorry you did not feel equal to ■the dinner," he said, as he helped her to alight. "I hope you feel better?" "Much better," she answered. "Much better!" ■ He led her into the theatre, and along the softly-carpeted corridor to the door nearest to the two stalls lie «had engaged. She sank into her seat with a sigh of relief, as if the mere act of walking in from the street had tired her. Her eyes closed for a moment, and Reggie glanced anxiously at her; for a minute he thought she was going to faint. "Do you feel ill, dear?" he asked. " No, no! I'm well enough," she answered. "Only tired—very tired." Fortunately at that moment the lights sank, and the curtain rose. Stella opened her eyes and looked at the stage as if she were scarcely conscious of what was coin"' on there. ° I am inclined to think that when the curtain fell upon, the last act Reggie would have found it difficult to furnish anything like a fair account of the piece. He es° corted Stella home; refused to enter the house on the plea that it was too late; bade her good-bye on the pavement, and then set off to walk back to Ids chambers in Mount-street. _ The ghastly suspicion of the afternoon had been confirmed. God help him! What was he to do? (To be continued.) ]