THE RED STREAK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15298, 10 May 1913, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE RED STREAK.

ÜBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARBANGEMEXT.

BY WILMOT KAYE, Author -of "The Sacrifice." "The Home Secretary." etc.. etc. COPYRIGHT. ( CHAPTER XlX.—(Continued.) Sir James 'had listened to her with increasing uneasiness. His training had made him an admirable judge of character, and his long companionship with Joan had given him every opportunity of studying her. He realised that she was not speaking lightly, and that she would carry out her determination, however miserable she might beOn the other hand it was his duty to act as conscience dictated. . was intensely proud of their name, and Joan was the last of the Seymours. "I repeat that you are very young, and it will be no great hardship to wait for a year or two," he said quietly. But' Joan was crying quietly and he clasped her to him. "You know that I love you, Joan. Won't you trust me?" She drew away from him, and he sighed when he caught a glimpse of the expression on her face. ~.-»' "I think I will go to bed. I am very tired," she said wearily, and he made rto effort to detain her. When Joan reached her room she threw herself on the bed and burst into passionate sobs. Deep in her heart there was a great fear that it would be Basil himself who would be the bar to their happiness. Her uncle might persuade, but it was possible that the man she loved might decide that it was for, her good that he should leave her. In that event she recognised that it would be hopeless to try and turn him from his purpose. But she would fight for her happiness and allow no false sense of modesty to hold her back. A weaker woman would not liave had the courage to act as she intended to do. ; Soon' she grew calmer, and, falling on to her knees by the bedside, poured out her longing to God. It was for Basil's happiness that she prayed, and she was not insincere in placing his happiness before her own. It was the thought of him that buoyed her up for the coming struggle; and when she awakened in the morning it was with a calm determination to spare no effort to bring both her uncle and Basil to her own way of thinking. But first she must hear Basil say that he loved her. When once the words had been spoken she had fear of nothing else. A faint smile came to her face as she realised with what great care 6he chose her gown. Long and critically she stared at her reflection in the mirror, noting that her cheeks were still a little thin and her face pale. It was only since she loved Basil that «he had placed any value on her beauty and she was discontented with what she saw. When she came downstairs her uncle had commenced breakfast, but she came across and kissed him affectionately. "I am better this morning. What time do you expect Basil?" she asked cheerfully. / .J' Eleven o'clock."

" Will you let me be with you when he comes?" " No," he answered decisively. " But you will promise to send for me: / " I can make no promise. . I shall be guided by circumstances. I am afraid I have been very weak with you in the past. But that was over things that did not really matter. Now your whole happiness is at stake." |" • . : .,r "I'm glad you realise ' that. ; It will make things easier," she said quietly. *. ,

"I would rather have the management of half a dozen men than one woman," he said with unusual irritation. - " Then it is just 'as well that you have never married. And it is no argument in favour of ridding yourself of the burden of~" "Joan, you are very cruel.'' "I didn't mean it, uncle, but I m not quite myself this morning. So much depends on the next few hours. . , T ''You may rely on my doing what 1 think is right. Joan, you never knew your motherbut you are very like her—and— many people have wondered ."why I never married. But your father knew the reason. He and I fell in love with your mother, and she chose him. After knowing her, it was impossible for me to care for any other woman, and I remained single, lou are very like her, Joan, and you will never know what a comfort you have been to me. Your soft hand healed the wounds, and I have often dreamt that you were my own little girl. Yes, God has been very good to me—" .. , , • "I am glad you told me, she whiswas happy in her married life— I want you to be the same. If I fand it necessary to act harshly, I want you to try to make allowances. I am becoming an old man, and without you I shall be S*he came across to him and kissed him with deep affection. , . 1{ Uncle, I trust you, and place mysell in vour hands." ~ , Then they were silent, for each was busily thinking of the coming interview, and no -word was spoken until a servant entered. . „ • "Sir Basil Thorn to see you, sir. And Sir James rose with a sigh. J oar ran to him and threw her arms round lui , 'Remember that Basil is very proud,' "Remember that Basil is very proud, she whispered. ( ' .' CHAPTER XX. ; : • Basil looked anxiously round the hal

as lie waited, hoping that he might eaten a glimpse of Joan before seeing Sir James, and the wish was granted, for she came from the hall and greeted him quietly. "Uncle is waiting to see _ you. I can : only guess what you are going to say to : him, but if it is what I think I want you to remember that — _ She broke off " and gave him an appealing ; look, and then went on hurriedly. _ "You won't go away without seeing me, whatever uncle may say? . . , , ! He hesitated and she became insistent. " Promise me,** she said peremptorily. 1 "It may only be to say good-bye, he ' muttered. * ~ _ -i "Don't let it be good-bye. Basil, you [ make it very difficult for me* If only you 1 h^er P face D became flushed, and she turned 1 awav, but he had seen the look in her 1 eyes, and was assailed by a- mad tempta- ' tion to take her in his arms. _ "I have purposely remained silent, J. 1 promised your father," ho said with a ' quietness that impressed her. _ "Good luck to you," she whispered; and I Basil went into the , library. ' Sir James was standing m the middle l of the room, and his greeting was; rather { curt; but Basil understood. ; . „ J "Sit down, Basil. You and I must "have a long talk. First of all, answer me on© = question. Do you love Joan? -\j ' "Better than my life, Basil answered I'| , ' f I "j[ > cannot blame you. But it makes my i position horribly difficult. Is it necessary 0 for me to explain why?" _ 8 "No. But I must give , you your 5 brother's message," Basil answered, and 8 then went on to repeat what S^/nilip '» had said'. "You will understand that r during the last week or two I have been '» terribly tempted to speak to Joan of .my a love, but I can honestly say that I have • kept my word, both in the spirit and the 4 letter." , 4 "I believe you." ' t ' - "Thank you, Sir James. I have the '> honour of asking your consent to pay d mv addresses to your niece, Basil said, - with a formality that Sir James might 5 ' have found humorous . had it not beep

for his grim earnestness. V ' •' - "I •will- be quite frank with you, Thorn. Personally, I like you, but there .;«»'■**»■ things that cause me to' hesitate. Need I mention them?" £ "You refer to my father and to the Skoyne affair. I admit that they are both terribly against me. But still I ask you to give me your consent. I will devote my whole life to Joan's happiness. I am rich, and —" ; , ■<„•',;:.'■'.'; ■ ~ v f "Please leave that out of the question. It does not weigh with me,' Sir James said stiffly. , _.i,:„w "Then I will use the argument which will probably appeal to you. I believe that Joan cares tor me, and that I can make 6 "lf was sure of that. I heard the history of the Skoyne affair at first hand, and the Governor told ;me -that \ your temper was positively fiendish.. , . "Since then I have had a good deal to try me, and I can honestly say that I have not once lost control of myself. ;■■ , ._' "But there is the chance that you might give way again." '~.,'"j'» ■; Basil loked at him steadily, and for a. few moments neither spoke. ._ '-■■ "I believe you to be straightforward and honourable, lad." .- At that moment Joan came into : the room, and Sir James broke off with an exclamation of anger. "Go away, child." . „ ..; ■"■•: o,v "I wish t to stay. Basil, will you tell me what he has said to you—and you :to him," she added under her breath. ,. .. :.j "I have asked his permission to tell you that I love you." y , , , ,; ii '■ " She came towards him and placed her hand in his. ~,■ , ■•'.,".- "\nd I love you. Basil, she said in a low voice, and then turned to her uncle— "Now we are prepared to answer your ob at the. touch of her fingers; but when her eyes met his, with such trust and confidence, he suddenly realised how greatly he had fallen. He j drew away, and instinctively threw back his shoulders. '",•■•' .. V : " Sir James, I have not been quite honest with you. There is something that both you and Joan should know. You have mentioned two objections; but there is a third that is even greater than the

others." . ••■ , . , . , " Basil," she said imploringly"You knew my father. He was your friend, and that will help you ;to understand the reason of his mad action. And Basil went on to repeat as nearly, as possible what his father had told him concerning' the Thorns—of his grandfather s ruined life, and the tale of violence and strife during the past generations. He tried to make no excuse, and told the story boldly and without any attempt to gam sympathy. But as he went on speaking Joan drew.- closer, and soon he felt her hand creep into his. . ,_ , . "In spite of this black record I believe I can make Joan happy. I believe that I have the strength to conquer this madness, and" , ' ■'■ ' .•■" "I know that you have," she cried vehemently. - X Sir James had listened with the utmost attention, and had made no attempt to interrupt him. But now he spoke. " What you have told me makes my duty all the clearer. This interview is most painful to me, and while I feel the deepest sympathy towards you, yet I must insist ;" . , "Uncle, let me speak to Basil, and Joan looked at her lover with eyes that shone with love. " This sad story has only deepened my love, and makes me all the more necessary to you. Do you think I could ever let you leave me, knowing that you would be alone and a prey to morbid thoughts? Basil, you have told me that you loved me. It was your silence—which I respect—that made everything so difficult. But now that you have spoken, you will not think me unmaidenly when I say that if you go away I think I shall die." " Thorn, you must not take advantage of the affection of a young girl. Leave us vow, and perhaps in a day or two Joan laughed harshly and only drew closer to Basil ,\ "I am fighting for our happiness, and, uncle, if you send him away— But, Basil, you wouldn't leave me ? " she wound up piteously. ' "I promised your father ; that I would abide by your uncle's decision until you are twenty-one, and 1 shall keep ray; word." ' , ~ - , Joan drew in her breath : quickly,^ and once more turned to Sir james— _ • & . "You ; remember what I • 6aid last night.' If : ; you send Basil away then 1 leave .this i .house.". -, i y£- : ?'-i£h

"Joan, you must not say' that," Basil |j cried quickly. . .. |< "Leave us for a moment, Basil'," she ;*t> j jfl said, and led him to the door,, which she .r; jjfl closed, and then came back, her face very j ,B white, and her eyes glistening with tears. 4j 1 Sir James had seated himself in an arrai ttj chair, and was a picture of wretchedness. ' : • }il " Uncle, lam going to lay bare my heart' r" .. jj[< to you. You told me that you'loved my ' ' |) ; mother. As you felt towards her I feel ■ . lit for Basil. Trouble has only deepened my - ®|L affection,, and I shall marry him, with or , P,Ji without your consent." _ . Jjj He groaned aloud, for he could not mis- i,: take her earnestness, and knew that she " Ej would keep her word. £ > "But my happiness will not be complete ||! without your consent. Basil will keep his in j word, and there will be three weary years ..... jj? i of waiting; but the time will pass and wo ■•ip i shall marry. Nothing can prevent that* || ; But I want Basil to be. welcomed by you. • I'r If you refuse there will always be present vjr a something that will mar our happiness." || "How can I consent? Do you forget fjj the terrible story he has just told us i"■ . jjj Sir James protested. a! "I pay no attention to that recital of jjj j horrors. You see, I know Basil," she an- i,: swered with sublime confidence.' j | "You make it very difficult for me." ' \ "The difficulty is of your own making. ?! ( Deep in your heart you like and trust * Basil. Can you deny it?" Jjj "No," he answered reluctantly. _ W "Do you believe him to be a potential 'i ! ' "murderer?" she demanded scornfully. - 3| "There is the Skoyne affair." - |j "I admire him for having thrashed that a brute. I should have been ashamed of him $} if. he hadn't don© so." _ S "It is useless to try to argue with ai, . | • woman." • . ; '' |$ 1 "Then don't try," she said softly, and . || wound her arm round his neck. "Uncle, ®l! dear, you will miss me if you force me to * -j leave you.. And it is so easy to give youu U consent. I shall for ever be so grateful, -:. fljj

an —" 'V ' li She began to cry weakly, and Sir James 'j| loathed: a woman s tears, so he began .to if weaken. She had been right in' saying • i! 'that he liked and trusted Basil, and if he . " parted them he could-not doubt that Joan . ' ! would be very miserable. Then, too, there ; was her health to be considered. She was | still suffering from the after effects of ma- j laria, and worry might make her worse.. ! ' Now he. began to search for arguments in j favour of giving his consent, and they were j not difficult to find. There could ,be no , j doubt that neither Basil nor Joan would be . likely to change, and their lovo was deep ' , and sincere. Then, too, Basil had shown ~ |j strength of character in the way he had' si behaved. Yes, he was a man one could - - gj trust, but yet— v-Ji!j If my mother were alive she 1 would ' '>%. Si! have understood. '. Do yoji think that she . . || would have sent- Basil away?" she asked,, fcjj gently. ' . .. . . t^i.t.' IS His face softened, and it was with diffi« ' | culty that she subdued a cry of triumph. v .J " She would only blame you if you mads i j me .unhappy." - < '. ; i But still he remained silent. - . , v;;: ' K "Uncle, I do love him so dearly, ana j he' has never kissed me." ■ \ j A vivid blush ' came to her cheeks, , but ' ' ; she did not droop her eyes, for she. was . j not ashamed. j " Poor little Joan." •.• •. r Vl v<V. ,;YS? J "Don't send him away. -.Thank you, M> v " | dear." ' J., | She kissed him very gently,; and i; then ' : went to the door. But she trembled and - > -' v ■ hesitated, but soon her courage back,- -, j and she called to : 8a5i1.'.,.,, When ..he_ ap- . ... .. j peared his face 'was white andstrained,. , ~ j arid his lips firmly pressed -together. - t ) " God forgive me. if I am doing wrong, " " ••• Sir James began thickly. " But* .Thorn** .;4, i I have not the heart to part you." • >1 j Basil uttered a cry, and his hands were ' outstretched towards Joan, • but they fell .• . ' J back again. '•/ . " Is your consent given unreservedly v ; he asked in a low 'voice. '• ■ > ~ i " "Yes, and I wish you both, all the hap* r piness that I have missed." \ " You have remembered • the story • that '■ ] " I told you," Basil persisted.' ' ' V ,_■ " Yes, and : I've forgotten it/as I advise ;. you to do." ■' :/ •■■ ■■ V v v ■ • As he spoke Sir James rose, and, "having J - J blessed Joan, walked to the door. r - - " You've both .-had a rough time. ■Be ~ < •'. happy, my children," • he ' said 2 : ■ and vanished. v ' - V' • ~." - Basil looked at Joan, and his breath'' - came quickly, for her face ; was radiant with joy. V. ; ~; v . " Dear one, I cannot realise —thai—" : .t "Basil," she whispered ; and this time * : : . his arms were not drawn back.' His eyes' - sought ' hers, and they • exchanged; a kiss. •>' / There was something of awe arid reverence' * in his caress, and they looked deep into one - '. another's eyes. , - -' v :V' -V . . - But soon Basil was shaken by passion,. and he covered her face with mad kisses, his lips lingering on her' lips. Joan clung. to him, and tears came to her eyee, but these were tears of happiness. / " I wonder, if I am doing right" be."said -^ r -, in a low voice, and she; drew away from ; him. - v t " .." Basil, after to-day we will never speak of it again; but now you must listen to ' me, . dearest. • You have become morbid- v ; with brooding, but you must:forget it all. ;V . r .> I have absolute trust in you, and you will .> : .*v,j make me very miserable if you even allow this to come between : us. -r> You 'V ask ;if '; J' you are doing right? Well, Basil, if you t -'; had allowed this—jihis thing—to part us, t . : ; you would have wronged me deeply. .My -, s ■ love has some right." v . ..i-ii "Darling, I will try to * make " you happy." . ' ' ' ; "To do that you will always remember . ' that to me vou are the most precious thing in the world. I have given you my love, .•, ~; and with it all that I have. All I ask in -; - .",; return is that you shall love me—and- for-- .. ? get everything else." '.. ." ' ... J. < r . "You are the most generous, woman in .. the world." i' , ' , "I am afraid I have not been a.', very modest one. but I am not ashamed,'', she,

said,, half-defiantly, and his answer * was / a kiss." ' . -" For the next few days r ßasil : found •it :• . difficult: to realise that Joan was his pro- -■■ ; inised wife, but soon they began to. make ~ preparations for ; their marriage. It was.; ;„' -.-' to be a simple ceremonv,. on:' acoouift of,; Sir Philip's death, and there were present,..,/;, : '0 only their immediate friends. In the mean-• - ; - time Geoffrey Swayne and Agnes Layard .• .-" had been married, but they cut short their " / honeymoon so that they could reach Engr % : . V: ; land in time for the wedding. ...'-"--.'.,-.£ , A few days previously Captain Wilmot's ~..Jn; engagement to Mrs. Featherstone had been \,. ; announced, and they were both among the ; guests. In fact, the former acted as best \~' :■'-";, man, a position he filled with adequate :i ... dignity. 1 v , " -' V ' ' Basil stood waiting for .his; bride, and. , his nervousness vanished when Joan ap- ;> . , v peared on her uncle's arm. She gave siini , a quick, shy look, and they; stood - , before •. ", ■ the altar. ■> ■ ...','■ As in a dream they listened to the ser- ■:,«■. ~..■■ vice, which made them man and wife, and '„.,,: there was a change in Basil when the .. '' register was signed. " ~,L "My - wife," he whispered, -and she raised her eyes to his with the love-light '->: shining in them. '.-. "?V, Z\Z',.' A few months of roaming about the ■■'.'■ Continent, and then they spent a few weeks in searching for a home,' finally choosing a house in Sussex, which had ■. once belonged to the Seymours. "_ - /".' - Joan had suggested buying back the seat of the Thorns, but Basil had refused., _ " ''""'?■■ " It has too many unpleasant memories,"- " Vv.' he answered gently. •'.>;.'■.. ;.;;■; '- Sir James retired from the Colonial ; \ : Office, and became their constant guest; . . but refused to live with them ; entirely. . One night he and Joan were alone to- • ■ gether. ■■■_'.'. ' • • You are quite happy, dear?" he asked ■..*■>.;. ■wistfully. -- ■■ .;. , .. " Look at me. Is not my face an answer •j;:, to your question '•••-." And, Basil?" ■» "Let him answer for himself.. Uncle wishes to know if you are happy?" she ,;^/| said merrily to her husband, who had just ..■,:': appeared. '.■.;■'• i'-' : .-,'j"■ /-;;.\ : Vcv^X;: In answer he came to her and kissed her ■ lips. ' § . ' "Joan's love would give the man she : ■ loved the strength to conquer any weak < ' ness." ■ .■■•..- ■■~ ... ■•■ - " I'm sure I did right." Sir, James mut- , tered to himself; but husband and wife heard the words, and .'they exchanged a'- . look of perfect understanding. - ••. - [the end.] . '■- . \ * .. v .< . .. , '... . \... ...*.,.. :* «