HIS FINAL CHOICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18910, 7 January 1925, Page 5

HIS FINAL CHOICE.

BY ARTHCE APPUN.. Author of "The Greater Claim,** "The Woman "Who Doubted," "The Face oil the Screen," eto. 3 etc. (Copyright.) CHAPTER XXI. Mansfold was deeply moved. Never before had his emotions been so stirred. Lala was holding out her hand; he took it hesitatingly, then held it very tightly. "I must see you before you go. There's only one thing I can give you." He smiled bitterly. "It's not, I'm sure, of such value as I once believed. Those who make it as I've done make at the same time the chains that rob them of the freedom they dream of purchasing. But to those who receive it as a gift it does give freedom. Yon understand ?" She nodded. "I've always been free," iihe said, softly. "I've always longed for chains." She drew her hand away quickly, and turning, ran from him. He watched her out of sight until the trees covered her with their shadow. She ran down the winding lane to the harbour. Tha motorboat Mansfold had ordered was lying there. Sho got into it and was taken back to Guernsey. She went to her room and began to pack. She finished and dressed just in time for dinner. They sat in the garden again that evening. Vane vtas very quiet, but she felt he was closer to her than he had ever been before, and she was frightened.

She went to bed early. He lingered outside her room when she wished him good-night., and he kissed her. * Next morning she "sent him a message by the maid, saying ho was not to wr.it for hor, as she had a headacho, and would not be up until luncheon. But just before ten o'clock she loft the hotel carrying her suit-case, hurried down to the harbour, and went on board the Southampton boat.

And when Vane returned to the hotel at mid-day ho found' a letter lying on his dressing table. Beside it a bunch of wild flowers. The letter was in Lala's handwriting. He tore it open with hands that trembled, for some premonition or evil seized him.

Vane began to read the letter, then hesitated, picked up the envelope which he had thrown to the ground, and looked at it as if a doubt had suddenly risen in his mind that the letter was intended for him.

Having satisfied himself, he began tho letter again, reading slowly now, very slowly, as if he knew what he was going to find, and was afraid. "Dearest in all the world. "I want you to know this, I don't think it's selfish of mo to tell you, because it will make no difference to your future life, or only, perhaps, that to bo loved brings one a certain amount of happiness, even protection (don't laugh at me) though one is unable to return that love. "I didn't know that I should learn to love you. I never dreamed I should love you in the way I do. I think tho secret of her own heart is the last thing a woman discovers. Therefore, perhaps, there is less excuse for tho part I've played. Believe this: I didn't undertake it lightly or wantonly. I have been a wanderer, an adventurer, a dreamer all my life. Truly, it was adventure that first appealed to me. The moment I saw you that night in tho 'O3 Club you interested me. When I met you I liked you, knew I could trust you, thought I could make you happy." "I am explaining myself very badly, indeed, I'm not explaining myself at all, am I ? But there's no time, all my thoughts are being blown this way and that by my emotions. I love you, dear. Please don't hate me. I am not the woman you believe; I'm not Hubert Mansfold's daughter. At Mr. MansfokTs request, I took her place when she could not be found. Ho told mo that, for many reasons, vital reasons of which you must be awaro, the marriage betweon his daughter and you must take place. At first my assuming the character of Lala was a temporary measure—just to deceivo the world. Wo were hoping Lala would return in time. Then—was it the dawning of love in my heart ? —I allowed myself to drift into keeping up the deception, into deceiving you. I never dreamed it would bo so easy. I was a fool, because I thought it meant you had never cared for the woman to whom you wero engaged. That's all. Now the real Lala has suddenly returned, she will tell you her own story. She wants you. And I think you want her. Anyway, you will bo happier with her. I understand our marriage can easily bo annulled, and Mr. Mansfold will bo able to prevent anyone knowing. "It is fortunate, after all, that wo'vo only been frionds. It's fortunate that wo carno here, and that you never met anyone you know .in Paris. I suppose, really, it's just destiny. "Darling, I am running away like this because I lovo you so. It will lUtike it easier for all of us. It's not easy—because I'm not really strong, and though love is beautiful, it makes ono very selfish and very weak. I shall always remember our strange, little honeymoon with happiness and gratitude. I shall always remember you, think of you every day of my life and pray for your happiness. God bless you, my'best beloved. I kiss your face and your hands. "Lala (Dolores' Vanderley)."

Vano read the letter twice. Ho was dazed. Ho -walked up and down the room, road portions of the letter again the portions where she declared she loved him. He rang the bell, kept on . ringing it impatiently until the servant came, then stared at him stupidly and dismissed him. He went to Lala'f; room and experienced a sudden revulsion of feeling. It was impossible to belie v e she had gone, thero were her large trunks and hat boxes. On the dressing tabic several of the delightful toys women use for their toilette. On the floor a pair of shoes. . . . Ho picked them up, holding them tightlv in his hands, looking at them stupidly. She had gone away because she loved him. That was the only thing that mattered. She had gone away. She whom he adored. He began to laugh,, checked the laughter, as, through the open windows, he saw the sea, and, away on the horizon, a black lino so thin as to be almost invisible.

Bushing into the sitting room he picked up his glasses, and standing on the balcony focussed them on to that little black smoke to Southampton. And it held the woman he loved. That was all the black speck on the horizon nnd the wreath of blue smoke meant. The woman lie lover). He went hack to his dressing room, picked up the bunch of wild (lowers she bad left there and held them to his face. On the dressing table were the roses ho had bought for ,her. Fool not to have rHven them to her. Fool not to have told her that ho loved her. Blind fool not to have seen and sensed that she really cared.

Tie could understand now why she had hidden her feelings, but he had no excuse for hiding his. He looked at his watch. The boat could not reach Southampton until halfpast. three. A telegram would arrive before it. Ho hurried downstairs aiJS rushed to the post office without waiting to put on his hat. Ho telegraphed to her on the boat at. Southampton, and also sent a telegram to meet the mail train directly it arrived. She had left no address. . . she might not even be going to London. (To bo combined daily.)