THE TANGLED WEB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20620, 19 July 1930, Page 16 (Supplement)

THE TANGLED WEB.

BY ELIZABETH YORK MILLER.

CHAPTER A' 11. {Con Ii n u cd). But such a very curious thing had happened. Captain Saunder's bride had left him arid was now Mrs. James Tremlett. There must havo been a divorce, thought Leonora. Later on, however, she learned the truth, that there had been no divorce or anything of that, nature. She had all the facts neatly docketted in her mind before she sat, down to write that insolent letter to Mrs. James Tremlett, although they had riot been m clear on the occasion when she. first, approached Lady Pelbury. T hen, it was hke seeing through a glass darkly. Now, the glass was crystal clear. Sho could havo told several people's fortunes by what, sho paw there in tho light of this fuller knowledge. Leonora was at. her linv desk in tne cubby-holo between the showroom and the fitting-cubicles, when the languidly lieautiful assistant approached her with a manner of unusual excitement. Oh, madame, there's two ladies in th shop asking for you. They camo in a Rolls Royce." Leonora sprang to her feet, gave a glance at herself in the mirror, flecked soin" imagined dust, from her smart "black silk dress and trotted into the front loom. Sure enough, it was as sho hoped and half-suspected, for there stood Mrs. Tremlett and the stout Lady Pelbury. ''How do you do!" said Meriel nervously offering her hand in a conciliatory fashion. " We've come to ree vour frocks. This is my aunt, Lady Palbury." " Pleased to meet your ladyship, I'm sure," replied Madame Leonora. " Will you sit down?" She drew forward twci little gilt chairs and hurried off for a moment to confer with her lieutenant, Meriel cave a faint sigh of relief. Somehow she had imagined that Leonora would come straight out with a mention of Eric's name. Angel would have been quick enough to prick up her ears at that, and :n the end it. would havo meant taking Angel into her confidence. But Leonora stuck strictly to her own business which was dressmaking. W hen she returned with her arms full of smart, confections assisted by the languid beauty who would display them, sho revealed herself as possessed of considerable personal charm. " The gowns aren't bad at all, my dear," said Angel in an aside to Meriel. •" I'll risk a shot at, having her copy that mauve one for rne. I don't suppose I could get into the model. - ' " I.should advise your ladyship to have jfv in blue," suggested Leonora. "In the exact shade of your eyes." Angel picked up a hand-mirror and looked at, her eyes doubtfully. Were they so blue as all that, ? Perhaps. " Very well," she agreed. Tt was an easier task to please Mrs. James Tremlett. That apprehensive young woman only realised that she must spend a hundred ponnds or so in tho hope of keeping Leonora's mouth shut. She felt the dark brooding gaze that was fastened upon her so persistently, nnd it, gave her a feeling of cold terror. "Meriel bought and bought. It was a great, day for No. 10, Madden Street. " You seem to bo putting all your eggs into one basket," said Angel, who was not. ordering so freely. " T suppose you know what you're about." " It saves such a lot. of trouble," murmured Meriel. " And her things are certainly reasonable.' Leonora, herself, opened the door for l.hem when the seance was over. " I will bring the frocks to try on," said she. " I find that- ladies like the convenience of being fitted in their own homes." / " Oh, that's very kind of you," said Angel. " But the things I've bought only require those few alterations," Meriel protested. " I'm sure they'll be all right without, your taking so much trouble, Madame Leonora." The thought of that girl coming out to that, dear little home was unbearable. "No trouble, at all," Leonora said firmly. " I always make a point of seeing that everything is satisfactory. I insist upon that. T' 11 phone when tho alterations are completed." * * * * « '' How pale you are." observed Angel when they were in the car once more. " I suppose you're feeling a bit green over all the money you've just blown. I always do. It can be a sickening pensation ... I don't know that I altogether like your Leonora. Something a bit sneaky about her. I think she must have hypnotised you, Merry. Did you notice or not that she hardly ever took her eyes off yju ?" N—no, T don't think I noticed," Meriel said faintly. "I've got a bit of a headache. It's the heal, I daresay." We'd better stop somewhere and have a cup oftea." " Oh, no thank you. Angel, T want to get home." " Well, you can drop me first. I want, to get "home, too. Cyril will be waiting to see if there's anything more for him to do. CHAPTER Mil. An hour later Lady Pelbury, with an fted drink and a. cigarette, sat at ease in her boudoir, her ample form relaxed in an elaborately beribboned rest gown, her teet stretched comfortably upon a brocaded stool. Cyril St. Grys, as was his usual habit when aimless conversation between him and his adoring employer was in progress, fidgetted about the room altering the arrangement of flower vases and trying various effects with the grouping of Angel's pet, ornaments. I wish you'd be quiet for a minute," complained Lady Pelbury. "It makes me hot to watch you dancing about so. And besides I want you to listen to me." I am listening with both ears," Mr. Rt -Grys assured her. "I want >ou to listen to me with jour mind, yen donkey 1 " Well, then " 'I ] >«s young man moved a. bu p n uffe to a position near ■\n_;el s foot-stool and gazed at her soulfully. "Ho this?"' Much barter. Cvril, there in some thine funny about that Leonora person." (if course, there H-. I spotted it first thing The woman s g r, t more £l dressmaking business up her sleeve ' I pretended 1 hadn't notj.-od ;tnvthing very much, but Meriel was positively terrified of her. The poor child simply said ' yes ' to anything and everything. And the Leonora person kept, looking at her in the most, peculiar v ay. Sho was all over me. but when si:/, showed Merry a frock it was with a you trd;o-thai air that would have put anv I.odv'a back up." il'iii" observed t'vril. And 1 rcallv had to drag Meriel th r 'i'c, Sho wasn't going null' ' said I'd go ah,ii''. Then she was all for it. Praps I m imagining things, though. "You e ill.-. ;iys r.aid I have a wonderful gift of imagination, Cyril." Oh. yes, you have." he a u reed. ** But what sort of a hold do voii--er--imaginc this dressmaker ha- over Mrs. *Tr< inlett 1 I-n't your ui-. <• one of people who enjoy. an entirely blameless as well as ,i felicitous present, and no^ prospects of a scandalous future ." Quite, ' Angela said cmphati< allv, Except for Captain Saunders." ( yril said musingly. "We never did know row far that little romance went." Lady Pelbury smiled, and took a sip T . c but stimulating W o r? a i S J Ust a youn « fancv." love ? turning to thoughts of "Naturally Why, I myse i f at , l-. l s age had a most unsuitable passion for an actor. I even got to know And the other day I saw j n

A MOST DELIGHTFUL AND THRILLING SERIAL

paper that he'd hern divorced for tho third time." " Uh, well, if you had married him then he'd he well out. of tho way hy now," Cyril said cheerfully. "One hopes so," murmured Angel. " Tt would havo been awkward for mo if I'd married him and dear Monty came along soon afteiwards —which lie did, as a matter of fact."

" Perhaps Mrs. Trended went on a little racket with Saunders, and the Leonora person knows , about, it." suggested Cyril, coming closer to the truth than ho faintly guessed.' " Please don't bo vulgar!" pleaded Angel. " It. doesn't, become you. What I was thinking is—vou'ro very clever, Cyril "

"Oh, thank you, Lady Angel! The first, kind word I've had to-day. I shall burst, into tears." " You're clever enough sometimes—and if you want to be. If Merry's in a scrape of any kind I'd like to help her out."

" You mean you'd like to know all about it." corrected the impudent fellow.

"Well, no .matter; leave it as you say. And how can 1 help you to help Mrs. Tremlett ?" " You haven't, any sisters but I sunpose you could dig up a girl friend, eh ?" " I could try," said Cyril with mock modesty.

" One who wouldn't object, to a gift from you of a party frock ?" " That., dear Lady Angel would be no trouble to me at all. I can think of at least a dozen who'd swoon with delight at such an unusual demonstration of generosity on tho part of a. tightwad like me. The only flaw is, she'd give me no peace afterwards." "Well, look here, Cyril, I'll tell you what you're to do. Take one of your young friends to Leonora's and buy belli frock. You needn't run to more than ten guineas. Slio'll do you verv well for that. Naturally I'll pay for it." "I should sav so!" exclaimed Cyril. " It seems an awful waste of good money. I wish Leonora was a tailor, then 1 shouldn't have to raise hopes in some fair damsel's breast. Ido need a new evening outfit myself." " I'm doing this " Angel went en. " because it, will give you a chance of seeing Leonora. You'll take the girl there and help her to choose the frock You've got such winning ways, Cyril, and you seem to know a great deal about women's clothes. It's a sort of gift with you. And with your tact, and cleverness vou might be able to get to the bottom of this mystery. At least, it certainly is a mvsterv to me."

There was ill chance in Cyril St. Grvs' choice of a tool to further Lady Peibury's benevolent plan. He thought over the girls of his acquaintance and the list was long, but Cyril was also of a benevolent turn of mind. Ho would do good. to someone, and who was a more suitablo object than a certain Grace Peabody ' whom he had first met at Jim's aud Meriel's wedding ? She was a nice little thing with very little money. All the nice young things —liko himself—were cursed with poverty. Grace had recently gone on the stage with not much success, but only the other day she had told him about an offer she had received from a. film director. The catch was that she must provide her own dress for the few scenes in which she would appear. It was a very small part, but it. might lead, to something. She had to look like a millionaire's daughter, and although she possessed ihe " pearls " —those being cheap if you know where to buy them—something more convincing was required in the way of raiment.

Also, thought Cyril, if he offered the gift of a. gown to Grace Peabody, it ■would not he misunderstood. It. would be a case of " art for art's sake." Also an opportunity was afforded for being honest and shifting the onus of the gift upon the shoulders that rightfully should bear it. Ho called upon Miss Peabody in her cheap little boarding-house and explained the situation —as much as ho deemed it needed explanation. '""I was talking to n wealthy friend of mine about this chance of yours, Grace." he said in his sweetly charming way, " and what a shame if was your not being able to buy a. smart new frock. So she told me to go ahead and get it for you. That's pretty good, isn't it?" " Oh, Cyril!" Miss Peabody exclaimed, her eyes shining. "I suppose it was Lady Pelburv." " Lady Pelburv isn't the only friend I have," Cyril said, a little nettled. " No, of course, not. Well, whoever it was, please thank her, Cyril. It's just too, too wonderful. When can wc go? I'm called for my scenes on Tuesday and this is Friday. I was trying to do something with that cerise georgette you liked so much, but- " " Put on your hat and come along now," said Cyril. " I know the very shop where the money will go furthest." It, was easier for Mr. St. Grvs to 'oil gracefully on one side, of the little gilt chairs than it had been for Lady Pelbun*. lie sat. with a leg swung over the other and an elbow resting on the. back of the chair while he showed his intelligent interest in the matter of evening frocks. Occasionally he would beckon the languid mannequin and plurk at th n garment under consideration. What it wants is just a nip in there, arid that buckle is wrong. Hip it off and let, rric show you v.hero it, ought to go. . . That makes all the difference, doesn't it? Or: " I ran fra what the designer of this one luc.us, but. he's not, exptesed himself clearly. Ifo'.s overdone it. There's no simplicity in bis thought and it doesn t come through with ;my conviction." "Are von in (ho ,h remaking business yourself, sir." a.4.ed Leonora. torn between annoyance and reluctant adrnira. tion for all this erudition. "No, worse lu<k. \Vi>h I were. I might hope to attain riches one dav." Leonora, regarded him meditat ivelv. She had considered of late the possibility of taking in a partner, but it must be someone with capital, and flic idea of a. man partner had not occurred to her. " Now hero," she said, " is a Paris model f'm copying fop the Countess of Pel bury— Grace Peabody laugned. " Caught. you, (''yril ' So the gift, friend j* Lady pe|. bury." Mr. St,. Grys shrugged and smiled. Do you know her ladyship?" inquirer) Leonora. . " lie'f. her secretary." Miss I'en body .>:..sv.ereij for him. '1 lit ;i her ladyship tnu •' have reconnnendni mo. That's most gratifying, f wasn't at, all 5:1 that I'd satisfied her. Do you know her lad', ship's niece, Mr:,. "IVißlVft?" " Oh. yes," 1 'yrii replied. Mis.-, Peabody >ighc«l pensively- " Mrs. Ttoudeit married tin; only man J. could love—except, you, Cyril darling." The dark eyes of the dressmaker glanced from 011 to tlie. other with a burning question in them. To wliai length, wondered Leonora, dared she gossip with ihese friendly young oeoplo ? Unfortunately Cyril led her on after being relieved 011 the score of -Angel's not havim; the mndt-1 copied 111 mauve. Lady Pelburv has to be dressed very cai piiiliy,'' hj" < if!. "but Mrs. Tremlett.'s the type that looks heavenly in :;nvthing." Grace made a littie mouth at. him, " T wish you wouldn't talk so much about the incomparably Meriel. [ believe vou'ro half in love, with her yourself. Don't forget, she's married now." " It's something I try to forget every day of mv life." Cyril murmured with a sentimental sigh. Leonora tenderly shook out the model and bade her henclrwoman retire to the robingroom and put it on.

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" I think that. 0110 will suit you to a T, miss. . . If you'll excuse my saying so, I can well believe any young lady would have been taken by Mrs. Tremleft's husband. I own I was, myself." " Eh ?" said Cyril.

" I suppose you're referring to her first husband, Captain Saunders?"

There was a blank and startlc-d silence. Then Grace Peabody giggled nervously. "Captain Saunders? That's the man all the fuss was about. If only she had married him—then .1 might liave had a chance with Jim."

" My mistake," Leonora said quietly. " I thought, they were married. I understood it was to be, but shortly afterwards Captain Saunders went away. He was staying with my people in Folkestono and we thought he had gono away to marry Miss Raynes. But, wo did not know that her family objected to the match."

This was a little more than Mr. St. Grys had bargained for and ho cut Madame Leonora, short, bringing her back sharply to the business in hand.

"So that's it!" ho thought. His lips puckered in a. silent whistle, and he wished with all his heart and soul that he had pitched on anybody in tho world except, Grace Peabody for a cat's paw in his little bit of detective work. After all what concern was it of Lady Angel's that, the lovely Meriel had really acquired some sort of a past ? Most of us do, in one way or another, mused Cyril, and a pretty state of affairs if our friends got busv about it!

When tho frock had been decided upon and ho and Grace emerged from the shop to celebrate the great occasion over a cup of tea, he spoke to bis fair companion very seriously.

" That woman—" he said, referring to Leonora, " may get herself in trouble ono of these days. I'd advise you not to repeat, that bit of gossip she ladled out to

Graces's eyebrows went up and sho smiled secretively. " Oh, of course, f wouldn't, dream of repeating it," she assured him. " Poor Jim! It looks as though he'd be°n had." "Stuff and nonsense!" exclaimed Cvril.

He wondered just how much or how little of what he had heard he would repeat. to Lady Pelbury. Perhaps nothing at all. #

Leonora, went up to her room over the shop after they had gone, and changed her dress to a smart, street costume, black with a hat in the latest shade of red to set it off.

She was humming a little tune under her breath as sho came down again. Very well satisfied with life and herself was Miss Begby at this moment. " Have you packed up those gowns for Mrs. Tremlett ?" she asked her assistant.

" Yes, madam. Here's the suitcase, all ready."

" Well, be careful when you lock up the shop. I'm not likely to get back before closing time." Leonora drew on ft new pair of gloves and after a final look to see that every thing was as right as might be, sallied forth with the suitcase to take a bus to St. John's Wood.

She had that morning telephoned to Mrs. James Tremlett to say that, the new alterations were completed and if it, were convenient she would call at five-thirty to make sure that, everything was satisfactory.

She wan looking forward to this visit to the little house in St. John's Wood with infinite relish. Something was going to be put severely to the test." As a tentative "try-on " it might fail, hut, Miss Begby had pressure to bring to bear if gentle measures failed. ( HAFI'JiK XIT. When Jim Tremlett returned home that afternoon ho encountered a dashing young woman in black with a red hat and a large suit-case on his doorstep, in tho act. of ringing tho bell. At first glance .Tim wondered if this could be a new ninid arriving, bub the fact that there had been no domestic upheaval when he left in tho morning made it seem unlikely. Leonora, herself, informed him as to her indentitv, and ho showed her in just us the parlourmaid came to the door. A curious person, thought Jim. She had looked him up and down as though taking an inventory and not, finding it quite satisfactory. Perhaps he had a smut 011 his nose or collar. For tho first time he could remember since their marriage, Meriel was not immediately available, and he was to have his tea alone. Vaguely, Jim felt a little hull. Then he laughed to himself. " Merry's spoiled rue. Heavens, I haven't got much to grumble at!" Yet how long would this person detain her? lie inquired when the parlourmaid brought his tea, and was informed that Mis. Tremlett didn't expect to bo kept for any length of time; that, in fact, sho had expected tho dressmaker earlier, and thought that by now she would have departed. Meanwhile, Lconun was making half insolent apologies to Meriel. " A customer came just as T was about, to start, madam," sho said. " I hopo [ haven't inconvenienced you, but I couldn't afford to leave a possible sale to chance. Business is not so good as it might- be." They were alone together and Meriel's heart beat painfully fast. Sooner or later they must speak of poor Eric—yet it rrnu-t coimo about naturally. Above all, this Begby i;irl mustn't know that there was anything that needed to be concealed. " I wonder if f look as frightened as I feel," thought poor Meriel. She glanced at herself in tho glass and realised that tho scant silk cainisolo in which she stood ready to try on the. frocks r"nderr.d her a little defenceless, like a dream when ono finds oneself scurrying through crowded streets in a state of undress. Surely clothes are a protective measure which man lias thought out for himself. Leonora was stooping over tho suitcase and lifting out, ono after another of Mend's unconsidered purchases. Still, no fault could be found with them. There had been no swindle. " J'vo brought along the bill." r-aid Leonora. "It would be a great, convenience— I m°an In say, 7 hope if won't, in convenience you, if yon could let,' me have a ' heque. . . _ . " Oh, yes, of course; 1 II write it out now." "Not until we've tried them all on. Indeed, I'm grateful to you, madam. I can't tell you what this means to rue at, a, critical time. I was ever so safe and happy at Folk:,lone. .Mother says--! expect, you remember mol her—that I was ;i ! f-,i.l io set up in London Of course, I'll I get on, once I'vo established a clientele. The "rr-t t'c'o or years are (he ]iard I e«l-. Thov Lake it out of you. . . Just |.lift your arms, madam. I'll slip it over. . . There! Well, T knew how that, | would suit you, Mrs. Tretnloft. Sonic. thing soft and delicate about if, and all I those little tucks run down by hand. I shouldn't wonder if you wore it nfc Ascot, you'd have ladies coming up and trying j to find out wln'i you got" it from. You'd J mention me. I hone." A nngfj of colour flared into Meriel's j cheeks. I "I'm not likely to go to Ascot, but if I I did I don't quite see nfyself advertising | my dressmaker," she said, unwisely. i "Oh, don't you madam! What T say | ij. one good (urn deserves another." Meriel stared at her, white-lipped and j haughty. I'd bo glad if you'd explain," she, | said. " In what way am I indebted to you, Miss Bcgby ? And while we're on that subject, may I say that your mannei is peculiarly offensive, not to mention the

loiter I had from you. .Also, T consider it a great impertinence on your part to writo to Lady Pelburv as you did."

Leonora's eyelids flickered, but licr face betrayed 110 emotion. In the depths of her heart she may have felt both triumphant and resentful, but sho showed signs of neither.

" I'm very sorry, madam. I'm sure I didn't mean to be impertinent. And mother always said that my manner caused peoplo to misjudge me. Call it in v mis fort uno rather than my fault. Sho had nnt answered Meriel s question, and Meriel let the omission pass with an inward gasp of relief. Oh, but she knew that she was cowardly! Would sho escape (his purring cat, after 11 ? 'J bat last pounce had almost broken her spirit. " Well, madam, if 1 say it myself, you've got as smart a, summer wardrobe as any lady in the land and at half the . price," Leonora went on, as though there had been no threatened contretemps. Tho touch of her hands sent a, cold chill over Meriel, who had to brace herself to endure it without shrinking il I'm suro thoy'ro nil right> Miss liegby. Really, there doesn't seem anything that wants altering again." " No. there doesn't. I do my work well. Ah, madam, now isn't that charming? Do look at yourself. That delicato shade of pink suils you to a ' t.' It's a pity tho poor captain can't see you in Merit's heart misserl a beat. The cat . had struck again. She toro off tho pink confection and picked up a dressing-gown j which sho wrapped about herself as she j moved towards her w tiling-desk. j " Vour account, please!' sho said coldly. Leonora smiled in a sly " I'm wondering, madam, if you'd care to invest a few hundred pounds in my , little business," she said slowly. 1™ i sure it would pay you well in tho end.' | Meriel turned and faced her, desperato j now. " What do you mean by I hat? Hadn t you better speak plainly .' In what way do you imagine you're threatening me?" ! " You're not very friendly," Leonora protested. "It would be a good .investment. Lots of ladies would jump at the chance of making a little extra pin-money : without having to work for it, but I sup- j poso money doesn't mean much to you, j Not as much as it might have meant il j you'll stuck to Captain Saunders " | " I'm afraid you are labouring under a : misapprehension," Meriel raid with'what | dignity she could command. "It is im- •. possible that you can know nil tho fir- , cuinstances of my—my first, marriage, I r.iptain Saunders was obliged to go to . Capo Town shortly after—after we were | married. 1 nfortunately be died out j there." I.euiiorn. stared at, lic-r.

" So you see," Meriel went on, gaining heart, "there's nothing very strange in my not ' sticking ' to him, as you put if. Really ? And does Mr. Tremlett know about C.intain Saunders.'" " Kindly leave my house, at- once. Tin's impertinence has gone far enough—too far in fact. I will send the cheque for these things on to you, for I cannot allow you fo remain here, another moment. " Thank you, madam." Leonora bent down and shut the empty suitcase. Then carrying it, fho moved towards the door she paused and turned. " I am £<oing down to I'olkstone to-morrow-afternoon to spend Sunday. Shall I give Captain Saunders your love? T'm sure he'd" bo pleased to know you've thought of him."

With that she started to leave tho room, but Meriel dashed at her, pulling her away from the door and closed it. " Ab, I though! that, would interest you." purred the cat. "It isn't true ' \ou don t know what you're saying. Or rather, you re just frying to frighten me." ' I have frightened you, and badly," observed Leonora. ''\ou didn t dream that I knew whether he was alive or not, did you 1 You thought I d believe you. You tried to bluff me." "Tt isn't true! Eric died two years ago. My father the trouble to find out all about >t " That's funny, 'inen all I can say is, Captain Saunders has come to life again. He s been staving at mother ,s these three months past and a very sad and unhappy gentleman he is, too. Tf you don t. believe, me, all I say is you're welcome to come and see for yourself. Now I'll be going, and when you send the cheque on to me if you like you car. add a fewextra hundreds to it as an investment in my little business. As T said before, perhaps it would pay you to do it. And as I said before that, one good turn deserves another. fiood evening to you, madam."

Tho room seemed to spin around Meriel. She closed her eyes to dispel the. giddiness. Somewhere downstairs a door banged and then she heard -Tim whistling a sea-chanty, about the. only tune he knew, and from the nursery came an enraged howl from little John being put to bed against his inclinations.

These founds had power to stir Meriel to life again, to remind her who find what she was—Jim's wife, little Johns mother. «)h, dear God, not the wife of I'jric Saunders! It- was a lie; poor Eric was dead. Hadn't <lnddy fold her all about it ?"

The floor opened mm me parlourmaid looked in. " Oh, I'm sorry, madam — 1 didn't know ymi wero still here." "It's all right, Ada. 1 was feeling a little tired after all the frying on." "Shall T fetch you a. cup of tea?" " No, thank you. Hut hang up those dresses, pease. You can put them in (he box room cupboard. J shan't bo wearing them just vet.'' When the girl had gone. Meriel opened a window and then went to her desk.

The counter-foil of her cheque-book showed a considerable balance. Sho had bepu saving up against Jim's birthday when it,' was her ,-imhition to present him with a. small cruising yacht, which he had been yearniny for, and in which they would doubtless have spent a delightful holiday on the Broads. That happy plan seemed to |,n knocked on the head. At. least one must give oneself time to think. How.much would stop Leonora Begb.v's mouth? Mciel made out the cheque for five hundred pounds. (To bo continued on Satin div jioxt.)