THE BLACK SHADOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21130, 12 March 1932, Page 12 (Supplement)

THE BLACK SHADOW.

Author of "Chris." "Lady Pamela's Pearls," "The Crime and the Casket," etc.. etc,

CHAPTER XVI. YOUTH AXD LOVE. Ann took to business as a duck takes to water. Trade was exceptionally brisk at the beginning of the, summer season, so she was kept fully occupied, and Mr. Sterling was delighted with his experiment. Those trialdemonstrations " she had given astonished him, for he really had not. ex-pected such an extremely youthful-looking girl to be so competent, even in these days of feminine efficiency. Be emphatically approved of her appearance and manner, too. " .Tolly well turned out." (Ann had seni, for her clothes which arrived in two good-sized trunks). "No lipstick, and no nonsense about her," be said to Jimmy Smith, who was exceedingly proud of his protegee. Ann herself was happier than she, had fever been before, happier than she had imagined it. possible to be. Delighted to wake, carefree, get up &nd breakfast, merrily with Pat, help with the tidying up, and then off to their respective places of business and the varied incidents of the, day's work. .Delightful to lunch frugally at. the little restaurant round the corner, with kind old Jimmy, who was just like the elder brother she had so often longed for and id reamed of, and who treated her precisely as if indeed she was his little Bister. Best, of all to go back " homo " Jrhen work was done. Chelcombe, her father, Millie, and Millie's detestable husband, seemed to fecedo into a far distance of time and space, almost as if they had never existed, or were nothing whatever to do with her. Whereas she felt as if she had known and loved Pat and Jimmy always. Perhaps they had been together in some earlier life, if there was any truth in reincarnation.

Nothing individual about licr. Slio and the other girls in her set, were as much alike as so many peas in a pod. Where-

He looked across at Ann's eager, animated little face, so happy, so care free, in these days. Would she miss him, spare a thought for him when ho had gone ? lie wanted to ask her, point blank but the words wouldn't come. She herself gave him the chance presently, and even then somehow he couldn't take it.

" Isn't, it funny to think that ne.\t week you'll bo down at Chelcombo for good. How awfully glad dear old Abby will be to have you."

(Confound " Old Abby." Was that all she thought of?)

" I wish I. wasn't going at all—that T d never gone in for it!" ho responded gloomily.

She raised her eyebrows and laughed. " 1 don't. Has it. ever struck you that if I'd never met you that day—it seems as if it must lnwe been in another world 1 should never have met Jimmy and Pat, or had this lovely time? I'm awfully grateful really! But you'll get on splendidly with Abby, and it will be jolly good for you. Not nearly such hard work as that old hospital. You couldn't have stood it much longer," she added, with a. quaint little maternal air, and a glance at his set face, which certainly looked curiously pale. " Besides, you'll have Pat., and she'll love it, bless her. She won't know herself down at Four Winds, with nothing to do but. help good old Pendcrgast. cherish you and Abbv. It will be like heaven to her, after all the years she's had to grind away in the dispensary from morning till night." " You'll miss—Pat?" ho asked huskily. " Rather," she. said emphatically, her eyes wistful all at once. " And it will be even worse for poor Jimmy. We shall have to console each other as well as we can." (Jimmy again. And Pat. Slio only thought of them, he. told himself miserably, and tried a fresh tack.) " Are you determined to stay up here ? Isn't there any chance of your going back home—to your father?" She did not answer immediately, but Mil gazing reflectively. He watched her, expecting to see her face change and harden, as it had done before when he mentioned her father, but it was merely serious and thoughful. " I don't know," she said slowly, at last. " ' Never's' a long word, and though I never think of it, as ' home,' I'd go back if I felt 1 could do any good—if my father wanted me. But he doesn't ] offered to, through Abby, at the very first, when I heard he had been hurt in that accident—" " You did!" exclaimed Peter. She nodded gravely. " Yes. It wasn't easy, but I felt I had to. And he sent word by Abby that as I'd chosen to go awav I could stay away and be to mo. That was just what I expected, of. course, and I wasn't sorry. I should have hated to go back!" " There are some who miss you. That chauffeur—Smart —said you were the only bit of sunshine about the place," said Peter softly. She smiled. Did he? Good old Smart!" " Wouldn't it be more endurable when Pat's down there ? Living close by ?" he suggested. "Of course it would. To have you and Pat there would make all the difference in the world." (Peter brightenetl considerably.) " But it's no use thinking about it. My father has made up his mind, and so have I, and I shall get on all rights It's all been too lovely for words up till now, and I suppose one can't expect such a perfect time to last long, in this world, can one ? Oh, Kalamazoo! It's after two o'clock. We must be off."

Not that, she troubled her mind with Buch conjectures. She was quite content to take, life as it came, in these wonderful days, that, could not last much longer.

She would lose Pat soon, if the latter "decided to join Peter at Chelcoinbe, though that could not, be settled till she had been down with him to make Dr. 'Ablett's acquaintance. But there would Btill be Jimmv.

They had discussed tentative plans. As Patricia had the flat, cheap, on a long lease, it would have to be sub-let in any case, so for the present Ann would stay on there alone, or perhaps with a girl ,to share it, if she could find one congenial. She would miss Pat dreadfully, but that couldn't be helped, and she didn't mean to say a word about it. As for Peter. She would miss him, too, of course. But he was different. She didn't feel the same about him as she did about the others. She saw him frequently, for there were few evenings when he did not look in, often in time to take her and Judy up to the park, or further afield. The day of his departure drew near, and he. had a brief interval of comparative leisure, devoted mainly- to shopping and packing. Ordinarily moit of that would have devolved on Pat, for he would have taken up his quarters with her for these last few days. But Ann being in possession of the one spare bedroom prevented that, and lie arranged with his predecessor to retain his room st the hospital till Saturday, when he would go to Chelcombe, taking Pat with him just for this first week-end. Naturally be was at the flat a good deal, staying much later at night than had been possible when he was on duty, and incidentally rather silent and depressed. One evening Jimmy and Ann, mutually deciding that the brother and sister must have lots to discuss, and would like to be alone, betook themselves to a cinema. They parted at the street door—Jimmy's lodgings were quite near—and she ran up, to find Peter still there, looking very gloom}'. He took himself off immediately and pngraciously. Pat seemed more amused than distressed at his manner, and made no comment on it. Neither did Ann, though 6he rather wondered what had upset him. Nothing very serious anyhow, or Pat jtould have been upset, too. Next day, when she returned to the showroom just before one o'clck, after a good morning's work, she was still more Surprised to find Peter there, in Jimmy's looking much more amiable. He explained that he had blown in to see if she would come out to lunch with him. Ann regarded the invitation as including Jimmy. We d love it," she said promptly. "At least I would. What about you ?" turning,to Jimmy. " Can't to-day. I've just told him," Baid Jimmy, his deep-set eyes twinkling. "So be, off with you. And there's no need to hurry back. You've nothing booked for this afternoon." "Where are we going?" she asked when they got outside, as Peter turned m the opposite direction from the modest " Mascot " tea-room, which she and Jimmy [usually patronised. A little Italian place in Solio, unless you'd like somewhere else?" Of course, I wouldn't. I've been yearning to lunch in Solio, but it's too far for Jimmy to walk in the time, and a. car's a nuisince in those narrow Streets."

•"Jimmy said you needn't hurry," he urged. "Or let's go back and get your car, and fetch Judy for a run. It'll be our last chance, as Pat and I have to dine at Romney's to-night, confound it." "Oh good! If there's nothing doing, and I can get the afternoon off."

There w r as nothing doing, and the required permission was promptly accorded by Jimmy, beaming benevolently. So to the fiat, to pick up Judy, who had become accustomed, but not resigned, to keep house alone during her mistress's business hours. Then awav into the country, and tea at a darling little inn they discovered somewhere in Surrey, whero they sat in a garden, all gay with tulips and wallflowers, and the hours sped all too swiftly. It was after seven when they got back to Chelsea, and Peter had still to get to the hospital and change. At the street corner they encountered Jimmy, and pulled up. "Hullo, you two? Had a good time? But you've run it close, haven't you, Peter?" he remarked, as Ann and Judy jumped down. " Lots of time. Tell Pat I'll bo back in a few minutes," said retcr, and whirled off.

Neither of them noticed a big. handsome car moving slowly down the street, at the stern behest of an officious policeman, who had just informed the chauffeur that he had been standing there quite long enough, and had better find a parking place. This street wasn't one. If they had done so Ann might not have run upstairs so blithely ! CHAPTER XVII. A CONQUEST. Patricia left the dispensary earlier than usual that evening, in order to get to the hairdresser's before they closed. The dinner party at Sir William Romney's. to which she and Peter were bidden. was really a send off for Peter, and, wanting to do all honour to the occasion, she had invested in a new evening frock. As Ann hadn't returned she decided to dress at once, eager to see how she looked in her finery, a filmy affair of grey chiffon. Every woman likes to feel thai she, is looking her best. It is a, most comforting sensation, even to one as devoid of peisoii.nl vanity as was Patricia Grey. She was glad she. had indulged in the extravagance of new shoes and stockings. Ann had insisted on the necessity of these. - and ol" having her hair waved. A beautiful old paste necklace, that had been her mother's, sparkled on her white neck, and she was in fhe_ act of donning the long ornate ear-rings to match, when the door bell rang.

lo'u arid Jimmy seem to hit it off Very well," he suggested. Rather! He's such an old darling. I don t know what 1 should do without him."

Look out !" s;iid Peter, and took her firm, as she was about to step off the curb. Sri absurd of him. for she ii• 1 become export at crossing the she'ls. He retained Jus hold till they reached the opposite, pavement in safety, but not another word d.rl he speak till they arrived nt, their destinaliou. a bright, clean li;tl« rest urant, lucked away in an obscure corner somewhere behind the Palace Theatre.-

She heard a man's harsh voice, and heavy, ascending footsteps, then Mrs. Webb tapped at her floor and entered.

Hp was evidently well known I here, for the short, dark-eyed ladv in the little desk by the entrance, welcomed him with fi dazzling smile, and her husband hurried forward to greet him impressively, exclaiming flint, it, was so long since ho bad been there tliey feared lie had forsaken them, .uid how fortunate that his own table was vacant ! 11c conducted them to a secluded little table at the very end of the long room, partially screened by a lug artificial palm What a jollv little place," said Ann. looking around appreciatively, as she drew off her gloves. " I suppose you're often here?" " Not lately. 1 dined liero pretty often in the winter. One gets into the habit, when one finds a decent place, and then drops it for no reason, except, perhaps that too, many others discover it, and it, gets crowded. This seems all right still." He and Isabel Barclay claimed to have ■" discovered " this particular little restaurant, and had made it one of their favourite haunts. He hadn't been here since he parted with her, though he had forgotten that till this moment, as, during these last few weeks, he had absolutely forgotten her very existence. He remembered it now, just for a moment, wondering what on earth lie could ever have seen in Isabel Barclay?

" .A gentleman to see Miss Stone, miss. Wouldn't give his name I said slif hadn't come in yet, and be says he II wait. And. oh, miss, how lovely you look!" she add":!, never having seen'her employer in gala attire before. A gentleman for Ann?" she repeated. All right. I'll go to him."

She went along to the sitting room and found a, big, burly man, very expensively

His back was toward her and he appealer) to hp examining the family por traits. She knew him instantly, had guessed at once that, it was Ann's father, and, as he turned hastily at her entrance, said serenely : Good evening. Sir Alfred."

'1 he, monocle that he now wore in his left eye dropped and swing by its black ribbon, and with his other and only serviceable eye, he stared at her incredulously. Never before had lie been so taken aback. He knew a handsome woman when he saw one. none better. He had always had an eve for beauty. All his wives had been good-lookers in their different ways.

But. this tall, young woman, with the big, grey eyes and dark head held proudly

BY JOHN IRONSIDE

A GRIPPING STORY OF MYSTERY. ADVENTURE AND LOVE.

(CorriuGnr.)

erect, was more than beautiful. She was tip-top, thoroughbred to her finger-tips, lie could see that. "You—you know me,?" lie stammered.

" I guessed who you were when you asked for Ann. She may be in at any moment now. Won t you sit down ? " Not before you, ma am -or miss, I should say," lie responded gallantly, with a swift glance at her left hand. Yes; she was miss, all right. lie bowed her to a chair, drew up an-nth-r for himself and sat down gingerly, si ill stal ing at, her with one eyo while he tried clumsily to readjust, the monocle, in the other.

" You've (lie advantage over me. Miss he began. (Jiey— Patricia Grey? I think you know my brother. Peter. Sir Alfred .' The effect was electrifying. He gasped like a fish, and she saw suspicion kindle in his eye.

"What! Ablett's young sawbonespartner?" he exclaimed. " What the—! Beg pardon, I'm sure —-but—what s it. mean? Was he at the bottom of it all the time? Ann running away?"

" Mv brother had nothing whatever to do with her leaving home, or comiiig here, if that's what you man. Sir Alfred. It was a pure coincidence—-and a very foitunate one for Ann. "Coincidence! A —l mean, a lot of coincidence!" he muttered, with a feeble attempt- at, sarcasm. Somehow under the steady gaze of those fine grey eyes ho felt all of a heap. " It, was a coincidence, and if you care to listen. I will tell exactly how it came about," Patricia said firmly, and did so fort hwit h.

She did more. She talked in Sir Alfred Stone as none had ever done before. Ann had raged at him many a time. hut none had ever revealed him to himself so mercilessly as did this grey eyed, gentle-voiced goddess, who also evidently loved Ann with all her heart, and put up such a wonderful defence for her.

Ho tried haltingly to put up a defence or explanation for himself, and did it so weakly, so diffidently, that Patricia's kind heart, softened toward him.

He looked almost pathetically grotesque, too, with that woebegone expression on his big face, and that absurd monocle continually falling and having to be replaced.

'' Yes, I can see it's mostly my fault, from first to last," he confessed. " I'd never seen it that way before, Miss Grey, honest injun, I 'adn't! I'd only been thinking of myself, and that it was more than aa bit 'ard, that, with all my money and a regular tip-top place, I should be all alone. You can't think 'ow lonely it's been. I felt I couldn't stand it any longer, and so I put my prido in my pocket and come up to take Ann on the 'op, so to speak, and try to get, 'er to come 'ome, on any terms she likes." This was not quite true. He had intended to storm the position and dictate terms. " Do you think she will V he added anxiously. " 1 hope sho will, Sir Alfred. And that everything will be, different, and happier for you both. It's never too late to make a fresh start." " Couldn't you put in a word with her? She'd mind what you said, I'll be bound." She shook her head. " I'd rather not put my spoke in. Ann must judge and decide for herself. I woi:der what's keeping her?" with a glance at the clock. " Are you coming down to live with vour brother at Chelcombe ?" lie asked anxiously. I think so. I'm Going down with him this week-end, and we shall decide then." " That's good news. It'd make a. lot, of difference to Ann, and to everybody, for tiio matter of that," ho declared. '' Here sho is." said Patricia., rising, as they heard Ann's voice on the stairs. "1 shall have to jun away, Sir Alfred. My brother and I are dining out to-night, so I had better say good bye. I'm so glad we've had this chat." "Soam I. And I 'ope we shall inep' again, soon and ofteji, Miss Grey," he said fervently, bowing over her hand with Hwkward gallantry, as if trying to summon up courage to kiss it. This was the spectacle that, greeted Jimmy, for it was lie who entered. Ann had gone straight to her room. Patricia's eyes met his astonished ones with a whimsical, expressive glance. Oh, it's you. I thought I. heard Ann." " Yes. Wo came in together," he said, dully. " Sir Alfred Stone has come to see her," six) explained hurriedly. " May I intro duce Captain Smith, .Sir Alfred ?" " Pleased to meet you, sir," said Sir Alfred bluffly, extending his big hand, as Jimmy limped slowly forward. " I've been 'earing a lot about you, and all your kindness to my little girl, from Miss Grey 'ere." But Patricia was no longer there. She had effected her escape and met Ann in the passage. " Oh, darling, how lovely you look! Did you think we were lost? Peter— Why, what's up?" Ann began. " Hush, your father's here," Pat whispered. Ann's face paled and hardened. "My father! What does he want?" " To make peace. He's been here quite a long time. There, go in, Ann dear, and don't he too hard on him!" She kissed her hastily, pushed her gently to the door, and closed it behind her. For a minute her entrance was unnoticed. The two men stood together by the fire-place, Jimmy, looking curiously pale and grave, staring down at, the hearth-rug, Sir Alfred regarding him closely, with a puzzled expression. " Funny thing. Hut 1 seem to know your face," her father was saying. " 'Aven't we met before?" " Very unlikely, sir, unless it was in South Africa." Jimmy answered glumly. "South Africa, hev? No, I've been there in my life. But I'm sure we\ve met. 1 never forget a faco nor a, voice ! cil her. Now where -?" lie looked up, saw Ann. and came toward her, with outstretched arms and a conciliatory grin. " Why, 'ere's my little, runaway. Come and kiss your old dad. wench, and lei s make it up. whatever if is. And 1 m 'anged if I know what I'd been up to for von to cut, off like, that !" " ft wasn't you entirely, father. It. was - everything.' she murmured confusedly, submitting to his embrace, and whispering a hasty aside. (" don't go!") to Jimmy, who was making for the door. Sir Alfred heard and endorsed it. Tin had no wish to be. alone with his daughter at present.. " No. Slav where you are. Captain Smith. Ann and me ain't going to talk" secrets, and I'd like to have another word or two with you. So let's sit down comfortable. and 'ave a chat,. All friends together like, hey?" (To be continued dnily.)