TALES & SKETCHES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 751, 23 July 1886, Page 6

TALES & SKETCHES.

[NOW FIRST PUBLISHED.]

THE TREASURE OF THORBURNS.

BY FREDERICK BOYLE. Author of *Ok the Boeder Land,’ * A Good Hater,’ * Camp Notes,’ &c.

[The Right of Translation is Reserved.]

CHAPTER XV. Restored.

* Will you let Armstrong prepare me for dinner in the Charter Room ?’ ‘ Certainly—a good idea ! By‘the-bye, I have asked Thorburn to come in to-morrow night. You will keep us company 2’ ‘ I hate the lout 1 No, my bedroom is the pleasantest place when he is on the premises.’ Nothing more was said until the sofa had been carried into Mr Esking’s sanctum, and George, with Armstrong’s assistance, had made himself neat. Then he told how Hilda took his apologies. Mr Esking was not much alarmed. 1 think I can persuade her,’ he said. * It’s unnecessary to counsel you as, to your manner to-night. Leave us early. George was a good actor when he could forget his self-consciousness, and very little make-believe was needed here. The bearing, thoughtful and timorous, but not undignified which touched Hilda somewhat, was not affectation. He would not have behaved so if Mr Esking had not given him a hint, but when summoned to reflect, George saw at once the line that would become him. Soon after dinner be retired. . . ‘ I did not think you such an unforgiving child,’ Mr Esking began pleasantly, when father and daughter were alone. « About Mr Genest ? I forgive him freely, but no more. He asks me to forget, and I can’t do so.’ . ‘ But, dear, when I join entreaties to his l «No papa ! I don’t talk as girls do in books. I think I couldn’t if I tried. But to marry Mr Genest would be to tell a falsehood. I don’t love him that doesn’t matter seriously, perhaps, for few women love their husbands .’ ‘ Really, Hilda 1 But go on.’ ‘ Why, they can’t unless they’re idiots ! How many women do you know, papa, who could possibly have loved their husbands beyond liking, if that ? I don’t know one, but my acquaintance is small.’ f » You are acquainted with Kate, my dear. ‘Oh! It’s my belief that her warmest feeling for Hubert is just not dislike. But we may let romantic devotion go. I could not honor Mr Genest, and to obey him is a ridiculous idea. Therefore, papa, it would be all a falsehood together, and of course I T %l Esking felt relieved now; Hilda’s sentiment upon the matter did not go beyond disinclination. ‘ But you saw all this before ?’ he said smiling. « No I took it for granted that he was brave ’and resolute, worthy to be honored and even obeyed. As for love, I had reached my conclusion on that point long ag °l hope it has not changed ?’ There was the faintest possible hesitation in Hilda’s reply, as though the words struck her with a new thought. But she answered * Not at all.’ „ . , . «Ifc comes to this, then, that you do not find George as strong and as determined as vou would wish V * I find him far beneath that. A healthy girl would be ashamed to give way as he did cry out and swear, and lose all sense of dignity, because he had a headache and a sprained ankle.’ . ‘You have appealed to my acquaintance with human beings, I am very sorry to confess, my child, that most men would act as George did—or worse.’ ‘ Hubert would not, papa—nor Mr Inor bU . r £o you think ; but remember that you would not have suspected George of such weakness. It’s a sound rule to give no man credit as an exception until you have proved him to be so.’ ~ ‘Do you mean that Mr Thorburn could behave as Mr Genest did under any circumStSDCBS{ ‘ I stake my experience of life that he W °**l can hardly believe you, papa ! What wretched creatures men must be.’ After a moment's pause, to give this blow its effect, Mr Esking resumed : ‘ They are wretehed creatures, Hilda. If you wait for the husband whom you can honor for bravery of this sort beyond the average you will never marry. Love and obedience we have agreed to put by as mere conventional ways of speaking. I believe you like George.’ ‘ Oh, yes, I did formerly—as well as any one, that is ’ * Then my child, if I ask you on my own account, in fulfilment of a very earnest wish of mine, to put asido tliese views of fanciful inexperience, to replace George Genest in the position you granted, him but ten days ago, will you refuse me ?’ _ ‘But, papa—are you really anxious I should do so ? I would rather not indeed—very, very much rather not !’ The victory was won. It is needless to pursue the conversation further. When Mr Esking left her Hilda had consented, and George, lying sleepless upstairs, received the brief assurance at midnight that all was re-arranged. Next day, before lunch, she confirmed the report, at his trembling inquiry, but it was done in few words, delivered from a distance, without a blush. Hilda could not speak on such a theme with eyes downcast or looking aside. She met his gaze full, but then her glance wandered absently to the sunlit lawn beyond. If the former assent had been listless, the renewal was cold even to scorn. After giving it she left the room, and George saw her walk down the garden path, weariness in every line of her graceful figure. He vehemently cursed once more the accident which tied him to a couch. So ungrateful man ignores

the kindly ways of Fate. Had George been able to plead upright, with the expressions and gestures which the use of the limbs allow, to stop her in leaving him or to follow, the consent would never have been given, or would have been ruthlessly withdrawn. During luncheon, as it chanced, Mrs Godseff's little girl came to beg Hilda’s presence at the cottage, and thus she escaped for the afternoon. It was a dull day for George, and worse than dull, for he could not flatter himself that the engagement was willingly restored. Coyness does not go such lengths, and moreover, Hilda was not coy. He knew that honor and even prudence commanded him to decline an enforced consent, but his was not the nature to follow such counsels against his feverish desires. She loved no one else ; he could and would make her love him.

After waiting hoars in the verandah, George abandoned hope for the day, and caused himself to be taken upstairs. He was no longer jealous of Thorburn—not actively, at least ; but he could not bear to meet that gaze of stern inquiry, and the chances of a reference to the Treasure.

The guests arrived, and dinner was always punctual, exact and orderly and handsome, like all else in Mr Esking’s household. He had received that day a communication from one of the first authorities in Holland, a savant of European fame, and it was not vanity which led him to display it at the table. The letter had reference to a comparison of dialects ; it was written in Dutch patois, but even Hubert could read it almost fluently, so near the words approached to English. Eldrei was interested, but the compliment to Mr Esking unfortunately did not have the desired effect on him. He had never heard of this great personage, and life upon the veldt does not foster an impulse of reverence for abstract distinctions. But ifc led him to talk, and in a grave way he talked well.

Hubert was utterly at sea all the evening. He could listen with delight to stories of shooting and fighting in South Africa, such as Eldred told sometimes to amuse his guests, but debates on the ethics, language, or sentiments of the Boer or Kaffir were profoundly wearisome, and so it came to pass that he drank a great deal of wine. Mr Esking had produced his finest vintages, and Hubert had a fatal gift of appreciation there. When they rose after dinner to discuss the business of the evening, he was in that lively mood when the wit is out. Hilda had left them a few minutes before t she was coming down as they passed the stair foot.

* You are going into the garden ?’ Mr Esking asked. ‘ Yes, papa. It’s such a dreadfully hot night.’ ‘ I feel it so, indeed,’ said Eldred. * Will you allow me to walk out with you ?’ ‘lf you like,’ she answered, laughing softly ; the expression was so like that of an honest groom paying court to a nursery-maid pour le bon motif. Mr Esking did not approve. * Pray remember, Mr Thorburn,’ he said sharply, that I am waiting to talk over your project.’ ‘I do not forget, sir,’ and Eldred strolled off into the garden. The others sought the Charter Room. When an uncle in bad humor, and a nephew possessed with a grievance who has taken too much wine, fall into talk, they should be careful about the topic. That which turned up seemed innocent enough at first. After lighting churchwardens, Hubert spoke of Mr Mendel’s death, bragged of the singular respect which the heir was paying to Mrs Fanshawe, senior, mentioned that he was going to the funeral and perhaps would not be able to visit Little Thorburns again. Then he diverged to Eldred, making no secret of the fact that his visit was a business transaction, for which he expected liberal pay, and cheerfully demanding how much he thought Eldred would give. ‘ I hope, at least,’ said Mr Esking viciously, ‘ that it will be enough to enable yon to discharge something of that 1.0. U. I hold of yours.’ Herbert flamed up. ‘I understood, sir, that the 1.0. U. was to be reckoned for the benefit of your estate against the legacy X am down for in your will.’ * I never encouraged such an idea.’ * Perhaps you will say that you never encouraged the belief that a legacy was left to me ?’ * I never said such a thing. ‘ You told me distinctly that you had provided for me in your will—handsomely ?’ ■> * Well, and have I not ?’ «No, you have not! It doesn't matter how I know ! My name is not mentioned in the document from beginning to end. I see your game clearly enough, uncle ! To keep my mouth shut about a proposal you made in this room, the hope of a thumping legacy was held out to me, and to close it tighter you lent me money on an 1.0. U I don’t mean to pay it, and I defy you to bring the matter into court.’ ‘Yo do ?’ Mr Esking returned in a low voice, white with passion. ‘ Then I take np the challenge.’ ‘ I’ll meet you half way ! Thorburn shall hear to-night- ’ The door burst open and Hilda appeared. *Mr Thorburn is hurt, papa ! Send for the doctor at once !’ _ . _ * There’s no hurry, Mr Esking. I would rather you turned out your people, if yon have any stout fellows at hand, to look, for Simmons, who has given me a little cut.’ While bells rang and servants hurried, while Eldred took off his coat with a smiling apology, and Hubert examined an ugly wound in the very joint of his shoulder, i may tell what had happened. , The young people began their stroll, walking up and down the terrace. It was a lovely night, very warm for the season, moonless* but clear. The light from the Charter and dining-room threw flaring bars across their path at either end. They spoke of the stars, naturally. «I suppose,’ said Hilda, ‘ that our sky is not less dull at night to you than on noonday ?’ * I do not see any difference ou an evening like this. But in South Africa we expect such a glow, and here it is the exception, I think.’

‘ What a strange life you have led, Mr Thorburn. Dosen’t it seem curious to feel

•that you are beyond the reach of peril and adventure now, absolutely safe whether you wait abroad or go to sleep ?’ 4 I confess it does not. No man prefers a life of danger - that i 3, no man who was brought up to it. We were amused a good deal %y the young officers who come out during the war. They were so anxious for a fight,or what they call a sensation. All had enough for their lives, I think,’ he added, laughing to himself, ‘ before it was over. She remembered what Mr Esking said the night before. ‘ I thought all men liked peril—at least, all true men.’ * 1 do not know much of men, other than those I have lived with. I think they were true—at least, they -were brave, and tney had been in danger night and day for a great part of their lives. And we did not like it, Miss Esking. We took what came, and we defended our goods, but we would much rather have dwelt in peace.’ ‘ Like shopkeepers.’ 4 Like honest men. We had our families and our affairs. Xt is that, Miss Esking, •which newspaper writers and other Englishmen do not understand. They say we killed people needlessly—why not carry on war in a civilised and chivalrous fashion ? Simply because we wanted to get it over in the first place ; and in the second, because skellum KafiSra marauding round upset our arrangements for a quiet life. We put them out of the way.’ 4 l understand. You went into danger for profit, and fought on business principles.’ ‘ That's it.’ She looked up.in his face as they traversed the zone of radiance from the Charter Room, where Hubert was just then discussing the result of Mr Mendel’a death, and said : ‘ I can hardly believe it, Mr Thorburn. You at least had the excuse of an adventurous spirit or why did you leave your village.?’ , 4 Because I was young and inexperienced, like those English officers I spoke of —or, I may say, like you, Miss Esking. A man learns to understand himself quickly when every day brings its lesson, and every •night tells him what a poor, helpless creature he is.’

4 Then you were afraid —that’s what you mean ? I would not have believed it!’ * Perhaps they would not believe it on the frontier,' he said smiling. ‘ But I tell you the truth. I wished myself out of the scrape just as Regularly as nightfall. 4 Then why did you not leave ?’ ‘I couldn't say. Because it was not worth while to pack, I think. Imagine such a night as this upon the veldt, alone with servants who might be the first to shoot you from behind, encircled, perhaps, by foes who close in, crawling from shelter to shelter in the withered grass—oh, it was .grand 1’ ‘ Then it was grand ? ‘At first 1 But when the risk was hourly, it became a dull and familiar nuisance. We felt tempted to dismiss it as a bore, but now and again we had a bloody warning that kept us alive. And then we could not be always on the watch. One must sleep, Miss Esking.’ ‘Yes, for a woman it would be terrible, but I cannot believe you were afraid.’

‘ You mean that none of us were afraid ?’ 4 No. I have learned that some men are cowards, or nervous, at least. But you are not.’ Eldred’s face glowed, but they had left the terrace, unconsciously, and were strolling through the dark shrubberies. 4 X cannot be persuaded,’ Hilda went on, ‘that you will live contentedly at Thorburns, like Mr Genest at the Warrenage, or Sir Philip at the Castle.’ 4 I should live content there for ever, with you beside me.’

4 Mr Thorbarn !’ She could say no more. She did not even turn, but hurried, forward, so utter was her surprise. «This is no sudden thought. I could have said so much at our first meeting, had I dared. And it is no passing thought. Whatever you reply, I shalljove you and you as long as I live, ho one knows so well that I am unworthy of you, Miss Esking. I am only a rough Africander, without manners or accomplishments that should become a gentleman of my name, but I can love and, perhaps, in the hope of winning you, I can change myself. X will, if you give me the hope.’ ‘ 1 would not have you change, Mr Thor-ium—but-1 have no right to speak. I must not listen, either, for I am not free.' ‘ Not free ? Your father said something ! Well! lam too late ?’ She did not reply. _ .. . *1 suffer, Miss Esking ! But 1 mean that your husband shall be my friend, if he has need of friendship. My life is yours without exchange. I gave it, not expecting return, and this answer makes no difference.’ ‘ You shame me with your nobleness !’ t Don't say that ! It is foolish to suppose that I can prove my words. The husband you have chosen is above any help of mine. Will you tell me who he is V Hilda could not name George Genest, it was too humiliating. ‘ Don’t ask me ! she cried passionately. ... „ T ‘ You do not think I mean bun harm ? 1 vow to you, Miss Esking * I do not suspect you, not On, don t press me !’ * Eld red pondered. ‘ I know you are incapable of speaking falsely, even fpom a kind motive. But your father approves, as I understood ? He must be more worthy than I am ! Why will you not give his name 1’ . 4 I’ll give you the name, sir, if that s a service. George Genest it is !’ Simmons came out from the shrubbery.

* What are you doing here ?’ 4 No offence, Mr Thorburn, I assure you ! X knowed Miss Esking takes a walk here by night, and I just ventured to ask her respectful had she given that there message ? The young lady will tell you herself.’ ‘This man asked me to let you know I forgave his conduct the other night.’ * There was more nor that, Miss ’ * Which I refused to deliver, Simmons, and I refuse again.’ 4 Well, it makes no odds ! Miss Esixing grants me pardon, sir, and I humbly ask you to take me back.’ ‘lt seems to me you are a desperate

scoundrel, and I advise you to leave this f country side quick. You are here for no j such harmless object as to ask this lady a question. Be off ! ’

Be off ! That’s the word, is it ? ’ 4 Perhaps he is armed ! Oh, let him go, Mr Thorburn ? ’

4 Didn’t yon say just now that there was no danger here, day or night ? ’ said Mr Eldred smiling, and advanced towards the sailor who was standing a few yards off. - • Don’t come near me ! Will you? Then have it ! ’ Something gleamed in the Starlight. Eldred started as with a blow, and rushed on. But Simmons vanished in the shrubbery ; the clash of boughs died to a rustle, and silence followed. ‘ What was it ? ’ Hilda cried, catching Thorburn's arm. ‘ Gently, please. Is there anyway for him out of the garden down yonder?’ 4 Yes. Are you hurt ? ’ ‘ Not much, I think. Turn your head a moment.’ He kept his right hand curiously doubled across the left shoulder. Though she averted her eyes, Hilda watched with beaten heart. She saw him grip something firmly, and with a great wrench drag it out. A low, sudden cry of agony reached her, and Eldred staggered. 4 Ob, you are terribly wounded ! Wffiat can I do ? ’ It’s all over, thank you, except bandages. What a blessed chance it was that I accompanied you i We had better go in now.’ 4 Yes, yes. Lean on me. A blessed chance ! Oh, now indeed you are cruel in your generosity !’ „ . , . , 4 Don’t take advantage of my dulness just now. It seems greater luelc than falls to men that I was able to protect you.’ * At such a cost ? ’

* Pardon me, Miss Esking. I don’t know myself what the cost is, and I really can t believe that you are better informed ! But of one thing I’m sure, that this is the happiest moment of my life ! ’ ‘ And the most wretched of mine ! It was at that moment Hilda burst into the house. She waited outside a feverish quarter of an hour, until Hubert came to tell her all was finished—the servants returned with basins and linen. Eldred was dressed, though his left sleeve hung loose; ghostly white, but smiling—she remarked how strange his pallor seemed beneath that mask of red and brown, which was burnt into his face. A 3 Hilda entered he looked round carefully, to make sure, as she knew, that no tell-tale signs had been forgotten. 4 I am going home now, Miss Esking, and I wished to relieve the anxiety which you kindly feel. To-morrow I promise to pay a visit, and if you are going for a ride I shall be too happy to escort you.’ 4 You must not stir out, Mr Thorburn. I entreat you ! Papa and I will call first thing.’ * I have the advantage of getting up before sunrise. Good night, Mr Esking. By-the bye, you men found no trace of Simmons ?’ The antiquary’s moral courage made light of any shock, but blood affected him ; he was pale and distracted. ‘ I forgot to send them, but the scoundrel had escaped, no doubt.’ , 1 4 We must find him, sir, for he’s dangerous. The trick of throwing a knife so cleverly was not learned at school, I warrant. Where did my uncle pick him up ?’ ‘ I never heard.’

* He’s passed a good many years with Americans of the most desperate sort, that’s clear—we had some Yankee jugglers of that kind in the Diamond Fields. If you like Miss Esking we ll take our ride tomorrow in the direction of Rowley, and give notice to the I don’t know what he is here, but we should call him the veldt-cornet. Good night.’ 4 Good night, Mr Thorburn, and may God bless you ! The doctor is coming, I hope ?’ 4 We’ll wait for him ! ’

When the young men had gone, Hilda cried, ‘ What was his hurt, papa ? ’ 4 The knife entered his left shoulder at the joint and stuck there.’ 4 Mr Thorburn pulled it out himself ! Oh, how grandly brave he is ! With that dreadful thing in his flesh, he laughed and comforted me ! ’

* Filibusters are used to it. I hope you will take the warning, Hilda, and give up these walks at night—your lonely ridei by day also.’ ‘ Used to it ? Then I wish every man in this country went through the training of a Filibuster ! Good night, papa ! ’ Eldred had refused the offer of Mr Esking’s carriage, preferring to take the garden path. Before he reached home his wound, roughly bandaged, began to shoot. He ordered a great fire in one of the small rooms, and sat down beside it to await Dr Bowring, Neither drink nor tobacco were wanting. Late events had sobered Hubert, so far, at least, that he felt that this was not a time to tell the secret he had threatened. Eldred also, a little excited, was more free with his recollections than usual. But hours passed away and while the sense of prudence weakened, H übert’s feelings of resent against his uucle grew strong again. At length, half unconsciously, he began the revelation.

Eldred listened with the instinct that made such a large part of his character—a jealousy of ownership and a fierce indignation against one who violated it. But when he understood that this was a grave charge, no hearsay, but actual evidence, another impulse caused him to revolt. 4 Not now ! ’ he exclaimed decisively. * I could uot hear you now ! ’ 4 I’m cool enough ! I know what I’m saying ! ’ ‘Yes, I was warned there was something you could'tell me if you choose. But leave it now Fanshawe. It’s terrible to think of that business, to-night.’ 4 How did you hear that I had anything to tell ? ' ‘ Another letter —’

‘ From the same person ? ’ ‘You have a right to ask. I answer, yes.’ They sat without exchanging another word until the doctor came. Before the bandages were taken off, be cried, ‘ What an incredible piece of foolhardiness, Mr Thorburn ! You have been sitting in this state, and smoking, and drinking whiskey ? Well it’s you who have to pay for it ! These bandages are soaking now ! ’

* I can spare a good deal of blood, doctor. What’s the report ? ’ 4 You must go to bed and stop there.’ ‘I have to call on Mr Esking early.’ 4 You caa't keep that appointment. Oh, I don’t presume to forbid you—circumstances will make my interference quite unnecessary.’ Eldred laughed, but when he woke in the morning it appeared ,that Bowring might be almost right. His arm was terribly swollen and painful. To dress was out of the question, and nobody would te up for honrs Eldred resigned himself with the calm common sense which a life of adventure teaches, and vent to bed again. His shoulder seemed to enlarge, and his aches to grow more racking from minute to minute. Hubert was leaving by an early train, and at eight o’clock he entered hia friend’s room. 4 Armstrong is below,’ said he, with Mr Esking’s compliments and Hilda’s. How do you find yourself ? ’ 4 1 find myself an as 3. Tell Armstrong, for Miss Esking, that I must put off my call for a day or two, but all is well.’ When Hubert returned, Eldred said, *1 suppose Bowring will be here shortly. Let’s get our business done. Take this cheque for ycur services, please.’ 4 Ifc’s very handsome, indeed, Thorburn. If there’s anything else you wish to ask of me, There’s nothing. I leave that matter to Fate.’ 4 Well, if Fate doesn’t help you, apply to

IHG.* « One thing I will ask,’ said Eldred, with an effort. ‘Do you know that the young fellow Genest was concerned in the affair ? ’ < X don't know it, but I’m quite certain be accepted Esking’s proposal when I refused, and I guess what bribe tempted him. The blood rushed to Eldred’s pale face, and his great fist clenched. * You do not imagine,’ he said after a pause, hoarsely,. 4 that Miss Esking knew ? * < I’d stake my life that she has not a shadow of suspicion. I’ve known my cousin, Thorburn, since she was a child. There's no girl purer or more honest.’ They went down to breakfast, the wounded man in oyjammas, to the dismay of his household. He sat in meditation, deep and frowning Hubert did not interrupt, and took his meafin silence. When he rose to go, Eldred said : , « There are two fact 3 I nave to ascertain. It Miss Esking is to be sacrificed, I shall act at once I must find out whether she is really enoa'oed to Genest that’s the first point And then, whether he is guilty. If so, I shall apply to you—curse this wound he added savagely. , , 4 it’s rather odd you both should be laid up at the same time. As for the fact cf Hilda’s engagement, I should not wonder if BowriDg could tell you —and comes. The other matter is more difficult. ‘I don’t think so,’ Eldred said with a 8n ‘ I \VeU? e i shall rather confidently expect to hear from yon shortly.’ He left as the doctor entered. It s madness to go on like this, Mr Thorburn. Doesn’t the pain tell you to rest quiet I will be a lamb henceforward, doctor. Cure me as quickly as possible. I give you a We ‘ e Five minutes more, I beg,’ said Bowring sarcastically, whilst he unwound the bandages. Then after examination, ‘ I most honestly confess that neither the whiskey last night nor the promenade this morning has done much harm. What healthy flesh yours must be, Mr Thorburn ! Was this wonnd actually caused by throwing a knife ? * ‘ Actually ! I’ll show you how it’s done, if y °‘ l In a month hence I shall be glad to see the exercise. You pulled the thing out yourself? Ah, if all my patients had your nerve ! —but I suppose the strong nerves and healthy flesh go together, and that combination means ruin for the doctors. If George Genest were a man like you, Mr Thorburn, he would be hobbling home now with a Perhaps he finds his quarters too pleasant, fhear that Mr Genest is engaged to Miss Esking.’ - The doctor looked up shrewdly ; but it is not among boers and savages that a man omits to learn the control of his face. Bowobserved no more than careless curiosity in his patient’s expression, and replied with confidence. ‘I think I may venture to say the report is true. An excellent match it seems, doesn't it? ’ 4 For Mr Genest.’ Bowring looked up sharply again ; Eldred was smiling. 4 Perhaps he s not the sort of youth a romantic Providence would have chosen to match Miss Esking. But she’s an odd girl.’ ‘ As how ? ’ , , The doctor’s suspicions were all asleep by this time. < Why,’ said he, ‘ Hilda takes no x-eal interest ’in anything, including specially heaself. I recollect telling her father once that she had caught his malady in another form.’ 4 I don’t understand. ‘ Nor did EskiDg. I can’t explain myself, but the idea is right.’ 4 Pray try, doctor.’ •Well, it seems to me that Esking has upset the girl’s natural sense of her importance in the world by his contempt for modern things and people. He makes up for his feeling by an exaggerated interest in past times, but Hilda thinks all life vulgar and trivial and silly. Men and women are born and they die ; what happens to them or what they do between whiles doesn’t matter . There Mr Thorburn ! Now lie down and don’t move except to go to bed for the nsxt week, and I guarantee a miraculous CU ‘I mean to give you every chance, doctor. So you think it likely that Miss Esking accepted this man to please her father, because she doesn’t think enough of herself to refuse ?' Bowring noted the change of tone instantly. 4 It’s not my business to speculate in such subjects,’ he said. ‘ I have been talking heedlessly.’ _ 4 Now order me as you think fit. -am only anxious to recover.’ (To be continued.) .