THE SILENT PARLIAMENT

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1514, 7 March 1901, Page 7

THE SILENT PARLIAMENT

■ FICTION.

BY ROBERT BARR. (Author of “The Alutable Many,’* etc.)

[ALB RIGHTS RESERVED.] CHAPTER XIII. Mrs Greenhow shook her head while theK tears fell from her eyes. She clasped and unclasped her small white hands nervously, but - seemed unable to speak. Stanford turned to her suddenly and said’:' .; “*•_ ~ • , “Mrs Greenhow, how much land .'do you'own?’’ ' "- T . The~lady looked up at him in surprise. ‘‘Plow much ?’* she said,. ‘‘l ‘don’t, known” ■ : v . . ; ‘Ts vour' wealthy which is said to be great, in money or in land?” “Partly in one, and partly in the other,” she said, “but tell you at once that I intend to furnish no more money for this disastrous cause. 35 v. •• ‘‘Oh, I was 'not' thinking of that, and perhaps you would like to withdraw what you have already -given, or rather the remained!’ of it, for, of course, I am not. now in a position to repay the money that has been spent/’ “No,” replied Mrs Greenhow, *T have not come for repayment of the money. I don't care about that at all. If I could restore things to the position they were in before I thoughtlessly int ermeddI would willingly give up all my fortune. 53

“But you have not answered me vet, Mrs Greenhow. How much land do- you own? Give me an idea.” “I have no idea myself,” said the lady, shaking her head. _ “There is a- large estate in the Midlands, and another in the- North. Then I have . land in the south of 'England, and in Ireland, and m Scotland.” ■' -

- “You- are then one of the largest landowners in Great Britain. Very well! Marry me to-morrow. 57 Mrs Greenhow arose from her seat with a .gasp of astonishment, and a rush of colour came into her face. For a few moments she gazed •at him with startled look, and then a glint of anger came into her-eyes. C: “Do you propose to marry me then, 'because I own so niuch land? 53

“Certainly. Don’t you see at once the effect it would have upon the country? If the Premier of England, the promoter of this Land Bill, married one of the largest land-owning ladies in England, people would understand that this Bill could not have the disastrous effects it is expected tp have. Our marriage would set all England talking; the marriage of a Premier would do that in any case. Then again, the people of England delight in a marriage] you know that. Let me get a special license and marry you to-morrow. Such an event would do more .to calm the excitement in this country than anything else that could happen. Will you do it, Mrs Greenhow ? 55

"Do you think,” said Mrs Greenhow, drawing herself up, ‘‘that I would marry a man who offered’ hiniself to me merely because I am the owner of land?”

“Oh, it isn’t because you own the land, Mrs Greenhow; it isn’t because you are a 'wealthy woman, ■ that I make this proposal. Far from it. I am thinking of the quieting effect such an event ' would have upon the country.” “Sir/ 5 said, Mrs Greenhow, dropping, her veil over her face, “when I marry, it will he for some other reason than the effect :it will have upon, the country. It will be to a man who loves me and whom: I care for.” * h f ‘Of ; course,: of qourse, Alice,” said • Stanford, trying to take her hand, “but * you know, and have known, you can’t help but know, that I have loved you ever since I-first 1 .saiv you!” ‘-How can I know . that ?” cried the lady yrith Inc|ignation, putting her hands behind lies*. “Please allow me to go! How .should I know that you cared for me? You never told me you did!” , t'No,” said Stanford, despondently.“l don’t , suppose I, should ever have had the courage to tell you" so; if it had not been for the present crisis, but somehow, .1 thought you must know that . I loved .you. r: I thought you must - have known it from the time when I was ill, and in your care. I supposed women were always aware: of these things/without a "man saying anything. But,—if you don’t care ’ for me, all I can do is to beg, your pardon for speaking as I did.” Mrs Greenhow stood silently before him,-with her veiled face bowed. ...... “I shall send,” continued Stanford. T ‘*the remainder of the money to you at once, and, if ever I am able, I will return you the whole amount.” “Oh,” cried the lady, impatiently, with a toss of her head, “I don’t care at all about the money. Onty it isn’t very flattering, you know, to be asked to marry on account of the country.” “I was a fool to make such a proposal. I hope you will forgive me.” As» Stanford spoke the door was burst open and one of his servants came rushing in with wide open eyes, and horror in his face.

“You must not come in unannounced/ 3 said Stanford; then, noticing the man’s look of fear, he cried: “What is wrong?” “Birkett, sir, your secretary, has been murdered in a cab. at the foot of Whitehall. 53

“Murdered!” cried Stanford, while the lady, almost shrieked in terror.

“Yes, sir - three men sprang out from the crowd, and on to the hansom, and stabbed him to death before any one could interfere. Thev then disappeared.”

~ “Good God! 55 cried Stanford, “so England has come to assassination! Take the poor fellow to his own room, and leave me for a moment.” When the attendant withdrew, Airs Greenhow suddenly threw her arms around Stanford’s neck.

“Oh, Richard/ 3 she so coed, “that- death was‘intended for j’ou. I will marry you to-morrow, or any time you wish me to do so.”

“Not to-morrow, dear, 53 said Stanford, stooping ancl kissing her. “We will marry when this trouble is over. 35 “But the effect on the country ?” “Oh, the country!” said Stanford in disgust. “A country which brings assassination intoi. its political 5 warfare does not- deserve quieting. But Alice, I will remind vou again of vour •promise. My darling!” ■ • • As they stood there together, there seemed to be a_scuffle at the door, and a strong voice cried : “I will see Him! Stand aside. 53

The next instant young Herbert stood in the doorway, and advanced a step or two into the room.

“I thought,” said the young man to his sister,, repressing his rage: with difficulty, /‘that they lied to me when they told me they heard you tell your coachman to drive to Downing street, and I could hardly believe my own eyes when I saw your carriage standing at this man’s cfoor. And now, I find you alone with him!”

Mrs Greenhow turned upon her brother.

“This man,” she said, “is my affianced husband.”

"Is he ? 55 sneered the brother. “They say none but the brave fair, and I supppose gthat holds good even where the fair is a fool. Now sir, 33 he continued, turning to Stanford, “Will you die like a dog or fight like a gentleman? 33 saying which, h© threw on the table two pistols. ‘‘‘Take your choice/ 3 Re said, “they are both loaded. 33 Mrs Greenhow, with a scream, sprang between the two men, but her brother roughly] pushed her aside. ' Stanford leaned over the table and picked up both weapons. “I suppose, 55 he said slowly, “that if the gentlemen of England have taken to assassination, I shall die like a dog.” “I expected a cowardly act of that sort/ 3 sneered young Herbert, “but I have another pistol with me. Now I shall fight you, you having two weapons ; I with one. 33

“No,” said Stanford, “you shall not fight. I have just received word that my Secretary has been assassinated, being mistaken, doubtless, for myself. He left this room a. few moments ago to go to the Commons. I will walk to the House now. — 3

“No, no, no/’ cried Mrs Greenhow, “you must not do that.” “J. am going to walk to the House,” repeated Stanford, turning to' Herbert. r ‘l am. at present Premier of England, and I ask you to walk by my side and be my body-guard to the House. Take this pistol with you, —and I will carry the other, with your permission, as I possess, no such weapons myself. Alice, ’ he. added, addressing Mrs Greenhow, “let me escort you to your carriage. I wish you to drive home at once.” ~ “No,, no,” she- pleaded. “Let me take you to the Rouse; I am driving down Whitehall.” “No,” he replied firmly. I am going to walk to the House of Commons and yotir brother is to keep me company. Come, Mr Herbert.” CHAPTER XIV. After seeing Mrs Greenhow to her carriage, Stanford, jmd his companion walked silently aloffg Downing street to Whitehall, pushing, their way as well, as they could among the dense crowd which had gathered in that .district. The broad thoroughfare of Whitehall was thronged with excited and jostling people. So rapidly do evil tidings spread in London that already yelling, hurrying news-boys were tearing down the streets shouting at the tops of their voices, “Murder of the Premier,” and their wares: were eagerly bought by the crowd. Contents bills, in huge black letters. abounded everywhere, flaunting the w-ords, “Dastardly Assassination of the Premier.” It was evident, as yet, That London did not know the truth about the crime.

The two young men walked grimly on. through the agitated multitude, neither saying a word to the other; Herbert keeping staunchly at Stanford’s shoulder, and sometimes preceding him when the crowd pressed around them. They could not help hearing the remarks of the people as tKeyf threaded their way among them! and expressions of regret at a crime so un-English were universal. Mingled with these, were words of eulogy on the man supposed to be dead. “ y E wos a man w’at knew w’at ’e

wanted, 5 e wos. 3 jdT didn’t believe in tork, ’© didn’t,” was the opinion of one rough worker. ‘‘He was worth the whole boiling of them that’s left,” said another voice from the people. Herbert moved along by Stanford’s side, muttering too himself: “The villainous assassins will carry through his cursed' Bill.”

Stanford, with set face, gave no, expression to his thoughts, aside from his increased and a firm tightening of the lips. The mob increased as they approached the Parliament Building’s, and at the end of Whitehall, coming under the brilliant lamps, some one recognised the Premier. Instantly, a cry went up, and word passed quickly from one man to another. As soon as it was recognised that- the Premier was there, unhurt, and walking on the street like the rest of them, a- rousing shout went up. and then three ringing British cheers. The enthusiastic people crowded around the two pedestrains, and several stalwart individuals attempted to hoist Stanford to their shoulders and carry him in

triumph to the House. ' ’ “Peace, peace,” said the Premier, sternly. “This is no time for trifling. Remember that one of us has been murdered while doing, his duty.” The crowd fell back respectfully and made way for the two, who. passed tne amazed policemen at the gates, and walked together to the entrance of the House. Here the Premier turned to his guard, and holding ,oxit -the pistol, butt foremost,,. he said :

“I am deeply, obliged to you, sir. This is not the first time you have escorted me.”

“No,” replied Heibert, “and I hope it will not be the last time I meet you. What has happened to-night is not to be construed into the waiving of my right to call you to account.” The Premier placed his hand on the other’s shoulder:

“Sir,” he said severely, “a ‘ duel is as un-English as an assassination. I have work to do in this world, and I will not meet you... Our differences are not ..to be settled by a.bullet/ ’What -has happened to-night shall lio.t hi any way'; trammel your actions, but there has hap- . pened to-night what lias shade it Tm- 1 possible for ny», even if I desired, to raise my hand against you,. You have led me ..to-night, as Rbderic Dhii . led: another, and now you .say this door is Coilantogle Ford, and': hereafter niv sword must keep ;ne. I thank you for. ycur escort, but I tell you,frankly that.; nothing you can say or do will induce me to defend liiyself against yon.. You may call me a coward if you like, but I don't believe you think .me one.” “You are misled,”' said Herbert, /by that shouting mob of forols.- To-morrow they will howl foi’ your life, while tonight the emotional idots howl because they see ypu safe and sound.” . "For my defeat, perhaps,” said Stanford, “but not for i my life. And if they are fools, have you done your ditty towards them? ?...Have you or., your order, of supposedly. wisemen, stood b.Y ; them as you should have .done ? Ii r yp\i, had an imbecile brother, would you

crush him under your feet or cheat Mm, because he had not the sense to protect Himself? Not likely. You would take every care and see that no harm came to him. We must not forget that these shouting fools, as perhaps they are, are nevertheless our brothers. Good-night!” “Good-night! 55

“Here is your pistol,” said Stanford. “Keep it,” answered Herbert, “in case you should need it,” and he turned on his heel and disappeared towards the police-guarded gates into the crowd outshle. -

When Stanford entered the House, quietly, from behind the Speaker’s chair,// the Secretary of State yjas on his feet ' moving the adjournment of the House.,./: There was ; a moment of intense silence , as.the Premier appeared, and wondering,.... i unbelieving eyes, were turned upon him as he moved to his place; then, as oiie man, the whole Opposition, who had--, been fighting him tooth and nail, as ,the / most dangerous person in England, rose to the?r feet, and cheer after cheer rosord up- to the lofty roof of that,^historical:o building. The Sight Honourable .IMrorr Bond crossed the floor of the, Houeop d and shook the' passive hand of the Pre?-/ raier, congratulating him on his escapejii Other members crowded round' regardless , of the rules of the House. Stanford said J nothing, but seemed embarrassed by the ' ll reception accorded him. He stood, uu- * til order was restored, then spoke, with / a slight tremble in- his voice. /

•‘Every great cause,” he said, "has its.'' martyr.- To-night, a good man, a w.or-. :• thier than I, has gone to his death, kill-./ eu by a dastardly blow, meant for an- ' other. Pie was my personal friend, and' I can say no more of his undersetved fate at this moment. - R: khpiv the/eheefs 5 which greeted niy entrance to-chant--her were not intended as a compliment to me, personally.- They, were the expression of that hatred which every /Eng- 1 lishmau feelsf no matter-to whaVparty he belongs, for the use of the assassin’s knife. * And now, with these cheers, still , ringing f iii ‘ iiiy ’ eafk/ F appeal-tbbycfu^lti 1: the name’ of the people. .England never takes a backward step. However muchshe may hesitate about putting her foot-. upon untried gr ouiid j she ultimately stands, ' upon, that ground/ firm and uneonquer-. ; able//IYha,t. ; has been clone in this Par-/' liameht bail never be undone, be temporarily defeated, but it will rise/ again/ again,- and again. . ‘This crisis, then, must stop. The Land Restoration Bill shall pass; its - second reading to-t night,; and. also its* third. If , it is obstructed in another place, then upon:the’ heads of those: who 'obstruct be the-ren spohsibility. 1 ' I move that the question be now 1 put.” - When Stanford sat clown no one rose to speak. The Bill was -;read a second time, by the usual majority. The thirdreading took place immediately after - .f It then was sent to the Housecof Lords-,! where it met a body of men in a most uncertain state of mind. They. did'not’ know what to do. If they threw it ©tit, the Bill would be immediately by the Commons again. If;‘They/discussed ib for ■ weeks/ aand' : month's would be prHlongjhg a/ tha% Lti become intolbrabrnf /Ruiii lords fchenjselyes 4& wbuld rent or buy land, ana bxcb^t,

perhaps, -the commercial community, non© had suffered so much in this time of panic as the aristocracy. There was a disposition in the House of Peers to have it over and face the worst. Many noble Lords shirked responsibility and stayed away from the House, and then, to the amazement of the country, it came to the vote, the Bui passed into law, by the sanction, of the Lords, with a very narrow majority. There is no -- doubt that when Stanford and Mrs Greenhow were discussing a marriage which would have a quieting effect upon the country, a more tragic event was at that moment happening which was to have a similar effect. Death was to bring about what perhaps the marriage could not have accomplished. The particulars of the assassination stirred) British feeling to its most profound depths. The unfortunate young man had not had an opportunity to raise a hand in defence of himself. So sudden was the attack that three knives were buried ui tiis breast before he knew what had nappened, and a groan of despair was the note of warning which told the cabman what had been done. The fact of the deed having taken place almost under the eyes of the police collected near the Parliament Buildings, and that the assassins got clear away without ever being discovered, added to the intensity of the excitement throughout Great Britain. There was still an almost universal distrust of the revolutionary Bill, but the adaptability of the Englishman in any circumstances in which he may le placed 1 speedily asserted itself, and it became evident that the affairs of the country had reached their lowest point * and were about to improve. P'arlia•'ment was adjourned, and that of itself had a quieting effect. There was a settled determination on the part of the Opposition to repeal the Bill when they came again into power, as they undoubtedly would, when a new election took place, but there was nothing to be done until that time, so nothing much was said. The country wanted rest. It felt as though it had just gone through a war, and that now an armistice had been proclaimed. That it was the end of the fight, no one for a moment believed, but it was generally recognised that the time had come for binding up the commercial wounds, and for re-erecting the fallen houses of industry. (To be Concluded).