FICTION

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1610, 7 January 1903, Page 5

FICTION

THE BANISHMENT OF THE ' HONOURABLE CHARLES.

AN AN GLO-AU STR ALT AN I AIM.

(By Beresford Turner, Sydney.)

(ALBRIGHTS RESERVED.)

3 f CHAPTER I.

FATHER AND SON.

“The governor wants to see yon, Charles.” “Thanks, Richard, where shall I find him ?” “In the library,” was the reply. “Are yon. going to ride that brute again? You’ll get your neck broken yet.” This conversation was between two brothers. The elder was Lord Richard ,WitLey, heilr-apparent to Hazelmere, its title, manor house, and estates. Charles,- or. the “Honourable Charles,” the younger,- was on the act of tightening the girth of the saddle that was on the back, of the brute referred to by his brother. It was a bright bay colt, fully sixteen hands high, the beau ideal of a thoroughbred. Charles had the bridle rein in his left hand, his head under the near-side flap of the saddle, and the horse was making a. circle with his hind feet, his fore feet acting .as. a pivot. His actions in his endeavoursto frustrate his owner's object might be described as .a reversed waltz. But as Lord Hazelmere, 1 or’ the governor, as tho sons called him (of course, out of His Lordship’s hearing), insisted on prompt obedience from son and servant, Charles was compelled, to defer his equestrian exercise until a more favourable opportunity; so, handing the horse to a groom, he made his way to the library, which, after knocking at the door, he was bidden to enter. It was a bleak October morning, and His Lordship was standing with his back to the fire, an attitude which Englishmen assume with grace and ease. Lord Hazelmere was a nobl'e-looking man, with la’tall and well-knit frame, and the military bearing cf a British 1 soldier. His iron-grey hair was cut close to his head, which denoted no trace of baldness. The broad, high forehead, free from wrinkles, an aquiline nose denoting a suspicion of Hebrew blood in its slightly hawkish appearance, his keen, clear, grey eyes showed no trace of dissipation, and the firm - set mouth, partly hidden by a heavy moustache, denoted a man of un-. doubted pluck and strong, iron will; and as he . greeted his younger son the bright light of his countenance denoted the father’s affectionate pride in his offspring. And the boy required no introduction as his father’s son. Tall, and of athletic build, a youthful production of his sire, excepting that, instead of that set firmness, so conspicuous in His Lordship’s face, the countenance of the youth seemed to be ever on the alert to expand into a merry ripple of mirth. His head, profusely covered with nut-brown hair, which seemed to \ cling .with defiant fondness to the Eoad~ that bore it, and with bis bright blue eyes be gazed at one with a look which iff :%girl would bo fascinating, but in a man . Avas bewildering. His Lordship pointed to a chair, saying : “Be seated, Charles.” Charles greeted his father with - a bright and kindly smile. Lord Hazelmere/ - . continuing, E said: “I have not so many children, Charles, that I find any difficulty in obtaining an interview without communicating my desire through a- third'"'person, but as your brother told me something this morning I requested him to send you here to me. I presume yon understand me.”

“Richard informed me, sir, that you wished to see me in the library, and I’m he!re in accordance Avith your wishes.”

“Just so. Well, when your brother was born I was away from home on active service, and with the first intimation of his birth came the information that he was a sickly child, and not likely to live. This was a severe blow to me,, as our title and estates had passed to male issue for many generations; but as time passed he grew stronger, and on my return he was put into my arms a sickly-child of three years old. Of course, you know what followed. You don’t want me to repeat family history. You were born four years after your brother, and with your birth I lost the brightest gem- in my bosom, and you lost an angelic mother. Since then I have been content to live my lonely life, being satisfied with the prospect that Hazelmere. would pass direct to male issue. I have watched the growth of my boys, and proud to note that as they grew in years so they developed all the characteristics of English gentlemen. Your brother has arrived at man’s estate, and of course is

my successor by entail, and as he has always been delicate I have not pressed him to choose a profession; consequently he will follow the life of a country gentleman, and in'time will succeed me in representing my borough. You wanted to be a soldier, but as I know by experience that an officer’s promotion is not so much dependent on his merits as a soldier, as from the scratch of a pen of a War Office clerk, I advise you to wait until you were twenty-ono before you made a final choice of a profession, when, if you decided not to enter the lists in the battle of life, there is the Godaiming Estate —your late mother’s property—which is left at my disposal. That produces an income sufficient to maintain you in a position equal to any gentleman in the county, and I have no doubt we could find you a borough, and, the title excepted, your position would be as representative as your brother’s. You Trill he twenty-one in April next, so you have but six months to make a final choice.”

His Lordship paused and gazed keenly at his son, saying: “I trust you follow me, Charles.” Tire son met his father’s scrutiny with a confiding look, which betrayed no trace of emotion, replying: “So far, sir, you have been very explicit.” “I am glad of that,” was His Lordship’s rejoinder, “and now that you know what my will and ambition for your future is, I am sure you will not by any actions of yours oppose my wish.” ... . -

“My lord,”, replied Charles, with a merry twinkle in bis eyes, “I have not yet met the man who ever opposed your will-,-but I have heard of two who .w§re ; , Lpolish^enough. At to.- .^tteniptit s One was the Benicia Boy’s trainer, and the other was a poacher whom you caught as you were walking home from the" county ball . The first was, a.s I am informed, six weeks in Guilford Hospital; the latter’s wife and family you supported while he was laid up for two months, and then appointed him as your head gamekeeper.” There , was a slight movement of His Lordship’s heavy moustache. “Tut, tut, hoy,” said he, “that was when I was younger, but if”. report be true you can use your hands Avith some effect. However, now that we understand each other we will go a little farther,” and, removing his shoulders from the mantle-P-oeef against which he had been leaning, he assumed , that upright military pose so identical with his soldier’s training. With a penetrating glance at his son lie continued: “I hear, sir, that you have, been riding on Hinded Heath, in company with Lily’Dudman. Do you know, sir, that I object to your having any communication with this farmer’s daughter.” “I do not understand your objection,” said Charles. “True, there may be a slight social distinction between us. but I fail to see how that affects our positions’as neighbours, and I have heard you say that the yeomanry were the pride of • England, and that John Dudman was the pride of the yeomanry.” The father’s countenance betrayed the fact that he felt the force of his son’s argument, but pride of birth fed the rising passion within, and although anger was plainly visible in His Lordship’s countenance, it was more the anger of the father, than that of a vindictive man.

Pacing the room from end to end he suddenly turned to Charles and said: “Hoav dare you, sir, repeat a statement of mine as an argument in support of your act of disobedience, and that an acb AA r rich may lead to your forming a mesalliance. HoAvever, I Avon’t discuss the matter with you. Let this matter cease. Gut the connection at. once, and show that you will maintain the integrity and. honour of our name, and you. will hear no more from me in reference tp -

Charles rose from his seat, and as he stood on the opposite side of the table, could a stranger have seen the two men, he would have been impressed with the manly beauty and striking resemblance of them. . His Lordship’s face, which had somewhat relaxed from its former sternness, was turned towards his. son, on whom he gazed with a fond, expectant look. Charles, with a slight mist in his eyes, which slightly dimmed their brightness, and a slight flush of the old Adam depicted in his countenance paused, - and with a respectful bow, addressed his father. “My lord,” said he, “when I was a little boy, you bought me a rocking lfbrse, and you told me its name was ‘Truth.’ Some time after, ‘Truth’ .lost his tail, and when I came to you in deep distress about my poor rooking horse’s tail you came to look at it, and you said: ‘My boy, that is not the whole truth,’ and you told Brown to take it away and burn it, and when I asked you why you were going to-have it so destroyed, you said; _ ‘Charles, never have any connection with a person or thing that is not' the whole truth.’ I did not understand you. then, but it was the best object lesson on truth I. ever heard; and again, when I was a bigger boy, you. took me into the west wing, and showed me the picture gallery, and pointed out our ancestors,

and told me their names, and whatthey had., done, and when we came to one that was turned back outwards, you were passing on, but I stopped you, and inquired the reason of its being so placed. You said: ‘My son, that is tho only Witley that ever broke his faith,’ and you passed on. Now I know that you pride yourself on the truth and honour of your family; a n d now, sir, may I ask you should I he worthy the name of Witley if I broke my word.” The father had listened very intently, and it was evident ho was interested in wdiat his son had said. Speaking slowly, as if in deep thought, he said: “If I knew you to break your faith. I would turn you from my door for ever.”

Charles looked sharply and intently into his father’s face', and without hesitation, said: “My lord, I have plighted my troth to Lily Dudman, and a Witley always keeps his word.” His Lordship turned towards the fireplace, and placing his hands on the mantelpiece, kicked into the glow of the fire, and turned towards his son, his face betraying - the signs of a strong inward struggle, but there was no outward display of agitation as be spoke. “Charles,” said he, “I will give you a month to consider this matter. At the end of that time you come to me and tell me you have done with this boyish infatuation, or come prepared to leave Surrey and England; and I will see that you take your passage to Australia. Please ring the bell. Good morning, Charles!” Charles pulled the bell - rope, and silently left the room. Brown, the staid butler, cf thirty years’ service, appeared in answer to the summons. “Tell Jarvis to send round my horse with "a' groom ,” ordered His Lordship.

CHAPTER 11.

THE DUDMANS.

The road from London to Portsmouth runs through “Hinded Heath.” Standing on the top of the hill, and a few paces from the road is the old gibbet, a gruesome relic of the mode of executing criminals in our forefathers’ time; its chains weirdly swaying and moaning with the gust that comes from over tho sea. Following the rivulet, that has its source above the gibbet, onecomes to the Devil’s Punch Bowl, where village folklore says his Satanic Majesty quenches his thirst at midnight. Twas at that place a shepherd saw three men washing their bloody hands after committing a brutal murder on the spot where the gibbetnow stands, and their bones lay bleaching in the sun, demonstrating the fact that murder will out. Away to the right across the vale stands Hazelmere. its grand old pile cf grey buildings interspersed with ivy-ciad walls. To the left is Dudman’s farm, or. as it has been known for many generations, “Dudman’s,” the smoke curling idly from the chimney, forming light fantastio clouds in the early morning sun. All is peace, and unobtrusive industry. One hears the distant crow of the farmyard chanticleer, proclaiming to the rural world that the weaker feathered sex have their champion ; the hawthorn and white rose growing in profusion, and giving the hedgerows a glorious brightness, vying with tho flower-be-decked undergrowth, and adding to the fragrancy of the pure * bright atmosphere. As*'“one nears Dudman’s house, the well-stocked and abundantly cropped orchard and prolific floiver-beds denote that pleasure and profit go hand in hand. Amidst a plantation of roses, tho variety and colour _ of which vie ith the rainbow's hues, is a-young girl. She carries a flower-basket in her left band as she glides from bush to hush. The sun’s rays glistening on the burnished steel of the scissors in her right hand confirm one in tho conjecture tfyat ,she is gathering. Dudman rosebuds, Avhich for by the feminine fashion' of London,and Tealise 'the highest price in Covent Garden market. Her stooping posture hides her sunbonnet-clad head, but as she reaches the end of the toav, and steps on to the well-kept gravel’, path, she straightens her. lithe and youthful figure, and exhibits (if one may coin a phrase) the face and figure of a refined rustic beauty. , The parish register may record the fact that she has passed eighteen happy girlhood summers; the first bud of maidenhood just bursting into the bloom of pure womanhood; above the middle height, with dimpled, pe-ach-hued cheeks, dark grey eyes that seem to sparkle with;liquid mirth, and an abundance of brown glossy hair, her bright healthy appearance suggesting a more intimate.;-acqaintance Avith pure country air- less healthy atmosphere of London. . dra win g-ro om s. As she pauses in the act of adjusting the flowers in her basket, every action proves the alert activity 6f her wellde\ r eloped figure. A Avell-poised, almost classical bead, covered with a pretty sun-bonnet, gave the face a defiant and yet inviting appearance; a plain broAvn holland frock, floA\ mg loosely as she moves, a waist that any dainty lady might possess with-pride; and as she steps to the next row of flowers the short skirt betrays a foot,

though encased in strong-made shoes, small and neat.

This is Lily Dudman, and. to meet her for the first time one Avould say, “A lady, no doujbt,” and one AA-ouid feel inclined to surmise that she was a young lady, Avith a will of her own. Leaving Lily at her pleasant and profitable occupation, and following the path Avith its variegated bods on either side the dAvelling comes in vieAV, partially hidden by t\A r o gigantic beeches on each side of tho rose-twined rustic porch. A window is open, and the gentle breeze that parts the Avell-draped curtains of the one to the right exposes the snoAVAA'hite linen of the sleeping room. A perfume of lavender is Avafted from the room, and it vies with the flowers beneath tho window in the SAA-eetness. of its scent. The opposite windoAA r is draped Avith heavy damask curtains, the texture and pattern of Avhich denote the : artistio taste of those within. Without being inquisitive, one catches a glimpse of the contents of the room, which further denote a refinement of taste in its choice and position. Across the corner of the room, so placed as to command the full light from the windoAA r , stands a Cellard andi Collard piano, the lid of which is closed, and the music neatly arranged. This is Lily Dudman’s home. We will not folloAV the practice of-some writers and invade its privacy, nor compile a descriptive catalogue of its contents. Let it suffice that it is not a dAvelling of Lady Yere Do Vero, nor the place Avhere Reginald De Bombast bangs out. It is the substantial and peaceful dwelling of a well-to-do fanner and his family. The Dudmans, father and son, have been its occupants for many generations. John Dudman, the present head of the family, has five children —four boys (o young men, as they now are) and one daughter. All the men are over six feet high, and itis the boast of the Dudmans that for over a century man and wife have been of the same county.

John Dudman, the present head of the family, has five children —four boys (or young men, as they iioav are) and one daughter. All the men are over six feet high, and it is the boast *of the Dudmans that for over a century man and Avife have been of the same county.

At s the rear of the building is a large brick-paved yard, closed in by a creep-er-clad trellis fence, and the bell-shap-ed convolvulus thereon boAving and waving in the early morning sun avould puzzle an art critic to define their varied hues. Still, further to the rear, and approached through a stone-pitched enclosure, is the farmyard. • Here everything "from pig-pen to stall is remarkable for its substantial construction and practical utility. John Dudman does not term hhnself a scientific farmer; he is rather one of the old school. Ho does not ridicule or unduly criticise his more scientific neighbours, but he competes with. them ifi the various agricultural shows, and carries off as fair share of prizes, and in the open market his produce, animal and vegeable, realises above the average ; and he has been often heard say that he was fully satisfied with the result of his mode of farming, and he Avas loth to experiment AA'hile he - Avas successful.

But. here is the man himself, and as he pauses at the stable door to give some orders to a farm hand, one is struck with the splendid physique of the man.

A ruddy face, clean shaven except for the slight growth of Avliiskers at th© side, eherry-hued cheeks, laughing dark hazel eyes with a fearless gaze, and countenance Avith benevolence written in every feature; but the statue and build of the man was herculean in its proportions—tho massive shoulders and Avidth of girth of the chest so characteristic of the male line of Dudmans was here personified in all its united strength. The Dudmans Avere never known to quarrel with any man, and no Avonder. A man would be a fool to risk a personal encounter with auy one of them if it Avas a fair specimen cf the breed. As John Dudman lifts the catch or the latice-Avork gate that leads into the foliage-shaded, cool brick yard his wife “Dorothy”—or, as she is familiarly known, Dame Dudman —emerges from the dairy with a jug of fresh-skimmed cream. True, it is Surrey cream, but cream from that county is as rich and palatable as Devon cream, provided the cow is of good milking pedigree and well-fed. It is not the county, but the coav, that yields the cream. John greets his wife AAuth a smile, and his Avorthy wife, who has proved her value as a help-mate by a life of self-denying devotion and affection to her husband and children, approaches her husband with the matronly ease and grace A\ r hich is so charming to a lady only who is to the manner born.

“Well, good wife,” says John, “robbing the dairy for another patient?” “Yes, John,” was the reply. “We’va enough and to spare. It may perhaps lessen the returns for your butter, but AA'hen God’s creatures require nourishment it is not a Dudman who stops to consider how a little from the much.

that ix» given him will affect his hank book.” . “Well said, my lady Bountiful, was her husband’s reply. ‘We have enor-gh and to spare out of the abundance that God has given us, and the sweetheart of my boyhood’s days shall not be .denied the privilege of imparting a gleam of sunshine into humble homes when I have enjoyed the radiance of her presence for thirty years;” and the eyes of these aged lovers met and rekindled the spark that may smoulder, but is never extinguished, and hand in hand: they entered the breakfast room. I/ily had performed her task of packing the rose buds and having them forwarded to London, and was standing at the window, through which the morning sun was glistening on her glossy brown hair, turning it alternately to gold and auburn. As her parents enter she greets them with a smile of-welcome and a purely maidenly kiss, and the four stalwart young men enter, and after greeting their parents take their accustomed' seats, and they all partake of the morning meal with a relish which follows as a result of healthy outdoor occupation. During the meal the mail was brought in. There was only one mail at Dudmans’, and that was left by the groom, from Hazelmere as he passed on his return from the village post office. John Dudman opened the mail hag, and placing his letters beside his plate he handed one to his daughter with a smile, and a look of confiding interest. Lily received the missive with a blush, and placed it in a woman’s repository for all sacred documents —her bosom. At the conclusion of the meal the family rose from the table. The young men returned to their various duties on the farm, John Dudman took his letters to what he termed his den, hut was designated office by the other members of xhe household. Lily and her mother each took their 1 portion of the domestic duties in connection warn the house. There was no drone at Dudmans’, for, though the good squire was one of the wealthiest farmers m the county, he would not indulge in nor encourage luxurious idleness. After reading the coid c-nts of two business letters, John Duclman took up the third, pausing to glance at the Hazelmere crest, wondering why ( His Lordship should communicate through the post, as the hearer of the letter would have to pass the farm to pc- it. The usual pustom was for the correspondence from Hazelmere to the squire to he left by the groom from the former place. However, he opened the envelope,looked up to> th© ceiling. After meditating for some time, he resumed his former position, and re-read the letter and then rose from his chair, accompanying the movement with a long, low whistle —a habitual practice of his denoting surprise.

With the letter in his left hand, and rubbing his head with the rio-ht, he closed the door, and following the sound of the music went to the front room, where his daughter was performing her usual morning’s prac tice on the piano, and her mother seated at a table near the window writing. Mrs Dudman looked up int-o her husband’s face with an inquiring glance. Lilv continued her musical practice, merely looking around to acknowledge her father’s presence with a smile. John placed his hand on his wife s shmdder, and laid the letter on the table in front of her. Dame Dudman understood from this action that her husband intended her to read its contents.

As this letter very materially concerns the future of the two principal characters in this tale, we will glance ever the good dames, shouldei, and make ourselves acquainted with its contents, which were as follow: “Hazelmere, October 22, 18—. Xiord Hazelmere will call on Mr John Dudman on the 23rd inst,, at 2 p.m. Lord H. trusts Mr Dudman will he •prepared for a somewhat protracted interview on a subject that deeply concerns Lord Hazelmere and Mr Dudman s family.”

(To he Continued.)