NELL LORRIMER'S LITTLE GAMBLE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1628, 13 May 1903, Page 8

NELL LORRIMER'S LITTLE GAMBLE

(By Morris Coleborn.)

CHAPTER I

Ho was one of the quiestest men I have ever met in my life, and it was too pad of Aunt Lucy to send him m to dinner with Mrs Farringdon Bask the very first evening of his arrival at Clough Manor. Mrs Bisk is a handsome widow, with a reputation for being the straightest woman rider with the Loamshire Hunt. People say she is poor, but I don’t see how that can he, considering she gets her frocks from Paquin and rides the loveliest bay mare in the world. She is also a brilliant conversationalist, and can be absolutely charming when she chooses. Unfortunately for Mr Maxwell. Aunt Lucy’s dinner-party was one of the occasions on which, she didn t choose- _ . She talked to him a little, but it was entirely about hunting, and - when Mr Maxwell said lie didn’t hunt "Not hunt,” she echoed superciliously, "how on earth do* you manage to 1 put i tithe time?”

Mr Maxwell said some thing about being a busy man, but Mrs Farringdon Risk didn't take the trouble to listen, she had already made some remarks to the man •on her other side. , ~, That is how Mr Maxwell came to tain to me, and I must say I found him one of the’ most interesting men I have ever met. He had a ivay of finding out one s hobbies, and when he heard I was keenly interested in motoring—- “ That's lucky/' he said, ‘'•‘because I've brought my auto., and thought of persuading your aunt to drive to the meet in it to-morrow. f ‘lt will save her mount, and! if you are hunting “No-o,” said I, regretfully, Inn not hunting, because —well, I don't see why I shouldn't te 1 ! you. Mr Maxwell; I don't ride for the simple reason that father can't afford to keep a horse for me.. loxi see when you've a son in the army, and are only on lialf-pay yourself, you can't go in for luxuries. 'Sometimes 1 I think it's horrid to be poor, and not have things one likes ."

“You seem to have a great, great many things that er —er —that one likes," said Mr Maxwell, and like a little fool I blushed before answering quickly, “Oh, I mean Paris frocks and lots of money to give away, and tons of fioAvers and things of that sort." wonder -Avhether you Avould be any happier for them ?" said Mr MaxAvell. “Of course 1 should," I Avas beginning, when I caught Aunt Lucy's eye, and folloAved tlie file of Avornen from the diningroom. Mrs Farringdon Risk never troubles to talk to Avornen as a rule, but on this occasion she Avent straight up to Aunt Lucy.

“My dear," she said, “what on earth possessed you to send me in to dinner with that silent person, Mr - - ? I'm afraid I didn't catch his name." “What? You don't mean to say you couldn't manage to talk to Mr MaxAvell?" said Aunt Lucy smiling; “I thought you ahvays got on Avith millionaires!" “You don't mean to say that is the Mr MaxAvell avlio has taken Barminster Towers ?" questioned Mrs Farringdon Risk, shrilly. Aunt Lucy nodded. “I thought you kneAv," she said. “No, I didn't knoAV, but I guess little Mi&s Innocence did, eh, child ?" she added, turning to mo “I knOAV nothing abont Mr Maxwell, except that I thought him one of the nicest men I have ever met," said 1 1. “H'm, that is the privilege) of most millionaires, I fancy," said Mrs Farringdon Risk with, a sneer. Then she turned to Aunt Lucy. “The man seems dull, but I hear he has a perfectly AAhnderfiil motor, and as I'm rather keen on motors just now, I think I can find a rise for Mr MaxAvell—he shall begin by driving me to the meet to-morroAv!" she added, subsiding into a big chair. She seemed to have-' no doubt about

her power to twist Mr Maxwell round her finger, and as a matter of fact I don’t think many metn could have resisted tbe smile with which she swept aside her skirts as the men came in from the dining-room. "Mr Maxwell, I hear you have a wonderful Panhard. please come and tell me about it she said, her eyes indicating the chair by her side. But for once the handsome widow had reckoned without her host.

Mr Maxwell was shy. but apparently it was not for nothing that he possessed a square chin. He ignored the proffered chair, and a few moments later made his way to the window where Aunt Lucy and I were standing. Mrs Farringdon Risk’s eyes followed him for a moment, then she flashed a look at me that made me somehow realise for the first time in my life that I had found an enemy.

CHAPTER 11. I forgot all about Mrs Farringdon Risk next morning as we spun along in tbe motor to the meet of the lUvington hounds. Aunt Lucy was in capital spirits, and declared that she felt half inclined to sell her horses and buy a motor, provided Mr Maxwell would ensxire her getting one to run as easily as his. "But I suppose,” she added, laughing, "that an auto of this kind would cost a small fortune, and, after all, you can’t take a big fence with it!” "Well, hardly,” said Mr Maxwell. "Then I think I’ll stick to my dear old geef —besides, a riding kit is so much more becoming,” she added, laughing as she settled herself in the saddle. "Look at Mrs Farringdon Risk, for instance, did you ever see a woman look better in your life?” "I think I prefer ladies in er-—white frocks, and things of that sort,” said Mr Maxwell, simply. "What’s that about a white frock P” interrupted Mrs Risk, Avheeling her chestnut mare alongside the motor, regardless of the beautiful creature’s nervous shiver, as it approached the Panhard. "You like Avhite frocks, Mr MaxAvell ? Perhaps it’s just as Avell to' possess simple' tastes, and I shouldn’t be m the least surprised to hear 1 you have aii affection for bread-and-butter!” she added, darting an odd glancei at me. "You are right, I have,” said Mr Maxwell coolly. „ . "But it palls, I assure you, she. said, with a quick flash from her handsome eyes. "Luckily even bread and butter bas its surprises in these days, as you will find when you try it,” she added, laughing. Then the hounds gave tongue, and she galloped off, looking so superbly handsome on her bay mare that I was not surprised to find Mr Maxwell’s eyes following her till she was out of sight. Then he turned to> me. "I think if we make for the downs we shall probably catch another glimpse of the hounds later on, and even if we don’t it’s a lovely morning for a drive!” he said.

Mr MaxAvell was right; it Avas a heavenly morning, and as Are climbed the doAvns and felt the fresh s ea Avind singing past, us as Ave moved smoothly uiuvard, I began to realise the fascination of a motor. “It's glorious, simply glorious !" I exclaimed. feeling my cheeks gIoAV A\ r ith the kiss of the- sea-wind. “Yes, there are some things that make one realise Avhat it means to really live! But I'm afraid Ave shall have to turn back n-OAV," said Mr MaxAvell regretfully, as he glanced at his Avntch. "Its just an hour to luncheon time, and

“Have AA T e time to stop at the postoffice," I questioned, eagerly. “Ah, Miss Lorrimer, I see you are still young enough to- be eager about your correspondence," he said, half an hour later as he handed me a letter. “I'm not so keen about everyone's letters, but — Avould you mind l waiting Avhile I read this ?"

“Certainly," said Mr MaxAvell, and his voice had an odd sound in it, I thought, as I tore open the envelope. Then I forgot Mr MaxAvell and everything else except the feiv scribbled lines I held in my hand. “It's no go. old girl," I read; “I simply must have the money by Thursday. If you are quite sure the pater can't manage it, try Aunt Lucy. Twenty pounds is nothing to her, and it Avill mean the very deuce if I don't get it by first post on Thursday.—Dick." I read the short note over and OA T er again, my brain in a whirl, my fingers' shaking Avith excitement. Hoav on earth Avas I to procure tAventy pounds by Thursday? I couldn't appeal to Aunt Lucy, because she Avould guess I Avanted it for Dick, and she voAved last time— —

“I hope you haA r e no bad neAVS ?" said Mr MaxAvell kindly. “Oh, no, it's all right, thanks, only niy letter Avasn't quite Avhat I expected," said I, "’and it's ahvays Avorrying Avhen the unexpected happens!" I added Avith a rather poor attempt at a laugh. Mr MaxAvell made no comment till the motor car Avas draAvn up at the entrance to tbe Manor. Then, as he helped me to alight, he said quietly: “I Avonder Avhether I'm too new a friend to be trusted with your Avorries, Miss Lorrimer ? If it's anything in Avhich I can be of the slightest use ." “Oh, you are more, than kind, and I Avmildn't hesitate to tell you if the worry Avere my oavu; but—bat this concerns someone else, someone- whom I love very m “I quite* understand," said Mr Maxwell, but somehoAV I felt quite sure he didn't.

CHAPTER 111 -. I don't knoAV what put the idea into my head, unless it Avas Aunt Lucy s remark Avhen Mrs Farringdon Risk proposed a game at bridge that evening. «AAvfully sorry you must make up the table Avithout me. because I've promised my old man I'll give him an hour in the library for his letters, besides. I ni really too bard up to play," she said, laughing.

"Then we must find a substitute,” said Mrs Farringdon Bisk carelessly. She waited till Aunt Lucy had disappeared, then sailed up to ine._^ "You play bridge, don’t you, Miss Lorrimer?” she asked, smiling. "Ye-s, a little.” "That means, I’ve no doubt, that you are no end of a good player, so come along.” , "I think I’d rather not, thanks. Mrs Bisk.” , "Why not? Don’t you like bridge? "Yes, I like it very much, but—well, to tell you the honest truth I’ve never played for money in my "Only for love, eh? . "Well, you needn’t be afraid; I’m far too poor to play for anything worth talking about. No; don’t worry about your purse!” she added good-naturedly. “I’ll lend, you anything you need, and you can pay me afterwards.”

"Thank you,” said I; “but I’d rather

“Oh, don't worry; I bate Avasting time!" she said, as she pushed me into a seat “The usual stakes. I suppose, good people," she remarked carelessly, as she rapidly dealt the cards, and' that all tha.t Avas said tilt the end of the first rubber. Avhen she glanced up from the scoring card. ~ „ . . T “H'm you people have' all the luch —i OAve you nearly four pounds. Miss Lorrimer!" she said laughing. “Four pounds'!' I gasped; but I really can't go on; I must . “Hush —sh; no talking alloAved to suen a serious game!" said Mrs Risk, playfully; though her eyes looked hard as steel as they met mine. It Avas too late to protest and then suddenly as 1 saAV the splendid cards 1 held the idea darted into- my brain : suppose it Avere possible to AVin fifteen pounds. I had five of my own ana that would enable me to send Dick — “Surely you revoked last round ?" It AA r as Mrs Risk's voice that broke in upon my reverie. Clearly castle building and the game of bridge Avas not compatible. I blushingly acknoAAdedged my mistake and tried to concentrate my attention on the game. - But it Avas no use; luck and my own pre-occupation were against me. At the end of the third rubber Mrs. Risk looked up smiling from her scoring card “The tables are turned, I ni afraid, Miss Lorrimer," she said siveetly; it is you who owe me—but it's only a matter of about seven or eight pounds- . “Seven or eighty pounds? I gasped. I had no idea .** “Oh don't Avorry about it, the money w iH do any time," said Mrs Risk cheerily “besides, you look deadly tired — hadn't you better go to bed?'' “I'm all right, thanks, said 1, but as I climbed the stairs on my Avay to bed I suddenly realised that I was the most miserable girl in Christendom. But my cup of misery was not yet full. As I lay sobbing on my bed ton wretched to undress, L heard a gentle tap at my door. I dried my eyes and! opened it, to find Mrs Risk standing on the threshold. “Dreadfully sorry, dear child," she said. SAveetly, “but I've had tbe most aAvful luck to-night, and I haven't a sou to tip the servants Avith. so if you could manage to let me haA r e that money—-—” “I can give you five pounds to-night, and let you have the rest in a day or tAvo, I must have time) to ask my father for the money," I faltered, trying in vain to repress a sob. “H'm. and father Aren't be pleased, eh? Then why go to your father? Why not sell some of your trinkets —this for instance/' she added, touching a ruby pendant that- hung round! my neck from a slender chain. “It belonged to my mother/’ I said, simply*

. "Beally? But I’m afraid, dear child, sentiment must give way to a. debt- of honour,” she replied, smiling. "I should say the pendant was worth from twenty to tAA r euty-five pounds, but if you Avill come over to my place to-morrow I’ll get my cousin, Mr Strome —who is a capital man of business—to value it for you.” "I’d rather not consult Mr Strome about my private affairs,” I said coldly. "I don’t in the least doubt his business capacity, but .” "You don’t like Carl Strome. eh? Well, as you please-, dear child, Ifm sure I don’t mind as long as I get the money. Perhaps your friend. Mr Maxwell —good gracious, child, don’t glare at me like that, er I shall feel quite frightened of you! • "Of course if you should reconsider the idea of seeing Strome, just be at my place between three and four to-morrow afternoon—stay. I’m driving into Everstoke so if you’ll be' at Pine Tree Hollow at 3.30, I’ll pick you up, and then there will be no danger of our missing each other. Now, don’t forget Pine Tree Hollow at 3.30. Good night, dear child—sleep well.”

CHAPTER IV. Next morning's post brought me a second letter from Dick. Avhich had the effect of enabling me to make up my mind about the sale of the pendant. I Avould not interview Mr Strome in person, but would get Mrs Risk to arrance the matter.

Three o'clock found me hurrying through the wood knoAvn as Pine Tree Tfollcvw, on the erlge of which stood Mrs Farringdon Risk's charm in er house.

But I had no eyes for the beauty of the slender pine stems, no ears 1 for the musio of the Avind among the branches. My eyes Avere fixed straight on the path in front of me. and my thoughts intent on the humiliating face that I, Elsie Lorrimer. Avag about to sell my mother's trinket to pay a stupid debt at cards l . Then I looked up and saAV Mr Strome standing in front of me, his hand outstretched, and a smug smile Avreathing his large face as he said, smoothly, “Ah, Avell met, Miss Lorrimer! My cousin told me I should see you if I came this Avay. I am the bearer of her apologies for not being able to come herself. She had forgotten her promise to Mr MaxAvell to drive with him to EA r erstoA\'e in the motor. But as I understand the matter is a mere question of business between you and me. Miss Lorrimer, perhaps, it is just as to dispense Avith the presence of a third party. Will you let me see the pendant?" I handed him the packet, and he drew the pendant from its wrappings, and placed it in the palm of his- sleek Avhit© hand.

“And Avhat my dear young lady, did you suppose this trinket Avould fetch?" he asked glancing at me from under his heavy eyelids. - “I think from Avhat Mrs Risk said, that it ought to be Avorth. about twenty-five pounds," said I, Mr Strome Avas silent for a moment, then he laughed softly. “My cousin knoAvs very little about it, I'm afraid," he said, “but as I know a good deal, I think I could fifteen pounds for it, but no more. “Then it is no use talking about selling it," said I, holding out my hand for the trinket. , • “One moment," said Mr Strome retaining my hand in his, “I can t be i think of beauty in distress and I * will advance you twenty-five pounds °n the ieAvel on condition that I a little commission on the transaction. “But I don't understand, I gasped, shrinking from the expression m his evea

“Don't-you?” lie replied, slipping his arm roulid my waist. “Surely you realise that a ki3S from those pretty lips is worth .” A gave a low cry of horrified amazement, and wrenching myself free from his arms, flew along the woodland path as if pursued by the furies. My breath came in sobbing gasps as i ran on with head bent to hide my flaming cheeks, and tear-filled eyes. Then as I emerged from tlie wood into the high road I started to see a motor come flashing down the slope. Mr Maxwell jumped to the* ground on catching sight of me.

“Is anything the matter, Miss Lor rimer ?” he said, in a queer, husky voice. Instead of answering like a. sensible person I burst into tears, and then Well. I don’t in the least know liow it happened, but in another moment I felt Mr Maxwell's arms about me. and I was sobbing out the whole truth on his breast. _ He listened quite silently till I. mentioned my surprise at meeting Mr Strome. “That explains Mrs Risk insisting on my accompanying her through the wood oii foot, and her allusions! to spoiling a pre-arranged tete-a-tete when we caught sight of you and Mr Sirome among the trees 1" said Mr Maxwell, quickly. “And you actually believed it possible, Mr Maxwell " I was beginning indignantly, when

“My Christian name is Jack, though I never hoped I should have the luck to hear It from those pretty lips”—he said, smiling—“you see I was so awfully jealous of Dick!" “Jealous of Dick! Why. he's' my brother !"

“Of course, but you sec 1 didn’t know that, and having fallen in love with you so desperately myself I knew most men •would do tlie same. Even that brute Strome-—by the wav. child, von have better eye-s than, mine—isn't that his motor on tho road in front of u.ef” “There is a- motor.” said X.

“Air, then. T i-lv-nlc T c. an comi on overtaking Mr Str-mn.o if you don’t mind {yetting out or the- lorlpe and walking up to the houso alone.” "But what are you going to do?” I cried, in alarm.

"I am er-insr to reorsest M” Strome to give me hack a. f krt. which, being an expert in prcli thing ol ., he knows to be worth n<- bear-' «!»re”tv nr. e : e;htv norinds.” ‘‘Bub Mrs Risk assured, me,” I was beginning— "My dear little girl it doesn’t do to believe all a woman, of that sort tells you —particularly when she is a confirmed gambler.” ‘ "But you forget—l gambled myself.

and- ” “You are not likely to forget it, I think,” smiled Mr Maxwell, as he lifted me from the m#ior. I was half way up the drive when a sudden thought struck me, and I branched oif through a' email spinney and ran swiftly down a path commanding the high road just as Mr Strome’s motor turned the brow of the hill.

He was evidently conscious of Mr Maxwell’s pursuit, and Vas putting in all he knew to avoid him., but his steam motor had no chance against the Panhard. which dropped down the hill like a bullet shot past Mr Strome—and turning, came back again in a series of curves that made it extremely difficult for another vehicle to pass.

"Look here, stop those pantomime tricks, and tell me what the devil you want.” shouted Mr Strome, bringing his motor to a standstill.

Mr Maxwell’s reply was inaudible, but be looked dangerous as he leapt from his motor, and faced the other man’s scowling face. Their conversation was at first inaudible to me, till I caught the words—“My dear chap, she wouldn’t be the first iittle girl who had paid m© in that sort of coin, for getting her out of a bole. Sbe’s a charming little woman, and evidently enjoys a gamble now and then * »

The coarse laugh ended in an oath as Mr Maxwell seized the man by the collar, and dragging him from the' carriage hurled him into the ditch. Then he climbed into his motor and spun smoothly up the hill, just as Mrs Earringdon Risk’s dog-cart turned into the high road. . . Sha drew up and burst into a shrill peal of laughter at the sight of the muddy figure emerging from the ditch. "Stop that, Clara!” said the man. savagely, "if it hadn’t been for you and your damned scheming .” . . "My dean Carl, it wasn’t I who insisted on embroidering Che scheme by a little love-making on .your own account, which, as you know ” . ... . . "Exactly fitted ,m with your plan of spiking the little girl’s gun as regards the millionaire.” supplemented the man.

angrily. “Come., Clara, what's the good of bluff between you and me! It's Miss Lorriiuer's first gamble and she's won — raked in the pool in fact, but next time “There won't be a next time,” said Mrs Farringdon Risk, sagely, “her husband will see to that.” And for once the handsome widow guessed light—“it was my first and last little gamble.”