THE NOVELIST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2272, 16 September 1897, Page 41

THE NOVELIST.

[Sow Fiest Published.]

THE BRIDE OF A DAY.

By MARY ALBERT, Author of "The Luckiest Man in the World,'

" Brooke Finchley's Daughter," "Mystification," &c.

[All Rights Reserved.]

have been both refreshed and amused. Miss Hanworth bas such quixotic idea?, and in this prosaic nineteenth century one ought to be grateful for anything < riginal."

" What quixotic ideas, eh ? " asked Lady Fareleigb, somewhat sharply.

" Ob, about money matters," exclaimed her friend, moving a piece from one end of the board to the other. " Ah, well! Youth has to learn and middle age to sigh. Cheer up, Miss Hanwortb. You are young — very young "

" But I want to hear what quixotic ideas Miss Hanworth has electrified you with, and after only a few minutes' acquaintanceship too. Really I must ask to hear," eaid Lady Fareleigb, eyeing the discomfited Ohrissie scrutinisingly. The girl looked indignant too. What could have passed between them ? thought her ladyship.

"My dear Geraldiae, I did not use the word • electrified.' I said • amused and refreshed.' Besides, Miss Hanworth^and I have met before, so that wa are * not entirely strangers "

" Oh, indeed ! And where, may I ask ? " cried LadyFareleigh.

" How curious you are 1 " laughed her fri?od. "Is there anything remarkable in the fact tbat a year or two ago I happened to meet Miss Hanworth 1 But it is dinner time, and I must be wheeled into the next room and make something of a toilet. Then (to Chrissie) •. " Dare I venture to beg yoa to ri»g for my maid ? "

" Miss Hanworth, is there any mystery in your acquaintanceship with Lady Lsnham 7 " inquired Lady Fareleigh abruptly. "You look distressed and indignant. My friend covertly accuseß you of having been — foolish. Do let us clear it up, as we have to live together."

" Oh, it is nothing ! Pray do not inquire," said Lady Lanbam.

"May I explain?" cried Obrissie, with tearful eyes and voice. " I once did something for which I was truly sorry ; but I was only 15, and I begged to-be pardoned. It is hard to have it brought up against me now." " Good heavens ! "Was it something imprndent 1 " faltered Lady Fareleigh. aghast. " I am afraid it was imprudent," rejoined innocent Obrissie, while Lady Leubatn burst into hearty laughter.

" The fact is," continued the young girl, with a heightened colour and faltering voice, "I went down to Lenham Lodge — I, who was a perfect stranger to Lady Lenham — because I bad heard she was rich and so munificent. I wanted to entreat her to lend a hundred pounds to a person whose family the sum would reecue from a great danger. Circumstances occurred, however, to open my eyes to my folly, and I fainted when Lady Lenham came to speak to me. It was growing dark, and it was snowiDg, and as I was for a loDg time insensible, Lady Lenham kindly sheltered me for the night. I quitted the Ledge before she was up next morning, leaving a note avowing the intention with which I had come, and asking pardon for my mistake. As Lady Lenham was ignorant of my name, I bad hoped that the matter was done with ; but she intended you to know all about it, and I have now told you all."

11 Oh ! really 1 So tbat is how you met, 1 ' said Lady Fareleigb, giving a Bigh of relief. " Well, of course, it was a foolish thins to do;

Chapter XIII. (Continued.')

ELL, and how .have you and Mias Hanworth been getting on ? " said her ladyshipi seating herself beside the sofa.

"Delightfully!" exclaimed Lady Lenham in an unplsaßant tone. "I

but it was no crime, go yon need not- look so muob distressed about; it. Yoa hare really told me everything ? "

" Yes," intttrposed Lady Lenbaro, " axrtept that she persuaded nor trustee to lend a hundred pounds to her friend ont of her own small portion, and she herself its repaying it little by little. Take care what yoa are about Lady Fareleigh ; Mias Han worth is romantic, however strongly she may deny it."

" Certainly she is, if eh a could do a thing like that," rejoined Lady Fareleigh gravely. "And yet I have never neglected reading her a sermon on the value of money whenever I have paid her salary. _ Well, let us hope thai in a couple of years she will have grown wiser. Yoa woald not be so imprudent now, I hope ? " turning to Cbrissie..

"Yes — I cannot deceive you— l would do it again if the same occasion arose," owned the girl in a firm though gentle tone.

" Then I am afraid you mill live to repent your folly 1 " said Lady Fareleigh in an injured tone; "but I have done my duty — I have warned yon. Come " (turning to Lady Lenham), " let us go to dinner."

Obrissie, who did not dine usually with 'her employer, retired, her tears overflowing as she went upstairs. "Why was she so spiteful to me? Why was she so resolved to make me repent -having troubled her 7 " thought the young girl. "It was ungenerous — it was cruel 1 " ;

Bslow in the library Lady Lenham was saying to her hostess : " I am much mistaken if there is not a story yet to unravel connected with your little companion — a story of which she may never have heard."

'Dear me, what can it; be 1" exclaimed her ladyship.

" I will tell you after dinner. Restrain your curiosity till then. Of course one cannot speak before the servants."

Chapter XIV. Rumour's Voic«.

" Now, then, explain what you mean about the 6tory connececl with Cbrist&bel Hanworth," said Lady Fareleigh when, an hour or so later, the two ladies had re-established themselves in the library and tea had been brought in.

"It is a story which is enough to make your hair stand on end I " responded Lady Lenham, " and I really shall be very sorry if this romantic little girl' you have picked up as companion should prove to be mixed up with it as I think. The name is the same, however, as that originally borne by her father — Hanworth."

"What did ha do 2 . Of what was he guilty 1 " gasped Lady Fareleigb, alarmed tbat anyone beneath her roof should be allied to any <3i*grace. , * . "He did — awful things ; at least they are laid at his door ; and I- suppose there is some foundation for them, or the ' man would' not haye 1 been suspected, of them,", replied-her ladyship, complacently -sippiDg her tea. 1 " I wish you would speak out, and^not keep me on tenterhooks;" rejoined Lady Fareleigh with some heat. " Tbis girlvwho is now with me is an orphan;' so that at .any rate, if 'the man who was her father was guilty of anything disgraceful, he is at least out of the way."

" He may be reputed dead, my dear, without actually beirig so," remarked Lady Lanham with rneaoiog.

" Good heavens 1 " gasped her listener, really shocked. "Pray — pray tell me all you suspect 1 What did tbiß man Hanworth do 2"

" Mind, I cannot prove his connection with that pretty little nobody, your companion ; I merely say the name is the 3ame as that she bears.

" Well, the Me Hanworth of whom I am thinking was a tutor in a wealthy family, and made love to one of the daughters of the house. He induced her to run off with him, too."

"Disgraceful," murmured- Lady Fareleigh, who regarded every mesalliance in the light of a crime. " And what became of the unfortunate young lady who made such an illconsidered marriage ? "

" She died," said Lady Lenham in a voice not quite so careless as usual. She had omitted to explain to her friend that the girl who married so imprudently had been her own sister, and that she, Lady Lenham herself, had been very much in love with the said tutor, and still remembered with bitterness that he had never returned her affeotioo.

" Oh, she died I " re-echoed Lady Fareleigh. . " I suppose her own people did not receive her after her marriage 1 " - " -No," was the brieE answer. - > "'

" And you imagine that this girl' is her child 1 If so, she would be well connected on the mother's side."

" No— no — the misguided young lady leffe no children — happily — she died abroad, where it was thought she went for her health, and of course the marriage was hushed up. Probably if this girl you have as companion is a daughter of the tutor who behaved so badly, she is the child of a second wife of his."

"Ah, I see," remarked Lady Fareleigb. "But what makes you suppose that the man gives himself out for dead when all the time he is alive 1 "

" Why 1 " (with a scornful laugh) " because he got into debt — and then he disappeared."

" Ob, really 1 That was terrible. How shocking altogether I" (Again Lady Lenham had suppressed a fact in her narrative which, had it been related, would have materially altered her listener's view of it. She purposely omitted to state that the Mr Han worth whose character she was blackening had at a later period paid every farthing he bad owed.)

" Yoh have made me feel very uneasy," continued Lady Fareleigh, "for I always think qualities are inherited, and that they show themselves sooner or later, so that I could not trust my little nobody to-day as I conld yesterday before I bad heard this tale. Besides, who is to be sure that we may not suddenly see her father's name in the newspapers, mixed up with some criminal case, and bearing ever so many aliases."

" Naturally," rejoined Lady Lenham, idly furling and unfurling her fan. "But if I were you I would make inquiries and satisfy myself."

" Bat of whom 1 It is all very well to give the advice so glibly, bat " " I will make these inquiries for you." in-

terrnpted Lady I<«nhurn. *• The. .girl has m trustee, It appears ; you have only to ascer- } iain his addreas and impart it to me. The tbiag to ascertain is this: Is Miss Hanworth's father skill living 7 "

" Most heartily I trnafe that 70a are mi«taken " ejaculated Lady Farelefgb. " Bat how oddly things tarn oat 1 If the silly child had cot taken that wild journey to the Lodge this story in the background would never have been inquired into."

41 And your little nobody might have lived and died in happy obscurity," interpolated Lady Lanham. "As it is, I fear you moat find some other companion with whom you can speak Italian. Is this Miss Hanworth an orphan, or is her father living after all ? That is the first thing to ascertain."

" Ob, hush 1 hush 1 " said Lady Fareleigh quickly, but her warning oame too late ; Ohrissie had entered the room, and had distinctly overheard the last two sentences.'

"Oh! what were you saying ?" exclained she impulsively. " What do you know about my father or me 1 I have always been told that he is dead — tbat he died many years ago. Is there then a chance that he is living 1 Tell me, I entreat, all you know;" And in much agitation Ohrissie threw herself on her knees'- beside Lady Fareleigb, - The latter was confused and uncertain how to reply. 'Then Lady Lenham interposed, " The fact is, Miss Hanwortb, that it is possible that your father did not die when he was supposed to have dona to. A good many psople go to the other side of the world and settle down there, and, oeaslng to write to relatives and friend?, are presumed to be dead. We think it may have been so in your father's case."

•' Why do you think so, Lady Lenham ? " Then, as the latter hesitated, Ohrissie continued impetuously, "You must have had some reason for supposing this."

" Yes, of course," stammered her ladyship. " I once met a gentleman named Hanworth, and the name struck me when I heard that it was your name also. He went abroad yearß and years ago, and was reported to have died there; after which there was a rumour that he was still living. But rumour says many things without foundation."

"I do not think so," cried Cbriesie. " I believe no .rumour exists without some gronnd to support it. It is I who must question my trustee. Lady Fareleigb, will you let me go to London to-morrow 1 " ~

" To-morrow 1 Really,. it is very inconvenient," replied her ladyship. " However, I suppose if I refuse a person of your, excitable temperament would work yourself into a fever before night."

Chrißsie would fain have asked a score of questions of both ladies, but she felt tbat they would only rebuff and silence her, so' when, she again spoke it ; was .to inquire if they would like her to play any t ding. . * "If^'you" please-^-something of, -Mendelstfonn'sj it will do ue good after ail these' unpleasant' snrmisingg," returned Lady Fareleigh in, her most disagreeable -manner. " Tbanfc'you," said Lady Fareleigh in her. most freezing tones when Christie had done as she was desired ; " and now 'I think yon' had better go to bed, Mies Hanworth, for I am really afraid tbat I cannot undertake either to send you to the station or to fetch you back to-morrow, as the horses will be in use." " Oh ! of course I can walk.- I could not think of giving you the trouble to send me. Good -night, Lady Fareleigb." ' -

•■ Good-nigh V' returned her ladyship, without raising her eyes. Then Ohrissie, made her good-night to Lady Lenham, who pretended not to hear, and so Ohrissie retired, feeling as uncomfortable as- they wished her to feel. It was raining next morning as the young girl started on her journey, after partaking of a cold cup of tea, unwillingly brought up by the housemaid.

Arrived in town towards half-past 10 o'clock, Chrissie was making her way to the lawyer* office, when she suddenly came face to face with a young man who was walking along in deep thought; and with something very like care on bis brow,

It was Ronald -L^e, who gave one sharp exclamation of surprise, and then, hastening to Chriasio's side, took both her hands tenderly within hi* own.

" You hers, dearest I " he murmured fondly. - " You here, Ronald 1 I might re-echo," she. . re joined, trying to smile, while a tesr fell ow. her cheek. Tender, hurried questions and. replies succeeded and Ohrissie had soon toldhim of last night's episode, while on -her part she learned that Ronald's father was ill, and that his mother had telegraphed to him to come home for a time.

The two youog people lingered on their way to the lawyer's (for, of course, Ronald accompanied the girl he loved), and aa they went he said so many fond words that Cbrissie forgot her anxieties, and the world seemed all smiles again.

What did anything matter if Ronald and she loved one another? But even with this sweet thought another was mingled which darkened the sky. Was there not something which might come between them far stronger y divide their lives than the opposition C father or mother, or her own poverty 1 I & was true that her own father had disappec 1 A, did not that point to some disgr&ce in ' background ? Oh 1 how would her trustee reply to her questions on this point ?

She faltered out her dark fear in Ronald's ear as he, for a moment, took her* in his arms, under the shadow of a friendly doorway; and his murmnred assurance tbat she was his — his own love always — in joy and sorrow supported her after the parting, and into the presence of Mr Firme. " Why, Miss Ohristabel 1 what hat brought you here so unexpectedly ? " was his greeting. " Something unpleasant 1 for I see as much by yonr tell-tale face 1 Come, let me hear what it is, as shortly as possible." - .

Expecting to hoar of some disagreement with Lady Fareleigh which had resulted in her dismissal, the lawyer was betrayed into a start of surprise and. consternation ■as Chrissie asked abrnptly :

"I hare come to ask yon whether my father's death was actually proved as a fact f Lady Fareleigh's friend, Lady Lenham, insinuates that he disappeared — and for jome strong reason. Oh ! was this true 1 "

As the girl's bright, imploring eyes were fixed on his face she read his discomfiture at the question. ■■ . • • - "My dear young lady 1" he -stammered, nervously shuffling his papers, "the faotid

that your father did go abroad — and for a time we did not know what had become of him. But; his- death' seemed ascertained, well authenticated, so that scaroely any {loubt has ever been raised on the subject. Why should you suddenly feel troubled on this score after so many years ? "

"Because Lady Lenbam implied some disgrace i " cried she, bursting into tears. " Then , Lady, Lenham must be made to substantiate her charge — or to hold her tongue. I will write to her. That will Bileuce her, my dear. Of course I shall word ivy letter very courteously, begging her to state definitely what she knows as fact concerning your late father. So let me beg of you to feel comforted, and not to presage acy thing- terrible because your father died abroad instead of in England." Hearing the lawjer speak in this tone, Cnrissie was somewhat comforted, and she faltered out that she hardly believed she herself should have such a 1 horror of anything ■disgraceful if her own father had been guilty of any misdeed.

And ' the kind trustee eaid all sorts of reassuring things. Then, at latt, he told her that he was so busy that morning that every moment stolen from business was the loss of so much gold; so that Obtissie saw iertelf forced to take leave of him, and found that she bad still several hours at her own disposal. ." *' What should she do with them ? - ' " A sudden, joyful thought flashed into her torain. ' She Vould have time to break the' jouroey back'to 'Beech Mount Cottage and to go home. What happiness 1 3'\e made a hasty calculation . Ye», there ■would be time'; and flushed with eager clesire, she started. 1 It was 1 o'clock as she reached her destination' and alighting on the well-Known platform looked about her in case any familiar face should 'greet her. But no — no gaze from J friend or acquaintance met her eyes — only the porter touched his cap* and eaid, smilingly: "Glad to see you, misp." And then the man turned round to watch a pasnenger who, like Ohristabel, had arrived fey that train. " Who is he ? " asked she of- the official Who had just greeted her.' " Don'tknow, miss," laughing. "He has been hore before, poor old fellow ! Not right ber«?, I should say' " (touching his forehead).

"He is dresaed so queeriy," observed Chrissie.

"He is that, miss, and no mistake about It," returned the man. '

Osrissie, however, had no timo to lose, and her quick step soon overtook and -passed the strange* figure ahead of her: A sound of hurrying steps behind her, of a voice calling out "Hi 1 hi ! " caused her to pause at the end of the green pathway she had just traversed. • The boughs met dverbead—it was a sweet solitude.

Cbrissie 1 turned and beheld the figure of the personage commented 6n by the- railway porter. "Stay, stay a moment, youog lady.l" punted he. They were alone ; Ohrissie felt somewhat timid. Of course he was deranged. Wbat sane man would habit himself as this man was dressed ?

" I want to find the road to, Grove Cottage,'* Baid be, coming up.

Grove Cottage 1 Why, that -was the name of the house in which her guardian lived. .But Ohrissie suppressed aoy expression of surprise, and only said that he could not miss 'iis ■way, it was so direct.

*• Shall I find anyone at borne when I do get there?" inquired the strange old man. *• Perhaps you could tell me — eh, my dear 1 "

" No, I have just come from Loodon, and I have but little time to spare," rejoined she, jtcxious to escape ; "bo I will leave you — good afternoon." But he was not to be shaken off so easily.

" Young folks hava al-ways time to spare," Said he, persistently following her quick footsteps. " 'Tis the old ones who want time. What should you think now was my business bere 1 "

♦' I really cannot tell," said Chrissie, a little bit alarmed. "See, we are just at the high road. Turn to the left and you will come to Chrove Cottage." And so saying she left him and ran across the road into another copse, "whenc*. as she knew, she could diverge fomewhat higher np. " I say, how fast you go 1 " panted a voice behind her. " I want to tell you something. Do your father and mother live hereabouts ? " "My guardian does," replied Ohrissie, yriehing herself well out of the copse. - " Ah, to be sure ! Your guardian 1 And Where does he live, my dear ? lam gnch an old man I may call you my dear, mayn't "I will show yon where my guardian Jives," said she, ignoring this last remark. * % But I am in great haste."

" Let us take hands then, that will help tne along," said the other seJzlnsr her arm «md pressing forwards.

Chrissie was very much frightened. He held h«r in a tight grip, and che path was lonely. She attempted to free herself, but in vain, so that th%y ran together. Trembling, and very much agitated, a welcome stile gave her the opportunity of loosing herself from his grasp, -and once on the other side she sped along -so swiftly that she eicaped being recaptured in his dreaded hold.

But he laboured fast behind.

The 6urprise of her guardian, who had just mounted his boree, may be imagined when he perceived the figure of bis young ward pursued by a grotesquely-attired stranger making for his door. Quickly dismounting again he advanoed to meet Ohristabel, wbo fell breathless into his arms. " Ob, guardian, he is insane — I am sure 1 " she gasped. "My dear child, how came you here 1 " was all he had time to say.

By this time Mrs M-le had seen from the window that something unusual was going on, and she, together with one or two of the younger ones, hastened out.

" Chrissie 1 Ohris*ie! It is Ohrissie!" shouted the little boys, while she flew into their mother's arms.

" I have only an hour or two to stay with you. Oh, let me tell you all ! " she began, while her guardian was speaking in a pacifying tone to the queer-looking old man, wbo was gesticulating in' an excited manner, atid calling out at the top of- bis voice, "My daughter 1 I come to find my daughter 1 "

Then Mrs Male led Chrissie away, but it wss half an . hour before her husband could rejoin them.

•• I had such -& difficulty in getting rid of that funny old fellow 1 " said he. "He is demented, but not daDgerous. Now, Ohriseie, my child, tell me of yourself."

And then, weeping, she did tell him all tbat had occurred yesterday evening, and what had passed in London', and of her meeting with Ronald.

Was it her fancy that her guardian, too, looked very gravet when she told him what Lady Lenham had insinuated. But he, too, spoke soothing words, and bade her disregard the insinuation.

" Take heart, my darling child, and do not permit these whimpers, with nothing to support them, to undermine your peace. Scores of people go abroad — die there — and are loat to their families. It was the same with your father."

" But you never knew him, guardian I " rejoined Ohrissie.

" No, my dear. Mr Firme arranged that you should be brought up by v*."

The inexorable clock struck the hour, and Chrissie, embracing them affectionately, had to hurry away. This time she bad no fear of tbe lunatic stranger as she traversed the copse, and when* she arrived osce more at Lady Fareleigh'* she had forgotten his very existence.

(To be continued.)