CHAPTER V.—"FOR OUR HONOUR'S SAKE."

Otago Witness, Issue 2497, 22 January 1902, Page 64

CHAPTER V.— "FOR OUR HONOUR'S SAKE."

Colonel Cheverley was about to leave the house that afternoon when he encountered Saville or the doorstep.

" I am glad that I have caught you, sir, ' said the young man. " I must speak to you at once." ' Good heavens ! " ejaculated the Colonel, 'what's the matter? Is anybody dead?"

"No, nobody is dead," said Saville, following him to the smoking room, "but — do you know what London is talking about?" ''How should I know?" " The Wilders have circulated the report that Hilda stole the brooch." The old soldier turned purple. For an instant Saville feared that J»e was going to have a fit. He clutched at his collar, and sank trembling with fury into a chair.

" The infernal insolence ! " " It was through a conversation I overheard by chance at the club that I discovered the talk that was going on, and traced it to its source," continued Saville. "Of course, it is the woman's tongue which is responsible. I couldn't have a row with her, but I've seen Wilder."' "And what is his defence?" " Justification," replied Carew. bitterly. " He is sorry that his wife allowed her jusfe annoyance to get the better of her discretion, for your sake, and the hake of their old affection for Hilda ; but what she had. said — which had been repeated — was the opinion they had arrived at after prolonged private discussion. I demanded a public apology, which he declined to give.'' The young man stood grinding his heel into the carpet as though he had Ins enemy under foot ; he was very pale, he spoke between hi.-, clenched teeih. The Colonel, an upright, distinguis-lie'l-looking m;ui of 60. with white hair and complexion burnt by many years of Indi-i, was still so angry that he could scarcely speak.

"My daughter! Mine ! " he gasped. '" It is intolerable ! " He pealed at the bell, and till the servant came neither of them, spoke. "Tell Miss Hilda that I want hei." " Yes, sir.'" A moment later the girl entered. Instantly her fare changed. "What is the matter? ' she asked. Saville rose and took her hand. *■ Something very unpleasant has occurred, dear,' he began, gently.

But the Colonel could not wait,

" That infernal Wilder woman has had the boundless audacity to say that you stole her brooch. It is all over London. The very clubs are ringing with it." Hilda started, and turned very white. "Saville, is it true?" ■" I am afraid it is, dear." Her horrified eyes wandered from her father to her lover and back again.

" But you shall be righted, don't you fey," cried the Colonel. " You are not a lonely, helpless woman. You have a father who will protect your good name my child. I'll bring an action for libel against these people, and soon squash this outrageous charge." A sharp cry broke from the girl. Sho trembled, and clutched her lover's arm.

"An action for libel ! Oh, no ! Father, Saville, I can't! I can't!" There was an ominous silence. "Why not?" asked the Colonel sternly. (To be continued.)