“BALDOVIE.”

South Canterbury Times, Issue 6245, 18 June 1890, Page 4

“BALDOVIE.”

UTHRATURE

' A TALE OF CRIME AND MISFORTUNE.

Mr Feuerheead proceeded,

- At the same time—l am sure you will forgive me, Mr Dalgleish, for expressing an opinion which may seem to question the judgment of a gentleman of such long experience as the same time I must say that is a pity this packet was opened so soon. We really know nothing yet about Mr William’s fate; and if, as I hope, he should return, he will doubtless be able to give us an explanation of this sudden change of his father’s arrangements.’ ‘That cannot affect the arrangements themselves,’ ooseived Mr Dalgleish quietly. ‘No, but it may help to carry out the wishes of Mr Carmichael in the spirit which prompted him rather than by the lettter.’ ‘ True.’

‘ Then gi*e me leave to say that I knew Mr Carmichael well. He did frequently speak of giying me a partnership —it was, in fact, latterly a condition of my remaining with him; and I am not surprised that ha should notify the fact in his last hours. I am, however, surprised that he should name me as an alternative trustee.’ ‘So am I,’ muttered Marget under her breath.

‘But let me say at once that I refuse to take any action under this deed until we have proof of what has become of Mr William, or until a full ye-r has elapsed.’ : * What d<» you mean ?' inquired f he widow.

‘I mean that I shall continue to act as manager of the business, and to do my utmost to render it as profitable as hitherto ; but until twelve months have passed I refuse to accept a partnership, and I decline to act in any way as trustee.’

This announcement was made with the cool decisiveness of a man, who, being thoroughly convinced that he was in the right, is not to be turned from his purpose by any argument or persuasion. There was no pretentious humility : he spoke as if perfectly awara of his own value, and showed that he bad no intention to depreciate it. He simply assumed the right of decision, and having considered what it was best to - do, he decided accordingly. Here again Mrs Carmichael owned to herself that the man was acting frankly and honourably, contrary to all expectation. In the intensity of the relief she experienced she was inclined to see more merit in his conduct than might have been the case at any less exciting period. Marget, too, could not help admitting that Feuerheerd’s behaviour was everything she could have desired, and the expression of pleased surprise with which she looked at him afforded him secretly more satisfaction than she could have guessed, Mr Dalgleish dangled his goldrimmed eyeglasses, and smiled approvingly. ' ‘You are right, Mr Feuerheerd,’ he said. ‘The course yon propose will simplify the whole business, and will in the end, I have no doubt, prove most beneficial to all parties.’ ‘I certainly have to thank Mr Feuerheerd for his consideration,’ said Mrs Carmichael ; 'bnt I cannot consent to take the advantage of his generosity—at least so far as concerns the share allotted to him in the business. I leave it to you, Mr Dalgleish, to see that arrangement carried out at once, as desired by my husband.’ . * You are very kind, Mrs Carmichael/ said Feuerheerd, bowing; ‘but I shall not accept the partnership until the year has passed.’ On this point he was immovable; and Mrs Carmichael was equally resolute on her part that the necessary agreement should be drawu up forthwith.

When they were on their way to the town together Feuerheerd said confidentially to the lawyer : ‘Do you know why lam resolved to. delay acting upon the terms of our late friend’s last instructions ?’

‘ I suppose because you still expect Mr William to return.' ‘I not only expect it, I am sure of it—this document by which you are removed from the trusteeship in favour of himself proves it. He wanted to he beyond your wise control in dealing with the business; and why begot my name put in as alternative trustee was because be reckoned upon having a good many years before him, and did not care who was to follow him.’ ‘lt is possible that he might wish to be entirely free from any control,’ said the lawyer slowly ; ‘ but I cannot see bow that affords any additional proof of his being alive.’ ‘Ton will see by-and-by,’ rejoined Feuerheerd, as if he saw much more in the circumstance than he cared to dismiss at present. The arrangement which afforded so much content to the folks at Baldovie afforded none to poor Jess. On the first day she was permitted to go out she asked to be taken to, where Munro’s boat lay, and she stood beside it looking across the waters with sad eyes, as if imploring the deep to tell the secret of Wild Will’s fate. Her father was most strange in his conduct. He Jived ou board his barque which was now in dockland rarely visited the cottage. When he did so, he spoke little, and remained only a few minutes. Jess was troubled about him, and at length spoke to Mrs Carmichael. That lady determined to see Culross, and endeavour to bring him to reason. With that object in view she went on board his barque, and discovered him leaning listlessly over the bulwark.

Oulross was in one of his gloomy fits when Mrs Carmichael stepped on the deck. He did not hear her approach, and when she laid her hand on his shoulder, the touch was so light that he was unconscious of it until ehe spoke. 1 Mr Culross.’

He looked round quickly, and recognising her, turned as he lifted his j cap. Surprise /partially dispelled the j gloom from his countenance. I ‘ Mrs Carmichael—is there anything wrong with Jess ?’ ‘ No, no,’ she hastened to reassure him, and glad to find that he was 'anxious about his daughter. ‘Mrs William is going on very well, and will soon have all her strength restored, I ■have come to talk with you about her. She laid a gentle emphasis upon her designation of Jess, and there was a grateful tremor on the man’s lips. ‘ She and I owe much to your kindness,’ he said, trying to clear his throat of something that appeared to b esticking in it; f but I would rather loot talk about her—yet, even to you.’ ‘You cannot think me intrusive, Mr Culross. and I must insist upon your listening to me lor her sake as well as vour own. It is right that you should understand the plans I propose for her future in view of whatever contingency may arise. It is your duty to talk over the matter with me, and to aid me with your advice.’ ‘ It is kind of you, Mrs Carmichael, verv kind, I am satisfied that whatever you think proper to do for her tier will be right, and you have my thanks. But I can give you no help in the way of counsel, and. • • • and, if you please, I would rather not talk about that business.’ He found it difficult to suppress the adjective With which he had been about to prefix the last word. The struggle to maintain a courteous bearing in the lady’s presence was proving too much for him.

‘Then we shall not discuss anything, Mr Culross,’ she said in grave, kindly accents ; ‘but I mnst insist upon your listening to what I have to say/ • Very well, Mrs Carmichael; since you insist I must listen. Will you step down to the cabin? —you will be more comfortable there. ' * Now, lam ready to listen,’ he said, when they were seated opposite each other, • and I hope that you will excise any shortcomings in the way of taking whatever you may have to say, for my mind is ill at ease. ‘lt is in the hope of setting it at ease that I have come to you, rejoined Mrs Carmichael; ‘ and if your trouble is, as I suppose, on your daughter s account solely, I trust and believe that you will have n) further reason for fretting after you have heard what I have to say.’ ‘ I’ll be glad if that be the case. I am sure that it would be so if yo u had your will.’

{To he Continued.)