A Commercial Monte Cristo.

Temuka Leader, Issue 7569, 23 May 1914, Page 4

A Commercial Monte Cristo.

GREAT NEW SERIAL

CHAPTER XXIV. “Tea propose to purchase me?” cried (« h. 0— ssothat he still had an uphill fight before him; not that ho had any. doubts of removing her father s opposition, but ho dW notV understand Adeou and wondered if any man could em real y Su.l ™ iS. ntgS he h.d P«i<l for «?"“*■ sssisss Jf forward to a pleasant evening, ulud ho far had proved to ho a failure. “'Miss Parmctcr, I’m a very l m «m h c*iAl B borichl” she answered, lightly, but there waa a question in her I rinderstand that you are uncommonly well blessed will ‘^““peo^V!? v t v n ew I had thought no I'eio cusa comparative wealth; it bores me, ehe said, hastily, and turned away her '“Seen caught the expression in her "3 he ■** & Jilt, Ji thank jou so muo n Pro lenjoyed mylself said and held out her hand to them. Max and Stanton accompanied them door and saw them into the cab Th« former stood at the window foi la*t word with Aileen. , „ “You will remember I spoke of * •bear’ movement in some shares. 1 - eeived ft cable this morning, and m a STfe* days I shall be in a position advise you to sell them. . . “Than/you,” she answered, in a low

former arrogance had returned —he spoke wit h more assurance, and had evidently recovered a good deal of his iormer self-confidence. Why did she dislike this return to his former state? She admitted to her&olf, with a boiiso or shame, that it was on account of Max Logan. But why should she wish to spare the man who had wronged her P “I’m nervous about that girl Ja.nc. She’s the only danger. If she keeps her mouth shut, wo can bleed Logan till he’s nothing left. Can’t you get her to conic down hero for a visit? I should fed safer if she were out of Loudon, ' Hawk* said, slowly. “1 don’t think she would come. We couldn’t very well bring her hero by force. I can't stay very much longer. 1 must go back to the City.” “ See that you keep in touch with me. You’ve been rather neglectful since you’ve been staying in London. ¥ou must advise me at once of any development." . „ , “Can you trust me? I ve done very well so far.” “1 don’t trust anyone. I m not sure you still haven’t a hankering after i/ogau. You women are queer cattle. When I got about again I must find a husband lor you. It’s about time jou married." , , „ , “If ever I marry I shall choose my own husband. Father, dear, you mustn't try to treat me in the same way as you did two years ago. Remember that I’ve been my own mistress so long and am no longer young. You’ll find 1 have n will of my own. As a matter of fact I ve no intention of giving up my work, even when you are quite well again, she said, quietly. Me stared at her in blank amazement, and she laughed lightly. ' . “It will save trouble if we understand one another from the commencement,’' she continued. “You are not suggesting that you might disobey me?” he demanded. “Yes—in certain circumstances,” she answered, cheerfully. His face darkened, and he was about to answer angrily, but quickly changed his mind. “1 think it’s nearly time I was about again,” he said, grimly. “ I sincerely hope you will be. Goodbye, father,” she said, and kissed'him. ' But her brow was puckered, and she thought deeply during the drive back to London. Her father’s desire for revenge seemed sordid and repulsive, and she Hushed when she remembered that she herself wax animated by a very similar motive. But there was an infallible way of soothing her conscience, and that was by recalling the humiliating night when she had visited Logan at the Carlton Hotel, and had asked him to spare her father. But the most bitter memory was the fact that ho had asked her to marry him, not caring, but as a means to injure her father. “Ho dosorvos to be punished,” she told herself, vehemently, but all the time she realized that she was acting unworthily. 1 At the office Costello was awaiting her, and he came in with an air of satisfaction- “ I’ve been lucky enough to get hold of another small block of Tampo Oils. Now we arc quite ready for Logan, and the sooner h© moves the better I shall be pleased,” ho said. “Mr. Logan told m* that lie would advise me very shortly. I sha’n’t stay at the office to-day unless there is anything important." “.Miss Ailuen, if we succeed, my share will make me a rich man,” Costello began nervously. “Y r ou deserve to be. You’ve worked hard, and I’m vary grateful.” “I don’t want your gratitude,” he cried, with sudden passion, and she rose to her feet and stared at him, for she could not understand. What had happened to this man whom she had only regarded as a machine? He had invariably treated her With the greatest respect, and had hardly ever addressed to her a remark that did not refer to their business. “I know you don’t care for me, but I can contain myself no longer. I’ve worked like a devoted slave, but it wasn’t for the money—it was for you.” His voice had a shrill note and his fingers twitched nervously. “I never meant you to know,” he went on, recklessly, “but I love you. I’m foolish to say it, but ” “Mr. Costello, I’m very, very sorry. I like you, for you’ve been very kind. I don’t think 1 shall ever marry.” “Just give me a chance —a little hope,” he pleaded, passionately. “ It would b© unkind, for I could never cave for you in that way. I have loved one man in my life and ” “ And that man is Max Logan. I have watched you closely, and I know,” he cried, vehemently. “Once I did Jove Max Logan,” she answered, quietly. “You love him still. 'l’m sure of it; and that’s why you want to ruin him.” "Isn’t that rather a curious reason for harming a man?” she asked, nervously. “They say that hate is akin to love, and I can understand it.” “ Mr. Costello, we will be friends. Wo’ll forget this afternoon. Believe me it is wiser. I don’t want to have to leave the City when father comes back.” “Your friendship is Letter than nothing. I, was mad to speak,” he answered, hoarsely, and she gave him her hand, which lie grasped convulsively, and then quickly left the office. Ho had been writing for about half an hour, when he was called up on the telephone, and taking up the receiver he recognized Hawke's; voice. “ 1 want you to come out here at once. You’d better stay the night.” Costello did not dream of refusing, and ho.hastened home at once for his bag, and by seven o’clock he was_ with Hawke, but the latter refused to discuss business until after dinner. “1 am glad to sec you are so much hotter.” Costello began, nervously, for' ho still feared his employer. “There are some people who’ll bo sorry to hoar it,” Hawke answered, grimly. “I’ve brought you out to tell me the exact position—every detail.” “ Bat Miss Hawke has been this morning, and she knows as much about it a« 1 do,” be protested. “ As a matter of fact I don't trust any woman. Now start, and miss nothing.” Costello obeyed, and when ho had finished Hawke smiled grimly. ‘Tour accounts tally—unless you’re in with her—are you?” “I’ve spoken tho truth. I’ve always boon loyal to you and to her.” "It’s timo sho was out of it. My daughter needs a husband. You’ve stuck to me through thick and thin, and you

T °“Oan I see you to-morrow ? "I’m afraid not. I’m going home in the morning. But you may P h °“ e ”P at the hotel about six o clock, she added as an after-thought. When the car had gone a ® " Aiken placed her arm around Ethel and drew her more closely to her. “There’s nothing to worry about, my dear.” she whispered, tenderly. “I’m not worrying,” Ethel answered, but she brushed a tear from her oy . "In your heart, you wouldn t bar o Sir James any different. Mr. Logan told me what had upset him. ... “I don’t know what you are talking about; Sir James Stanton is nothing to me,” Ethel answered, quickly. " Surely you can trust me dear. We all saw that he had fallen m loro with you, for he didn’t try to conoeal I who know you so well guessed that you 'S? e not indifferent to him .You don’t usually take so keen an interest in the conversation of men you have met. \m are always gracious and kind, but, your manner to Sir James showed that you Shim. Well, he’s worthy of your action. Although just now I expressed a different opinion, I respect « ™ Who does not like tho > W a rich woman. Naturally Sii ™ unset for ho only found out just hefoio you arrived; but when ho has; ha ™ for consideration he’ll come back. As a matter of fact it is always a good thing W the wife of a Colonial Governor to isn’t too generous even to its brilliant; ashamed to admit it. I do like him, j( and I’ve been very miserable have » good talk to him 1 get him alone,” Aiken said .cheerfully: ■ “-You must not speak to Sir James about me. I don’t even know that he ° a give you away, my dear—l will ’phono you to-morrow when. 1 get back from the country. Good night. Aileen did not go in with her, but turned to the hotel, and at an tally hour in tho morning started off to see her father. Ladram Hawke was seated fn a chair on the lawn, and sbe iittered a cry of pleasure, tor since his lUness he hod always been in a recumbent posiso very glad,” she said, and kissed him tenderly. “The professor is mors than satisnea with the progress I’ve made. He s now pretty certain that I shall get wel . liven you have no idea what it means t me. These last two years have been a living death. And now to bo back m the City again, pitting my wits against other men’s. I’ve been auxioim to kno what’s been going on. Sib dovn an tell me everything,’ he cried, perempsome reason, unacknowledged to bwrself, Aileen hesitated to speak, and he grew impatient. “What’s ths matter with you? Surely nething has gone wrong. led me at oncel” he cried, harshly. And Aileen obeyed going fully into what had transpired, and as her stoiy was completed his excitement increased. “Now I have him,” ho cried, cxultiwdv. “Aileen, you’re my own child; l couldn’t have done better myself. Logan is not so smart as I thought he was. J-t was madness to tie up his capital m Lageria.” , , , , . “A splendid madness;'l admire him for it,” she answered, defiantly, and ho looked at her with suspicion. “I hope there’s going to bo no foolishness about Logan. The man treated you disgracefully.” “There will be no foolishness. I have not forgotten your wrongs—or my own, etas answered, quietly. Soon the professor came, and mu be was taken into tho house to undergo treatment. When it was over Aileen intercepted the Aifstnan, and questioned him closely. w ... “Your father will recover. B n never be as strong as ho was, but he 11 ha able to get about very soon, and 1 see b© reason why he shouldn t years,” the doctor said, with decision.' “ Will it be safe for him to return to businessP” she asked, and her anxiety was great as she awaited the answer. “Quite safe,” be replied, and her heart eank. , , , . WW father and daughter were toCfether again, Hawke began to speak ot Logan, and Aiken noticed that bis manwas very different, for some of nis

Author of “ Right Against Might,” ‘‘The Vow,” ‘‘The Home Secretary,’ “ A Wife by Purchase,” etc. COPYRIGHT.

deserve to be rewarded,” Hawke said, significantly. Costello rose to his feet, and his face twitched nervously. “You don’t mean—you don’t mean that you would lot mo marry your daughterho cried, excitedly. “ That was the idea I have in my mind. You are the sort ot partner I should require when I’m about again. We’ve dealt generously with you and you must have saved money.” "I'm a warm man, Mr. Hawke. I’ll give yen a statement of my position.” lint ms face 101 l suddenly. 11 I'm afraid u s no use. L love Miss Aileon, and I told Her so this afternoon.” " file deuce you did! It’s like your conloiiuded impudence," Hawke cried, angrily ; Out 111 a second or two ho broke into a nearly laugh. “Upon my word, Costello, I didn’t think you hud it in. you.” •rfho refused me,, sir; she refused me moil decidedly,” Costello answered, ruelu lly. - that doesn’t matter. She didn’t know my wishes, but we’ll wait until tins deal is over. It seems pretty certain to ho successful; but one can never tell.” -I’ll do my best. I’ve been imagining that Miss Aileon was weakening.” " You must keep her up to it. To be frank, I’ve had tne same fear myself.” " You've been very kind, sir; but Miss Aileon was so certain she could never marry me. I’m afraid she will disobey me. J don’t want to cause any trouble. You will remember that, sir.” “You leave it to me. I understand my girl. Now I’m going to turn in, if you’ll ring for the nurse.” Costello watched him taken from the room, and then chose a cigar and mixed himself a stiff whisky and soda, for he felt in need of a stimulant after the excitement of the day. He had such confidence in Hawke, and from experience knew that his employer usually got his own way in the end, that ho began to believe that there was really a chance of marrying Aileen. And the mere possibility of it caused his heart to thump madly. It must be remembered that for

the making of money. In fact, ho had never boon enamoured of the world of finance and its ways; the necessity for devious courses did not appeal to him. The advance information of tho stopping of tho well had not boon obtained by very creditable means, although they would bo held justified by tho great majority of his business rivals, lint when ho was married, every net of his should lie able to hear tho strictest investigation, and he would do nothing of which Aileon might have any cause to feel ashamed. When he called at the Savoy Hotel that night, to his annoyance Aileen told him that Ethel was unable to come, and Stanton was oven more disappointed. However, tho three of them dined together, but soon after dinner was over Sir James rose. “Miss Hawke, I do want to see Miss Pamoter again, and I’ll be eternally grateful if you’ll arrange it,” he said, with unusual nervousness. “ You don’t deserve it,” she answered, a little coldly. “I quite agree with you; but, thank Heaven, wo don’t always get our deserts.” “ 1 will ask you to meet her at dinner to-morrow night—on one condition. That you won’t let your wretched pride make her miserable. Besides, her money will bo very useful to you. Sir James, you seem to think of nothing hut your work. You don’t spend much on luxuries ; therefore no one can say that you are marrying for 'money. I suppose that’s what you are afraid of. But”— and here she paused expressively—- “ there may be a time when her wealth may bo of service. Even the Colonial Office, would have more respect for a man* with a fortune behind him. Don’t you agree with me?” she asked, a little maliciously. “1 suppose so,” ho answered, with an effort. “Anyhow, you’ve got to win her. Your behaviour of tho other night wounded her deeply. Ethel is not one to blow hot and cold, and she wouldn't bo able to understand it in others. Therefore my advice is to proceed cautiously.” “You arc very good to me, Miss Hawke. I shall wait anxiously to hear from ytou.- Good night. Goodnight, Logan.” Max nodded to his friend, and then turned to Aileen. “ May I stay with you ?” “I shall bo glad. What about the shares? Is there any news?” “ Not yet. How many have you sold ?” “I don’t know; I have left it to my brokers,” she answered, and turned away, for she dared not meet his eyes. “ When tho settlement comes you ought to receive a decent cheque. By tho by,, how is your father?” “Very much getter. T saw him yesterday. I am convinced that he will soon be about again.” “ f am very glad to hear it, and you will understand why. I don't profess to like your father, for ” “Y'ou needn’t toll me that,” she broke

the last two years ho had spent several hours with her every day, and she had been invariably pleasant. “1 sba’n’t be able to sleep,” he muttered, and, fetching his hat, he strolled into the garden. CHAPTER XXV, Max Logan saf, in his office, and before him was a small private ledger in which he kept a statement of his general financial position. It was only after hesitation that he had agreed to invest so large a sum of money in Lageria, and now he felt doubtful of the wisdom of having done so, for the money market was flat, and if it became necessary to realize securities he could only do so at a considerable loss. A cablegram was brought in to him, the decoding of which gave him great satisfaction, for it was a message informing him that the main well of the Tampo Oil Mines had given out, and the nows would not reach the general public for forty-eight hours,. He touched a bell and instructed his secretary to put him in communication with his brokers, and io the latter he gave orders to sell Tampo Oils at once, and to as largo an extent as possible, and he calculated that when the news was known there would bo a very severe fall, perhaps to a pound, or even ten shillings, and so he would I'eap a big profit. This done, he gave similar instructions to other brokers, and then he rank up the Savoy Hotel. The night before he had written to Aileen telling her to bo on hand, as he expected nws in the morning, and so he was quickly speaking to her. “Tell your brokers to sell Tampo Oils at oneo. You can plunge, if yen like, for it’s quite safe,” he told her, and then waited for her answer. “Didn’t you hear mo?” he asked, impatiently, when she did not speak. “Yes,” came, the faint reply. “Do you understand?” ‘‘Yes, and thank you.” And now her voice was firmer. “I want you to dine with m© to-night. Will you ask -Miss Parmeter? And I’ll bring Stanton with me.” To his delight the invitation was accepted. and be smiled to himself as be replaced the leceiver. Although Ailoen had kept him at arm's length he felt confidant that slio cared, and that It was only a question of time, and that she would consent to marry him. And perhaps they might go to Lageria for their honeymoon. Ho would give up the City and dovote himself to more worthy ends than

in. quietly, and Max lapsed into silence. “Will you put on a hat and cloak Y It’s a lovely night, and we might walk along the Embankment,” he suggested, and she gave him a quick look of inquiry. “ Very well,” she answered, with a shrug of the shoulders, and went up to her room. Max had decided that he would put his fortune to the test at the earliest possible moment, for nothing could be gained by delay. And so, when they were walking by the river, ho slipped his arm through hers, and she did not repulse him. “You know what I want. I love you, Ailcen. Will you marry me?” he said, very quietly. “ How can 1 ? You dislike father, and naturally he returns the compliment.” “If he his consent, will you marry me?” ho asked, eagerly. “I think I can safely say yes,” she answered, after a pause, i And then they both remained silent, but ho pressed her arm closely to him ‘ You haven’t told me that you love me. no said, at last. “Many times I have said—that I lore you.” “Cut now say, ‘Max, I love you.’ Max. I love you,” she repeated, with an effort, and then withdrew her grin from h;s. He gave a quick look round, and there was no one near. He was about to take her in his arms, but she perceived his intention and drew away with a nervous laugh. “I wish you were the girl I knew two years ago,” he cried, passionately. “You have changed and you are cold, and there is a part of yon hidden from me. Aileen. be your own sweet self. Lot us break down the barrier. “The barrier was of your own erecting,” she answered, quickly, and ho sighed. ‘ ' “ Soon they retraced their steps, and • Max went back to the hotel with her: but she dismissed him in the hall, and he left hungry for her kisses. In spite of the fact that she had agreed to marry him subject to her father’s consent, he was far from being happy, for instinct toki him that there was something unnatural in her manner, hut he could not believe that sho was in any way deceiving him. «■ w «. # Early in the morning Jxigan started for the Surrey Hills, and by ten o’clocklie was at the bouse. After a wait of a quarter of an hour he was taken to a room where Hawke was sitting.

"This is an unexpected pleasure—and honour —to receive a visit from so famoils a millionaire,” the latter said, grim-

“I’m glad to hear jou are so much hotter,” Max answered, quietly. “Please don’t trouble to be so infernally polite. There's no love lost between us. What do you wantP” “Your daughter,” Max answered, shortly. “So I imagined—and hoped. Have you asked her?” “ Yes; and she will marry me—subject to your consent,” “So that’s how it stands?” Hawke said, with evident satisfaction. “Wo may as well speak quite frankly. Why should I give my consent? I don’t exactly love you,” he said, with a chuckle. “I’m aware of that, hut I hope to persuade you. I believe you are, comparatively speaking, a poor man. Well, I happen to be rich—need I say any more?” “The innuendo is clear enough—even to my intelligence. You practically offer €b buy my consent?" What do you offer?” “I’ll settle half what I’ve got on my wifor “Very generous; but where do I come in, and how much is half?” “ Hero’s my private ledger. I anticipated the question, so brought it with mo,” said Max, as he unlocked the clasp and handed the hook to Hawke. The latter seized it, and with practised eye quickly grasped Max’s financial position. “You’re not nearly as well off as I thought you were. You holdings in Lagoria are immense, but they’re not likoly to bo profitable for years to come. You’ve answered one question, but the other —where do I come in?” “ Do you wish me to make you a cash offer for your consent?” Max asked, sternly. “You’vo guessed it. How much?” Hawke rejoined, cheerfully. Max thought for a few seconds. He was tempted to gain Hawke’s consent at any cost, but now it bad come to the, point he could not bring himself to pay over money for it, for, to ail intents and purposes, it would be buying his wife. “I can make no offer, but I’m prepared to settle more on my wife.” Hawke was thoroughly enjoying the situation. “So you don’t think my daughter is worth the sacrifice of cash?” ho asked, with gleeful malice. And then Hawke began to laugh, but there was no merriment in the sound. But soon his humour changed, and ho glared fiercely at Max. “By Heaven, do you think I’d allow you to marry my girl? I’d rather see her dead. In a few weeks I’ll be a richer man than you. I don’t want your money. All 1 want is revenge, and I'll have it!” he cried, and clenched his fist and raised it towards Max. “You are certainly quite frank. Now wo know how we stand. I dislike you as much as you dislike me. You are thoroughly unscrupulous. I was hoping that your illness might have improved your moral character,.but I can see it hasn’t. [ don’t intend to act behind your back, s 6 I tell you I intend to marry your daughter without your consent." It seems incredible that she can be your daughter.”

“It certainly is unfortunate for you, but the fact remains. However, your threat doesn’t alarm me. It strikes me my daughter knew what she was doing "hen she made the condition. Perhaps she has been making a fool of you— Aileen has developed a sense of humour which I never possessed. Please don’t go yet, I’m quite enjoying myself, and 1 haven’t had much amusement lately. Soon I’ll ho about again in the City, ami then, Logan, look out for yourself. I’ve one advantage; I know your position accurately, and I know your weak points. Yes; I can see a merry fight ahead, and this time you won’t catch me napping, I’ve a pretty heavy debt to repay. Two years on my backhand you might have spared mo the misery. B'ut no, oven when she came to you, you hardened your heart.” “I showed you the same merer that vou showed my father. He died,” Max answered, sternly. “And mine was a living death. But all the time I have been vowing vengeance. 1 think it’s at hand.” "I hope you will find it as sweet ns you anticipate. I didn’t, Hawke. I was sorry when I heard of your illness.” Confounu your sorrow!” Hawke cried, furiously. “ Clear out of my house, or I’ll have you thrown out.” Max’s lips curled contemptuously and without another word he left, hut when he was in his car one thought tormented him what was Aileen’s idea in letting him go to her father? Had she anticipated his attitude, or did she really think ho might give his consent? And the probability was that she had anticipated what had happened, and he sighed wearily. (To be continued.) 1