THE BEAUTIFUL PROXY

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143764, 12 April 1912, Page 5

THE BEAUTIFUL PROXY

By R. MURRAY GILCHRIST, Author of “The Gentle Thespians,” “Lords and Ladies,” “The Wonderful Adventures!” “Beggar’s . Manor,” “The Secret Tontin©, etc., etc. [COPYRIGHT.] CHAPTER XIII. The old custodian, filled with selfimportance, hurried the drenched grass and took a path that led to the village. Where tills joins tne high road, he heard the noise of a motor-horn, and recognised one of the principal folk of the neighbourhood, a tall handsome young man with a pleasantly fresh complexion. The car was small, but high-powered, a somewhat shabby racer that had travelled well over Europe. “Why, Jenkins!” he cried. “You’d far better keep indoors on such a day as this. It’s enough to cripple you with rheumatism.'’

“it is, and that’s gospel truth, my lord,” said the old man, “but I couldn’t rest with fear of harm coming to the tree. But, ’tis surely as'well as 1 did step out. As beautiful a young lady as I ever saw, and hiding herself in the Oak!’’

The young man switched off the power and alighted. “A beautiful young lady !” ho repeated. “What can she be doing there;-'” “Nay, that’s more than 1 can tell your lordship. She's none o' those tourists, that Ido know. But it seems to mo as she’s m mortal fear o' some evil happening to her. I’m off to Edwinstowe to get help.” “And I’ll go to see what I can do,” .said the other. "It’s a queer story. You’re quite sure that you’re not dreaming?”

■‘l ’vo ne’er had dreams o’ one so good to look at,” said the old man. “By your leave, I’ll go on to the village.” The stranger ran quickly along the path, and soon reached the tree, booking through the opening he saw Anne crouching in the furthest corner, her face turned to the darkness.

“What is wrong?” he said. “Don’t bo afraid; I have come to help you.” Sho drew herself upright, and approached with trembling gait. “Take mo away from here,” she said agitatedly. “Anywhere, so that 1 may be with those who are not enemies.” She stepped out into the rain; he fell back with an ejaculation of surprise. “Why, you are Lady Dclavali” fie exclaimed. “You have surely not forgotten me!” “You are mistaken,” she said. ‘I havo never seen you before, I am in great trouble; any moment they will be here.” Ho realised that this was no time for explanations. “My car is at some little distance,” he said. “Let us go to it—l am driving alone—l can take you at once to Farnsworth. My mother is there; she will bo most happy td receive you. Y r ou can tell us later if you choose.” A great sigh came from her pale lips. “Let us be quick; if they find us, they will take me away from you. Oh, you don’t know Mr. Bretby; nothing can stand in his way.” Without another word he took her arm in his, and accompanied her in the direction of his oar. Before they had gone a hundred yards, however, they wore met by Bretby and the Frenchman, who greeted them with derisive laughter. “So my Sylvia has found another gallant,” said Bretby. “1 take it as a compliment that sho has sufficient charm. And now, sir, I’ll relieve you of your charge.” , “Pardon me,” said th' young man; “but this lady has cho-wm to place herself under my protection. Bo kind enough to move out of the path. “My good follow,” said Bretby insolently; “your are taking too much upon yourself. This lady is my wife.” “No matter,” said the other, J‘l mean to take her to some shelter. Unless 1 am greatly deceived she is Lady Delaval.” . . . “I can set vour mind at rest, said Bretby. “She is Lady Delaval, and I am Guy Bretby, her husband. You are young and inexperienced, or you would understand the folly of those who interfere in conjugal disputes.” “In any case, Lady Delaval has placed herself in my care, Mr. Bretby, and 1 shall see her to a piece of safety.”

“You arc a most excellent knighterrant, ” said Bretby; “but you fail to understand that you might be compelled to yield to superior force. Not that i should like to use extreme measures, but, still, in love and war all things are fair. Be so good as to go away. I myself will conduct my wife to our car; w© need trouble you no more.”

He made a slight gesture which L’Angellier understood aright, Tor the Frenchman stepped aside, then, turning suddenly, struck this squire of dames a neat and scientific blow beneath the chin. He reeled slightly, then pitched iicad foremost to the grass. Bretby caught Anne’s shoulder and dragged her savagely away “You stay beside him, L'Angellier, until he begins to come round,” he said. “By that time I shall have taken madam© back to the car.” ■ The chauffeur stood stolidly watching the prostrate figure. In less than a minute, however, he heard the approach of footsteps, and ?aw several labourers, accompanied by a whitehaired veteran, hastening along the path. Then he took to his heels, and reached the car just after Bretby had forced Anno to outer. “We must not waste* a moment,” said Bretby. “The whole place will be up in arms. The follow you knocked down is Lord Frederick Worsencroft, the Duke of Doncaster’s second son. I did not remember at the time, but I once met him at a shooting-box in Scotland. Wc had better clear off the main road as soon as possible, and use the by-ways until we’re north of York.”

The car started again. For the next few minutes Brctby was busily engaged in examining various maps, it was not until mid-day that another stoppage was made, near a small and squalid wayside inn, where Hie men refreshed themselves in turn. Brctby opened the door, and passed inward a cup of tea and a thick slice of bread and butter.

“A thousand apologies for the coarseness of thfe fare, 5 ’ he said, “but needs must when the devil drives. Yon had best partake of this; it is unlikely that w© shall stop again for refreshment until I have the Tionour of entertaining you in our—your own home.”

Anne was too tired to make objection ; when he had resumed his place, she drank thirstily. The tea was strong and bitter as though overdrawn. Very soon after she had emptied the cup her eyelids closed, and she sank heavily against the cusions. “My lady won’t trouble us again for n few hours.” said Brctby. “Put on speed ; we shall soon reach the Great North Road.” (To be continued.)

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