A NEW SERIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15504, 14 November 1914, Page 4

A NEW SERIAL.

JOHIN T WYBERT'S DAUGHTER, OR THE ROPE OF PEARLS. BY A. GORDON THOMSON'{Author of " The V engeance of-Love," "Favourites of Fortune," "A r -Millionaire's Crime," "By Right : of Birth," etc.j etc. CHAPTER XXV. > MRS. GREEN'S VISITOR. Blis. Green had taken up her abode at Laurel Cottage ever since the day of Harry's unfortunate visit to Mr Wybert, with ail its attendant results, and had faithfully waited upon liitheL during her illness. Many were the, sleepless, nights tiiat passe-d 3 witli tlieu' weary hours of watching and <inxioty ; but Mrs Green had cheertuliy faced her task with a devotion to the young mother, which was only equalled by her love for the newly-horn child. The visits ot Cyril had set her mind ai ease regarding Harry, and sine® they had , ceased, his letters - kept her informed as to his progress towards recovery. Like many of her dass, Mrs Green's feelings towards the police were the reverse of friendly., and since Cyril's warning her actions had been carefully guarded. This feeling also probably influence, and prevented her writing to Cyril- But Mrs Green's difficulties increased when Ethel was sufficiently recovered to take an interest in matters, and her questions became almost impossible to answer. Dr. Osborne, a kind-hearted old" gentleman who attended Ethel, and took an unustial interest in his patient, saw iliat the non-appearance of her husband retarded the young wife's recovery. He questioned Mrs Green on the subject, and that much worried woman at first hesitated, but ultimately explained, as far as she knew, the cause of Harry's absence, she having decided that to tell the truth was the best policy* "Poor girl," said the doctor; "her's is a painful position, and Mrs Green, the best 'you can do is to relate the story of her husband's proceedings and the result to Mrs Onslow." .

Accordingly, that very evening, seated by Ethel's couch, and with the wonderful baby in her lap, Mrs Green related what she knew of Harry, as explained tb her by Cyril. ' • ■ Ethel tore tho recital with calmness. "I am certain Harrv never would, or tould, have injured my father," she said, On this point the two were thoroughly at one, and after a little Ethel spoke again:

"Do you think t if I were to go to my father and take baby with roe, that be would forgive Harry?" "If baby were a little older, dearie, I am sure your father could not withstand him, poor litt] Q dear," answered Mrs Green, fondling the child as s&e spoke. , - - . "If I could only see Harry once, just once," said Ethel after, a long pause.

Mrs Green dried, the from her eyes as she answered: i j "And . I should like to hear him iaugh as he used to do in Thorn Street." - "Do you think Harry, when he-comes -hack, will love me as rnuch as he used tw do?" asked Ethel.

"More, dearie, he will love you more than ever he did —then there i§ baby," replied Mrs Green. "Yes, there is baby," said Etjiel, and With infinite tenderness Mrs Green placed the child in its' mother's arms. '4Tike care of him, dearie, while I run down to the kitchen. Who knows but to-morrow may bring a letter from Harry himself ?". While talking thus cheerfully, Mrs Green was far from feeling so, and on reaching the kitchen she sat down and began to cry.' She loved Harry as if he had been her own son, and Ethel was dfar t othe kindly hearted woman as a daughter could have been. She knew that no matter what efforts Harry's friends might make, he could not break the law and escape punishment except by leaving the country, and with Jier husband banished from his native land, what would be the fate of Ethel and her child- The future looked black, and despair filled the heart of Mrs Green, but drying her tears she returned to the sick room with a smil© on her lips. The* next morning th e postman handed a letter to Sirs Green, which that lady eagerly opened. It contained the usual, short-note from-Cyril, and-in addition was enclosed a sheet of paper, which was written somewhat unsteadily, but still in Harry's/handwriting the Words"

"Love to darling ■ Ethel. Harry." Mrs Green fairly ran upstairs to Ethel's room with the note, and was .regarded by the glow of happiness which it brought to the Sace of the Bick woman. That few lines of scrawly writing did Ethel more good than all the doctor's medicine. After a, little She said:

"Don't you think I might go to the! City to-morrow and see Mm? I feel<iuite well—l do indeed-" - Mrs Green looked down into the €aser eyes, her motherly face beaming wrfch: smiles. "Not to-morrow, dearie, in a day or two. But you shall write tohim, how there!" "KVriting materials'were soon produced aiid_ the note written, which Mrs Green took out and posted. 'Sho had just re-, turned from her mission, when Dr. Osborne called. On this occasion he *as accompanied by an old gentleman, whc>_ accepted a seat in, the parlour, wiije Dr. Osborne went upstairs to visit the patient. Ho proved a. very agreeable and talkative old gentleman, and chatted pleasantly with Mrs Green', who was quite charmed with him. and . was only prevented from showing him the I>abr by the appearance of Dr Osborne. ' 'Mrs Green, your nursing has workfed wonders—Mrs Onslow is vastly improved this morning. In a few days we .must get her away to the country for a change of air and scene."

At the last words Mire Green's face fell. A visit to the country could not, she knew, be undertaken without money, but she made no reply, and the -doctor, accompanied by his friend, departed. ' '

Aft-or this the old gentleman mentioned called every day with the 'doctor, and became quite friendly with Mrs Green, who assumed that he was the brother of Dr. Osborne, and styled him " Mr. Osborne." One day Dr. Osborne called alone, and when leaving gave out his fiat as doctors do, that Mrs Onslow must be removed to the country, or he would not be answerable for th e consequences.

This at once set Mrs Green to calculating ways and means, sometimes not a very agreeable task, and in this instance to decide where the money was to come from baffled her.

During the forenoon of the sameday, Mr Osborne caTed, and Mrs Green confided her troubles to him. As she said, "A man's advice was worth having, ev e n if vmi did n<st agree with it."

INTv Osborne questioned her regarding Harrv. and she, flid to unburden Tier Tnind. be*r ; niii"e with th e night on wfiich ho brought Wthel to her house, related nil that bad happened since dow n to th*> present time. Explained Harry's visit to Park Ti-nrie. or rather what she I:new of it, adding with tears in her eyes, "and now he i s in hiding from the polioe." "Did Mrs Onslow "'-er ask "her father for aid:-' asked Mr Osborne, who.

throughout; her narrative, , had been 1 most sympathetic. • ; "Oh dear, no, sir! Such a thing was not to be thought of," she answered"You see,.if I may say so, Mr Wybert was "not a natural fatlier, but put more value on a bank note than lie did on that dear girl upstairs, who js as good,, as gold, > and never goes to bed without praying for him. As far as I can; learn, he thought of nothing but money j making, ancl heaping up thousands and . thousands." And Mrs Green went on. to comment rather freely on - the behaviour of. the Park Lane magnate to his son and daughter. Mr Osborne shivered slightly as with cold, wliich 'set Mrs Green's thoughts in another direction. "Might I make so bold as tof .ask you to have si cup of tea, sir; the rain do be coming dowp." With a smilo' Mr Osborne readily > agreed, and Mrs Green hastened to the kitchen on her hospitable errand. Left, alone, Mr Osborne rose, walked to ti) o window and looked out at the falling rain, then lie glanced round the small, sparsely furnished, but clean and tidy, room. On 'a; side table lay a number of. drawings, which ho examined with evident curiosity. Besides the drawings, inside a glass case, were the different sections, of a small and very delicate looking machine, which he also examined with great interest. When Mrs Green appeared ho asked her regarding the machine. . Them things are Harry's," she answered. "Poor boy, he spent nights over that curious instrument, and if his em-' j payers had not failed they would have | bought it from bim. But' your tea is ready, sir."« _ Mr Osborne drank the tea with evident relish, and ate some cake which Mrs Green had specially prepared for " liiriY. "Harry was fond of my cake, and so i§ Ethel, poor darling," said Mrs Green. "You seem very much attached to these two young persons, who after, all are no relations of yours," remarked j Air Osborne, with a keen glance at hishostess. "Well-, you see, «ft\ it was this way. My husband died, then I lost my boy, and ever sinco his death Harrv has ..been like a second eon to me. Then -Ethel came, poor, • motherless dear, - a perfect child in the ways of the world, and I seemed to take to her all at once as !' it were. W P were, bo happy until this awful thing happened." The old man did not reply; he was thinking, for the unexpected simplicity and truthfulness of this homely woman seemed to impress hi hi deeply. Again he returned, to the subject of the instrument in the case, which as an invention was evidently of value. "I know something of such instruments as this, and if you, Mrg Green, will entrust this case with its contents I and. the drawings to roe, I will place them in the hands of a man who will test the invention. Should it prove tobe what I suspect, then the fortune of Mr Onslow is made." After some .hesitation Mrs Green gave her consent, but, remembering "the value Harry had put upon them, doubted if she were doing right. "Excuse me a moment, sir, I think I heard Ethel knocking for me," and Mris'.Oreen tiurriM\ upstairs; In a few minutes she returned with tlie precious baby , in, jjer arms, which Mr Osborne seemed to regard with a. curious interest, . "What, name have you bestowed, on the little ohap ?" he aSked; ; " answered Mrs Green grave'y, "It was 'Harry's wish that he should .receiya his. grandfather's xiame-" ', For a moment Mr Osborne did hot speak, -then the said, " Jolin ;; sy3jll am certain, provo, .the forerunner of 'prosperity tb his father and mother.'': "Bless his innocent little face," die answered- y ' " Shortly afterwards th e old- man took hist departure carrying' Harry's invention and r the drawings with him. Before leaving ho announced liig intention of calling with Dr. Osborne the following morning. Tru 0 to his ' promise, air Osborne called next day,anel after the Doctor's departure had a long -conversation with'. Mrs Green regarding the proposed removal of Ethel to the country, ' • "A very fortunate circumstance has cropped up, Mrs Green. A friend , of mine has a very charming house situated in a lovely part of the country, near the within a short distance of Southcliff. He is not living there at present, and I am enwowered to offer the use of the hous e to Mrs Ons'ow for a time. "But the rent, Mr Osborne?" said Mrs Green, ' "them people do charge so." j The old man smiled pleasantly as he 1 answered- j "It is always wise to count th e cost, i Mrs,. Gi-een, and in this instance I admire your forethought, but at the same time am able to allay all your fear, of seaside tariffs. My friend's desire is not to make money by charging rent, but rather to get" "a respectable party to look after, and keep the house

in .a fit state during his absence. ' I took upon myself to give him satisfactory assurances on these points, and you may regard tlio■ matter iis settled.'.' As was to be. expected, 'Mrs Green readily agreed to this proposal, and with tears in her eyes she thanked the kindly hearted old gentleman for the trouble lie had taken. "I consider it a most fortunate circumstance that you are able to oblige iny friend by taking charge of his house during his absence," he answered. Mrs Green was nothing if not independent, but this new acquaintance in his mild manner, seemed to cut _ the ground from beneath her- objections, and she said, "Of course neither Harry nor' Ethel would care to be indebted to a stranger," "My dear Mr Green, yon may safely leave all that to me," lie answered"Now for the benefit of Ethel and baby John, tho sooner you can leave London tho better. , Have everything ready to start to-morrow. Dr Osborne 4 knows the landlord, who will take this house off your hands, and J will arrange with a firm in : High Street to warehouse the furniture until you return." So the removal was for Mrs Green foimd herself yielding to the mild but extremely firm Mr Osborne in everything. At the appointed hour the following afternoon, a cab , containing Ethel, Mrs Green and the. baby drove from Laurel Cottage to the Railway Statioji, where Dr Osborne met them. "I have your tickets," he said, ..And without more -ado lie conducted the •ladies to seats in a first-class ; saloon carriage. Mrs Green was aghast >' at this, which she regarded /as extravagance, but the doctor, as if -to avoid questions, promptly departed, and the train started on its journey. A middle-aged woman, very quietly dressed, now introduced herself as the nurse sent by Dr. Osborne to attend to Mrs Onslow, and at once took the baby into her charge. Mrs Green 'on. ljer part had become so bewildered that she could only sit and stare at the luxurious fittings of the saloon; her wonderment. or rather bewilderment was great, but was destined to increase before tie day elided, "CHAPTER XXVI. . \ A FATEFUL MEETING. When. Cyril and Dick Mayhew reach-, ed Laurel Cottage and found it vacant, tliey stood staring at each other in frank dismay. The house was empty, nor could the people next door give any information regarding tho departure of its recent inmates. Xlio landlord, on being appealed to-, was in exactly the same and the two friends found some difficulty in putting their surprise into words. To them the whole affair from beginning to end was becoming more and more mysterious, and how it was to "piece out," a Dick said, neither of them could conjecture. Had Ethel: been arrested, was the first question suggested,-but that contingency was put 'on ono side as being unlikely, for,' in the ey e of the law, her husband's action at Mr Wybert's residence did not implicate her. Had she left Laurel Cottage of her own free will P If so, why, and where had she gone? On the .other. hand, had some mysterious influence been brought to bear upon her and caused this sudden flight. No explanation was possible, and the two returned to the Temple more bewildered than ever.

The .most likely solution was, -that Felix Wybert, had discovered and removedhis sister; and Cyril lost no time; in calling at the rooms occupied by that young gentleman. H<3 was, however, informed ther e that Felix had left for Paris on business, and that the date of hig return was ; uncertain'. Next he called at Miss Comfitt's residence in Curzon Street to find that that laply and Nan had gone down to South-' cliff for a week. The same evening' a consultation was lie!d in Cyril's Chambers in the presence of Harry, who was now sufficiently recovered to leave his bed, and t-ljo question of liis future, movements had to be faced,; and, if possible, settled. Harry had received Ethel's letter breathing undying love for him, and speaking in rapturous terms of th e wonderful baby. Not once did she refer to what he now regarded as his desertion of her, nor did sh c write a single word of reproach. He now bitterly regretted his mad- action, nor could he understand the state of mind which bad induced him to force his way into Mr Wybert's residence, and thus commit a criminal act. He must' have been mad at the tiirie, he told himself, but 'that could not-undo the evil wrought, nor: would _ regret, however . bitter,, remove the stigma which hie conviction would bring upon his innocent wife and child. Harry was as much at sea as .were the others, for he could suggest no motive whatever for Ethel's sudden flight. In his mind, however, was a larking thought, which in a vague way connected Mr Wvbert with her disappearance. That her father's hand had been th e cause, and that he had removed her beyond.his, Harry's reach was probable. Somehow he felt that Ethel was further away than ever, and that a re-union would never take place, their future hapjainess tln'ough his> mad action being niade impossible. His onl yplan was to go abroad as sooii as his health was established, and try to forget-.

Meanwhile an engagement took Cyril and Dick out of town for a few days, and nothing further could be done in the interval. Harry being left in the Temple.under the carp of Cyril's servant, with strict injunctions not to show himself outside. Though the detectives had been withdrawn it wa s felt that secret agents of the police might be on the watch.

On the return of the two friends to town, the wonderful progress made by Harry towards recovery decided tliem to take action 4 and bring matters to a head.

The same afternoon Dick and Cyril dropped jn on Mrs Gore-Browne, where, as expected, they, met Mrs Treloar and Marcia. It was amusing to observe the reception, awarded the two young men. Cyril's welcome was cordial, that given to Dick very doubtful, but for " hie friend's presence lie would not have been tolerated.

Marcia was not slow to "observe this, and she made some cutting remarks to Cyril, he answered by assuring her that Dr. Mayhew wou!d soon ..become popular with those who now''looked, upon him with suspicion'. Regarding Harry Onslow, Marcia strongly advised: Cyril to take Felix into )i\s Confidence,

''But he is in Paris," said Cyril. , - Irat returns on Thursday, and is to rune- with us.that evening; an invitation has also been sent to yourself, and

"Dick," put in Cyril. "I mean Dr. Mayhew," she replied severely-. - '

At that moment. an idea flashed across the brain of Cyril as affording a way out of thoir difficulties. ''Will Mr Wybert be present?" he asked.

"Oh dear no. mamma would never dare to invito Feli x if. that were the case. Mr Wybert is a good deal'away at present, and _ since that shocking attau\ when-he'is in Park Lane, confines hj, to Ins room." explained Marcia. ."O'gld Mrs Treloar permit mo- to bring a. friend to dinner?" "I am certain mamma will be T) eased." returned'Marcia, if your friend does not brmnr the number .tip to the unlucky thirteen."

"I shall brine him.." sa j c ] Ovril, as if speaking.to himself.

"Who ?" asked Marcia innocently. "Harry Onslow/' ho answered. "Nan's brother," she exciaimed. "Yes," he replied, '"and I shall introduce him to Felix." "I think you are right, Cyril,'' she said. "Felix is simply infatuated with Nan, and is certain to stand by her brother 'oven -if he wore not Ethel's husband. Now if' Ethel had any sparit she would come to hoi- father's house, tho old ogre., could not possibly eat her." ' ' - .; . Thus it wos decided ' that Harry 'should accompany Cyril and Dick • Mayhew to - Mrs Treloar's party.' Tile letter would,, if she could have found a plausible excuse, have avoided inviting tljo doctor, but then she could not ask .'-young Inglemere without his friend. ;; ' , • ,- Harry showed great reluctance to /accompany them, and it took no small amount of persuasion to remove hia scruples. They pointed out to him how necessary it was'for him to- see Felix Wybert and. explain his relationship to Nan, make clear the cause of her visit to the ?:Teri)ple, and so remove all imputations 'on Cyril.' Further, they urged him., to "make a clean breast of tho whole story .to Felix from the night he .met Ethel, down to the present "time. When Harry fully understood the. state of matters, ho reluctantly, it must be said, agreed. It was a daring move this, to' introduce tho author of the sensational outrage to the house of the man upon whom the attack had been made. In tho absence of Mr Wybert, the risk of detection was not great. Mrs Treloar would not recognise him, for she had already fixed the guilt on Dr. Mayhew, while Marcia could bo relied upon. Mrs Treloar was too much a- woman of the world to show any feeling towards Dr. MaylieW, though she held to her belief as to his identity,.-and therefore did. not approve of him, her reception., being polite and very formal. Harry she regarded with -a -questioning look, but his pale features and traces o'f reeent-illness appealed to her woman's sympathy, and her welcome was graciousness itself-, Others present, took t-lieir cue from their hostess, and everything passed smoothly. lib was not till after the ladies retired to tlio drawing-room that Cyril was- ab!e to explain to Felix that Harry was" th e brother of Nan. He had been ill in Cyril's Chambers, and that Nan'- 1 ? visit there was to see her brother. Felix was not slow to - make amends to Cyril for the words, he had used at their' previous • interview, > which the latter was equally ready to acknowledge. . : t The guests had assembled in ' the smaller drawing-room, a-spacious apartment decorated iii white and gold. At one end was a conservatory showing a long vista of refreshing green leaves, and mingling with them were the lovely blossoms of flowering plants.. The black-coated figures of the men were - thrown into relief, while the soft hues of tho ladies dresses harmonised with' the colour of the walls and furniture, forming at once a picture artistic and pleasing. -

The guests had quickly settled into groups, while Felix and Harry were standing near the entrance to tlie con;ser#atory conversing in low,. earnest tones. - "Felix for the most part appeared to be listening to Harry; who poured a torrent of words into his ears. : Linda and Cyril- were seated very close together, evidently oblivious . of all . and lookingi decidedly happy. Marcia; had taken her-placo at * the piano, and Dick Mayhew, who had a beautiful tenor voice, was about to sing. The low hum of conversation died away as he began, ■*< il • ■ ' . J " r -- ■ Fair precious gem when .first I cast I My eyes upon that heayenly,_brpw, • I quite forgot, in trembiihjg haste ! Before the dazzling shrine to bow, No marvel, for my heart had flown, .Even: as I gazed all rap't on thee, : I, Straight from- my bosum to thy ownj Nor has it ere me. ; Oh, she excelsi whose praise I sing, r What ere the world of beaxity shows; Even as the lovely bud of spring, Is fa'irer than the full blown rose.

; The ' song ceased, and tho hum of conversation mingled with the rippl© of low laughter, again floated down the room, for Dick's song had been appreciated by all, .with perhaps, the exception of Marcia, That young lady at the; conclusion, turned her . back upon Dick and sat down beside Mrs Treloar, but the persistent . young man in no way upset, . calmly stood up beside Marcia's chair, neither her .coldness nor the stony star c and frigid look of Mrs Treloar had any effect on the imperturdble Dick—he was proof against it all. At length Marcia stole a side long glance at him. • •

"Did you like my song ?" h 6 asked with a twinkle in eye. - ,"Y<>u have a beautiful voice;'' she answered carelessly, and Dick's, face beamed with pleasure even at this faint show of appreciation. Suddenly 'the low hum of voices ceased, the laugh died away from the erstwhile smiling lips, and every eye was turned on the figure of a man who had noiselessly entered, and was now advancing from the lower end of the room. There was no mistaking the thin spare figure and inscrutable features of John Wybert. Every eye .in the room was turned upon him, as with his bland smile and small eyes darting keen glances on every side he crossed the. room. ; He bad a word and a smile for all those'present until he came face to face with his disgraced son and Harry Onslow. The latter he could not fail to recognise, and' Mrs.Treldar afraid of the result of lier action „in bringing Felix there, sat'like a statue. .Suddenly she half rose to her feet for as the two faced each other she saw her mistake regarding Dr Mav hew, and recognised in Harry the'man had"been in the library on the' night of the outrage. W§ak f rom his recent illness, tlip excitement of the evening had t o rd heavily on Harry and this unexpected meeting with his father-m-law, waTtoo much for him. He staggered forwaVd then as if m mute appeal for WgiveS in a dead faint at Wybert's (To be Continued.)